"Family Guy" is the little series that could. First Fox cancelled. Then "Family Guy" proved its popularity on Adult Swim. Now it's back on Fox with a vengeance, and here are the toys to prove it. These action figures are fun to look at, and fun to play with. (Just don't tell anyone!)
When you read this list, you might be wondering why variants of Stewie and Brian are not included. Well, that's easy. I don't like the variants of these characters we've been given. Get over it.
1. "Family Guy" Complete Griffin Family Box Set 1.5
Let's start with the basics. Here's the perfect set of "Family Guy" figures to get you started. This is the second release of these figures, so Mezco created new head sculpts for this time around. They're all wearing they're usual attire. The figures come with great accessories, such as Stewie's laser pistol and Peter's remote control and beer. Pose them at at will. Meg's shocked expression should provide lots of amusing scenes.2. "Family Guy" Bendables Family Set
If you aren't satisfied with the flexibility in the action figures, these "Family Guy" bendables are sure to please. In this limited edition boxed set you get all the Griffins and Brian. No accessories are included, but these guys will stand, sit or lie down any way you want.3. "Family Guy" Nighttime Peter and Lois Action Figures
For adults only! These figures are based on the "Let's Go to the Hop" episode, when Peter goes undercover at Meg's high school. Peter and Lois are clad in their leather recreational wear. Peter's leather vest and pants don't quite fit. They come with some scary accessories, like mask, whip and a banana. Yikes! But because it's Peter and Lois, these S&M costumes just make me laugh.
4. "Family Guy" Tube Top Peter Action Figure
Here, again, Peter Griffin looks like a fool. He's dressed in drag, wearing a tube top, fishnets and a feather boa. His accessories are a tube of lipstick and a compact. This variant is a lot of fun, even though we see Peter in his hooker get-up for a very short time on screen.5. "Family Guy" Quagmire Action Figure
The Quagmire action figure was part of the Series 2 set from "Family Guy." He's next in my top picks because he's just so funny. When I look at this figure, the only thing that would make it more real is if it said, "Giggity!" Quagmire comes with a blow-up doll and a bottle of Pawtucket Patriot beer. His head is on a ball joint, so he can look at that babe with him in any direction you want.6. "Family Guy" Death Action Figure
I'm so happy that Mezco is releasing all these variant and secondary characters from "Family Guy" so soon. Death is a recurring character from the early seasons, voiced by Adam Corolla. Of course, he has no face, only his hood and robe are visible. He has a lot of articulation, which is good because he has some cool accessories to work with. He comes with his dog, fully cloaked, a Pawtucket Ale and a scythe.7. "Family Guy" Rufus Action Figure
Here's another fantastic variant figure from "Family Guy," Rufus Griffin. He has a lot of articulation in all joints, which helps him hold his rockin' guitar accessory quite well. Rufus also comes with an record and album cover. You can pose him in so many groovy ways.8. "Family Guy" Peter in the Buff Action Figure
In the old days, we used to see Peter's bare butt all the time. Now thanks to Janet Jackson, Fox and the FCC, we aren't subjected to naked Peter nearly as often. Here's a figure that celebrates his nudity. He looks exactly as you would expect. Peter has a funny expression on his face, too. His hysterical accessories are a cushy pillow, magical clam and his "relationship" video. The best joke of all, though, is if you look closely where his genitals should be, there's a little winking face.9. "Family Guy" Mayor West Action Figure
I love Mayor West on "Family Guy." And the way he's voiced by Adam West is just genius. This fantastic figure of the Mayor has a lot of articulation. The expression on his face is serious and sour, much like it usually is on the show. He has perhaps the funniest accessories of most "Family Guy" figures. His beloved taffy is included, as well as his truly beloved right hand. I won't say too much about that, except you can switch his regular hand for one that's wearing a bridal veil. 'Nuf said.10. "Family Guy" Lethal Lois Action Figure
Finally, here's Lois doing some serious butt-kicking. Lois is dressed in her Tae-Jitsu outfit from "Lethal Weapons." She comes with appropriate accessories, such as split blocks and wood. She's quite poseable, which gives you a lot of freedom for some fun scenes.