We might not be flocking to theaters for the latest blockbuster like we used to, but the Marvel Cinematic Universe is still dominating pop culture. The latest release, “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” picks up where “Avengers: Endgame” left off and keeps us up to date on our favorite Captain America characters. The Disney+ show follows Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie), also known as his alias “the Falcon,” who was given the iconic shield at the end of the last film and tasked with becoming the new Captain America. As he attempts to take on the burden of the larger than life role without losing his sense of self, he teams up with Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), previously known as The Winter Soldier. The show is equal parts espionage thriller and buddy comedy, but still includes some nuanced reflections on the state of race in America. The series was created by Malcolm Spellman, with Kari Skogland directing all episodes. There’s a lot of talent involved, and the end result is the cinematic experience of a Marvel movie divided across six installments.
While Captain America fans are delighted to see the characters continue on the small screen, the new toys and collectibles that accompanied the release are nothing to sneeze at either. Half the fun of being a comic book fan has always been the great variety of merchandise, and this is no exception. In fact, Disney’s willingness to use Disney+ to tell stories about some of the more obscure Marvel characters is resulting in a merchandise bonanza for superhero lovers. In many ways, we are living in the golden age of superhero collectibles. Whether you’re on the market for some cute toys for your kids or some serious gear for your cosplay, Disney has you covered. The spectrum of both family friendly and adult-focused products speaks to just how universal the MCU’s appeal has become. It’s now an iconic brand in and of itself, so a lot of this stuff will end up being great collector’s items in the long run. (Because sometimes you need an excuse to buy something you really wanted). “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” is streaming exclusively on Disney+, with new episodes dropping every Friday. If you haven’t subscribed to Disney+ yet, there’s no time like the present! For only $7.99 a month, you get access to Disney’s entire film library, as well as new shows from the Marvel and Star Wars universes. If the week between episodes is too long to wait, pass the time by bingeing other Disney+ series such as “WandaVision,” and “The Mandalorian.” You can sign up for a basic Disney+ plan here, or you can bundle the subscription with Hulu and ESPN for $13.99 a month. The subscription includes Disney+ and all of your favorite sports, plus movies and television shows on Hulu. With basketball season in full swing and baseball starting April 1, this is a great time to take advantage of the bundle offer.
Once you’re all signed up to start watching “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” don’t be surprised if you get hooked. The show maintains the magic of the Captain America movies without ever feeling derivative, and tells a new story with its own voice that is helping to guide fans towards the next phase of Marvel. And once you get hooked, it probably won’t be long before you want to pick up some merchandise. To give you a head start, we put together the perfect list of items to buy. See below for our roundup of the best toys, collectibles, and more from “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.”
Falcon Funko Pop Bobblehead
A new superhero show comes out, Funko Pop releases some adorable new bobbleheads, and fans rush to buy them. It’s a tale as old as time, so why should this be any different? This Falcon figurine was made specifically for the Disney+ series, so even if you had one from the “Avengers” films, it’s worth adding to your collection.
John F. Walker Funko Pop Bobblehead
You didn’t think you could just buy one Funko Pop, did you? When paired with the Falcon one, this adorable figurine makes a perfect desk accessory, or bookend for your shelf.
Hasbro Captain America Premium Role Play Shield
If you were to make a list of the coolest superhero props, Captain America’s shield would have to be near the top. Some might say there are two kinds of Marvel fans in this world: those who dream about having one of those cool shields for themselves, and liars. This premium replica from Hasbro has some real heft to it, so it’s just as appropriate for your adult Halloween costume as it is for your kids.
Falcon and Winter Soldier iPhone Case
Mobile gadgets are an essential part of any espionage story, so decking out your iPhone with this spy-themed case lets you pretend you’re receiving an urgent call from the S.H.I.E.L.D. every time it rings.
Falcon & Winter Soldier Vol 1 By Derek Landy
Marvel Comics released this mini-series in 2020 as a tie-in to the Disney+ show, but comic fans have found that it stands on its own. This over-the-top, campy story makes the most of the medium, proving that no matter how big the MCU gets, comic books still have an essential role to play in the world of superheroes. This paperback combines all five issues and makes for a fun, breezy read while you kill time between episodes.
Falcon and Winter Soldier Logo T-Shirt
If carrying a Captain America shield around is a little too much for you, this cool T-shirt is a slightly more subtle way to show off your Marvel Fandom.
Tamashii Nations Falcon Action Figure
This one is the real deal. Hardcore collectors will want to snap up this realistic Falcon action figure, which utilized digital color technology to recreate Mackie’s face with maximum accuracy. Tamashii Nations, a division of Bandai, is known for its meticulous attention to detail and quality of craftsmanship, so this will probably last a lifetime.
Tamashii Nations Bucky Barnes Action Figure
Tamashii Nations didn’t stop with Falcon, as their Barnes figure is every bit as cool. And it’s a bit cheaper as well, and everybody loves a good deal! The model comes with multiple pairs of hands and heads, so you can customize your figurine to place Barnes in a variety of poses.
Falcon and Winter Soldier Enamel Pin Set
Sometimes the smallest things bring you the most joy. This set of enamel pins utilizes all of the Captain America iconography we know and love, going heavy on the shields and the red, white, and blue. From backpacks to jackets and everything in between, they’re a great way to add a touch of comic book pizazz to your outfit without drawing too much attention to yourself. Think of it as going undercover!
Falcon and Winter Soldier Stainless Steel Water Bottles
No matter how many super powers you have, hydration is always important. These awesome stainless steel water bottles are a perfect way to add some Marvel to your everyday routine. Fans of the show will recognize the Marvel graphics, but to everyone else they just look like ultra cool water bottles. It’s a win-win. Sign Up: Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! Sign up for our Email Newsletters here.
