Collectible Action Figures: The Inside Scoop You Didn’t Know You Needed

Did you grow up admiring the intricate figurines displayed at your local comic book store? Have you been looking for a way to feature your favorite franchises in your home? You may be ready to start putting your time and energy into curating a collection of action figures.

What are Action Figures?

First things first, let’s get the official definition out of the way. An action figure can be described as a type of plastic figurine that is typically made to look like a fictional character and has movable joints, allowing the owner to pose it in a variety of ways.

What is the Difference Between Most Collectible Figurines and Action Figures?

In the past, too many people have mistaken classic action figures for collectible toys or dolls. The main difference lies in their levels of articulation.

Designed to make playtime more interesting, action figures can be moved around to create dynamic scenes, whereas collectible figurines are typically static. For example, a Funko Pop, while it may be designed to look like Spider-Man, isn’t categorized as an action figure because it can’t move.

Why Do People Love Collectible Action Figures?

Collectible action figures provide people with a way to engage with pop culture, both past and present. Those who are motivated by nostalgia tend to hunt down the collectible toys that remind them of their youth, while others may find that purchasing brand-new collectible figurines is the perfect outlet for their current obsessions. If you have a character that you absolutely love, why shouldn’t you find a tangible way to partake in your interests?

The majority of collectible action figures are so intricate and vibrantly painted that they’re basically works of art. Though there are people who buy these figurines purely to resell them and make a profit, the majority of collectors feature them as unique decorations in their homes. The next time you’re trying to personalize your home office or children’s bedroom, consider placing your favorite collectible figurines on display for all to see. 

What Was the First Collectible Action Figure?

The worldwide phenomenon of collectible figurines started way back in 1964, when Hasbro released the original G.I. Joe. At 12 inches long, this new poseable figure was an effort to make doll-like toys geared towards boys’ interests.

The original designs were meant to represent four different branches of the U.S. military and came with matching accessories. After the success of Action Soldier, Action Sailor, Action Pilot, and Action Marine, other collectible toy companies took note of their popularity and began brainstorming ways to do the same.

The Major Manufacturers of Collectible Action Figures:

• Hasbro

• Mattel

• McFarlane Toys

• NECA

• Bandai Namco

What Determines a Collectible Figurine’s Value?

Collectible action figures can go for anywhere between less than $20 and several thousand dollars, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars. (Yes, for real.) The final price tag given to one of these collectible toys is based on a few key factors, including condition, rarity, and current character demand. A limited edition Superman action figure kept in pristine condition, for instance, would be valued much higher than a mass-produced Aquaman with visible wear and tear.

What About Repainted Action Figures?

It’s impossible to talk about a collectible figurine’s value without bringing up the divisive subject of repaints. The collectors that are solely after mint condition figurines look down on designs with custom paint jobs—but there is an exception.

High-quality repaints completed by a professional restoration artist can bring a less-than-perfect item back to a display-worthy level again. While this may not fly with traditional collectors, there are plenty of people who consider those items worth buying.

What Kinds of Collectible Action Figures Are Out There?

When it comes to collectible action figures, we can all but guarantee that there’ll be a figurine from your favorite movie, TV show, or comic book—it’s just a matter of finding it. Since the top collectible toy companies in the world either now own the IP or have created collaborations with popular franchises, there is a wide range of designs to choose from at your local Louisville antique mall.

Most Popular Collectible Action Figure Characters from Different Franchises:

• Star Wars: Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Boba Fett, Stormtroopers, The Mandalorian, etc.

• Marvel: Spider-Man, Deadpool, Wolverine, Captain America, Hulk, etc.

• DC: Wonder Woman, Batman, Superman, Robin, Deathstroke, Harley Quinn, etc.

• Transformers: Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Megatron, Starscream, Shockwave, Grimlock, etc.

• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo, Donatello, Shredder, Bepop, etc.

• Dragon Ball Z: Goku, Vegeta, Broly, Frieza, Future Trunks, Majin Buu, etc.

• G.I. Joe: Snake Eyes, Storm Shadow, Duke, Scarlett, Cobra Commander, Roadblock, etc.

Where’s the Best Place to Buy Collectible Action Figures?

If you were to ask someone who’s been buying collectible toys for a while, they’ll probably say that your best bet for finding the rarest and most valuable action figures is online. While there are certainly endless auction sites and community forums where you can spend your time browsing and connecting with other buyers, it’s missing one of the most exciting aspects of collecting figurines: the in-person thrill of the hunt!

When you have time to leave the house, take your new hobby to the streets and head to your nearest vendor mall. There, with hundreds of local vendors selling their merchandise in one massive building, you can spend the day scouring each booth and showcase for your dream collectible figurine finds. Maybe we’re biased, but we don’t think anything beats the feeling of coming across the missing piece to your collection! 

3 Tips for Buying Collectible Action Figures:

• Tip 1: Pay attention to whether or not the collectible toy you’ve found is the standard design or a variant. Most of the time, variants, whether they were placed in the wrong packaging or painted in the wrong color palette, garner a higher price.

• Tip 2: A golden rule of collectible toy hunting is that unopened products sell for more than opened counterparts. If you’re lucky enough to find a collectible figurine still in a box, try not to break the seal.

• Tip 3: To fully immerse yourself in the hobby, it’s helpful to learn how action figures are graded. For this type of collectible toy, the card, bubble, and figure are each assigned a grade based on condition.

Feeling inspired to start your very own collection of action figures? You’re not alone! It doesn’t matter if you’re in the market for rare Marvel superhero figurines or a collectible toy of your favorite Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle—head to America’s Antique Mall and begin your hunt today.