Collecting Action Figures - What's Behind This Modern Day Craze

Remember when you were a kid and your mom, dad, uncle, aunt or grandparent would take you to the toy store or some other leading big-box department store. As you rush towards the action figure aisle, your heart speeding in fervour as you make your means to this supernatural toy of imaginativeness.

Now a lot of men still might purchase an action figure or two sporadically. Action figures today have become so detailed, so artistic and so coveted. These so-called "toys" remind us of our freewheeling youth. I personally have purchased around 16 action figures in the past year.

Athlete Action Figures

What I'm really into, just like so many other grown men, are action figures associated to professional athletes. The detail in some of these pieces of new art are spectacular. They have a team jersey down to every tone of color. Currently manufacturers of action figures actually make licencing arrangements with companies who sponsor a specific athlete and professional sports teams. These are reflected in some action figures as well. I am a massive professional ice hockey fan, and really am a great fan of Alexander Ovechkin. Ovechkin has an endorsement deal with CCM, wearing a CCM helmet, gloves, hockey pants and skates. The Ovechkin doll that I have has all the logos in place just like the real Alexander Ovechkin when he takes the ice in the Verizon Center.

Sci-Fi Action Figures

With the revitalization of sci-fi films and television, sci-fi action figures have also been best-selling. This movement started out with the successful Star Wars franchise films. These love affairs with the figures were rekindled when the original trilogy and the new prequel trilogy were released about a decade ago.

Original action figures were produced in celebration of these films. However this time the dolls were made with such detail and preciseness, it made accumulating these figures by grownups much more acceptable than in the past. The original marketplace for these toys were youngsters, nonetheless this higher level of detail can only be prized by the eye of an adult. This tendency retains today with other sci-fi characters of today's pop culture.

Todd McFarlane Toys

Comic book creator Todd McFarlane has created a toy company that was really at the forefront of this new breed of action figure explosion. Being an artist of sci-fi and comic books he understood the detail that can be crammed into these action figures.

Collecting Action Figures

When garnering action figures, you should collect as if they are fine pieces of art. You must not collect for investment purposes rather than for the admiration of these works of art. If you like what you see, then buy. Even if you do not go up in value, you can still enjoy the aesthetics of form for your action. If you ever wanted to collect as an investment opportunity then there are some things you should know.

When a new movie or TV series premiere, especially if the project is a Sci-Fi-based, then chances are action figures will be producedin alignment with the premiere of these motion pictures or television series. If this is the case, eBay has hundreds of vendors who deal these investment objects before the film or series premieres. Normally the price for these items will be modest and are fitting for purchase.

After the sci-fi movie or series is premiered, usually the cost of these action figures will rise. Especially if the film becomes an unanticipated commercial success. This is great because once the motion picture is popular there will be more need for their affiliated action figures however supply will already have been dried up. This is where, you as a collector or investor can turn a profit big time. Merely trade your action figure back on eBay. It's that easy. I've been doing it for quite a while, with what I regard pieces of artistic creation that I no longer love or treasure any longer.

Wishing you the very best in your action figure investment opportunities and this incomparable form of art collecting.

Collecting Toys - Millions of Adults Still Love Toys

Collecting is definitely one of the most popular hobbies and there are almost as many different types of collectibles as there are collectors! Practically anything can become a collectable item, but one of the most commonly collected objects are actually toys. People of all ages seem to love toys, especially those toys from around the time that they themselves were children.

Collecting toys, for many, is more than just a fun hobby, it is an investment. A lot of the older toys are very rare, especially in the better conditions and/or with the original packaging. Naturally, the better condition a toy is in and whether or not it still has the original packaging heavily influences its value.

Collectors spend a lot of money to get certain toys to add to their collections. In 1988 the an auction was held at the Perlman Toy Museum in Philadelphia and over $5,000,000 in toys were sold in under 24 hours!

Often toy collections are handed down from one generation to the next. Sometimes the receiver of the toy collection loves and appreciates toys as much as the one who passed them down, while other heirs will sale the toys at auction. Some of the largest toy collection in the world were amassed by two or more generations of collectors.

Although collecting vintage toys can be a great investment there are many people who aren't concerned so much about the monetary value as they are the sentimental value. For many people collecting toys is a way to hold on to their youth and keep a bit of the fun alive in their lives. As an example a friend of mine has a huge collection of action figures, most of which he has had since he was a child. Now, even though he has long since "grown up", he continues to add more action figures to his collection. He says he wouldn't consider selling any of his older toys because of their sentimental value.

