Action Figures

What is an Action Figure?

An action figure is a figurine made of plastic or other materials, and usually based from characters of a comic book, movie, television program, or video game. These are usually advertised towards boys. Action figures that can be redress are referred to as action dolls.

Action figures are popular with boys because they symbolize traditional masculine traits. Today, it is not only advertised as children's toy but also as an adult collector item.

Popular Characters turned into Action Figures

G.I. Joe is the first ever action figure toy launched. It is produced by a toy company named Hasbro. G.I. stands for 'Government Issue'. The initial product offering symbolizes the four (4) U.S. Armed Forces branches - the Soldier (Army), Action Marine (Marines), Action Sailor (Navy), and Action Pilot (Air Force). There are two different G.I. Joe action figure lines: the original 12-inch line which started in 1964; and in 1982, a 3 3/4-inch line complete with vehicles, play sets, and a story between the G.I. Joe Team and the evil Cobra Command.

The Transformers is an animated action series portraying a war between giant robots who could transform into vehicles, animals, and other objects. It was written and recorded in the United States and animated in Japan. The series was based upon the line of transforming toys created by Takara, a Japanese toy manufacturer. It was later developed into the Transformers line by Hasbro. There are also 'Dinobots' - transform into Dinosaurs, and 'Headmasters' - transform into a tiny robot and controls the body.

Batman is a comic book superhero created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger that first appeared in DC comics in 1939. He is also known as the Dark Knight, the World's Greatest Detective, and the Caped Crusader but he is popularly called the Bat by his fans.

Superman is a very popular comic book superhero that has millions of fans worldwide. He is branded as the man of steel and is widely considered to be an American cultural icon. The character was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster in 1932. The character's appearance is unique and iconic - a blue, yellow, red costume with cape and a letter "S" shield on his chest.

Spiderman is another popular fictional superhero from Marvel Comics. The character was created by two writers, Stan Lee (writer-editor) and Steve Ditko (writer-artist). He is an orphan raised by Aunt May and Uncle Ben.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle (TMNT) is a popular television series back in 1987. It is originally a character in a comic book created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird published by Mirage Studios in 1984 in New Hampshire. Later, a toy company in California collaborated with the creators to produce an action figures based on the ninja turtles.
Along with popular TV series, and action figure line, the Turtles' likeness could be found on a wide range of children's products - breakfast cereal, cameras, linens, video games, towels, school supplies, toy shaving kits and many more.

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.

The Ben 10 Alien Force Story

Ben fights these evil villains with the help of his grandpa, Max and cousin, Gwen. They run into strange evil characters, such as Vilgax, who is after the Omnitrix, Dr. Animo the mad scientist, and vampire clown, Zombozo. Cartoon Network produces Ben 10, which originally aired December 2005.

Ben was just an ordinary boy when he spent the summer with his grandpa and cousin on a camping trip. After fighting with Gwen, Ben retreats into the woods and stumbles upon an alien pod that look like a watch. This mysterious watch-like pod contains alien DNA and allows people to live like an alien. The Omnitrix, as it is called, permanently attached itself to Ben, giving him the ability to be one of 10 different aliens. Ben can change into one of these aliens by a control dial, but Azmuth, the original creator of the Omnitrix, placed safeguards so that the Omnitrix will only work properly for the Master Control. Ben must get used to constant alien changes and other unpredictable controls from the Omnitrix.

Ben 10: Alien Force is a sequel to the original Ben 10 cartoon. It takes place five years after Ben discovers the Omnitrix. This series began airing on Cartoon Network in April 2008. Cartoon Network Upfront confirmed the new series, Ben 10: Evolutions, which will follow 16-year old Ben as a well-known hero. In this new series, Ben has a new Omnitrix that will take him to new and mysterious places.

No cartoon is successful without action figures and assorted toys. Ben 10 action figures come in several different characters and playsets. Bandai® creates the classic Ben 10 and Ben 10: Alien Force action figures. You can buy each alien Ben morphs into, such as Heatblast, Diamondhead, Four Arms, Upgrade, Stinkfly, Wildmut, and others. The DNA Alien Heros collection action figures can ooze DNA slime bubbles or other features. Each alien has its own unique features. The Meta-Morfigures can become two different toys; each one with a different feature. Alien Creatures resemble the look of each different alien, and comes with a 4" version of the matching alien.

You can also find other Ben 10 toys, such as an Omnitrix watch that can change aliens or battle villains, an alien voice changer that allows the user to be the voice of Greymatter, Heatblast, or Four Arms. Other alien voices come with a second voice changing set. Transforming Arms sets allow the user to snap on an alien arm, which comes with sound effects and phrases. The Vilgax Battle Planet is a battle ground that allows different game play using 1" or 4" action figures.

