- Pronouns
- he/him
There have been many variations of this topic over the years on the previous forums, so it only makes sense to continue the tradition and have a place for the community to engage about such a beloved hobby. While toys, figures and statues have become increasingly popular and acceptable as an adult hobby, many of us can recall our childhood in the 80s and 90s where playing with, and in some cases, wanting to collect all the toys in a series, was just everyday life. A lot of marketing in our childhood (and let's be honest, still is) was focused on the idea of "collecting them all" and when we grew up and had disposable income, it only became natural that nostalgia and our connection to simpler times continued into a hobby, rather than play time. Although I won't side eye you if you play with your figures from time to time!
In this StarTopic you can do anything from discussing news, upcoming releases, posting pre-orders links, to even showing off your collections, posting your figure photoshoots, or anything else that fits under the umbrella of collectibles in this hobby. Celebrate all things vintage and modern! Action Figures, Articulated Figures, Statues, PVC, Resin, Scale, Nendoroid, you name it! They're all welcome here in this judgement free zone!
This StarTopic is brought to you by @A. G. Cook and @Delio
The first toy with the classification "action figure" was made in 1964 by Hasbro and was called "G.I. Joe" after a generic term for a solider coined during WWII. It was a set of military-themed 30 cm figures that represented different military branches: Action Soldier (U.S. Army), Action Sailor (U.S. Navy), Action Pilot (USAF), Action Marine (USMC) and the Action Nurse. Action figures featured changeable clothes depending of the branch. To increace popularity for this type of toy in other parts of the world, Hasbro licensed the product to companies in other markets. Those companies also made their own lines of action figures. One of such companies was Takara from Japan. They made their own action figure using licensed torso from G.I. Joe for their Henshin Cyborg-1, action figure that represented robot with transparent body and chrome innards, head and feet. In time of oil supply crisis in 1970s Takara, as well as other toy manufacturers, had problems with making larger action figures so they started making smaller ones. So, in 1974, they started making and selling smaller action figure Microman which was a cyborg toy of only 9.5 cm in height that had interchangeable parts. Its size and ability to change shape inspired smaller action figures as well as transformable toy robots.
First superhero action figures were made in 1971 when Mego licensed and started manufacturing American Marvel and DC comic book superhero figures. Through Mego, smaller 9.5 cm action figures entered Western market by introducing Micromen under the name “Micronauts”. Mego lost its share of the market in 1976 when the rights for manufacturing Star Wars action figures and toys went to Kenner. With success of Star Wars action figures many movie studios stared licensing movie characters to be made as action figures.
In 80s and 90s, styles and designs of action figures widen. Many of them were based on characters from cartoons such are Masters of the Universe, G.I. Joe, Thundercats, Transformers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and X-men. In Japan, robot anime becomes popular and inspires Takara company to reinvent cyborg Microman action figures into robot ones called “Micro Robots”. The first line in that series were Micro Change toys which were objects that could "transform" into robots. At the end of the 80s collectors stated appearing who used action figures for display only. This changed the market of action figures by flooding it and dropping the price.
Today, market of action figures is expanding even more and new companies are appearing. Action figures, beside traditional ones, are now made based on movie characters, musicians and athletes. Comic book publishers and video game companies also produce figures of popular characters to great success. Collectible action figures or statues are most often sold in specific chain stores rather than mass retail, but places like Target and Barnes and Noble have specific spaces to sell such collectables as the market has become more mainstream and acceptable. Popular lines often have figures available exclusively through mail-in offers and comic conventions, which raises their value significantly. Ploys such as packaging "errors" and "short-packed" figures have also been used by toy companies to increase collector interest.
