Tips for Collecting Action Figures
Action figures have been a beloved part of popular culture for decades, captivating the imaginations of children and adults alike. From superheroes and villains to iconic movie characters, action figures represent a vast array of fictional worlds and offer a tangible connection to our favorite stories.
Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting out, this guide will help you navigate the exciting world of action figure collecting.
Recognizing Variants
Variants are different versions of the same action figure, and they can be quite valuable, especially the rare ones. Early production variants or unique error variants like a mispackaged figure can often fetch higher prices in the market. For instance, the Star Wars Luke Skywalker figure with a double-telescoping lightsaber was quickly replaced with a single one due to manufacturing issues. This makes the double-telescoping version much more sought after by collectors. Similarly, the Masters of the Universe Faker figure with Skeletor arms instead of He-Man arms is rare and valuable.
Keep Packaging Intact
Action figures, playsets, and vehicles are generally worth more if they are still sealed in their original packaging. Collectors often seek items with perfect or near-perfect packaging, such as clear plastic bubbles and undamaged cardboard backings. Vintage figures from the 1980s, like those from the Mego World’s Greatest Super-Heroes line, are particularly prized when their bubbles haven't yellowed or cracked over time. Even so, there is still a market for loose figures, as some collectors prefer to display or recreate scenes with them.
Understand Grading
Action figures can be graded by services like Collector Archive Services (CAS) and Action Figure Authority (AFA). These companies examine the card, bubble, and the figure itself, assessing wear, creasing, staining, and other damage. Each part receives a grade, but it's the lowest subgrade that often determines the overall grade. Items can be sold both graded and ungraded. For older action figures not packaged with bubbles, seeing them encapsulated can be less appealing to collectors, making original condition more significant than the grade.
Store and Display Correctly
Proper storage and display of action figures are crucial to maintaining their value. Over time, the plastic bubbles on carded figures can yellow and become brittle. Thus, it's important to protect them from direct sunlight and store them in temperature-controlled environments. Humidity can cause mold, leading to further degradation of both the figures and their packaging. Even when encapsulated by grading companies, figures are not UV protected, so avoiding sunlight is essential.
Enjoy the Hobby
While collecting action figures can be a profitable venture, it’s important to remember the enjoyment and nostalgia that these collectibles bring. Many collectors have fond memories associated with their toys, making the pursuit of collecting as fun as it is rewarding. Whether it’s a battle-scarred Optimus Prime or a mint-condition Luke Skywalker, the value lies as much in the memories and joy they bring as in their market price.