Action figures and Barbie Dolls are some of the most collected types of toys.

The Barbie Doll was created in 1959 and did not have bendable legs. An original 1959 Barbie Doll fetched nearly $26,000 at auction! While most Barbie Dolls wouldn't bring that much there are many of them that would sell for hundreds, or even thousands of dollars. Over the years there were a lot of Barbie clothing and accessories that were produced. Quite often this clothing and many of the accessories can actually be worth more than the Barbie Doll itself.

In 1964 executives of Hasbro decided to emulate the great success of the Barbie Doll with young boys. They introduced the GI Joe as the boys alternative to Barbie. For the first time boys began to "play" with dolls on a wide scale. It was OK though, the GI Joe was an action figure, not a doll.

In recent decades a new type of toy hit the scene and has now become quite a collectable. How many of you collect toys from restaurant kids meals such as McDonalds Happy Meal? A full set of a particular series can often bring double the price or even more than was paid for them and you got burgers, fries and a drink to boot! Once a series is discontinued it can become quite difficult to locate those missing from your collection, especially if you insist on "mint in bags". Serious collectors will often spend $5 to $10 for that one toy they need to complete a set. Of course some of the older "happy meal" toys from the 70s and 80s are worth much more than that.

The Impact of Collecting Action Figures

Most of the people would say that childhood is indeed the best and the most memorable part of life. It is the stage where you became conscious of everything you see. The level of curiosity is indeed in its highest peak during childhood. All that we wanted to do is to eat, sleep and play. Play time is the most loved and most awaited time of every child and it is all about toys.

Toys are what kids really want to have and they really love it. Kids love to play with different kinds of toys. Boys and girls have different preferences when it comes in choosing toys but commonly, they choose what they think is cute, colorful and realistic. Action figure is one of the most common toys that kids love to have. It is because it is somewhat realistic, it is a replica of their favorite cartoon characters or action heroes and it is a handy version of their idols. There are great and big variation of action figures out there in different shapes and sizes. You should grab one now for your child and even you yourself can collect if you want.

Action figures are usually bought for a collection and if you are planning to collect, you should know where and what type of action figure market you should be in to. Since this includes and is mainly about spending lots of money, you should know what your purpose is and how long do you think will it last. It could be for yourself or you do it because you want to earn money by putting it in exhibits and shows.

Action figure market is full of different varieties of cartoon characters or action figures that you want to collect. But you should be considerate in getting into this kind of hobby when it comes to the cost, the purpose, the time and to your target customers or market. After you have decided on what toy you are planning to collect, you can start immediately in finding it in local stores near you. Even memorabilia shops might have and offer what you want. You can also browse the internet for an easier and faster access and since internet has a big scope and has a wide range of sellers you will surely find the one that will suit you. Action figure market offers a wide and great variety of toys from the old ones up to the newly released ones.

Another spot to see the scope of action figure market is a toy collection magazine. There are lots of magazines that offer and sell varieties of toys or action figures. Some of it are sold half the price and on a discounted basis. Bulk orders are usually sold in lesser process compared to the single ones. Some of the items are newly manufactured items while others are pre-owned. Now that you are ready and well versed about action figure market, always think of the quality of the toys that you purchase and of course the satisfaction that you will get. See to it that it is worth the money that you will pay for.

Vintage Star Wars figures - Tips for collecting

The story of Star Wars figures that began in 1978 with the first collection of 3.75 "figures, released by a small toy company in Cincinnati, Ohio called experts. R2's range of characters, Princess Leia Organa, Luke Skywalker, Chewbacca and droids D2 part. connoisseur figures also released a selection of suitable vehicles, ships and play sets in the same order as the characters. There is also a larger scale terms were released, but the term "StarWars Vintage Action Figures "usually refers to the 3 3 / 4" figures and toys since 1978 and published in 1985.

The 3.75-inch scale figures was much cheaper to produce than standard 12-inch action and also allows, in a unique assortment of accessories, the size and diversity of what had been seen before. You could see various types of spacecraft, vehicles, playsets, and many types of weapons and other equipmentComplete your collection. Through the production of these smaller, less expensive products, children could literally try to collect them all. With this wide range of products, toys are the number of estimators available at any price. From the budget figures to play more expensive detailed in September, Star Wars line so that children could have something new for almost every occasion possible.