Figures come in fixed scales to allow compatibility within (and sometimes between) toy ranges.
| Ratio | Inches per foot | Size | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1:32 | 0.375" [9.5 mm] | 2.125" [54 mm] | 2.12-inch HASBRO Star Wars: Unleashed toy soldiers and Wm.Britain Ltd. plastic figures, farm animals and vehicles. |
| 1:30 | 0.4" [10.16 mm] | 2.36" [60 mm] | Used for detailed metal toy soldiers (King & Country, BlackHawk, Wm.Britain). |
| 1:24 | 0.5" [12.7 mm] | 2.5" [63.5 mm] | 2.5-inch mini Action Figures (Hasbro's Playskool and Star Wars: Galactic Heroes). Also called 1/2-inch scale for children's dollhouses. |
| 1:18 | 0.67" [16.93 mm] | 3.75" [95.25 mm] | 3.75-inch action figures (Kenner Star Wars, Hasbro G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, Mattel Jurassic World). Also called 2/3-inch scale for children's dollhouses. |
| 1:16 | 0.75" [19.05 mm] | 4" [101.6 mm] | 4-inch action figures. Also used for most plastic toy animal figures and Ertl's toy farm sets (animals, structures, and most vehicles). The Hasbro 3.75-inch G.I. Joe figures' vehicles are closer to this scale. |
| 1:15 | 0.8" [20.32 mm] | 5" [127 mm] | 5-inch action figures (Kenner Jurassic Park, Bandai Power Rangers). |
| 1:12 | 1" [25.40 mm] | 6" [152.4 mm] | 6-inch action figures (Toy Biz Marvel Legends, Hasbro Marvel Cinematic Universe, Playmates Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and DC Direct Action Figures). Also used for "Classic scale" model horses and called 1-inch scale for dollhouses. |
| 1:10 | 1.2" [30.48 mm] | 7" [177.8 mm] | 7-inch action figures (Mattel "classic scale" He Man and the Masters of the Universe, DC Universe and most NECA Figures). |
| 1:9 | 1.33" [33.87 mm] | 8" [203.2 mm] | 8-inch action figures and dolls (Mego World's Greatest Super Heroes). Also used for "Traditional scale" model horses. |
| 1:6 | 2" [50.80 mm] | 12" [304.8 mm] | 12-inch Articulated figures - Action Figures like Hasbro "classic scale" G.I. Joe, Dragon Models New Generation Life Action Figures, and Hot Toys Movie Masterpiece Series. Fashion dolls like Mattel's Barbie or Volks' Dollfie. Also used for static display figures (commonly of anime characters). |
| 1:4 | 3" [76.20 mm] | 18" [457 mm] | 18-inch highly detailed larger action figures and fashion dolls. |
| 1:3 | 4" [101.60 mm] | 24" [609.6 mm] | 24-inch highly articulated large ball-jointed fashion dolls (Volks Super Dollfie). |
If you're just getting into collecting figures or you've have a decent collection for a while, the great thing about this hobby is the slew of options you have available to pre-order, purchase or track down releases. There are a ton of reputable sources that are the main stays in this market, but sometimes there are other lesser known avenues that can be helpful from time to time. This is a collection of such places to help you secure those highly sought after figures through pre-orders, save money through discounts or redeemable points, or to ensure you're buying from a place where you won't be sold a bootleg.
Be aware due to COVID-19, there are shipping delays with most import and domestic retailers.
Big Bad Toy Store
- This Wisconsin based online retailer specializes in action figures, statues, collectibles and more. A great place to pre-order just announced released! BBTS is one of the biggest and most reputable domestic collectible websites, who also offer a great shipping program with Pile of Loot. They'll hold items you've ordered for up to 90 days and then combine them into one shipment at a time when is most convenient, and cost effective for you. Deposits required for some items.
- Sideshow is a specialty manufacturer of movie, film, television and collectible figures, statues, and high end pieces. It licenses from franchises including Star Wars, DC Comics, Marvel Comics, and much more. Sideshow Collectibles is also the exclusive distributor of Hot Toys collectible figures in the United States, North and South America, Europe, Australia and throughout most Asian countries. It is also an official distributor of Iron Studios statues in United States territory. They have a great pre-order program, where you can pay in installments for higher priced items. Non-refundable deposits required for some items. You can also earn points for future purchases.