Ben 10: Alien Force action figures include new alien creatures, new DNA aliens, an r/c car, action cruiser, and an Omnitrix Illuminator. This Omnitrix can project aliens and other scenes from the latest season of Ben 10 on a wall or any other surface.

Gears of War Action Figures

The video game finally makes an impact in the collectibles scene with NECA's release of Gears Of War action figures. After the success achieved by the huge Xbox 360 franchise, a decision was made to bring GoW toys to the ever booming market. Popularity will continue to grow as there has been word the game is soon to become a movie, as well as the confirmed finale to the series; Gears 3 to be released in April of 2011.

Action Figures Series One

The first release of toys based on the massively exciting Xbox 360 game was made public in the middle of 2008; much to the delight of fans nationwide. NECA was able to recreate some stunning, high quality figures which were lifelike and as close to those characters in the game as possible.

This first set included Marcus Fenix, Delta Squad leader as well as fellow COG Augustus Cole. Not to mention the two horrible (in a good way), Locusts, Locust Drone and Locust Snipe. A box set was made readily available for fans, as well as single boxes of each character. These also included all extra accessories and a head that could be substituted for either Locust.

Series Two

After the first series' success, NECA was given the go ahead to create another set of Gears Of War toys; which were released later on in 2008, November. Promising signs were shown in terms of added articulation, quality was maintained and the figures please many fans.

Four new additions were added, Dominic Santiago and Damon Baird (fellow COGs) as well as the Theron Guards, Marcus Fenix received a touch or two and was released once again.

Series Three

The third set of NECA's toys were released at the beginning of 2009. Four new in game characters were transferred to be created as real world models.

Once again a new version of Delta Squad leader, Marcus was released - he had received some note able retouching, requested by fans. A COG soldier (who I believe is Benjamin Carmine) was created, as well as a Theron palace Guard, Locust grappler and variation of the Locust Cyclops. Once again, the figures included in game accessories and weapons.

For Kids - Jurassic Park Toys

Jurassic Park is a science fiction novel turned into a movie during the nineties as an approach towards warning people about unconsidered biological tinkering. The movie revolves around the concept of chaos theory involving the sudden collapse of an amusement Park which strived by showcasing dinosaurs which were genetically altered for entertainment. Beginning from a novel, the story was later adapted into a series of blockbuster movies from which Jurassic Park toys rose.

Jurassic Park toys features the dinosaur characters as well as the human characters that were shown in the movie; the toys also include the particular vehicles and weapons that were used to deal with the escapee dinosaurs. Some of the toy manufacturers who worked with the movie franchise also came up with accessories where you can build your own jungle and laboratory setting at home. The latter are great tools by which you can encourage a child to develop his or her imagination in terms of how the child would be arranging the toys.

There are a number of different toys today that do not engage children to think or be imaginative for that matter and most of the time these toys only act as electronic babysitters in a way that they can distract the children for a couple of hours or so. With Jurassic Park toys however, children are encouraged to think and imagine different fantasies, scenarios, or storylines as they play with the toys. Simple as it may seem, this encouragement can help develop the thinking skills or abilities of the children to solve problems and handle situations and this is a skill that will follow them through to adulthood.

The series of Jurassic Park toys available commercially are not limited to plain action figures and the like. It is actually possible to find accessories of the movie franchise in the forms of beddings, rugs, curtains, wallpaper borders, lamps, and anything under the sun to make it possible for an enthusiast to create the Jurassic Park environment in his own space. Remember though that these products are good if a child can live with them but if he or she gets scared easily, you might want to think twice about purchasing certain items for your child.

Jurassic Park toys can accommodate the desires of male and female children and enthusiasts alike. Boys can have the satisfaction of playing with or collecting action figures and play sets while girls can avail of the plush dinosaur figures and dolls. When selecting these kinds of toys, it would be best if you consider how old the person you are gifting them to is; it is better if you give these toys as gifts to older children who understand the fact that these dinosaurs would not be coming back to life.

Jurassic Park toys have entered the market with the success of the movie franchise across the world. With each different sequel came about a number of new action figures, vehicles, plush toys, play sets, and other accessories. Basically, there is an endless selection of these toys from which everyone can choose from.

Jurassic Park toys and accessories can be purchased separately or in sets depending on what the customer would like. These items are quite affordable and these can actually become a good investment you can make for you child. These toys will provide unlimited fun for any child or enthusiast who loves dinosaurs.

These Jurassic Park toys can easily be obtained in any retail stores in your area. These come in a wide selection of items that can cater to any whim or interest. Check out the different Jurassic Park toys available today and you will surely find something for you.

Toys From Summer Blockbusters 2008

Star Wars was the big bang as far as film merchandising and children's toys where concerned. The demand for the toys was so high that the manufacturers could not keep up with demand. For Christmas 1977, they sold boxed vouchers for various toys. The toys sold in the "Empty Box" campaign during December were not delivered until the following March. Now that's demand!

