Illumeably

13 Figurines That Had Their Own Trading Cards

From toys to collectibles, some figurines became so iconic that they even earned their own trading cards.

  • Chris Graciano
  • 4 min read
13 Figurines That Had Their Own Trading Cards
2H Media on Unsplash

Trading cards aren’t just for athletes and superheroes. Many toy figurines made the leap from shelf displays to card decks. These collectibles gave fans extra ways to connect with their favorite characters and series. Today, we’re diving into 13 figurines that stood out so much that they landed a spot on trading cards, too.

1. G.I. Joe

Curtis Gregory Perry on Flickr Curtis Gregory Perry on Flickr

Hasbro’s legendary military action figures came with file cards that doubled as trading cards, complete with backstories and stats. Kids could clip them from the packaging and trade with friends. It turned toy soldiers into a fully fleshed-out universe.

2. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

~ tOkKa on Flickr ~ tOkKa on Flickr

The pizza-loving heroes were sold as action figures, but they also appeared on trading cards in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. Each card featured unique art, character bios, or episode tie-ins. Fans collected them alongside the figurines, making both must-have items.

3. Masters of the Universe

~ tOkKa on Flickr ~ tOkKa on Flickr

He-Man and Skeletor figures included collectible mini-comics, but they also spawned trading cards showcasing epic battles and lore. These cards highlighted the fantasy world that kept kids hooked. Figurines and cards together built a full storytelling experience.

4. Transformers

2H Media on Unsplash 2H Media on Unsplash

Robots in disguise weren’t just toys; they had trading cards that detailed character abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. Collectors could compare stats and imagine battles beyond the cartoons. It made the figures feel more interactive and competitive.

5. Pokémon Figures

Erik Mclean on Unsplash Erik Mclean on Unsplash

While Pokémon trading cards became a global craze, figurines of Pikachu, Charizard, and others also got their own card tie-ins. Some were limited edition, bundled with toys. It connected the physical figurines with the already massive TCG boom.

6. Star Wars Figures

ROBERT HUFFSTUTTER on Flickr ROBERT HUFFSTUTTER on Flickr

Kenner’s iconic Star Wars action figures came with collectible cards showcasing characters, ships, and scenes. Fans could display them alongside their toys for added value. The mix of cinema, cards, and figures created a cultural phenomenon.

7. WWF/WWE Wrestlers

cottonbro studio on Pexels cottonbro studio on Pexels

Wrestling figurines of Hulk Hogan, The Rock, and others were often tied into trading card series featuring matches and moves. The cards let fans relive iconic bouts while the figures allowed them to recreate them at home. It was the ultimate fan package.

8. Street Fighter

Caleb Oquendo on Pexels Caleb Oquendo on Pexels

Capcom’s fighting game characters appeared as action figures and were paired with trading cards that showed off moves and rivalries. The cards gave fans a collectible way to track fighters’ stats. Together, they expanded the arcade experience into homes.

9. Power Rangers

Mastvid on DeviantArt Mastvid on DeviantArt

Power Rangers toys often included trading cards highlighting zords, villains, and team members. Kids could collect, trade, and learn trivia about their favorite heroes. This made the action figures feel even more connected to the TV series.

10. Digimon Figures

EzMystery on DeviantArt EzMystery on DeviantArt

Like Pokémon, Digimon had figures that came with collectible cards used in a battling card game. The cards unlocked new layers of lore and powers. Owning both the figure and its card made the collection feel complete.

11. Marvel Superheroes

Mark Anderson on Flickr Mark Anderson on Flickr

From Spider-Man to Iron Man, Marvel action figures were bundled with trading cards showcasing artwork and storylines. The cards acted as mini comic covers for collectors. They boosted the popularity of both the figures and Marvel’s massive universe.

12. Street Sharks

Igor Fernandes on Pinterval Igor Fernandes on Pinterval

These ‘90s mutant shark figures came with trading cards showing off their gnarly designs and wild personalities. The cards gave kids a fun way to keep the action going without the toys. They’re now nostalgic treasures for collectors.

13. Mighty Max

blackwaverising on DeviantArt blackwaverising on DeviantArt

This miniature playset series featured tiny figurines and villains, many packaged with trading cards. The cards told short stories and gave context to the pocket-sized worlds. It added lore to an already imaginative toy line.

Written by: Chris Graciano

Chris has always had a vivid imagination, turning childhood daydreams into short stories and later, scripts for films. His passion for storytelling eventually led him to content writing, where he’s spent over four years blending creativity with a practical approach. Outside of work, Chris enjoys rewatching favorites like How I Met Your Mother and The Office, and you’ll often find him in the kitchen cooking or perfecting his coffee brew.

Recommended for You

14 Odd Fads That Lasted a Few Weeks

14 Odd Fads That Lasted a Few Weeks

Some unusual fads became popular for a short time before quickly fading away.

10 Action Figures That Had the Coolest Accessories

10 Action Figures That Had the Coolest Accessories

Here's a look at 10 action figures that became legendary not only for their designs but also for the unforgettable accessories that brought them to life.