While the "age of the era, many department stores often offer several special offers. If you play a together, we could send proof of purchase and receive a special edition figure. Often, these figures were subsequently added to the Serie A.

With the ever increasing number of enthusiasts worldwide, Star Wars figures and vintage toys are now a commodity to be extremely popular collection over the years. If any of the official price guide to Star Wars collection, write or just look at current auctions for vintage Star Wars figures> Toys, find out the most popular items are often sold hundreds of U.S. dollars. One of the most important factors influencing the value seems to be the state number. Another important factor is the country of origin of each character's popularity among collectors and fans, if the original packaging is included, etc.

If you intend to sell some of your dolls and vintage toys, figures, you should always use the above factorsand that at least some basic research on the most popular server and collectibles auction forum before opening your auction. Most of the experienced collector will probably suggest that you check the sales figures and toys in big games and any number of pieces of equipment and weapons as possible. In this way, you can usually significantly increased their market value. Even if your vintage Star Wars figures are incomplete or damaged, you can still potentialBuyers interested in purchasing. There are many collectors out there looking for some parts of figures damaged or completely for their projects to build your own. As an alternative to online auctions, you can also check your collection offers for sale at your local comic book shop.

Collecting Wrestling Action Figures

If you're a fan of wrestling, then you probably enjoy collecting memorabilia that is associated with your favorite sports superstar. Everything from T-shirts and books, figurines are available for ', but perhaps the most popular, is that the action figures. The reason is that these small collectibles in the likeness of a naked wrestling superstars and take very little space in the window. Also, if published for the first time, the fight action> The numbers are very inexpensive.

Over the years progress, wrestling action figures could increase substantially in value. As a general rule is something that in itself has the original box is worth more, because he guessed, most people take it and play with them. Find action figure to be very popular with children because it is often difficult, a specific action figure wrestling in its original packaging. BeyondCollections in mint / near mint condition necessarily in terms of value for something much more visible scratches or other defects continued to increase.

If you are a collector also an investment that buys wrestling action figures, then, is not a bad idea to buy two. With this approach, you will have a figure for Action Wrestling on display and an investment that will keep the original packaging. If you're thinking like aInvestors, then you already know that all collectors show that is produced in limited edition, the most valuable in the years to come. Moreover, the limited edition pieces often higher in value if they have a low serial number. For example, if the action to 5000 figures produced by Certain wrestling superstar, who can show output gain for the value might well be that those lowest number of a. An example would be with10/5000 and 100/5000. As a general rule, the more they may be given to the first collectors to obtain the most precious object.

Do not miss the opportunity to find wrestling action figures, with the latest versions made generally available in most retail stores. Most collectibles are often stored in a rare collectibles or sports memorabilia found with an annual show. If you use them, be prepared to Shuck a few dollars if you plan to shop forShow dealers have the knowledge of the products they sell, and are probably not a good deal. It 'much more expensive, a booth at a memorabilia show, which traders tend to place their goods to bring top dollar for such an occasion.

The Internet is a virtual paradise for collectors of all things, Including wrestling action figures. If you are looking for a rarity or just browsing for a mini-copy of your favorite superstars wrestling haverather than to find anywhere else online. With a world of dealers, there's really nowhere else in the store to offer a better selection. If you want a set price, check out online auction sites and see if Hook can be a bargain.

Collecting Marx Toy Soldiers, Action Figures and Playsets - Classic Toys from Louis Marx and Company

Having an instant survey about things collectors usually collect, and sure it would come with a list of companies and includes soldiers and playsets from toy manufacturer, Louis Marx. No wonder about it. Collecting Action Figures Marx is one of the most popular hobbies past by some people, particularly men who have spent their childhood playing with Marx toys.

When the girls were so fond of their Barbie dolls andtheir mini-kitchen playsets, kids are back in the days playing with toy soldiers made by Marx. For some, Toys action are the hallmarks of being a boy, highlights the adventure, courage and extreme physical abilities.

It would be remarkable figures on the origins of Marx action. First, the toy soldiers were designed and manufactured by toy maker Louis Marx and Company. The company was one of the oldest toysCompanies and was primed to 1950 the world's largest manufacturer of toys. Louis Marx was the man behind the company and toy soldiers, action figures and playset. He was born toy assembler U.S. products, the young man was in his production of toys since then. He began his career working as an employee and then as a manager at Ferdinand Strauss, a manufacturer of mechanical toys.

