Action Figures and Heroes
Since their initial success in the 1960s with Hasbro 
's creation of G.I. Joe, action figures have captured the hearts of both children and collectors. They were initially made in reaction to Barbie, but soon after there was no stopping the boy's toy market that would fuel children's imaginations for decades to come. Today there are hundreds of figures in each manufacturer's line, each with its own personality and following.No matter how old you are, collecting (or playing with) your favorite action hero is always exciting and fun. Luckily, there are models out there for just about every television show, cartoon, or comic book you can think of, so chances are if you are looking for something, you'll find it. Don't forget about real life action figures--from Shakespeare to infantry soldiers, you can collect them all!
Shopping Tips
Kids love to play--and play they do. Age appropriateness is a key point to remember. A collector quality action figure is unsuitable for a young child because it is too easily broken, whereas a gift for a teenager who wants to collect them is another story. Most of the playthings sold for kids are made to last, unlike collector's pieces that feature intricate designs and accessories made to impress. Toy action figures have solid, easy to move joints made of heavy duty plastic and the details are kept to a minimum.When shopping, besides looking at brands or what's hot, be sure to consider the following points:
- Check the base of the action figure to determine whether or not it will be easy for a child to stand it up.
- Give it the blood, gore, and violence check. Is the toy depicting something you would rather not have your kid see? Don't buy that toy. Collectors and older children will love all those gory details, but often it's just too graphic for a little kid. If you are buying for someone other than a family member or close friend, check with the parents to make sure that the toy you want to buy is not too violent.
- See if the toy has any special features, such as lights, sound, or moving parts--these extras can make it more exciting.
- Watch out for small parts when buying for a young child--they can be choking hazards. Always check to see if a toy has any of these and don't buy toys that exceed a child's age (recommended ages are usually clearly labeled on the packaging).
Major Toys
Check out the hot action figures to purchase for your child.
For Young Kids
For Older Kids
Collector's Corner
For new collectors, start with a collection that you want to stick with for at least a little while rather than just buying whatever you see. For example, say you want to collect Superman action figures, a very clearly defined direction to pursue. It gives you a starting point for getting to know the market: developments, demands, rarities, prices, and collector's communities. Then in the future you will have a better knowledge base to branch out into other lines. Another option for starting off is to focus on a particular year, time period, or even style of action figure. When initially considering which line of action figures to start collecting, keep in mind how many figures there are to collect in all, your interest in the character, and what meaning the collection will have for you.When shopping, look out for any variations in a product you already own. Let's say you own a particular series of He-Man and you find one with a different set of accessories--buy it! These and any figures with strange packaging (not damaged) are worth more than those that came off the production line with a million other look-alikes.
Tips
- Research: Know what you are looking for before you start shopping, including what the going rates are for that particular item, any fluctuations in the price and/or value, and where you can find this item. Internet forums are a great place to get started. Also look into magazines and newsletters about collecting action figures for a place to start. You might try:
- Relax: Collecting takes time. It doesn't just happen overnight.
- Be persistent: Check back in your local or Internet toy store frequently to be on top of any updates or new shipments.
- Be thorough: When checking out stores for action figures be sure to look everywhere; behind products, on top or bottom shelves, anywhere that's far from reach. Usually there will be gems stashed there where the store employees will hope you won't be looking.
Basic Terminology
Collecting always has its own set of terms that people are familiar with in order to set standards across the board. Here are some of the most essential things to know about the value of an action figure. You should also check out Raving Toy Maniac's Action Figure Collecting Glossary.
- A/O: "All original" is complete with all items and accessories included in the original box.
- NRFB: "Never removed from box" is the most valued type of all original collector's items.
- MIB: "Mint in the box" is a perfect condition action figure with the box.
- MIP: "Mint in package" means the accessories are still in their packages.
- Mint and Complete: Everything is together and it's all in good condition.
- MNB: "Mint no box" is valuable, but not as much as if it had the box.
- NM: "Near mint." Good, but not perfect condition. Usually there is no box.
- Ratings for the quality of a given action figure are based on two scales.
- There is the C Scale (ranging from C1 to C10 with 10 being perfect and 1 being very poor quality) and the AFA (Action Figure Authority ) percentage ratings based on a scale from 1 to 100.
- The only action figures that are thought to be valuable are those that have a C rating of nine or higher and/or an AFA rating of 85% or more.
- Other Terms
- Prototypes: Never publically released to the consumer market because it didn't make production. Great care should be taken when considering whether or not to buy these as there are relatively few on the market and many people make replicas and try to pass them off as the real thing.
- Exclusives: Large quantities of a model sold to a large retailer.
- Semi-Exclusives: Exclusive to more than one store.
- Shortpacks: Either those produced in lower quantities due to higher production costs, limited demand, or to make them more valuable.
Related Guides
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