Playmates has opened pre-orders for a new line of six-inch action figures based on Matt Dinniman's bestselling series, Dungeon Crawler Carl. The first wave features the duo of Carl and Princess Donut and is set to cost $29.99 with a release date in October 2026.
The $29.99 Carl and Princess Donut Wave One bundle
The initial release from Playmates focuses heavily on the "battle-ready" aesthetic that defines the series. The six-inch Carl figure is designed with significant articulation to allow for various posing options, including the use of several highly specific accessories. According to the report, the set includes:
- The War Gauntlet of the Exalted Grull
- The Enchanted Nightgaunt Cloak of Stoutness
- Prism Industries Capacitating and Focusing Goggles with a magic missile accessory
- A magnetic Princess Donut that can perch on Carl's shoulder
To capture the visceral nature of the dungeon, the figure also includes removable bloody elements, such as a bloody fist and blood splatter, as well as "foot goo" effects. These details are intended to help collectors recreate the chaotic and often messy moments found within the books.
From Audible charts to Playmates' six-inch scale
The expansion of the Dungeon Crawler Carl brand into physical merchandise follows the massive success of the LitRPG series, which has climbed to the top of the Audible charts. this transition from digital audiobooks to collectible action figures reflects a growing trend where niche literary hits are being leveraged into multi-media franchises, including upcoming graphic novels and a planned TV show.
As the report notes, Playmates is entering a highly competitive landscape currently occupied by industry heavyweights. For instance, Boss Fight Studios has recently unveiled new Hero H.A.C.K.S. figures, while McFarlane Toys continues to expand its DC Multiverse line with Absolute Batman. Hasbro is also active in the space with its Marvel Legends releases. This influx of products underscores a broader industry shift toward catering to dedicated, character-driven fanbases rather than just broad-market superheroes.
Uncertainty regarding the October 2026 rollout
While the announcement provides a wealth of detail, several specifics remain unverified. The current report focuses exclusively on the product's features and the manufacturer's announcement, leaving little room for consumer feedback or production logistics. It remains unclear if the $29.99 price point covers both Carl and Princess Donut as a single set or if they are sold separately.
Additionally, it is not yet known if Playmates intends to expand this line with a full roster of characters from the books or if this is a limited release. Finally, the long lead time until October 2026 leaves questions about how the upcoming TV adaptation might influence the final design or availability of these figures if the visual direction of the show differs from the source material.
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