11 Rare Comic-Con Exclusives Every Collector Dreams Of

Comic-Con exclusives have a way of stirring excitement among fans and collectors alike. These items are released in small numbers, often with unique designs or packaging that make them stand out. From rare action figures to limited-edition Pops and Lego sets, they are the pieces that collectors dream of adding to their shelves.

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Hasbro Boba Fett with Han Solo in Carbonite (SDCC 2013)

When Hasbro launched its Black Series line, this exclusive set featuring Boba Fett and Han Solo frozen in carbonite turned heads immediately. Fans lined up to grab it because the carbonite block was massive and detailed, offering a display piece that looked straight out of The Empire Strikes Back. It was only sold at Comic-Con, so many collectors missed out and had to turn to resale markets.

The demand for this set has only grown since, with collectors calling it one of the best Star Wars exclusives ever offered. It represented the beginning of a premium toy line that still thrives today. Holding both the bounty hunter and his prize in one box gave it strong display value, and that has made it a long-lasting favorite among fans.

Mattel Hoverboard Replica (Back to the Future, SDCC 2012)

Mattel delivered on a dream when they brought out a full-size hoverboard replica at Comic-Con. While it could not actually float, it had authentic movie sounds and a finish that matched the on-screen prop. Collectors praised the craftsmanship and loved that it was packaged like a futuristic gadget.

Even though it was a limited run, this piece continues to be a highlight for Back to the Future fans. Prop replicas have since become more common, yet this hoverboard is remembered as one of the first that felt close to the real thing. It set a high standard for movie memorabilia at conventions.

NECA Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Movie Diorama Set (SDCC 2017)

NECA released a four-figure set based on the 1990 film, and collectors immediately noticed how screen-accurate the turtles looked. Each figure came packed in a box designed to unfold into a New York street diorama, which made displaying them feel immersive. Fans who grew up with the movie viewed this as a perfect mix of nostalgia and detail.

This set sold out quickly, and aftermarket prices climbed in the months that followed. Collectors still talk about it as one of NECA’s best exclusives. The fact that the packaging doubled as a display gave it extra appeal and ensured its place in toy history.

Hot Wheels Darth Vader Car (SDCC 2014)

Hot Wheels stunned both car and sci-fi fans with their Darth Vader die-cast vehicle. The car featured design elements inspired by Vader’s helmet and lightsaber, blending Star Wars with Hot Wheels’ iconic styling. The packaging itself was shaped like Vader’s head, adding another layer of display value.

This item was one of the most talked-about exclusives that year. Collectors who love both franchises still consider it a must-have crossover piece. The sleek design and imaginative packaging made it stand apart from traditional die-cast cars.

Funko Holographic Darth Maul Pop! (SDCC 2012)

Funko’s holographic Darth Maul Pop! became one of the rarest figures in the line almost overnight. With its glow-in-the-dark feature and limited numbers, it turned into a grail for Pop collectors. Many fans remember how quickly it sold out on the convention floor.

Over a decade later, it remains one of the most valuable Pops ever made. Its scarcity and iconic design have kept demand high among collectors. For many, it represents the moment when Funko exclusives started dominating Comic-Con buzz.

Lego Mr. Gold Minifigure Giveaway (SDCC 2013)

Lego gave out an exclusive chrome-gold minifigure named Mr. Gold, and only a few hundred were produced. The shiny figure instantly drew attention and quickly became one of the most sought-after Lego characters in history. Attendees who were lucky enough to snag one often held onto it as a crown jewel.

Even today, Mr. Gold is remembered as one of the most expensive Lego minifigures on the secondary market. Its rarity and striking appearance keep it in high demand. For Lego fans, owning this figure is a symbol of both luck and dedication to the hobby.

Marvel Legends Uncanny X-Force Box Set (SDCC 2012)

Hasbro offered an exclusive box set that featured five characters in their black-and-gray team uniforms from the comics. It included figures like Archangel and Psylocke in alternate costumes that had not been released elsewhere. The packaging was sleek and made the set look like a true collector’s item.

Fans praised this release for bringing a popular comic team to life in figure form. The box set quickly became a must-have for Marvel Legends collectors. Even today, it is seen as one of Hasbro’s strongest Comic-Con offerings.

Hasbro Transformers Soundwave with Cassettes (SDCC 2013)

This reissue of Soundwave came with several cassette partners, packaged in a box styled like a vintage Walkman player. Fans loved the throwback packaging as much as the figures themselves. The combination of nostalgia and play value made it an instant hit.

Collectors still talk about this exclusive as one of the best Transformers offerings at Comic-Con. It balanced display quality with fun features. The retro box design continues to make it a centerpiece in Transformers collections.

Mattel Thundercats Classics Lion-O (SDCC 2011)

Mattel gave fans of the 80s cartoon something special with a detailed Lion-O figure. The sculpting was more advanced than the original toy line, capturing the look of the animated hero. For fans who had waited years for updated Thundercats toys, this exclusive felt like a reward.

The figure became a highlight of Mattel’s convention lineup. Many collectors still point to it as one of the best Lion-O figures ever produced. Its limited release has only made it more desirable over time.

Funko Metallic Captain America Pop! (SDCC 2011)

This metallic variant of Captain America was part of Funko’s early Marvel Pop releases. It had a shiny finish that made it stand out from the regular version. Limited quantities made it hard to get, and it quickly gained attention among Pop collectors.

Over the years, it has become one of the more valuable Pops in the Marvel line. Fans see it as a symbol of Funko’s early days at Comic-Con. The scarcity and visual appeal keep it on many collectors’ wish lists.

Hasbro Infinity Gauntlet (SDCC 2014)

Before Marvel’s movies made the Infinity Gauntlet a household name, Hasbro released a full-size convention exclusive. The gauntlet featured light-up gems and sound effects that added to its display value. For comic fans, it was a chance to own a piece of Marvel history.

Collectors embraced it as one of the most striking exclusives of the year. The timing of the release, just as the Marvel Cinematic Universe was gaining momentum, made it even more important. Many fans still treasure this gauntlet as a standout collectible.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.