Star Trek Captains in Collectible Form

Star Trek has never been short on captains. Some negotiate their way out of trouble, some charge straight into it, and a few manage to do both before the opening credits have finished. From James T. Kirk's instinctive, sleeves-rolled-up command style to Jean-Luc Picard's calm authority, Starfleet's captains have become some of science fiction's most recognizable characters.

That makes captain figures particularly fun pieces of Star Trek history. They capture more than a familiar uniform and a recognizable face. The best ones bring a little of the character with them. Kirk looks ready to talk a computer into self-destruction, Picard appears prepared to deliver a conference-room speech that will save an entire civilization, and other captains stand ready for whatever temporal anomaly happens to crawl through the bulkhead.

Over the decades, toy companies have approached these characters in very different ways. Some figures deliberately echo the charming style of classic action figures, while others aim for sharper likenesses, greater articulation, detailed accessories, and costumes tied to specific films or television appearances.

Put several of these captains together and you get something resembling the strangest Starfleet command conference ever assembled, thankfully without an admiral arriving to ruin it.

Captain Kirk

There is something wonderfully appropriate about a Captain Kirk figure that looks ready to make a decision first and explain it to Starfleet later. Mego keeps this eight-inch version simple, recognizable, and unmistakably Kirk. The figure has the kind of presence that suits a dramatic bridge stance, a phaser-ready moment, or the familiar look of a captain who has just heard Spock say something deeply logical and mildly inconvenient.

Captain Sisko

Benjamin Sisko looks like he has stepped straight out of the Dominion War with very little patience left for anyone threatening Deep Space Nine. This eight-inch figure has a real cloth uniform, screen-inspired clothing, and 14 points of articulation, which adds a little life to that wonderfully stern command presence. The retro blister card gives the whole thing an old-school toy aisle feel, even if Sisko himself looks ready for very serious business.

Captain Sulu

Captain Hikaru Sulu finally gets the center seat treatment with a figure based on his appearance in "Star Trek VI The Undiscovered Country." Standing about seven inches tall, he comes fully articulated and carries enough accessories to suggest a very busy shift aboard the Excelsior. Interchangeable hands, communicators, phasers, and even a teacup give the figure personality beyond the uniform. Sulu looks calm, capable, and entirely prepared for one more impossible mission.

Captain Jellico

Captain Edward Jellico has never been the sort of officer who needs everyone to like him. This seven-inch figure leans into that no-nonsense command style with a sharply painted look and a wonderfully specific set of accessories. A phaser and PADD make perfect sense, while the children's finger paintings and Picard's fishbowl wall bring a little dry humor to the package. Even in figure form, Jellico somehow looks ready to change the duty rotation.

Captain Picard

Captain Jean-Luc Picard rarely needs to raise his voice, which somehow makes him seem even more in command. This five-inch Playmates figure captures that steady presence with a sculpted look, a Starfleet display base, and familiar gear including a PADD, tricorder, phaser, and personal view screen. The 1990s-style packaging adds a nice touch of nostalgia, while Picard himself looks prepared for diplomacy, danger, or one particularly stubborn Q encounter.

Captain Pike

Christopher Pike has the rare command style that makes Starfleet leadership look almost relaxed, right up until the universe throws something impossible at him. This eight-inch Mego figure captures his "Star Trek Discovery" appearance with a straightforward design that keeps the focus on Pike himself. The character's easy confidence translates well here. He looks equally suited for the captain's chair, an away mission, or quietly wondering what fresh cosmic problem has found the Enterprise.