Louis joined the U.S. army as a soldier1918 Two years later, took a private citizen and his career back in toy making. Louis was on his military life, he called all his children the names of the generals who knew attached. He then went to the company and establish Louis Marx and a sign from his figures trademark.

In 1930 to early 1940, the toys were made of metal alloys. But since the beginning of World War II led the United States and European countries for the metal partsReserve figures vary the production of military weapons, plastic versions of the market started in late 1940.

Collecting Marx figures is certainly one of the interesting and useful hobbies most people can do today. Though the action toys, objects can be like a novelty today, certainly are still hot collectibles. Some say that people never tire of toy soldiersplaysets and as long as it is exciting again and again, battles are waged between the forces of good and evil.

Collecting Toy Soldiers - Marx Military Playsets

Before the Second World War, numbers, measures were already some of the games most popular with little boys. In those days, military action figures and their complementary accessories were usually the wish lists of children for Christmas and birthdays.

Toy soldiers made by Marx in 1930 and during 1940 were some of the most popular play, particularly the playsets, the battles were different theme nights around. During thisFor decades, the games for military companies, the metals were assembled from existing and established that in the manufacturing plant by Louis Marx Toy e. This toy has a great influence and has inspired a number of other manufacturers to design and soldiers alike.

Beginning of the war, tin toys were scrapped because almost all toys have been asked plants, metal parts for military purposes. So the other materials were researched and used.Tin and aluminum, a better alternative to the usual metals used to manufacture the items.

In 1950, he began this action toys made of plastic resources. The toy was not initially popular, but the flexibility and resistance associated with plastic won both children and parents. For security resources began to gain popularity as a toy making material.

The military Marx playsets contain different types of figures likeTrees and rocks, animals and accessories, weapons and cars, and, of course, the toy soldiers. So the kids were able to run a story plot and the construction of dioramas when played.

Normally, the action figure is Apache included in a different environment, like a battlefield, or as a centerpiece on a farm barns set in a medieval castle with metal and hard plastic set of strong Fort. The toy soldiers stood on a flat floor that allows them to standfor its own account without manual intervention.

Most of the Marx playsets are very colorful. The environment is presented as miniature versions of the current environment, while accessories like cars were so finely crafted, looking just as effective, but miniature objects. The soldier figures are not colored, but promptly and properly its functions and can be hand painted as well.

Today, the military vintage Marx playsets is still veryby collectors, although it may be difficult to find intact.

Collecting World of Warcraft Action Figures

The game World Of Warcraft is an online game played by over 10 million people. This popular game introduced in 2004 by Blizzard Entertainment also has many products and services to enhance the online gaming experience and to identify with the characters of this highly popular game.

The World Of Warcraft (WOW) Action Figures created by DC Direct a DC Unlimited product, introduced it's first series of figures in October of 2007. At the time of the launch for the first four series, the products sold out in just a few days. The first series introduced include:

* Orc Shaman-Rehgar EarthFury
* Blood Elf Rogue-Valeera Sanguinar
* Dwarf Warrior-Thargas Anvilmar
* Undead Warlock-Meryl Felstrom

These beautiful pieces stand between 4 1/2 to 8 1/2 inches tall. The deluxe model Illidan demon figure stands at almost a foot tall! A few of them have flexible poses and additional accessories to create the full character. The Toy Fair 2009 offered a sneak peak of Series 5. These action figures were released in October 2009.

Look out for Series 6 to be released on March 31, 2010. The new WOW figures will include:

* Goblin Tinker-Gibzz Sparklighter
* Dwarven King-Magni Bronzebeard
* Forsake Queen-Sylvanas Windrunner

Can you imagine that if these items are selling out the way they are, that there must be some value in them. Whether you are an avid collector or skilled gamer, you don't want to miss out on the opportunity to own these very detailed and well sculptured characters. Think back to when you were a child and you used to play with your GI Joe and Transformers . Those were the days when you had those cheap plastic molded characters that you used and abused in your playtime with your friends. The World of Warcraft action figures are not a toy for the little boy or girl; they should be handled with care and treated as a collectible. Keep them well protected and away from children. Don't let them collect dust on a bookshelf somewhere. These beautiful and intricate pieces should be well displayed and admired by others.

