McFarlane Toys Faces Growing Criticism Over Quality Issues and Loss of DC License

McFarlane Toys, a prominent name in the action figure and collectibles industry, has been under increasing scrutiny from collectors and fans for a perceived decline in product quality. Issues such as faulty products, breaking joints, and inconsistent craftsmanship have fueled widespread dissatisfaction, amplified by social media posts, online reviews, and YouTube videos. Additionally, the company’s recent loss of the DC Comics license to Mattel has sparked further discussion about its future in the industry. This article explores these concerns while presenting information grounded in publicly available sources to ensure accuracy and fairness.

Growing Complaints About Quality and Consistency

Collectors have long admired McFarlane Toys for its detailed designs and expansive lines, particularly the DC Multiverse series. However, in recent years, fans have reported recurring issues with the durability and construction of these figures. A common grievance is the fragility of joints, with many collectors noting that pegs and joints disintegrate or break even with careful handling. For instance, a thread on the Collector Freaks Collectibles Forum highlights the difficulty of repairing broken joints on McFarlane and DC Direct figures, attributing the issue to poor-quality pegs that degrade over time.

The McFarlane Toys DC Black Adam 7-inch figure has been a focal point of criticism. According to ShopSavvy, this figure suffers from a wobbly or detachable head, often due to a heavy, inflexible polyethylene cloak that disrupts balance. While the figure’s detailed design has been praised, its poor quality control has led to low scores in reviews, with recommendations that it is better suited for display than active play. These issues are not isolated, as similar complaints about loose or breaking joints have surfaced across other McFarlane figures, prompting collectors to share fixes, such as a YouTube tutorial on tightening loose joints.

Social media platforms like X have also become a space for fans to voice their frustrations. One user expressed distrust in McFarlane Toys due to “QC [quality control] so bad with major design errors,” reflecting a sentiment that the brand’s reliability has waned. Additionally, a YouTube video titled “The Problem with McFarlane Toys (Right Now)” discusses the company’s recent missteps, including quality issues and controversial business decisions, further amplifying consumer discontent. These sources indicate a growing chorus of complaints about inconsistent quality, with collectors questioning whether McFarlane’s products remain worth their price point.

Loss of the DC License to Mattel

In a significant blow to McFarlane Toys, Warner Bros. Discovery announced in February 2025 that Mattel would reclaim the global licensing rights for DC-themed action figures, playsets, and collectibles starting in mid-2026. This multi-year agreement marks the end of McFarlane’s tenure with the DC Multiverse line, which it has produced since 2020. The transition has been described as a “huge deal” for the toy industry, as Mattel previously held the DC license before losing it to McFarlane six years ago.

The move has sparked speculation about McFarlane’s future direction. While the company will continue producing DC Multiverse figures, DC Direct, Page Punchers, Super Powers, and Batman ’66 lines through the first half of 2026, the loss of the DC license raises questions about its long-term strategy. Mattel’s return to the DC brand coincides with an exciting period for DC’s media landscape, including upcoming films like Superman and Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, which could bolster Mattel’s ability to capitalize on renewed interest in DC characters. Meanwhile, McFarlane is expected to focus on other licenses, such as Marvel collectible statues, Warhammer, Mortal Kombat, and its flagship Spawn line.

Amplifying Criticism and Industry Challenges

The criticism of McFarlane Toys extends beyond product quality to broader operational challenges. Reports of internal struggles, including a third round of redundancies announced in 2025, suggest financial or organizational difficulties. Additionally, a high-profile incident involving the theft of an entire U.S. production run of the DC Multiverse Batman: The Killing Joke Joker Gold Label figures in April 2025 further tarnished the company’s image, leaving collectors frustrated and prompting Walmart to issue refunds.

Online platforms have played a significant role in amplifying these concerns. A YouTube video titled “Are McFarlane Toys Actually Good? Full Breakdown 2025” questions whether the company’s products remain a good value, citing both quality issues and pricing concerns. Similarly, Bleeding Cool’s article “What is Going On With McFarlane Toys DC Comics Figure Line?” explores why the once-popular DC line appears to be “going downhill,” pointing to quality control and strategic missteps. These sources reflect a growing perception that McFarlane’s reputation for high-quality, detailed action figures has been undermined by recent inconsistencies.

McFarlane’s Response and Future Outlook

Despite the criticism, McFarlane Toys retains a loyal fanbase, with some collectors praising the brand’s durability and design in specific cases. For example, an X post highlighted a McFarlane product that remained functional after ten years of heavy use, suggesting that not all experiences are negative. Additionally, the company continues to promote new releases, such as the Pennywise Gold Label figures from It: Welcome to Derry, indicating ongoing efforts to innovate.

However, the mounting complaints and the loss of the DC license present significant challenges. Collectors are increasingly vocal about their dissatisfaction, and the shift to Mattel may intensify scrutiny on McFarlane’s remaining lines. To regain consumer trust, the company may need to address quality control issues and demonstrate consistency across its products.

Conclusion

McFarlane Toys is at a crossroads as it navigates growing criticism over product quality, particularly regarding faulty joints and fragile construction, as evidenced by reviews, forum discussions, and videos on platforms like YouTube. The loss of the DC Comics license to Mattel in 2026 further complicates the company’s trajectory, prompting collectors to question its future in the competitive collectibles market. While McFarlane retains strengths in design and detail, addressing quality control and operational challenges will be crucial to restoring its reputation. For the latest updates and collector feedback, sources like ComicBook.com, ShopSavvy, Bleeding Cool, and YouTube provide valuable insights into the ongoing discourse surrounding McFarlane Toys.

Sources

• ComicBook.com: Why DC’s Toy Line Move from McFarlane to Mattel is Such a Huge Deal

• ShopSavvy: Common Issues with the McFarlane Toys DC Black Adam Figure

• Bleeding Cool: Entire US Production Run of McFarlane’s Killing Joke Goes Missing

• Collector Freaks Collectibles Forum: Fixing Broken Joints of Your Figures

• YouTube: How Do I Tighten Loose Joints On McFarlane Toys Action Figures

• ToyNewsI: McFarlane Toys Shutting Down And Downsizing Departments

• The Cultured Nerd: Mattel Reclaims DC Action Figure License

• Bleeding Cool: What is Going On With McFarlane Toys DC Comics Figure Line?

• YouTube: Are McFarlane Toys Actually Good? Full Breakdown 2025

• YouTube: The Problem with McFarlane Toys (Right Now)