How To Get Started Collecting Action Figures: A Beginner's Guide

A growing trend in pop culture is the hobby of collecting action figures and there's a whole host of reasons why you should be collecting and dare we say playing with these beautiful collectibles. Read on as we present a beginner’s guide to action figure collecting and tell you why now may be the best time to start an adult action figure collection!

What Makes A Good Action Figure?

To collectors, the answer to this question is usually simple and in many ways is tailored to their own personal preferences. To someone starting out in action figure collecting however, the answer may not be so clear-cut. So, what does make a good action figure?

There are several factors to consider when determining whether an action figure is good. The first, and perhaps most important factor, is detail. A good action figure will feature intricate details that help it capture the look and feel of the character it is based on. This can include things like realistic facial features, clothing wrinkles, and even props or accessories that are accurate to the character’s on-screen appearance.

Another important factor in determining if an action figure is good, is its articulation. Articulation refers to how many points of movement a figure has, and how those points are placed in the overall design of the figure. A figure with more articulation points will typically be able to strike more poses than a figure with fewer articulation points. Additionally, figures with strategically placed articulation points will often have a wider range of motion than those with less thoughtfully placed articulation points. This means they can be posed in a more dynamic fashion allowing you to better recreate scenes from your favourite franchise.

The last major factor to consider when determining if an action figure is good, is its overall aesthetic. This includes things like its level of realism (if it’s meant to be realistic), overall paint job, and any special features or accents.

Obviously your personal preferences will also play a role in deciding if an action figure is good or bad, these preferences usually include the franchise they are sourced from, their size and the quality of their packaging, for example those who open their action figures may choose to opt for cheaper figures with damaged packaging as this doesn’t matter to them. Collectors looking to preserve resale values however will look for mint packaged figures.

What Sizes Are Action Figures Made In?

The average action figure is between 3 and 6 inches tall. The size of an action figure can vary depending on the scale of the figure and the character it is based on. For example, a figure of Iron Man will usually be larger than a figure of Ant-Man. The size also varies based on how the manufacturer produces the figure. Some manufacturers create their figures to a smaller or larger scale in order to make them more affordable or to include more detail.

When it comes to adult collectors, there is no one definitive answer for what size action figures they prefer. Some like to collect smaller figures that can fit easily on display shelves, while others prefer larger ones that are more detailed and poseable. Ultimately, it is up to the individual collector to decide what size works best for them.

How Much Should You Expect Pay For An Action Figure

When it comes to action figure prices, there are a few things that you need to take into account. The first is the size of the action figure. The larger the figure, the more expensive it will be. The second is the brand of the action figure. Some brands are simply more popular than others, which drives up the price. Finally, you need to consider whether the action figure is rare. If it's a limited edition or hard-to-find model, you can expect to pay significantly more than retail price.

With all of that said, how much should you expect to pay for an action figure? It really depends on all of the factors mentioned above. A good rule of thumb is to budget around £20-£40 per figure, but be prepared to spend more for rare or high-end models.

Action Figures on a Budget

If you’re on a budget, and let’s be honest a lot of us are, you can find all sorts of treasures at car boot sales and charity shops, and if you're lucky, you might just find some amazing action figures.

Whether you're a die-hard collector or just looking for a few fun gifts, here are some of the best action figures to keep an eye out for on the second-hand market:

Vintage Star Wars Figures

There's no denying the popularity of Star Wars, and that means there's always a demand for vintage Star Wars action figures. If you're lucky enough to find one of these at a car boot sale for a bargain price, snap it up immediately!

Transformers Figures

Transformers are another classic toy line that's still going strong today. Whether you're looking for Generation 1 characters or something from the more recent movies, there's sure to be a Transformers figure out there for you.

G.I. Joe Figures

G.I. Joe has been around for decades, and there are literally thousands of different figures to collect. You might not find too many car boot sellers with huge collections of G.I Joes, but it's definitely worth keeping an eye out for those rare gems.

Marvel Legends Figures

With the huge success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Marvel Legends figures are more popular than ever. These high-quality collectibles can be hard to find, so if you see one at a car boot sale, don't hesitate to grab it!

DC Multiverse Figures

DC's Multiverse line of figures is relatively new, but it's already become very popular with collectors. These figures are highly detailed and come with a ton of accessories, making them a great addition to any collection.

Which Companies Make The Best Action Figures

There are numerous action figure manufacturers that exist. Some are well known, while others are lesser known. However, all of them have something special to offer collectors. Here is a list of some of the most popular action figure companies that you’ll want to know about:

• Mattel
• Hasbro
• Jakks Pacific
• NECA
• McFarlane Toys
• Bandai Namco Entertainment
• Kotobukiya
• Playmates Toys
• Diamond Select Toys

How To Tell If An Action Figure Is Authentic?