As a prime candidate for Star Wars toys I was amazed and overjoyed to be drip fed a succession of action figures, play sets, books, comics and even duvet covers over the following years. My imagination could run riot with these extra props to help me.
I still have some of my original figures and my own kids play with them and seem to enjoy them as much as did.

Now in my old age I am slightly more cynical about the summer blockbuster season and the ensuing avalanche of toys that it brings. Sometimes I wonder if the toys are created and shoehorned into the films rather than the reverse. Anyone who has had the misfortune to sit through a Bratz, Pokemon or Power Rangers film in the cinema will understand where I am coming from. A slow cultural death by poor dubbing, hack writing and flimsy plot lines.

My son's birthday is in mid June which makes him a prime target for the hard sell of the summer movie merchandising. I was heartened this year that two of the major films have decent characters to hang their toys upon. Both Iron Man and Indiana Jones have long histories and characters that should have a life beyond the end of August.

Both the films have gone for the marketing synergy of a tie in with Burger King. The Iron Man set included a cool figure, if a little small, and some funky sun glasses that my son loved. The Indiana Jones toys from Burger King include Boulder Escape Indy, Stunt Jump Indy, they are fun but again a little on the small side.

The main thrust of the Iron Man toys are action figures. The figures made by Hasbro are neat. The design from the packaging to the figures are great, the colours strong and likeness to the film characters are impressive. In line with other comic book hero's the advantage is that the Iron Man toys can do battle with other Marvel and DC superhero's. They have also released a set of dress up outfits with masks, suits and weapons. These look like great fun and should ensure hours of good imaginative play.

Lego appears to be the main trust of the Indiana Jones toys. They have released a variety of different sets covering most price ranges. The Motorcycle Chase with its mini motorcycle and check point looks immense fun. I've never been convinced that the larger play sets are worth the money or the time to construct. The never stay complete for that long in my house!

I love Lego and it has a shelve life that easily out strips the life span of most toys. Once the thrill of the film has died away the Lego can be reused in any number of ways, combined with other sets, morphed and redesigned. The small figures will join the never ending army of Lego figures that double as everything from crowds at soccer matches to holiday makers at the airport or flood victims in need of rescue.

With the new influx of toys the issue becomes what to do with those from last year! What should I do with those Transformers that are cluttering up the toy box.

5 Tips For Maintaining Action Figure Toys

Buying collectible action figures is a long process as you need to think which figures to choose and which to ignore. You make an extensive search online and offline before making a decision. It's a stressful process. Well, your job is not done yet, after buying the figures you also need to take proper care of them so that you can gladly show them to your friends. You need to maintain your action figures toys always and for that here are some useful tips.

1. The Preservation -
The preservation of collectible action figures is not a complicated process, it is very simple. Actually, the packaging of these toys is not made to protect them from sunlight, so it is better to store your toys in a waterproof container away from windows or you can also store them in a cardboard at a place that does not allow moisture. Storing the action figures toys in the basement is also not a good idea. When you store your figure toys in the basement in a cardboard packing and if the basement gets very cold, the packing may become damp and the cards will begin to bend. Storing the collectible action figures in an airtight container is necessary at places that have fluctuations in temperature.

2. Displaying the Figures -
When you want to display your collectible action figures carded, you can do it at a place where the sunlight is not coming directly on the figures. At a place like a recreation room, you could hang them on the walls. And for loose (without packing) action figures toys, a glass case or a shelf works well as long as you keep dust off them and also prevent then from sunlight.

3. Regular Care of the Figures -
You should also fight off dust and dirt that build-up on the figures. When the figures get dirty, they can be easily cleaned by simply soaking them in soapy water and scrubbing them gently with a soft toothbrush. Also the dust can be removed easily with an air-propelled dust remover that is used for computers.

4. Caution for Packing -
You also need to take care of the backing as that cardboard used is inexpensive and it can easily bend or peel apart when improperly handled. Also, then natural oil of your finger may cause the inks on the packing card to discolor when touched too often. All these things lessen the mint value of the action figures toys as mostly the collectors are concerned of such thing while buying a 'mint on card' action figure. So, if you store your toys in boxes, use sturdy plastic containers to keep out the excess humidity. Store each statue in separate plastic container.

5. Expanding Your Collection -
When you collection starts looking paltry in your eyes, it is time to expand your collection of action figures toys. You should replenish your collection every so often to have the status of a prime action figure collector. While expanding your collection, keep an important thing in mind that quality always tops quantity. So, first know what pieces you lack and which figures can enhance the beauty of your collection. Always have the best collection (yet affordable, do not go over budget) and take care of them.

So, keep your collectible action figures in excellent condition always by following the above guide. This will give a long life to your collection.