What is Action Figure?

Perhaps you have encountered real or unreal characters while reading a book or watching a movie, series, or even animation, and they have remained in your mind until now. Characters and myths may have been unreal, but sometimes they affect us more than a person in the real world and far from our imagination; a profound impact that even getting to know new characters, even with the speed of our lives, has not diminished the depth of this impact; instead, each of the new characters has created its unique effect on us, and among them are action figures that step into the field of our memories; but what is an action figure and what are its types?

The definition of Action Figure

An action figure is a miniature representation of a character from a movie, television show, comic book, or video game. These figurines are usually designed to closely resemble the character in detail, including clothing, accessories, and facial features. Action figures often have movable joints that allow for posing and expression, increasing the playability and versatility of the figure. They are popular with children and collectors and are commonly used for imaginative play, display, and collection building. In addition, action figures often come with accessories or weapons that enhance their play experience, allowing fans to recreate favorite scenes or embark on new adventures with their favorite characters.

History of Action Figures

Joint dolls have a long history, dating back to at least 200 BC. Examples of articulated clay and wooden dolls have been found in ancient Greece, Rome, and Persia. Modern articulated dolls with ball joints were first made in Europe in the late 19th century and are now considered collectible antiques.

One of the first toys closely resembling modern action figures was the Humpty Dumpty Circus, introduced in 1904. In 1964, Hasbro coined the term “action figure” for its G.I. Joe figure to appeal to boys who refused to play with “dolls.” The figure quickly became very popular with its military design and interchangeable clothing. The action figure’s movable joints allowed him to be posed in various poses and positions. It also had various military equipment and uniforms, similar to a real soldier. These features worked together to make Gi Joe one of Hasbro’s biggest successes. With the success of the figure, Hasbro expanded its production of this type of figure to various markets by licensing it to other companies.

The Evolution of Action Figures: From Star Wars to the Marvel Universe

Over the years, action figures have undergone significant transformations, reflecting technological advancements and cultural shifts. In the 1970s and 1980s, Star Wars action figures dominated the market, captivating a generation of fans. The 1990s saw the rise of superhero action figures, coinciding with the popularity of comic book adaptations. Today, action figures encompass various characters from various franchises, catering to diverse interests and fandoms.

Key Features of Action Figures

Modern action figures come with several defining characteristics:

Articulation – Most figures have movable joints, allowing for dynamic posing.
Accessories – Many come with weapons, alternate heads, hands, or display stands.
Detail and Sculpting – High-end figures boast intricate designs, capturing every character detail.
Material – Most are made of PVC or ABS plastic, though some premium figures use die-cast metal or fabric clothing.
Size Variations – Common sizes include 3.75-inch, 6-inch, and 12-inch scales, with some larger models available.

Types of Action Figures

The following answers the question: What is an Action Figure? We will explain more about the types of action figures. Stay tuned.

Football Action Figure

As the name of this category of action figures suggests, manufacturers design football action figures based on popular football characters. The most popular characters are Messi, Ronaldo, Carlos, etc. The dimensions of football action figures vary between a few centimeters and one meter.

Anime Action Figure

Anime action figures are made from anime characters. Anime is a special type of Japanese animation. It is very popular among children and teenagers. Anime’s popularity is not limited to a specific age group and has fans in different age categories.

Superhero Action Figure

Superhero action figures are popular among all age groups over 6. They are based on popular comic book characters, top movie and story characters, etc. That’s why most people are interested in superhero action figures.

Action Figures of Famous People

These action figures are based on famous people, such as global celebrities. They are most popular among fans of the same renowned character on which the action figure is based. It is worth noting that action figures such as football figures, artists, actors, etc., can also be action figures of famous people.

Action Figure Buying Tips

In this section, we want to review the tips for buying action figures. If you plan to buy a figure, you should know some things before buying. First, you need to know what an action figure is and its types; figures come in different types and at various prices. Of course, action figures are more expensive than figures due to the ability of the parts to move.

The price of figures varies depending on the material, dimensions, and features, such as lighting, and the high cost of figures is mainly due to their limited production in the factory. In addition, you can also use second-hand figures. The figures have different dimensions that you can choose according to your taste. Still, if you are a collector, small-sized action figures are more suitable.

You should note that ordering luxury action figures will require waiting a long time for the product to reach you, so don’t worry. Be careful not to take it out of the box immediately after receiving your package.

Some companies also entrust the coloring of the figures to artists to increase the quality. You can also use this option.

How to Start Collecting Action Figures

When you decide to collect action figures, you can use these tips:

Choose a Theme – Focus on a specific franchise, era, or type of figure.
Set a Budget – Collecting can be expensive, so determine how much you will spend.
Research Rarity & Value – Some figures are worth more due to limited production.
Check for Authenticity – Be cautious of counterfeit figures, especially when buying online.
Proper Storage & Display – Store figures away from direct sunlight and dust to maintain their condition.

The Action Figure Market: A World of Diversity and Competition

The action figure market is a thriving industry with countless manufacturers and retailers catering to collectors and enthusiasts. From mass-produced figures found in toy stores to limited-edition collectibles sold at conventions, the market offers a wide range of options for every budget and taste.

The Future of Action Figures

With advancing technology, the future of action figures holds exciting possibilities. 3D printing, for example, allows for the creation of highly detailed and customizable statistics. Additionally, integrating augmented and virtual reality could enhance the play experience, blurring the lines between the physical and digital worlds.

Conclusion

The world of figures and action figures is fascinating; many people, regardless of age and gender, live in this magical world. Figures are sculptures of different sizes and genders that can sometimes revive memories of your favorite heroes and characters.

In this article, we spent a few minutes together discussing action figures and their types, their history, the benefits of using them, and tips before buying. If you are interested in a particular character and want to give it as a gift, keep it with you, or add it to your collection, reading this text is enough to help you choose and buy the right one from the brand. And call us in actifig.