Does the dearth of new comic-inspired Marvel Select figures in 2013 got you down? Thus far, Diamond Select Toys has released zero comic book-based Marvel Select figures in the second half of 2013, as all of the recent figures have been based on Marvel movies like “The Wolverine”, “Iron Man 3” and “Thor: The Dark World”. But this morning DST announced the cure for what ails comic-based Marvel fans: an all-new Marvel Select Winter Soldier figure–and surprise–he’s coming in December 2013!

With the upcoming Marvel Select Silver Surfer action figure the only non-movie Marvel Select figure previously announced, Marvel Comics fans who prefer their figures based on, well… comics… didn’t have a whole lot to look forward to.

Today, Diamond Select Toys unveiled a huge surprise for these fans, though–not only do they have a new comic book-inspired Marvel Select figure coming collectors’ way, but he’s (supposedly) going to be ready to ship out next month in time for the holidays! That’s one of the fastest turnarounds I can ever remember for a Marvel Select action figure!

Ironically, the Marvel Select comic-based figure is in fact a figure of The Winter Soldier, the title character in next year’s “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” movie. This figure is meant to represent The Winter Soldier (Bucky Barnes) as he appeared in his recent ongoing (and now cancelled) comic book series, “The Winter Soldier”.

As we’ve come to expect from Art Asylum/Diamond Select, this Marvel Select The Winter Soldier figure is a gorgeous–gorgeous–action figure. This easily trumps the earlier Marvel Legends Winter Soldier that Hasbro produced as the best Winter Soldier action figure ever. From the awesome shattered glass window base to the detailed sculpt and excellent-looking sniper rifle, this is going to be one seriously great Marvel Select figure to end 2013 on.

The Marvel Select The Winter Soldier figure is scheduled to be released exclusively at the Disney Stores, the online Disney Store and the Marvel Store in mid-December 2013. Take that date with a grain of salt–I love you, DST, but figures rarely come out when they’re first announced. I’ll post an update once the Winter Soldier Marvel Select figure goes up for order (and yes, I will definitely be purchasing him for a full review and photos once he goes up for sale as well).