- Entertainment Earth is an online retailer and wholesaler of licensed collectibles, including action figures, clothing, statues, prop replicas, games, vinyl figures, dolls, and toys. They are known for their hassle free 90-day return policy, as well as mint condition, low price and risk free shopping guarantees. They are a Premier Hasbro Distributor and also the exclusive distributer of Bif Bang Pow!
- Hasbro Pulse has become a great way for fans to get up to date news on the latest Hasbro toys, as well pre-order new merchandise risk free. They also offer a Hasbro Pulse Premium membership, for $50 annual, where you can receive free shipping, early access to select product drops, first to shop back in stock items, members-only seasonal promotions, and plenty of other perks. Since Hasbro is the manufacturer for Star Wars, Marvel, Power Rangers, and many other franchises, this website is a must to get the drop on new Hasbro merchandise.
AmiAmi
- AmiAmi is the largest figure and hobby shop in Japan and is also one of the best places to secure pre-orders with great prices. Pre-orders for future releases sell out quick, so it's always best to get in your pre-order in here as soon as possible. AmiAmi allows cancellations and you can earn AmiAmi Points to use on future purchases for an even better discount. Shipping can be pricey but will batch together orders for combined shipping.
- Another large Japanese internet mail-order retailer that sells hobby products, toys, figures, scale models, and more. They are a reputable source for second hand items, so if you're trying to track something down that is out of production, you won't have to worry about securing a bootleg copy here. They also have an auction house where you can bid on items located in their stores in Japan.
- Founded in 1995, HLJ is an internet mail-order business located in Japan which ships hobby products, toys, figures, scale models, anime items, books, magazines and more to customers all over the world, straight from Japan. HLJ was started and is run by Scott T. Hards. While living in Japan, Scott noticed that the great hobby products available there were either too expensive or not available at all overseas. So in 1995, he started a business to ship hobby products around the world from Japan at domestic prices.
- Japanese manufacturer of hobby products such as the Nendoroid and Figma product lines, as well as scale figures. In addition to production and manufacturing, its business includes design, marketing and distribution. Its products are usually based on anime, manga or video games that are currently popular in Japan. Some figures have pre-order bonuses that only available by ordering directly through GoodSmile.
First 4 Figures
- First 4 Figures is a United Kingdom and Hong Kong based toy and model company. First 4 Figures produces merchandise statues of well-known licenses, such as Dark Souls, The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario, Metroid and Sonic the Hedgehog. They make very detailed statues that come with a hefty price, but the quality is there.
- One of the largest online sellers for figures and collectibles in the UK. Born in the early 2000s by a collector who was unable to find figures in the UK.
- Forbidden Planet is a UK-based science fiction, fantasy and horror bookshop chains across the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the United States, and is named after the 1956 feature film of the same name. Specializing in movie and television merchandise, the shops sell, in addition to books, comic books, graphic novels, manga, DVDs, video games, and a wide variety of toys, clothing, and other collectible merchandise.
One of the best parts of this hobby is being able to display your figures. Whether you decide to leave them in the box or open them up as soon as you get a new pick-up, putting your collectibles on display is always fun. Posing, arranging and displaying is all part of the process of this hobby and can be equally as important. One of the most popular pieces of furniture in the figure community is the DETOLF glass-door cabinet at IKEA. It's a fairly cheap option, coming in only at $59.99, with the ability to add LED lighting strips quite easily because of it's all glass construction. The BILLY Bookcase at IKEA is also a popular option, coming in at $79.99, which includes a lot of shelf space but no glass featured, and no doors.
If you don't have a ton of space for a completely new cabinet, Acrylic Risers, found at The Container Store or Amazon, are a cheap and effective way to display your figures without breaking the bank or taking up a ton of space. As always, with the cabinets above or the acrylic risers, LED lighting strips can really add depth to your collection on display and highly recommended as a cheap addition.