When it comes to adult action figure collectors, one of the most important things to consider is authenticity. With so many fake and counterfeit action figures on the market, it can be tough to know if you're getting a real deal or are being ripped off. Here are a few tips on how to tell if an action figure is authentic:

• Check the packaging. One of the first things you should do when checking for authenticity is to look at the packaging. If it looks like it's been tampered with in any way, or it’s of a low quality with features such as blurred print or dodgy spelling, chances are it's a fake.
• Compare prices. If you come across an action figure that seems too good to be true in terms of price, it probably is. Counterfeiters will often try to sell their products for much less than what they're worth, counting on the greed factor to help with their deception.
• Inspect the figure itself. Once you have the figure in hand, take a close look at it to see if there are any obvious signs that it's not genuine. This includes things like mismatched colours, poor quality paint jobs, and sloppy assembly.
• Do your research on the seller. If you're buying an action figure online, be sure to do some research on the seller before making your purchase. Look for red flags like negative feedback or no return policy listed. Sticking to reputable dealers and toy / hobby shops is a good way to guarantee authenticity.
• Know your stuff! Perhaps the most important tip of all is to simply know your stuff when it comes to action figures. Familiarise yourself with the figures you decide to collect, and you’ll soon learn to spot irregularities that indicate a counterfeit item.

Chase And Limited Edition Action Figures

Chase and limited edition action figures are two types of collectible figures that are often sought after by collectors. Chase figures are usually variants of a regular figure, with a different paint scheme or other slight change that makes them more desirable to collectors. They are typically produced in small quantities and can be hard to find. Limited edition figures are also produced in small quantities, but they are usually only available for purchase for a short period of time. After they are no longer available for purchase, they can be much harder to find and may fetch a higher price from collectors.

Should Your Remove Action Figures from Their Packaging

Whether should or shouldn’t remove action figures from their packaging is a hotly debated topic among collectors. Some say that leaving them in their packaging protects the value of the figure, while others argue that it's more important to enjoy the figure itself and that displaying it out of the box is the best way to do that. Ultimately, there is no right or wrong answer and it's up to you to decide what's best for your collection. Here are some things to consider when making your decision:

Action Figure Value

If you're concerned about preserving the value of your figure, then keeping it in the packaging is probably a good idea. However, if you're more interested in enjoying the figure than preserving its resale value, then opening it up and displaying it can be a good way to recapture childhood memories.

Storage Space

Another consideration is storage space. Action figures can take up a lot of room, especially if they're still in their bulky packaging. If you're short on space, removing them from the box can help you save some much-needed room.

Action Figure Aesthetics

There are also aesthetic reasons for why you might want to display your action figure out of the package. Seeing them all lined up on a shelf in their plastic prison can look a bit dull - freeing them from their boxes can add some much-needed personality to your collection.

How To Clean Your Action Figure Collection

When it comes to action figure collecting, one of the most important things you can do is keep your figures clean. Here are some tips on how to clean your action figures:

Boxed Action Figures

• Simply dust off the outside of the box with a soft, lint-free cloth. If the box is very dirty, you can gently wipe it down with a damp cloth, but only do this if you’re not concerned about the resale value, if you are, consider taking it to an expert.
• If your figure is new and has a sales sticker applied, you are usually able to remove it with a little patience and a light touch. If you’re figure is vintage however, chances are you’ll do more damage to the packaging trying to remove it so you should leave it alone.
• Consider purchasing a protective case for your action figure from one of the many online retailers. Look for acid-free, ridged cases which have been specially designed for the figures you are collecting.

Unboxed Action Figures

• Start by dusting your figure with a soft cloth making sure to remove any removable parts or accessories. This will remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the surface.
• If your figure is heavily soiled, you may use a mild soap and water solution and gently scrub the body of your figure. Be sure to avoid getting any water inside the joints or other areas where the parts connect – you don’t want to cause them to rust or deteriorate. Rinse and dry completely with a soft cloth.
• Reassemble any removable parts that were taken off earlier in the cleaning process.

Which Action Figures Should You Collect!

There are a lot of different action figures on the market these days. But which ones should you be looking to buy to start your journey into the world of collectibles? Here are some of the best options:

• Limited edition or chase variant action figures. These are usually harder to find, and therefore more valuable. They also tend to be more detailed and well-made than mass-produced figures.
• Action figures from your favourite movies or TV shows. If you're a fan of a particular franchise, then picking up some related action figures is a great way to show your fandom.
• Classic action figures. If you grew up in the 80s or 90s, then chances are you have fond memories of playing with certain iconic toy lines. Why not relive those childhood memories by picking up some classic action figures?
• Highly articulated action figures. These days, many action figures come with a high level of articulation, making them much more poseable than their predecessors. If you're looking for a figure that can be posed in a variety of ways, then go for one of these.
• Unique or unusual action figures. Sometimes the best action figure is one that's not like anything else out there. If you can find a figure that really stands out from the crowd, then it's sure to be a prized addition to your collection.

There really is no better time than now to start collecting action figures. The market is full of high-quality figures from a variety of brands, and there's never been more choices for collectors. Whether you're a fan of Marvel or DC Comics, Star Wars or Ghostbusters, there's an action figure out there for you.

So, there you have it, everything you need to know to get started collecting action figures. No matter what your budget is or what your taste in toys is, there's an action figure out there for you. With a little patience and perseverance, you can build up an impressive collection of these beautiful pieces of art that are sure to bring you joy for years to come. Thanks for reading and enjoy your toy hunting adventures.

Please tag us in @ThatsPopCulture on social media when you make your first purchase, we'd love to see what sparked your new collection!