12 Reasons to Buy Adventure Action Figures
An action figure is a character figurine with manipulatable arms, legs, and other body aspects. Action figures are usually made of hard plastic, but alternative materials include plastic resin and die cast metal. The characters can be completely original creations, but they’re usually based on a popular character from a book, comic book, movie, television series, or video game. The term "action figure" was first used in 1964 by Hasbro as a way of marketing its G.I. Joe figures to boys without using the word doll.
Buy Adventure Action Figures
In the 1960s, most people perceived action figures exclusively as toys for children. That began to change in 1976 when Kenner released its highly successful line of Star Wars figurines. The original Star Wars line had several effects: it reduced the standard action figure size to 3.75 inches, caused the market to diversify beyond just military figures, and it inspired the adult collector, a force that would completely change the industry in the 1980s. Today, the action figure market is a diverse one, and it caters to men, women, and children alike. There are many reasons why the modern consumer buys action figures, and the 12 most common reasons are as follows:
In the 1960s, most people perceived action figures exclusively as toys for children. That began to change in 1976 when Kenner released its highly successful line of Star Wars figurines. The original Star Wars line had several effects: it reduced the standard action figure size to 3.75 inches, caused the market to diversify beyond just military figures, and it inspired the adult collector, a force that would completely change the industry in the 1980s. Today, the action figure market is a diverse one, and it caters to men, women, and children alike. There are many reasons why the modern consumer buys action figures, and the 12 most common reasons are as follows:
1.Buy Adventure Action Figures to Play With
One aspect that hasn’t changed since the 1960s is that the majority of all action figures sold are sold for children to play with. Overall, however, this segment of the market has changed considerably in the more than 50 years since the first G.I. Joe. The figures are smaller, which makes them easier for children to hold, manipulate, and store. The selection is also much greater, and there are options available regardless of where the child’s interests lie. The main reason why action figures have remained a popular children’s toy so long is that they’re an incredibly effective tool for nurturing imagination.
2.Buy Adventure Action Figures to Collect Them
Although children continue to be the primary consumer of action figures, at least indirectly, the adult collector has continued to be the driving force in the market since the 1980s. Adult collectors have more disposable income, spend more of it, and tend to have longer attention spans, so their purchases have a great deal of influence on future releases. Many adult collectors focus on properties from their childhoods, such as Star Trek or Indiana Jones. However, the industry can inspire collectors to embrace new properties as well. For instance, the recent success of comic book movies has turned some B-list comic book heroes, such as Hawkeye and Black Widow, into big sellers.
Although children continue to be the primary consumer of action figures, at least indirectly, the adult collector has continued to be the driving force in the market since the 1980s. Adult collectors have more disposable income, spend more of it, and tend to have longer attention spans, so their purchases have a great deal of influence on future releases. Many adult collectors focus on properties from their childhoods, such as Star Trek or Indiana Jones. However, the industry can inspire collectors to embrace new properties as well. For instance, the recent success of comic book movies has turned some B-list comic book heroes, such as Hawkeye and Black Widow, into big sellers.
3.Buy Adventure Action Figures to Display Them
With the stigma on adults owning action figures mostly gone, it has become increasingly common for people to display them as works of art. There are stands available, some quite fancy with glass lids and the like, that allow the figures to be displayed in an elegant manner. Furthermore, action figures used as works of art aren’t limited to just those based on movie and TV characters; in fact, the designer and urban vinyl niche has exploded in recent years, and in this segment, consumers can find unique items as well as figures inspired by the full range of pop culture.
4.Buy Adventure Action Figures as Conversation Pieces
Some people display action figures not as works of art to appreciate but as novelties that can inspire a mood or start a conversation. For instance, it’s not unusual for shops in NYC to have a Spider-Man figurine in the window or on the counter, and many doctors and dentists who deal with children will have various action figures in their offices and examination rooms because the figures put the kids at ease and give them something to talk about. Photographed action figures can be fine conversation starters as well, so some people take photos alongside them for use as social networking profiles.
