For the dedicated Kenyan collector, the wait for the definitive Deadpool & Wolverine merchandise has been a test of patience, but Hasbro’s latest reveal proves that good things—and horrifyingly detailed things—come to those who wait. More than a year after the film dominated box offices from Westlands to Mombasa, the toy giant has unveiled a new wave of figures that prioritizes screen accuracy over mass-market safety.

This release signals a distinct shift in the collectibles market, moving away from simple playthings toward high-fidelity display pieces for adults. For the growing community of pop-culture hobbyists in Nairobi, this wave offers a rare chance to own a piece of cinematic history, though the standout piece—a villainous accessory featuring a warped human face—tests the boundaries of what we expect from an action figure.

The Macabre and the Multiverse

The centerpiece of this announcement, as detailed by industry reports, is the debut figure for Cassandra Nova. While telepathic characters often suffer from bland toy designs, Hasbro has leaned into the film’s body horror elements. The figure includes an interchangeable hand sculpted with the visage of Matthew Macfadyen’s character, Mr. Paradox, warped through her palm.

It is a grotesque, faithful recreation of the film’s most disturbing psychic attack. For collectors, this level of specific, gruesome detail transforms a standard plastic figure into a conversation starter. The wave also features:

• Deluxe Deadpool: Comes with “Dogpool” and adamantium skeleton parts, allowing fans to recreate the film’s opening fight scene using Logan’s bones as weapons.
• Cowboy Deadpool: A multiverse variant complete with revolvers and spinning gun effects.
• Sleeveless Wolverine: A battle-damaged take on the yellow-and-blue suit, capturing the film’s climactic multiverse showdown.

Nostalgia in Plastic Form

Beyond the shock value, the wave leans heavily on the nostalgia that drove the film’s success. For the first time, collectors can acquire figures based on Dafne Keen’s X-23 and Wesley Snipes’ Blade as they appeared in the 2024 blockbuster. The Blade figure, while missing his trench coat, includes his signature shades and knives, paying homage to the actor who helped launch the modern superhero era.

X-23’s inclusion is particularly notable for its accessories, which include the sunglasses from the film Logan and the Juggernaut helmet used in the final battle. These specific inclusions suggest that Hasbro is listening closely to fan demands for narrative-driven accessories rather than generic add-ons.

The Cost of Collecting in Nairobi

While the artistic merit is high, the logistical reality for Kenyan fans remains complex. Standard Marvel Legends figures typically retail for around $25 (approx. KES 3,250), with deluxe figures like Deadpool pushing toward $40 (approx. KES 5,200). However, once shipping fees and the Kenya Revenue Authority’s import duties are factored in, a single figure landing in Nairobi could easily cost between KES 6,000 and KES 9,000.

Despite the premium, the demand for high-quality pop culture memorabilia in East Africa is steadily rising. As local hobby shops and import services continue to bridge the gap, figures like Cassandra Nova—terrifying hand and all—are likely to find their way onto shelves across the city. As the line between toy and art blurs, this wave stands as a testament to how weird, wonderful, and expensive the hobby has become.