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The complete guide to profitable action figure collecting – what to collect, where to buy your action figures collectibles, and how to show off your action figures collection.

Action figure collecting - A Batman action figure collection

So you’ve decided you want to collect action figures either as an investment, to display for pleasure, or just because you think they are cool. It’s easy to get started but with tens of thousands of action figures to choose from, you must first understand how action figure collecting works. And that begins with deciding exactly which action figures collectibles you wish to collect.

Deciding what type of action figure collectibles to buy

funko pop action figure collection

When choosing an action figure collection, you often will want to focus on collecting only a few types of action figures. You may like Star Wars, Superman, or Batman and decide to center your collection around those. There may be TV shows, video games, movies, genres, or sports stars that you like. Focusing on a theme makes the hobby easier to afford and easier to manage.

Note however, that whatever theme you decide on, you will probably want to begin with at least three topics. If a particular topic falls apart, becomes too expensive, or goes off the market, you will have other choices to fall back on.

Expanding your action figure collecting focus

If you think you can keep up with (and afford) a larger collection, you can expand your action figure collecting theme. For instance, the popular Funko Pop vinyl figures cover everything from popular TV show characters and superheroes to Disney characters and movie stars. The focus of your action figure collection could be on Funko Pop figures in general and not a theme in the traditional sense.

Narrowing down your action figures collectibles target by focusing on a niche

You may want to narrow the focus of your action figure collecting even further. For instance, Star Wars covers a wide range of topics, so many that it would be practically impossible to collect them all (unless you owned a warehouse and have a lot of money). Maybe you just collect Star Wars Episode 1 figures or maybe only R2-D2 and C3-PO figures. You can always go back and expand your choices further if your action figure collecting niche is determined to be too narrow.

In the end, you should collect what you think is cool. You’ll be happy whether the value of your collection goes up or not.

Which action figure collectible brands are the most profitable to collect?

When it comes to collecting action figures, there are a lot of factors that can affect their value, such as rarity, condition, and popularity. However, one of the most significant factors is the brand. Some brands have a more dedicated fan base than others, which can drive up demand for their action figures and increase their value. Below are the top five most profitable brands of action figures to collect.

1. Star Wars

Star Wars action figures are some of the most popular and profitable to collect. The Star Wars franchise has a massive fan base that spans multiple generations, and the original action figures from the 1970s and 1980s are highly sought after by collectors.

2. Marvel

Marvel action figures are also highly profitable to collect. The Marvel Cinematic Universe has become a cultural phenomenon, and demand for these figures has increased significantly in recent years. Figures from the early 2000s, such as those from the Spider-Man and X-Men movie franchises, are particularly valuable, as they represent the early days of the Marvel movie franchise. However, newer figures based on the more recent Marvel movies, such as Avengers: Endgame, are also in high demand.

3. DC Comics

DC Comics action figures are another popular choice for collectors. The DC Universe has a long history of producing iconic superheroes, such as Batman and Superman, and their action figures are highly sought after by collectors. Figures from the Batman and Superman franchises are especially valuable, with some rare figures selling for thousands of dollars. Like the Star Wars brand, the DC Comics brand has continued to produce new action figures over the years, which means that collectors have a wide variety of figures to choose from.

4. Transformers

Transformers action figures have been around since the 1980s, and they continue to be popular among collectors. Vintage figures in good condition can be worth a lot of money, as they represent a piece of nostalgia for many collectors who grew up in the 80s and 90s.

5. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures were extremely popular in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and they remain a favorite among collectors. Vintage figures in good condition can be worth hundreds of dollars, and figures based on the recent TMNT movies are also in demand. The TMNT brand has a strong following among fans of all ages, which has helped to drive up demand for their action figures.

Should I leave the action figures in the package or not?

Return of Supergirl Action Figure Series 2 Mint Condition

The first question any action figure collector asks is whether or not the items they collect should ever be removed from the package. “Loose” refers to an action figure that has been taken out of its original package. It may be uncarded (removed from the plastic card) or unboxed (taken out of its box). This may be done to pose the figure or to display it with accessories or in scenes.

Some collectors feel removing a figure from its package lowers their value. In some sense, it does. Keeping a figure in its original package, like the Supergirl figure to the right, ensures the figure will remain in mint condition and thus will be worth more. However, investment value is not typically the main concern for action figure collectors.

“Mint” refers to figures that are in the same condition they were in when it first appeared on the market. This of course, means the figure has never been removed from the package – they are either still carded or boxed. Mint condition figures will always possess maximum investment value. However, displaying carded or boxed figures is not nearly as easy nor do the figures look as good in the box as they would unboxed and posed.

Grading action figures

Action figures are often professionally graded, especially when they appear on auction websites. For some action figure collectors, this is a major factor in their purchase. Graded figures, however, are also more expensive.

The main grading authority for action figures is the Action Figure Authority (AFA). They grade action figures using four designations:

  • “MIB” means “mint in box”
  • “MIP” means “mint in package”
  • “MOC” means “mint on card”
  • “NM” means “near mint” – the figure is still in the package but there is some wear and tear on the package

Anyone can have an item professionally graded as long as it remains in its original package. You simply send the item to the grading authority (e.g. AFA). They will inspect, grade, and repackage the item and send it back to you (typically in an acrylic case to keep it preserved). They often offer additional services such as cleaning, sealing in UV protected cases, and detailed grading reports.

