The growing popularity of action figures brings great new products. Action figures have been very popular since the 1950s. The first GI Joe action figure was created in the 1950s, and countless genres have been introduced since then. After the first GI Joe came to life, the hit sci-fi movie Star Wars produced tons of figures of those great characters. Kenner had produced some of the best collectible toy figures on the planet from the Star Wars movie.
The most popular size to collect is 7″, however other common sizes include 3″, 3 3/4″, 12″ and 18″. Most action figures are solid weight and made of vinyl or plastic Another thing that makes these items collectible, is the accessories and extras that you receive included in the packaging.
Many manufacturers to choose from. Here are a few: Jakks Pacific, NECA, McFarlane Toys, and Mezco Toyz. Jakks Pacific specializes in licensing WWE wrestling figures. Both NECA and McFarlane Toys license many movies, TV shows, video games, sports, musicians, and much more. One of McFarlane Toys’ specialties is professional sports licensing. They cover all professional sports including: NHL, NBA, MLB, and NFL. There are many themes that contemplate the universe of action figures. Themes like The Dark Knight, Scarface, Terminator, Alien, Predator and Planet of the Apes. While movie action figures are popular, licensed action figures from hit TV shows are also extremely popular. 24, Lost, The Simpson’s, The Girl’s Next Door, Futurama, South Park, and Family Guy have quality figures made of characters from each of these shows.
There are people who buy with the intention of displaying them and there are those who collect them. Collecting action figures is a hobby for some, for others it’s a collecting empire. If an action figure is rare or a limited number of them are made, this increases its value. The state of its packaging is also a determining factor of value.
If you’re looking to ride the action figure wave to the top, toy conventions are a great way to see the latest figures or to network and meet people. The American International Toy Fair, Comic-Con, and Wizard World are just a few of the big toy conventions that take place once a year across the country. These conventions are a great place to meet new people who share your interests.
So start collecting something new and exciting and welcome yourself to the wonderful world of action figures.