Collecting Handmade Action Figures

Action figures started way back in 1977 when the maker and director of the famous movie Star Wars, George Lucas, had idea about marketing these detailed representations of the characters of the film. From then on, people especially young boys and men have loved these toys. At present, more and more handmade scale models are being produced made from various materials and of different types.

Most collectors of handmade scale models toys begin with a single theme based from a comic book or movie. If you are collecting these handmade toys for fun, a single character is fine but if you are planning to earn profit from it, you must open your door for more options. Handmade scale models now are not just from characters made by men but also real men made into handmade toys. Music legends now have handmade toy version of themselves. Sports legends from NBA, UFC, WWF, MLB, etc have handmade miniature figures too.

But before you start marketing your collections of handmade toys, you must ascertain that the toys are of high quality. Likewise, you have to protect the collection to retain the value and have the likelihood of doubling or tripling it when you sell the handmade action figures. If you are a serious collector, you must keep them at very good condition at all times. Never remove them from their package. Do not afford to have scratches on your collection. Keep the handmade toys away from cigarettes and store them in a dry and contained place.

If you are planning to add more handmade toys to your collection, you can find rare handmade action figures online. Buying action figures online is a great way to purchase large quantities at once and find great gifts for a loved one that collects figures.

The most famous action figure at present is still G.I. Joe, created by Don Levine. In 2003, the hand-carved G.I. Joe(tm) action figure, the first prototype of the number of handmade toys created by Hasbro, Inc. was auctioned at Dallas, Texas. It was bought by Steve Geppi with an amount of $200,000. Also sold in that auction was the first G.I. Joe handmade action figure with articulated limbs.

Action figures keep your favorite character's spirit alive. Perhaps, you are now thinking of starting your own collection of these handmade toys and maybe in the future, you will also be $200,000 richer.

Collecting Action Figures - What's behind this modern Craze

Remember when you were a child and save your mother, father, uncle, aunt or grandparent to the toy department you or any other big-box leaders. As you point to the action figure aisle, cardiac acceleration in your zeal, as supernatural imagination does this toy.

Now, many people still can always buy an action figure or twice. Action figures have become so detailed, so artistic and sodesires. These called "toy that" remind us of our youth freewheel. Personally I bought some action figures in the past 16 years.

Action Figures Athlete

What am I, like many other adult men are really associated with action figures to professional athletes. The detail in some of these pieces of the new technique are spectacular. You have a jersey to every note of color. CurrentlyManufacturer of action figures actually do licensing agreements with companies, teams, sponsors of a particular athlete and professional sports. This action is reflected in the figures as well. I am a big fan of pro-hockey and I'm really a big fan of Alexander Ovechkin. Ovechkin has an endorsement deal with CCM, CCM wearing a helmet, gloves, hockey pants and skates. Ovechkin, the doll that I like all the logos in the real Alexander Ovechkin, when he takes the ice at the Verizon Center.

Sci-Fi Action Figures

With the resumption of the sci-fi films and TV, Sci-fi action figures were sold even better. This movement began with the success of Star Wars movie franchise. These links with the new data have been when the original trilogy and the new prequel trilogy were published about a decade ago.

Original > Action Figures were produced films in this celebration. But this time the dolls were with detail and precision that have made these numbers accumulate by adults much more acceptable than before. The original market for these toys were teenagers, but this level of detail can be appreciated only by an adult eye des This applies today with other sci-fi characters of pop culture today.

Todd McFarlane> Toys

Comic Book Creator Todd McFarlane has created an explosion Figure Toy Company was really at the forefront of this new type of action. As an artist of the comic-fi and science fiction books who understands the detail that can be crammed into this action figures.

Collecting Action Figures

If action figure anchor, you should gather as if they were pieces of art. You may notgathering place for investment for the admiration of these works of art. If you like what you see then buy. Although not figure goes up in value, you can still enjoy the aesthetics of your action. If you ever wanted to invest as an opportunity to collect then there are a few things you should know.

When a new movie or TV series will premiere, especially when the project is a Sci-Fi-based, so it is likely that the action figures will be producedin accordance with the first of these films or television series. If this is the case, eBay has hundreds of suppliers that deal with this property investment before the movie or series premieres. Normally the price of these products will be modest and are suitable for purchase.

