In a milestone announcement for fans of classic pulp science fiction and fantasy illustration, ICON Collectibles has officially revealed its upcoming Dejah Thoris 1:12 scale action figure. Meticulously designed to capture the distinct, muscular, and dynamic aesthetic of legendary artist Frank Frazetta, this collectible bridges the gap between classic 20th-century illustration and modern high-end action figure engineering.
Originally created by author Edgar Rice Burroughs as the quintessential Princess of Mars within his sweeping Barsoom series, Dejah Thoris has been reinterpreted through generations of comic books, pulp covers, and fine art. However, ICON Collectibles’ new release marks a historic milestone: the very first time the character has been rendered in a 1:12 scale fully articulated action figure directly inspired by Frazetta’s definitive vision.
Priced at an accessible $70 / £53, the figure is currently available for pre-order, generating immediate excitement across the collectibles community. Boasting an array of interchangeable parts, premium tailoring elements, weapons, and a specialized display base, this release is positioned to become a cornerstone piece for enthusiasts of classic sci-fi fantasy, action figure photography, and the enduring legacy of Frank Frazetta.
Detailed Chronology: From Pulp Pages to Plastic Masterpieces
To truly understand the significance of ICON Collectibles’ latest announcement, one must look backward through the rich history that birthed this piece. The journey of Dejah Thoris from a literary heroine to a physical, poseable collectible spans over a century of creative evolution.
1912–1917: The Birth of Barsoom
The lineage of Dejah Thoris begins with Edgar Rice Burroughs, the visionary author best known for creating Tarzan. In 1912, Burroughs published his first planetary romance serial, Under the Moons of Mars (later published in book form as A Princess of Mars), in the pulp magazine The All-Story. Within its pages, readers were introduced to John Carter, a Civil War veteran magically transported to Barsoom (Mars), where he encounters the breathtaking, fierce, and regal princess of Helium: Dejah Thoris.
Burroughs’ descriptions established her as a character of immense agency, intelligence, and grace, defying the typical damsel-in-distress tropes of early pulp fiction. Across subsequent sequels—such as The Gods of Mars (1913) and The Warlord of Mars (1914)—she cemented her status as sci-fi royalty.
While numerous artists illustrated Burroughs’ works over the decades, none left an indelible stamp quite like Frank Frazetta. During the 1960s and 1970s, Frazetta’s paperback cover paintings for Ace Books revolutionized the fantasy genre. His oil paintings transformed Barsoom into a vibrant, visceral, and untamed world of high adventure.
Frazetta’s depiction of Dejah Thoris emphasized strength, athleticism, and raw vitality. His brushstrokes gave her a commanding physical presence, blending ethereal beauty with warrior toughness. It is this specific, highly sought-after artistic interpretation that ICON Collectibles has chosen to adapt for their newest release, bridging the gap between flat canvas and three-dimensional sculpture.
The Modern Collectibles Landscape and the 1:12 Scale Revolution
Over the past decade, the 1:12 scale (approx. 6 inches tall) has exploded in popularity among adult collectors. Driven by companies like NECA, Mezco Toyz, and various high-end import brands, this scale allows for advanced articulation schemes without sacrificing sculpted detail or shelf space.
ICON Collectibles identified a gap in the market for high-end literary and classic fantasy figures. Following the previous rollout of their companion John Carter 1:12 scale action figure, the introduction of Dejah Thoris rounds out the core heroic duo of the Barsoom mythos, giving collectors the opportunity to recreate iconic covers and dioramas in miniature form.
Supporting Context & Metrics: Engineering and Accessories
At a retail price of $70 / £53, consumers are evaluating the value proposition of the Dejah Thoris figure. ICON Collectibles has packed the release with an impressive suite of accessories and modular display options, ensuring that the package meets the rigorous standards expected by today’s discerning collector base.
Product Specifications and Articulation
Scale: 1:12 (Approximately 6 inches tall, scaling seamlessly with standard collector lines).
Articulation: Fully articulated body designed to achieve dynamic, action-oriented poses reminiscent of Frazetta’s paintings without breaking the sculpt’s natural lines.
