2024 Ultimate Guide to Action Figure Collecting: Top Brands and Beginner Tips
Image Credit: Hasbro
January 5, 2024
Embarking on the thrilling journey of action figure collecting can be both exciting and overwhelming for newcomers. In this beginner's guide to action figure collecting, we'll break down the fundamentals of action figures and introduce you to some of the top brands shaping the collector's landscape in 2024, including popular lines like NECA, McFarlane Toys, and Hasbro's Marvel Legends.
What Makes an Action Figure?
An action figure is more than just a toy; it's a poseable work of art designed to replicate characters from various forms of entertainment like comic books, movies, and TV shows. Crafted from materials like durable plastic, these figurines boast movable joints, allowing for dynamic poses. Whether representing iconic superheroes from Marvel or DC, beloved characters from Star Wars and Disney, or legendary WWE wrestlers, action figures often come with accessories that enhance their playability and collector appeal.
Key Features of Action Figures:
Poseability:
Articulation: Action figures are designed with articulated joints, essential for dynamic posing. Understanding articulation is crucial for collectors who enjoy dynamic displays or use figures for photography.
Points of Articulation: Common points of articulation include the neck, shoulders, and elbows, essential for creating lifelike poses. More articulated figures like those from Hot Toys or S.H. Figuarts provide greater flexibility.
Material:
Plastic Construction: Most action figures are made of high-quality plastics like ABS or PVC, ensuring durability for regular handling and posing.
Mixed Media: Figures from premium brands like Sideshow Collectibles may incorporate materials like fabric for realistic clothing, adding to their collectible value.
Character Replication:
Detailing: High-quality action figures replicate characters with intricate detailing, evident in brands like Hasbro's Black Series or Funko's detailed Pop! figures.
Scale: Understanding different scales, such as 1/6 scale figures by Hot Toys or 1/12 by Bandai, is crucial for collectors focusing on display aesthetics.
Accessories:
Enhancing Playability: Look for figures with accessories that reflect the character's lore, such as lightsabers for Star Wars figures or web-shooters for Spider-Man figures.
Collector Appeal: Collector's editions, like NECA's limited releases, may include exclusive accessories, appealing to those seeking unique items for their collections.
Understanding these aspects of action figures contributes to making informed purchasing decisions and ensures a more enjoyable collecting experience. Whether you're a fan of Marvel or DC superheroes, Star Wars legends, or WWE icons, these considerations help tailor your collection to your specific interests and passions in the world of action figure collecting.
Image Credit: Hasbro
Top Action Figure Brands in 2024:
Hasbro:
Marvel Legends: Hasbro's Marvel Legends series is a prime choice for superhero collectors, offering an extensive range of characters from the Marvel Universe. These action figures are known for their impressive articulation, detailed sculpts, and unique build-a-figure components, making them a must-have for collectors aiming to complete Marvel-themed displays.
Star Wars Black Series: The Star Wars Black Series by Hasbro is a treasure trove for Star Wars action figure collectors. Featuring iconic characters, these figures are renowned for their movie-accurate detailing, articulation, and high collectibility, appealing to fans of all Star Wars eras, from classic trilogies to new adventures.
Mattel:
Masters of the Universe: Mattel's Masters of the Universe series is a nostalgic hit for fans of '80s fantasy toys. Characters like He-Man and Skeletor, with their bold, muscular designs, attract collectors of vintage and retro-themed action figures, blending sci-fi and medieval elements.
WWE Figures: Mattel's WWE action figures are a mainstay for wrestling figure collectors. Offering a range of current and legendary wrestlers, these figures capture the essence of WWE stars, complete with authentic attire and accessories, ideal for fans of wrestling memorabilia.
NECA (National Entertainment Collectibles Association):
Diverse Offerings: NECA's portfolio, beloved by horror and sci-fi action figure enthusiasts, includes highly detailed figures from franchises like horror classics Freddy Krueger and Jason Voorhees, to sci-fi favorites like Aliens and Predator, catering to a diverse collector base.
Movie Accurate Detailing: NECA is acclaimed for its precise, movie-accurate detailing and realistic sculpts. Their limited release figures are highly sought after in the collector's market, adding a premium appeal to their diverse offerings.
By exploring figures from these top brands, new collectors can embark on their action figure collecting journey with confidence, tapping into the rich and diverse world of collectibles from trusted industry leaders in 2024.
Image Credit: Hasbro, Neca, Mattel
Getting Started:
Identify Your Interests:
Reflect on Personal Preferences: Consider your favorite genres, franchises, or specific characters. Whether you're drawn to Marvel superheroes, Star Wars sci-fi, fantasy realms like Lord of the Rings, or characters from popular movies and TV shows, identifying these interests helps you focus your action figure collection on areas that truly resonate with you.
Prioritize Favorites: If you're a fan of specific characters or series, such as Batman from DC Comics or characters from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, start your collection with these figures. This ensures your collection is a true reflection of your passions, enhancing the enjoyment and personal connection to your hobby.
Explore New Horizons: While it's great to start with familiar interests, be open to exploring new genres or franchises. Action figure collecting can be a gateway to discovering new favorite characters and stories, broadening your horizons and adding diversity to your collection.
Set a Budget:
Determine a Realistic Budget: Before diving into purchases, set a budget that's practical for your financial situation. Begin with cost-effective options as you learn about the action figure market and your own collecting preferences, whether it's affordable lines like Hasbro's Marvel Legends or Funko Pop figures.
Allocate Funds Wisely: Prioritize your spending based on factors like the rarity of NECA exclusives or the personal significance of specific characters or series. This strategic approach ensures that each addition to your collection is both financially sensible and emotionally rewarding.
Plan for Long-Term Growth: Understand that building a collection is a long-term endeavor. Be prepared to adjust your budget as your interests and the action figure market evolve, allowing for the gradual growth of your collection over time.
Connect with Communities:
Join Collector Forums: Engage with online action figure communities on platforms like Reddit, specialized collector forums, or dedicated action figure websites. These forums are a treasure trove of information and provide a supportive environment for newcomers to the hobby.
Social Media Engagement: Participate in action figure groups on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. These platforms are great for staying updated on new releases, gaining inspiration from other collectors' displays, and connecting with the broader action figure community.
Attend Local Events: Look for local toy fairs, conventions like Comic-Con, or collector meet-ups. These events are excellent opportunities to meet fellow collectors, see action figures in person, and learn from experienced enthusiasts about the nuances of collecting.
By understanding your personal interests, setting a realistic budget, and connecting with the action figure collecting community, you lay a strong foundation for a rewarding collecting journey. These steps will guide you in making informed decisions, building a collection that truly reflects your passions, and connecting with like-minded enthusiasts in the vibrant world of action figure collecting.
Final Thoughts:
Embarking on your action figure collection journey is an exciting adventure filled with endless possibilities. Start small, exploring different brands like Hasbro's Marvel Legends, Mattel's WWE figures, or NECA's movie-inspired collectibles, and most importantly, have fun immersing yourself in the diverse world of action figures. With top brands like Hasbro, Mattel, and NECA leading the way in 2024, you're sure to find figures that resonate with your favorite franchises, whether it's superhero sagas, sci-fi epics, or iconic wrestling heroes. This exploration is your gateway to a world of creativity and passion, setting you on a path to becoming a seasoned collector in the thrilling universe of action figure collecting.