After the film or sci-fi series premiere, usually the cost of this measure is to grow in numbers. Especially when the film an unexpected commercial success. This is great because as soon as theof popular cinema, is the need to provide them with the associated action figures have been dried, however. Here is how a collector or investor profits back to big. Only your action figures of trade on eBay again. It 's easy. I did a little 'time, with what I am for parts of a work of art that I no longer love or treasure no more.

I wish you the best in your action figures for investmentfor this opportunity and incomparable art form.

Collecting Memorabilia From Harrison Ford

Harrison Ford is one of the most popular actors of the 20th Century. His films are strong and iconic, for he has played characters which have become a part of pop culture. It is only natural that he would have a great number of fans and that these fans would want to begin collections which are devoted to commemorating him. There are quite a number of places to begin one of these collections, however, so to find the right celebrity collectibles which honor Harrison Ford, you must first decide what exactly you want to collect.

One could build an entire collection out of memorabilia from his Indiana Jones movies. From replicas of the hat he wore in the film to his whip that his character used, Indiana Jones collectibles can make a great collection. Stills from the films can provide a great adornment for the walls, especially if they have been autographed by Harrison Ford himself. Likewise, his work in Star Wars could provide a person with great opportunities to collect. Action figures have been made of Harrison Ford in Star Wars as well as any number of prints, stills, and posters. All of these items can go a long way toward supplementing a celebrity collectibles collection geared toward Harrison Ford.

Naturally, one of the best pieces of memorabilia which a person could collect would be an autographed photo. It gives a sense of value into a collection and is something relatively easy to obtain. An autographed photo provides a sense of distinction to a collection as it is an item which the celebrity themselves have touched. In the case of Harrison Ford, having an autographed photo could be the centerpiece around which a collection is built, as it is something which the actor himself has touched. One of these items could give a great sense of pride to any collector.

Autographs will often become the centerpiece of any collection as they will allow for an anchor point to the rest of the pieces. These autographs do not always have to come on photos, however. Harrison Ford could easily autograph a copy of one of the scripts for a film that he worked on and this could become a great collector's item. Books written about those films can also make a great autographed piece, showing that it is something which the actor is happy to grace their signature with.

Harrison Ford collectibles can often be a very fun challenge to collect. If you are attempting to collect Harrison Ford collectibles, then you are most likely a fan of his work. This will give a special thrill to the acquiring of these items and the entire project can become something of a game as you strive to complete the collection. These celebrity collectibles can be a great way to pass the time, tracking them down and obtaining them gives one the thrill of the hunt. Indeed, nothing will give a sense of pride like when a long sought after piece is finally gained for the collection. Any Harrison Ford fan can begin to build an esteemed collection with great ease, starting today.

Vintage Toy Soldiers - Collecting Marx Toy Soldiers

Children from all around the world have been awed by the Marx toy soldiers since the 1950s. The previous generation was really into such action figures because during their time, wars were just concluded. Now, interest in collecting the figures has been revived.

Marx toy soldiers were a masterpiece and flagship toy product of Louis Marx and Company. The toy manufacturing firm was founded by a veteran toy maker, Louis Marx, who has been referred to across the toy making industry as 'Toycoon'.

Especially since the 1950s, the company was known for selling trademark and all-original lines of toys, which are most associated with the military. If you are wondering why the company is focused on military action figures, you should know that Mr. Marx was a former sergeant at the US Army prior to his establishment of the company.

Through time, their toy soldiers, in particular, have been among the most sought after and interesting toys specifically for boys. Many observers note that back in the days, girls had Barbie dolls while boys did not get left behind as they have the action-packed and very impressive action figures.

As time passed, likes and preferences of kids changed dramatically. With the advent of computer games, action figures like those of Marx's have been put aside and have often observed drastic declines in sales. But many enthusiasts and fanatics of the original vintage toy soldiers have been asking software and videogame developers about virtual games featuring them. Unfortunately, up to now, development for such has yet to take place, but clearly there's some extensive interest.

Even though the company is long out of business, Marx toy soldiers are starting to mark a comeback as a vintage collectible. Vintage toy collecting in general is responsible to some degree for the revival of interest, but the loyalty of long-time avid collectors is certainly highly responsible as well. In addition to the vintage toy soldiers, some small companies specializing in action figures are also doing re-casts of some of the more popular Louis Marx toys, including the toy soldiers. But, of course, some collectors will always prefer the original.