Price Point: $70 USD / £53 GBP, placing it competitively within the mid-to-high-end collector market.
What’s Included in the Box?
To maximize display versatility, ICON Collectibles has ensured the figure is modular and customizable right out of the box:
Interchangeable Portrait Heads: Two unique head sculpts capturing different emotional expressions and facial details faithful to Frazetta’s brushwork.
Interchangeable Hairstyles: Two distinct hair configurations, allowing collectors to switch up her silhouette depending on the specific era of artwork they wish to emulate.
Modular Hands: Multiple pairs of interchangeable hands designed for weapon-wielding, gesture, and dynamic posing.
Weaponry: A selection of Barsoomian weapons authentic to the aesthetic of the novels and artwork.
Soft Goods & Removable Accessories: Removable jewelry and a meticulously tailored sarong, balancing sculpted muscular definition with authentic fabric elements.
Display Base: A themed Thark Warrior display base, grounding the figure in the harsh, alien environment of Mars and providing stable support for gravity-defying poses.
Official Statements and Design Philosophy
While full-scale press conferences are rare in the action figure boutique sector, promotional briefs released by ICON Collectibles provide deep insight into the creative philosophy steering the project.
"ICON Collectibles™ presents the first ever Dejah Thoris® 1:12 scale action figure, based on Frank Frazetta’s iconic paintings and drawings of the legendary character created by Edgar Rice Burroughs — complete with a Thark Warrior display base."
Design leads and sculptors tasked with bringing 2D masterworks into 3D plastic face immense pressure, particularly when handling the legendary anatomy and painterly lighting style associated with Frank Frazetta. According to the development team, the primary objective was to avoid a generic modern sci-fi look and instead honor the organic, painterly quality of mid-century fantasy illustration.
"This fully articulated collectible brings the Princess of Mars to life with lifelike detail, capturing the beauty and strength of Frazetta’s vision. Dejah Thoris features two interchangeable portrait heads and two hairstyles, along with interchangeable hands, weapons, removable jewelry, and a sarong, allowing a variety of display configurations drawn from Frazetta’s iconic imagery."
Furthermore, marketing materials emphasize the synergy between past and future releases within the line, explicitly encouraging fans to complete their initial Barsoom display setup:
"Pair Dejah Thoris with the companion John Carter 1:12 Scale Action Figure to build the central heroes of your Barsoom display, or explore the wider 1:12 scale action figure collection."
Future Outlook: What’s Next for Barsoom Collectibles?
The announcement of the Dejah Thoris 1:12 scale figure signals a potential renaissance for classic pulp merchandise. As intellectual properties transition through various phases of licensing and modern manufacturing techniques improve, fans of vintage fantasy are seeing long-overdue appreciation from boutique toy manufacturers.
Impact on the 1:12 Collector Market
Historically, high-end action figures have heavily favored contemporary superhero cinema, anime, and modern video games. The willingness of companies like ICON Collectibles to invest in literary classics and golden-age fantasy art proves that a dedicated demographic of older, nostalgic, and art-appreciative collectors is willing to support niche properties. If the Dejah Thoris and John Carter releases perform well at retail, industry analysts anticipate that we could see:
Expansion into secondary characters from the Barsoom universe (such as Tars Tarkas or resilient villains of Helium and Zodanga).
Further explorations into other classic Frazetta properties, such as Death Dealer or The Moon Maid.
Increased demand for high-end soft-goods and mixed-media applications in classic fantasy lines.
Pre-Order Availability and Shipping Expectations
With pre-orders currently live at major specialty retailers and direct channels for $70 / £53, early adopters are locking in their allocations. Given the niche nature and specialized production runs typical of 1:12 scale boutique collectibles, availability post-release may become limited, driving secondary market interest.
As fans await the official shipping dates over the coming months, the Dejah Thoris figure stands as a testament to the enduring power of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ imagination and Frank Frazetta’s unmatched artistic mastery—now preserved in plastic, ready to conquer shelves worldwide.
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