Action figure versions – backs and waves

The terms “back” and “waves” are common among action figure collectors. They help delineate a particular edition or version of a collectable.

Long running action figure lines are sent to retailers in series or waves. Wave one, the original edition, is the most valuable. For instance, the first Star Wars figures (wave one) offered 12 characters in all. The back of the package encouraged customers to “collect all 12”. This first edition of Star Wars figures is known as “12 Backs”. The next 10 Star Wars figures (wave two) that were released are known as “22 Backs” (12 original plus 10 new).

Action figure characteristics – know the terminology

Action figure points of articulation

shocker toys the tick points of action poa

POA or “points of articulation” is a common term among action figure collectors and is often listed on the action figure’s specifications or description. It refers to the points on the figure that are allowed to move. In general, the more points of articulation, the more valuable (and complex) the figure. Basic forms of articulation include one neck joint, two shoulder joints, and two hip joints. Added to these are rotating writs, bending knees, swiveling waist, and many more. Some figures can have nearly 100 points of articulation including eyeballs, eyelids, finger joints, and multiple points of articulation on large joints such as the shoulders and legs.

Action figure collectors should pay attention to POA when purchasing various waves (i.e. versions) of a figure. Subsequent waves of a given product may not be identical to the one before. For instance, Wave four of a product may have four POA while Wave one had five.

Action figure scale – how we measure action figures

Action figures may include precise measurements such as inches-tall and inches-wide but most figures are measured by “scale”. The scale of the figure is usually rounded and does not necessarily dictate the figure’s exact size. There can be a wide variation in scales too. For instance, a 4 ¼-inch figure and a 2 ½-inch figure may both belong to the 3.75-inch line of action figures.

The most common scales for action figures are:

12 1 6 Scale Military Toy Soldiers Model Police Action Figures SWAT Assaulter Breacher Point man.jpg q50
  1. 2.125” (1:32 scale) HASBRO Star Wars: Unleashed Toy Soldiers
  2. 2.5” (1:25 scale) Hasbro’s Playskool Star Wars: Galactic Heroes
  3. 3.75” (1:18 scale) Hasbro G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, children’s dollhouses
  4. 4” (1:16 scale) Hasbro 3.75-inch G.I. Joe figures, most plastic animal figures
  5. 5” (1:15 scale) Kenner Jurassic Park, Bandai Power Rangers
  6. 6” (1:12 scale) Hasbro Marvel Cinematic Universe, Playmates Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, DC Direct
  7. 7” (1:10 scale) most Neca figures
  8. 8” (1:9 scale) – Mego World’s Greatest Super Heroes
  9. 12” (1:6 scale) Hasbro “classic scale” G.I. Joe, Mattel’s Barbie dolls
  10. 18” (1:4 scale) – highly detailed, larger action figures
  11. 24” (1:3 scale) – highly articulated, large, ball-jointed fashion dolls
  12. 72” (1:1 scale) – life size replicas

The most collectable action figures are 1:10 scale action figures.

Types of action figures and action figure variants

Some action figures are classified as chase, variant, superchase, surprise, custom, or exclusive. Regular figures are the standard issue. They are the most common figures on the market – the “normal” version of a particular action figure. Manufacturers will often create limited variants of a figure. These variants are of course, harder to obtain and more valuable.

Here are the different kinds of action figure variants.

Chase action figures

difference in normal and chase variant action figure

Chase action figures are a version of the regular figure that has been intentionally modified in some way. For instance, the shirt color may be different or an accessory such as a hat could be removed. It is called a “chase” figure because they are typically produced in limited quantities and collectors are expected to “chase them down” to find one. Note that the modifications to the figure are intentional, not a mistake.

Variant action figures

Variant action figures are a form of a regular figure that varies due to an error in manufacturing or because a change was made during the middle of the manufacturing process. A variant differs from a chase figure in that it is an unintentional variant, not a planned variant.

Some variants make a figure more valuable while others can reduce the value (if they are considered a “defect”). It all depends on the collector’s opinion of the variant.

Chase Variant action figures

If the unintentional variation is of a chase figure, it is called a chase variant. During the second wave of a figure, an unintentional variant can occur making the figure a “chase variant”. Since chase action figures are rare and variant action figures are also rare, chase variant action figures are extremely rare and valuable.

Super chase action figures

Chase variant action figure vs normal version of the action figure

Since chase figures are produced in limited quantities, fewer than regular figures, they are more valuable (due to supply and demand). Sometimes the manufacturer will make the chase variant more valuable by intentionally creating a variant of the chase (i.e. a variant of the variant figure) – in very, very limited quantities. This is called a super chase action figure and they are typically much more valuable than other variants.

An important point to understand about super chase variants is that sometimes the intentional variation is not promoted, advertised, or even mentioned on the package. You would have to be a knowledgeable action figure collector to recognize the chase figure had changed. For instance, a helmeted chase figure is changed to have no helmet. During the course of action figure collecting, try to remember the details of the figures you run across so you can easily recognize super chase variants.