5.Buy Adventure Action Figures as an Investment
Since the collector market is so strong, some non-collectors purchase newly released action figures in the hopes of selling them for a profit when they turn vintage. Prices for vintage action figures can be volatile, and there are certainly much better ways for a person to invest their money long term. However, the short-term markup on popular figures, especially right after a run ends, can be considerable. Therefore, the industrious consumer can often buy and sell an action figure in a relatively short period of time and turn a tidy profit in the process.
6.Buy Adventure Action Figures to Trade Them
With collectibles, a greater overall return on investment can be achieved by trading rather than selling. This may be of little use to the short-term investor, but it can be an effective tool in a collector’s arsenal. Collectors should always buy low and sell high, and when an especially good deal is available, the collector should invest in additional units now with the intent to sell or trade high later. With a commitment to this approach, the collector can stretch his or her budget considerably and can reduce the burden of acquiring the most coveted figures.
7.Buy Adventure Action Figures as Gifts
One of the most likely reasons for a person to purchase an action figure is as a birthday gift or Christmas present. For young boys, in particular, an action figure is an obvious gift, but action figures can also be purchased as not-so-obvious gifts. For example, a Deckard figurine can be a wonderful surprise for a Blade Runner fan, and a Frodo figure can make a great gift for a Lord of the Rings fan.
8.Buy Adventure Action Figures as Memorabilia
Action figures can also be purchased as memorabilia; in other words, as a reminder of particular place or time. Action figures as memorabilia can represent a historical, cultural, or entertainment event. A figure of an athlete can serve as a reminder of an important sporting event. A figure of a musician can serve as a reminder of a special concert. A historical figure can serve as a reminder of a travel destination, and a cartoon character, such as Mickey Mouse, can serve as reminder of a wonderful vacation.
9.Buy Adventure Action Figures to Enhance an Interest
When buying an action figure as a gift, one of the possibilities is to buy it based on an interest for a person who isn’t necessarily a collector. Consumers can apply the same logic to themselves. If a person has a favorite TV program, movie or video game, then they can purchase an action figure to enhance, and as a celebration of, that interest. It’s for this reason that manufacturers often include character figures in the collector’s editions of video games, Blu-rays, DVDs, and even some music box sets.
10.Buy Adventure Action Figures to Create Works of Art
Many people purchase action figures as works of art, but some people buy them to create their own art. Commercial examples of such endeavors include the many LEGO people inspired cartoons and video games. There are also several popular web video series and web comic series that are created by filming and photographing the action figures as the characters. There are also many artists who use action figures to create dioramas, and there are entire websites dedicated to this kind of art.
Many people purchase action figures as works of art, but some people buy them to create their own art. Commercial examples of such endeavors include the many LEGO people inspired cartoons and video games. There are also several popular web video series and web comic series that are created by filming and photographing the action figures as the characters. There are also many artists who use action figures to create dioramas, and there are entire websites dedicated to this kind of art.
11.Buy Adventure Action Figures to Craft Custom Figurines
A relatively new art phenomenon is the custom action figure. In this art form, the artist uses a commercial action figure as a base and modifies it until it’s a unique figure. Creating custom action figures has become a hobby onto itself, and there are now entire sections at conventions dedicated to showcasing this kind of artwork. Such figures have become so popular that artists and collectors now sell and buy them via sites like eBay.
A relatively new art phenomenon is the custom action figure. In this art form, the artist uses a commercial action figure as a base and modifies it until it’s a unique figure. Creating custom action figures has become a hobby onto itself, and there are now entire sections at conventions dedicated to showcasing this kind of artwork. Such figures have become so popular that artists and collectors now sell and buy them via sites like eBay.
12.Buy Adventure Action Figures to Go On an Adventure
Another reason to buy action figures is for the adventure of the process. A weekly trip to the local toy store with a son or daughter can become a family tradition. The hunt for a hard-to-find action figure can become a journey that spans the country or even the Internet. Likewise, collecting historical figures can become a globetrotting quest that spans a person’s lifetime.
Conclusion
Hasbro manufactured the first action figure in the 1960s. Since then, the figures have gotten smaller and more detailed, and they now appeal to a much broader consumer base than just young boys. Nowadays, there are many reasons why consumers buy action figures. Some buy them to play with, to collect them, to display them, and even to invest in them. Action figures have become so commonplace that the entertainment companies often include them in the deluxe Blu-ray and video game sets marketed at the general public.
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