I don’t think Diamond Select Toys was exactly keen on people taking photos of the Thor: The Dark World Marvel Select Jane Foster figure at SDCC 2013 back in July, but we got our first glimpse of the Marvel Select Natalie Portman (and Thor) figures at the show anyway. It’s been a few months, but Diamond Select is finally ready for the (non-dark) world to see the Dark World figures–it’s the official unveiling of the Thor: The Dark World Jane Foster and Thor Marvel Select figures!

Typically we get one to four Marvel Select action figures released by Diamond Select Toys for every major Marvel movie that comes out in theaters, and this fall’s Thor 2 movie is no exception. What’s atypical about this release is that, even though we’re getting two figures from the film, one of them is a non-combatant female love interest.

I had to do some research to check my facts, but I’ve verified now that that the Marvel Select Thor The Dark World Jane Foster figure is the first time that Diamond Select Toys has ever released a single-packed civilian character in the Marvel Select toy line. So yeah–Jane Foster is a pretty big deal.

I’ve heard numerous complaints about the character selection of Jane Foster for this action figure line (quite a few fans say they’d have preferred a new Loki or a Marvel Select Malekith figure), but I’m really alright with their choice. In fact, I’m pretty thrilled–any extra Padme Amidala-lookalike Natalie Portman figures I can add to my collection are okay with me!

It’s verging on the unthinkable that Hasbro or Hot Toys will ever release a Thor movie Jane Foster action figure, so bravo to DST for being different and making a risky choice here. Here’s hoping their gambit pays off and poor Natalie Portman isn’t infesting specialty stores for the next two years.

Of course, Jane Foster is only half the lineup for this series–we’ll also be getting a very cool updated Marvel Select Thor movie figure, based upon his appearance in Thor: The Dark World. Ordinarily I would probably pass on this Thor action figure, as the one from the first movie is good enough for me, but I’m definitely buying Natalie Portman, so I need a Thor 2 Chris Hemsworth Thor to display her with. See, Diamond Select? That choice of Jane Foster is already paying dividends!

The other reason collectors will want to purchase both the Thor 2 Marvel Select figures is the fact that each figure will come with half of a diorama base, and you’ll (obviously) need to buy both figures in order to complete the diorama. It’s not the most riveting base ever (it’s basically just some rocks, a weapon and a discarded Dark Elf mask), but it looks very nice and I’ll enjoy posing my Thor and Jane Foster figures in front of it.

The Marvel Select Thor: The Dark World Thor and Jane Foster figures are currently available for pre-order, with Thor expected to be released in late October and Jane following the first week of November. MSRP is $24.99 for each figure, but you can pre-order now for about $21.99 and save a couple dollars.

I’ll post a review of both figures when they’re released and give my verdict on them, but Diamond Select Toys rarely disappoints, so I’m expecting great things from these.