Surprise (chase) action figures

All chases are intentional variations of regular figures. A surprise chase figure is a figure that is entirely new but unannounced. In this manner, it doesn’t seem to qualify as a chase figure since it is not really a variation and indeed, collectors argue over the semantics. Such figures are called “surprise” figures or “surprise chase” figures.

Custom action figures

A custom action figure is a regular figure that has been changed in some manner to create a one-of-a-kind piece. The change may be as small as a variation on the paint or as large as a new figure position entirely.

Exclusive action figures

Exclusive action figures are common and quite popular. An exclusive figure is a figure that is created for a specific event or retailer. The figure can only be obtained from the event or retailer, making them much harder to acquire and thus, more valuable to collectors.

An exclusive figure obtained at an event is called an “event exclusive”. If an exclusive figure is obtained through a specific organization, it is called a Collector Club Exclusive. Retailer Exclusives are similar to a Collector Club Exclusive but are only available through a specific retailer. If the collectible is only available from a particular distributor, like Entertainment Earth, it is called a Distributor Exclusive. Finally, a Stadium Giveaway Exclusive is related to sports memorabilia and are only available at a specific sports event.

How to protect the action figures in your action figure collection

All action figure collectors wonder, how much are my action figures worth? An action figure is worth much more, and more pleasing to look at, when it is in good condition. There are various ways to protect your action figure collection.

Storage considerations

Maintain an ideal temperature

action figures in display case

Ideally, collectibles should be kept in a temperature-controlled environment with a temperature between 60 and 75 degrees. High temperatures lead to blister, cellophane, tape yellowing, growth of mildew, “frost”, or deterioration of plastic, cardboard, and other packaging materials. Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can increase the chances of blister and tape lifting and can also lead to accelerated deterioration of the action figure’s materials.

Maintain an ideal humidity

High humidity levels greatly increase the chances of blisters, cellophane, and tape yellowing. Additionally, high humidity can lead to growth of mold and mildew as well as severe discoloration of vinyl components. A dehumidifier should be used to protect your action figures in humid areas of the country.

Allow sufficient air circulation

Air circulation is important. Contrary to popular belief, even professionally sealed items are not completely sealed. They have a small opening near the bottom that allows air to circulate. A completely sealed container is not recommended since they almost always contain some amount of humidity.

Limit exposure to sunlight

Finally, exposure to sunlight leads to fading. Either keep the collectible out of the sunlight or store it in a UV light filtered container.

How to store your action figures

Storing action figures in Acrylic boxes

Acrylic boxes with sliding bottoms work best for displaying action figures. In fact, many products come packaged in acrylic cases.

Storing action figures in plastic bags

Bags can be used to store collectables, but they should be specialty bags suitable for action figure storage. Specialty bags will be acid-free.

Glass display cases for your action figure collection

Some action figure collectors choose to display their action figures rather than storing them away. Glass display cases are a favorite with action figure collectors. Bookcases are nice too, but a glass display case better protects your figures.

Note that the choice to display your collection does not prevent you from collecting mint items. Mint items can still be displayed in their original package.

Another popular option is to buy one of each – one loose item and one mint. Then display the loose item and store the mint item in its package behind it.

Where and how to buy action figures

1978 luke skywalker action figure from kenner valued at 25000

How many times have you searched for a “toy store near me”? Brick and mortar shops aren’t the only places to buy collectable figures. In fact, new and vintage collectables can be found on auction websites such as eBay or the Facebook Market Place but unless the seller is verified, the purchase can be risky. The grade of the product may be incorrect or exaggerated, the shipping method poor, and the figure can easily be a cheap knockoff.

Online stores like Amazon contain the same inherent risks as auctions and other public marketplaces. Specialty online stores (like Geek Slop), however, are typically run by people with knowledge about action figure collecting. They are almost always trustworthy– after all, their business would be destroyed if they were caught selling counterfeit products.

Online specialty stores also have access to dealers that others do not. In the action figure business, this is important because variants and exclusives are often only available through these specialty channels.

How much should I pay for an action figure?

There is no true way to know how much an action figure is worth. Online specialty stores typically have even prices – fair prices for the expertise that they offer.

For used items, eBay is a good way to estimate an item’s value. eBay has a search function that lets you view items sold during the last few months. Just remember, a 10-back action figure is not the same as a 20-back.

Of course, knockoff products, which are fairly common, are almost useless to collectors. Unfortunately, they are easy for retailers to come by – they simply import them from China.

In the end, if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.

1 thought on “The complete guide to profitable action figure collecting – what to collect, where to buy your action figures collectibles, and how to show off your action figures collection.

  1. Although exclusive action figures are tied to an event or retailer, you do have the opportunity to sometimes buy US exclusives from European sites that ship to the US. You have to pay more for shipping, but at least you can buy a SDCC exclusive without having to go to the event in person. Here is an example of how I track them: https://www.actionfigure411.com/marvel/marvel-legends-exclusives-price-guide.php

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