Better late than never, as they say, the December Chibi releases are now in our extensive guide to the series, bringing it up to over 100 issues so far. As well as Emperor Palpatine from Star Wars, and Black Adam from the DC Comics movie, there were a couple of Disney Frozen coins – Elsa and Anna, No change to the style, or the options, so regular collectors will know what to expect.

Of more interest, perhaps, is what is coming in 2023. Chibi isn’t going to be slowing down anytime soon, it seems. The NZ mint is being a bit more open on new issues, so we can tell you that 31 January will bring the biggest Chibi news of the year – the addition of Marvel Comics to the range, with the debut of Ant-Man. The cavalcade of characters in that world are almost endless, so expect this subset to quickly become one of the most populous of all. DC isn’t giving up without a fight, however, and there will be Shazam and Aquaman issues, both for their respective movies, rather than the comic book range, released on the same day.

February 24th will bring the return of the 2 oz Mega-Chibi, with another movie Aquaman coin, although sporting a different design. DC’s ORM, and Marvel’s Black Panther also debut on the 21st. The obverse of the 2023 coins will understandably change a little, moving away from the Queen Elizabeth II effigy, to the simple Niue coat-of-arms. No news on whether King Charles effigy will put in an appearance. There’s another, bigger change for the 2023 releases, but we can’t say more on that until the 31st. It’s all zoom-zoom in Chibi-land.

The New Zealand Mint will also be issuing other types of Marvel coins in February, along with the usual Star Wars Universe, DC Comics, Harry Potter, and Lord of the Rings franchises. Disney is 100 years old in 2023, so that will be coming in February, and this Friday sees the release of the 40th anniversary Return of the Jedi coins. April sees the 100th anniversary of Warner Bros film studio, along with Indiana Jones, the 85th anniversary of Superman, and the Dungeons and Dragons movie. There’s more of course, although sadly virtually nothing that isn’t a media franchise. For fans, an impressive selection.

LINKS: OUR SUPERGUIDE TO THE WHOLE RANGE