A bootleg figure is a copied figure of poorer quality, made or sold illegally without permission or the legal trademark holder. They are also called fake figures, fake products, or counterfeit figures. Some bootleg figures have no similarity with any official figures but still illicitly make use of the manufacturer logo or trademarks. There is a huge bootleg market now, even in some hobby Japan mall stores like Too Cool, you'll find bootlegs of popular Figma figures or other high priced items. Amazon, eBay and conventions are also places to easily pick-up a bootleg or counterfeit item. While all are convenient for for locating certain figures, it's always best to be mindful when purchasing from either store or conventions and to make sure to do your research! The best resource available for collectibles is http://myfigurecollection.net/, where you can search an item and be able to see photos not only official releases, but bootlegs as well.
There is so much out there in the world of collectible toys, figures and statues. From news, to additional forums, and even specific subreddits... the reality is that this StarTopic is really only scratching the surface. Here are some great additional links to check out if you are looking for more information or just want to browse some of the other communities surrounding this awesome hobby.
Toy Photographers
- A great resource for toy photography. One of the best things to do is photograph your new purchases and show them off. This resource has some amazing how to guides with in depth tutorials on lighting, capturing a scene or even taking photos that match the scale of your subject. There's even a podcast, now that's some dedication!
- A great Reddit community for hobbyist and collectors to share photos of their toys, action figures and statues. Fun way to show off your collection and practice at the toy photography craft!
- This site is great for those who are true completionists. Filled with easy-to-read visual guides on most action figure lines, it’s easy to lose hours just clicking through the site. In many cases, it even has lists of unofficial future figures and waves. Action Figure 411 should be somewhere near the top of your bookmarks.
- This is the ultimate home of action figure reviews. Michael Crawford reviews are always well written, intricately detailed, and fascinating. His takes on toys set the standard on the web, and the sheer number of his reviews will astound you. The knowledge base he built advises his reviews, making this an indispensable stop before you empty your wallet on the latest figure.
- One of the most prominent and professional video reviewers out there is Pixel Dan. No doubt, every collector has run across or even shared his videos, but you can find them all gathered in one great resource. His YouTube channel has overtaken his website as the main source for any news and reviews. Worth checking out!
- If the Internet was going to be destroyed by a flood and you could only save one forum from destruction, you’d have to choose The Toyark. Every genre of action figure is represented here with active discussion from all over the world. The breaking news and picture galleries are great, too.
- Marvel has enough collectibles out there to fill thousands of different kinds of collections. If you have a branch of yours devoted to Marvel, this website is essential. The latest news on any Marvel item from Hasbro Marvel Legends to Diamond Select statues to Hot Toys can be found here. For best results, check back often!
- MMPRtoys is run by Bruno & Mia. Together they use their background in film and animation to put a creative spin on what a toy review can be. You'll also find standard toy reviews, news & exclusives, and they show you how to display, customize, and repair your toys, and so much more! If it’s Power Rangers, you’ll likely find it here.
- A selection of YouTube users who go in-depth with various franchise lines of action figures.
While the figure community can be very passionate about specific franchises or characters, we also have to remember that there are guidelines we should follow and that many people on this forum are most likely browsing in public spaces, therefore links or photos that you post for be SFW. Keep things PG-13 and be respectful of your fellow forum-mates. If you're unsure of a specific link or photo, just check the thread guidelines or ask yourself if this is appropriate to be browsing in a public space or work environment.
Please Respect The Following...
- Do not post anything that is NSFW.
- No nudity of any kind through links, photos or marketing material.
- If there is something you purchased or want to show off that is NSFW, you can list the name and model number so a member can search it on their own.
- Figures or statues with sexually suggestive poses should not be posted, as stated above, post the name and model number for a member to search on their own.
- Be respectful of each other's tastes and collections. This is a place to share a hobby we all love and adore, so even the specific figures mentioned above shouldn't be used as a means to belittle or place judgement on another user.
- Most of all, have fun!
Last edited:
