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New Action Figures for Adult Collectors
Action figures have come a long way from their early beginnings as toys marketed towards children. Nowadays, there is a huge market for collectible action figures aimed at adult collectors and enthusiasts. Many figures cater to interests like comics, anime, video games, and movies with exquisite sculpts and attention to detail.
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Hottest rare and vintage action figures
Limited edition and exclusive figures are highly sought after in the adult collector community. Hot Toys has made a name for itself by producing incredibly detailed 1/6th scale figures from popular culture. Their rare figures can sell for thousands of dollars on the secondary market. Vintage figures from the 70s-90s like Star Wars, GI Joe, and Transformers also command premium prices due to nostalgia and scarcity.
Customizing and modifying figures
Adult collectors often enjoy customizing and modifying figures to create truly unique pieces. This may involve:
- Painting - repainting factory paint jobs with more realistic or stylized finishes
- Kitbashing - combining parts from multiple figures to make a new character
- Sculpting - sculpting new heads or adding details with epoxy putty
- Fabrication - creating new costumes, armor, weapons or diorama elements
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Displaying your collection
Displaying your figures in an artful arrangement is an integral part of the hobby. Methods include:
- Posing figures dynamically on shelves
- Using risers, stands and acrylic cases to showcase figures
- Crafting themed dioramas with backdrops and props
- Lighting displays with LEDs to highlight details
Investing in action figures
Certain action figures have proven to appreciate in value over time, making them a potential investment. Factors that affect value include:
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Rarity | Harder to find figures tend to be more valuable |
| Condition | Figures in mint, unopened condition fetch higher prices |
| Appeal | Popular characters and highly detailed figures are in demand |
| Nostalgia | Vintage figures may be worth more due to nostalgia |
By carefully selecting which figures to invest in, adult collectors have the potential to see their collections appreciate substantially in value over time.
Hottest Rare and Vintage Action Figures
For serious adult collectors, few things elicit more excitement than getting your hands on an exceptionally rare or vintage action figure. Scarcity drives up demand among collectors, who will pay top dollar to acquire certain holy grail figures.
Vintage 12" GI Joes
The original 12-inch GI Joe figures from the 1960s and 1970s are highly coveted by collectors. Mint condition examples still sealed in their packaging can sell for thousands. For example, a rare GI Joe Action Soldier from 1970 sold for $7,500 at auction. Even loose figures in good condition can fetch prices upwards of $500.
Vinyl Cape Jawa
In the first release of Kenner's Star Wars figures in 1977, the Jawa came with a vinyl cape. Quickly realizing the capes easily broke off, Kenner changed the material to cloth. But a rare vinyl cape Jawa found new in the box sold for $18,000 in an auction.
Transformers Generation 1
The original Transformers from 1984-1990 are popular collectibles. Due to poor preservation, finding truly pristine examples can be difficult. A rare 1985 TF Jetfire stickered rather than decaled sold for $2,200 due to the unique variant. Even loose figures can command hundreds for popular characters like Optimus Prime.
MASK Boulder Hill and Sunset Motel
From Kenner's 1980s MASK toy line, the Boulder Hill and Sunset Motel large playsets are extremely hard to acquire complete. This is because they didn't sell well, making far fewer produced. A sealed Boulder Hill recently listed for $5,000. Loose but complete Sunset Motels have sold for $3,000.
1973 Mego Elastic Batman
Mego's early 1970s World's Greatest Superhero figures used elastic to keep costumes tight. But the material weakened over time. A 1973 Batman with intact elastic and in good condition is a true rarity. One sold at auction for $8,500 due to its scarcity.
By keeping an eye out at yard sales, flea markets and online auctions, dedicated adult collectors stand a chance at snagging these coveted rare and vintage grails to bolster their collection value and bragging rights.
Customizing and Modifying Figures
One of the most engaging parts of the action figure hobby for adult collectors is customizing and modifying existing figures to create completely unique toys. With some simple skills and tools, the possibilities are endless.
Painting
Repainting factory paint jobs allows collectors to refresh worn paint, alter colors, or impart more realistic weathering. Most use acrylic model paints and basic brushes, though airbrushing can provide stunning fades. Sealants like matte varnish protect the new paint. An example is repainting a Star Wars Stormtrooper in realistic black scratches and dings to appear battle-worn.
