Playmates Bringing Dungeon Crawler Carl to Physical Collectibles with Major Plans for Samantha
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Playmates Toys is bringing Matt Dinniman's hit literary RPG Dungeon Crawler Carl into the physical collectibles space, debuting a new adult-collector line at San Diego Comic-Con with major plans teased for fan favorite Samantha.
The massive literary RPG phenomenon Dungeon Crawler Carl is making the jump from page to physical display shelves. Veteran toy manufacturer Playmates, best known for decades of shaping the action figure space with properties like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, is stepping into the adult collector market for the first time. Matt Dinniman's post-apocalyptic series follows Coast Guard veteran Carl and his ex-girlfriend's cat, Princess Donut, as they survive an intergalactic reality show managed by the alien Borant Corporation. Fans will get their first look at the new toy line when it debuts at San Diego Comic-Con this July.
Speaking at Toy Fair 2026, Playmates marketing manager Lydia Torres teased what collectors can expect from the upcoming rollout. While initial previews showcased core figures like Carl, the team is keeping cards close to their chest regarding one iconic and chaotic element from the books. Fans have been eagerly waiting to see how the manufacturer plans to handle Samantha, the infamous detached sex doll head that has become a fan favorite across the series. Torres confirmed that Samantha is definitely on the way in a major way, hinting that the adult collector focus gives them the freedom to embrace the wilder aspects of the source material.
Following the San Diego debut, the figures will land in specialty retail locations including Hot Topic, Barnes Noble, and Books-A-Million. For a community that treats digital spaces, cross-platform media, and sprawling fandoms as central parts of daily life, seeing a beloved indie literary hit secure a high-profile physical merchandise deal is a massive win. It highlights how modern breakout stories build dedicated, cross-media movements long before traditional Hollywood adaptations ever hit screens. Original reporting from Brian VanHooker via Polygon details the upcoming toy line rollout. Read the full story on Polygon.
Tags: Dungeon Crawler Carl, Playmates Toys, Toy Fair 2026, Collectible Figures, Book Adaptations
Original article: Polygon