Action-Figure Guide 2

What Defines an Action Figure?



hmmm..been thinking about that..



One of the most hotly debated issues among action figure collectors is: what is, and what isn't an action figure. Every collector has been faced with somebody not-in-the-know calling their action figures "figurines" or worse, "dolls." This labelling issue stems from the fact that nobody has ever taken the time to define what an action figure technically is. We often have a vague idea that an action figure is a small, plastic character designed for re-enactment play by children. They can be posed and accessories can be placed in their hands, but so can Barbie dolls, and most collectors will emphatically cry out that Barbie is not an action figure.

This article will try to define action figures; however it's important to understand that this definition is not written in stone and is subject to debate and further discussion. This is not a black and white categorization; rather, there are many gray areas.

The first step in defining an action figure is to look at them alongside their closest cousins, figurines and dolls; all three of which can fall under the major category of simply "figures." By defining all three, we should see how they are related and where one ends and the other begins.

Types of Figures

Figurines: Figurines are often small, sculpted and painted representations of personified characters (superheroes, movie characters, etc.) that have no moving parts.

• Posability: None 

• Size: From extremely miniature (e.g. 6mm model train figures) up to approximately 6 inches (anything larger is generally considered a "statue").

• Other Features: Often figurines will be molded permanently on a base to help them stand (e.g. plastic green Army men)

Action Figures: Action figures must possess a certain amount of posability, often referred to as "points of articulation". These figures will have moving parts that can be manipulated into various poses. Often they come with interchangeable accessories such as weapons or snap-on backpacks.

• Posability: Yes. Most collectors agree that an action figure should possess no less than 3 points of articulation (e.g. the head and both arms move).

• Size: From approximately 3 inches up to 11 inches.

• Other Features: Most action figures will be built entirely of molded plastic, including its clothing and accessories, although occasionally some will come with one piece of cloth clothing (e.g. a robe or cape).

Dolls: Dolls are almost always much larger than figurines and action figures and will often come with clothing that can be removed almost completely. They should also possess a certain amount of posability, but the emphasis on posability is often second to the realism of the sculpts and accessories.

• Posability: Yes. Depending on the line of the dolls, posability is less important than display aesthetics.

• Size: Usually 12 inches or larger.

• Other Features: Dolls will often have removable clothing, down to the figures "skin" and will possibly have other interchangeable outfits that can be purchased separately. Accessories such as weapons and other hand-held gear are also abundant and highly prized by doll collectors.

The Gray Areas



yah yah..my skin is gray..so what!



There is no fine line dividing each of the three categories and are therefore left to personal opinion.

What one collector may call a "figurine", another collector may call an "action figure". Let's look at some of the possible gray areas within each category.

• Figurines: Occasionally, you may come across a figure that is mostly static, yet may have, say, a head that turns from side to side. For the most part this figure would still be considered a figurine due to the fact that one or two points of articulation do not significantly add to the "action" aspect of the figure.

Also, some figurines may come with a single accessory that snaps onto the hand, or perhaps a cloth cape that can be removed, but like the single point of articulation previously mentioned, this doesn't necessarily raise the figure to the status of "action figure".

•  Action Figures: Some action figures can be quite large, upwards to 11 inches, in some cases larger. But an action figure larger than 11 inches does not by default become a doll unless the majority of its clothing can be completely removed. For example, the classic Shogun Warriors of the 1970's stood at a whopping 24 inches, yet were completely made of moulded plastic and designed to be played with more than displayed. 

Alternately, some action figures may be smaller than 3 inches, such as the Yoda action figure from Kenner's Empire Strikes Back line. However, it possessed 5 points of articulation, a cloth robe and two moulded plastic accessories. Despite its similarities to both figurines and dolls, it is ultimately an action figure.

• Dolls: Dolls may be smaller than 12 inches, but as long as they still have clothing that can be completely removed and it is clear that the figure was meant to be displayed, as opposed to played with, it can be considered a doll. 

However, one of the most popular figures in the world, the classic G.I. Joe figures of the 1960s-'70s is often referred to alternately as both an action figure and a doll. The original figures stood at around 12 inches and had completely removable clothing that could be switched out for other outfits. By our definition, this is a doll, but due to its obvious design as a toy meant to be played with, it could also be considered an action figure. Ironically, G.I. Joe is the reason for the term "action figure" due to Hasbro executives worrying that boys would not play with a "doll," thus giving the figure the new term.

Which Ones Should You Collect?

  



pick me!!!...pick me!!!



Although we have attempted to define the different categories of figures, there is no reason not to collect them all if they suit what you'd want to see on your shelves. In fact, because of these gray areas in the definition, most collectors have a few figurines and dolls in their collection and display them all together. In the end, it's all about what makes you happy as a collector.

How to Find the Value of an Action Figure



great..thx for checking my booty mate..sob..



 Action figure collecting can be very profitable when you know what you're looking for and, more importantly, what you have. For those collectors who look to their collections as a financial investment, knowing the value of each figure is extremely important. If you hope to one day re-sell your figures on the collectible market, you must determine its value according to the demand for the figure and the condition (or grading) it's in.