Kitbashing
Kitbashing involves taking parts from multiple figures and combining them together to create a new character. Arms, heads, outfits, and more can be mixed and matched. For instance, one could attach Spider-Man's head to Batman's body and pose the hybrid figure climbing a wall.
Sculpting
Sculpting new heads or unique details takes skill, but adds extreme originality. Collectors often use epoxy putty like Green Stuff to sculpt missing muscles, costume wrinkles, monster skin textures, and other fine details. An example is sculpting hair and a beard onto an existing head to change the appearance.
Fabrication
Metal parts like armor and costumes can be fabricated to enhance figures. Worbla thermoplastic makes sculpting intricate armor easy. Costumes can be sewn and added to figures before posing. Weapons like swords and guns can also be scratch built from plastics and metal. This opens unlimited options for kitbashing medieval, futuristic or modern militaristic customs.
With some practice in essential techniques like painting and sculpting, adult collectors can let their creativity run wild customizing figures into their own unique art pieces to display proudly.
Displaying Your Figure Collection
For devoted action figure collectors, displaying their collection is an integral part of the hobby. Well-arranged displays both show off the figures, and create an engaging environment in one's home.
Posing
No one wants to see a bunch of figures just standing stiffly. Dynamic action poses make displays come alive. Some helpful posing tips:
- Use flight stands for flying/leaping poses
- Make figures interact, like they're fighting
- Shift the weight between both feet for natural stances
- Angle joints like head, arms, and legs for interest
Shelving
Display shelves come in different materials like wood, glass and acrylic. Key factors are:
- Depth - Shelves need to be deep enough for figures and accessories
- Height - Having some vertical space between shelves prevents crowding
- Lighting - Built-in LED strips illuminate figures nicely
Risers and Stands
Acrylic risers lift figures higher to make them more visible. Clear stands make it appear like figures are floating. A combination of risers and stands adds excellent dimension.
Cases
Detolf display cabinets from IKEA are ideal for protecting high-end figures from dust and damage. Built-in LEDs and glass panels let figures be clearly seen without opening the case.
Dioramas
Custom dioramas bring displays to life. Making 3D environments like battlefields, alien planets or cityscapes surrounding figures makes it seem like snapshots from a movie. DIY skills can make dioramas on the cheap.
With a bit of creativity, collectors can build displays that impress fellow hobbyists and turn their figure collection into an awe-inspiring showcase.
Investing in Action Figures
For some adult collectors, action figures are not just cool pop culture collectibles - they are serious investments. With the right picks and strategy, certain figures can appreciate tremendously in value over time.
Factors That Increase Value
- Rarity - Harder to find figures naturally are more valuable. Limited editions, short production runs, exclusives, and variants are prized.
- Condition - Figures still sealed in mint, unopened packaging fetch the highest prices. Even loose, flaws decrease value.
- Appeal - Popular characters and highly detailed, well-made figures are in continual demand.
- Nostalgia - Vintage figures may be worth more simply due to nostalgia and historical significance.
Where to Find Deals
Finding undervalued figures for cheap maximizes profit potential. Check:
- Yard and garage sales
- Thrift stores and flea markets
- Discount online auctions and sellers
- Wholesale lots
Protecting Your Investment
Proper storage and care maintains value. Use:
- Acid-free boxes and packing materials
- Climate controlled environment
- UV protective cases for display
- Handle figures with gloves to prevent oil and dirt
Selling Your Collection
Popular options to sell figures include:
- eBay auctions
- Facebook groups and marketplaces
- Collector forums and conventions
- Heritage Auctions or other specialty auction houses
With shrewd buying, safe storage, and maximizing sales prices, adult collectors have a chance to profit by investing in action figures.
Building Toys For 10 Year Olds
Building toys are a great way to encourage children's critical thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving skills. Here are some of the best building toys for 10-year-olds:
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- Ultralight Airplanes – Build & Fly
- Hydraulic Cyborg Hand – Build Kit
- Chain Reactions Lego Kit – Moving Machines
- Archi.Tech Smart House – 62 Pieces
These building toys are designed to be challenging enough to keep kids engaged, but not too challenging that they give up. They are also educational and promote STEM learning.
Amazon Com Building Toys For 10 Year Olds
Amazon.com offers a wide range of building toys for 10-year-olds. Here are some of the best options:
These building toys are designed to be challenging and educational, promoting STEM learning and critical thinking skills. They are also fun and engaging, making them great gifts for 10-year-olds.