Determining Condition 

How much a figure is worth depends greatly on how pristine or how beat up it is. The six basic grades of condition are as follows:

C10: Mint Condition: The figure has no discoloration, paint loss, dirt or grime, has tight joints and includes all of its original accessories. If the figure is still packaged, the package itself must be in equally pristine condition without tears, creases or damage from torn-off price tags.

C8-9: Near Mint Condition: The figure must be as close to original condition as possible with the allowance of any minor issues, such a single loose joint or one or two missing accessories. Dirt, discoloration or paint loss is still not allowed in this grade.

C6-7: Fine Condition: The figure must still be complete (no missing limbs or broken parts) but may lack most of its original accessories, have some minor wear, discoloration or paint loss. You may often find this grade described as "played with condition".

C4-5: Good Condition: The figure probably has none of its original accessories and clearly shows excessive wear, including noticeable discoloration, some loose joints and paint loss. Most collectors would still consider this figure to be easily repairable.

C2-3: Poor Condition: The figure is in noticeably bad shape, with very loose joints, major paint loss and extreme discoloration. A figure in this condition may also show some minor breaks, such as the thumbs being broken off. Most collectors tend to leave figures in this condition alone.  

C1: Very Poor Condition: The figure is an absolute mess, with limbs broken off, major paint loss, bite marks from dogs, burn marks from firecrackers, you name it. A figure in this condition is generally considered trash.  

Finding the Going Rate: 



hitting e-bay prices first..



Once you've determined the condition of your figure you can start researching just how much it's worth. But first, keep this in mind; the prices for anything on the collectible market are not set in stone and can fluctuate over time and from one venue to another. (The going price for a figure in a tiny collectibles shop in a small town will be vastly different than its going rate at a large toy convention in a big city).

So once you determine the value of your figure, know that that is simply a rough estimate of the current going rate.

Where to Find Values:

Online - A quick search on online auction sites like eBay will give you an excellent idea of the current value of a figure. When searching for a figure, be specific. Searching for "Batman figure" will not give you a narrow enough sampling nor accurate pricing as searching for "1984 Super Powers Batman Near Mint Complete" will. Once you have found a few, get a good average of what the going prices are and stick with that for your figure.

Books - There are dozens of action figure price guides available at your local bookstores and online at www.amazon.com. When buying a price guide, always try to get the latest edition in order to get the most accurate and up-to-date pricing. These books can generally be trusted and are used all over the country by collectors. One excellent price guide comes in an inexpensive three-volume set called Tomart's Encyclopedia & Price Guide to Action Figure Collectibles.

Magazines - There are a couple of different magazines that focus solely on action figures such as Lee's Toy Review, which contain articles on the latest figures on the market and an extensive price guide for dozens of action figure lines. The benefit of magazines is that you get a month-to-month accurate update of the current market values and with a subscription; it comes right to your door.

Pitfalls of Pricing



Hulk not cheaper!! not way way cheaper!! Pitt will pay!!! 



One thing to watch out for in collecting for a financial investment is that an action figure's prices can rise and fall dramatically. So even though you've found a price for a figure last year, you should check again to see if the current market value has risen or fallen. Also, keep up with trends and beware of fads. Some figures simply fall out of fashion and others have a meteoric rise, only to fall just as quickly and stay at the bottom.

When the first Harry Potter movie was released, the action figures where being snatched up from the stores and resold online for hundreds of dollars. Now they can be found at toy conventions, mint in package, for less than their original retail price. Also keep in mind that the value of a figure is how much a collector could be willing to pay for it, but not at all how much a dealer will be willing to pay for it. So if you decide to sell a figure that's valued at $100, a dealer, who needs to make a profit and can only sell it for its current value, will only offer you $50, possibly less.

But no matter what an action figure's current market value may be, never forget how much it's worth to you! 

Before You Buy Action Figures



uhuh..nice but kinda expensive..on second thought..hmm



Only geeks and kids used to buy action figures. Now action figures are hot collectibles, flying off the shelves at toy stores and comic book stores.

Use these tips to avoid paying too much for an action figure, or buying one that isn't a true collectible.

Get It Mint On Card 

Action figures are worth the most when they are "mint on card." That means that the figure is still in the original packaging, and both are in perfect condition. "Near mint" is acceptable as well. Near mint simply means that the figure is in the original packaging, but may be a little worn from sitting on the shelf.

Check Price Guides 

There are different price guides available that can give you an approximate value of various action figures. You can choose from books as specific as "Collecting Simpsons: An Unofficial Guide to Merchandise from The Simpsons," or trade magazines, such as "Toy Fare." Usually price guides will also tell you whether a figure has gone up or down in value.

Check Online Auctions 

Price guides are a great place to start when you're estimating the worth of an action figure, but sometimes the figure sells for more or less than that cost. Online auctions are easy and fast places to see what your desired figure really costs in today's market.

Check Your Budget 

Just because an action figure is priceless doesn't necessarily mean you have the cash to own it. In the frenzy of collecting, it's easy to get caught up in completing a collection, or owning a special figure, regardless of the price. Before you buy, check your budget twice to make sure you won't regret your purchase when the electricity is shut off.

Why Do You Want It? 

Another pitfall to collecting anything is when you buy something, hoping that it will be worth enough someday to put your kids through college. If that's the only reason you're buying the action figure, don't. No one can really guess how much a collectible will be worth down the road. However, if you're in love with that line of toys, you'll never regret your purchase.

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