Today, we’re stepping away from our usual content to dive into a beginner’s guide to collecting action figures. For this article, I’ll focus specifically on 1/12 scale action figures.
Before we jump in, a quick note: this is based entirely on my personal experiences. Also, thanks for your patience over the past few days as I’ve been recovering from an upper respiratory infection. Your ongoing support means the world to me!
So, You Want to Start Collecting Toys? #
Great timing! The market is overflowing with an incredible variety of collectibles. But before you dive in, there are some key things to consider.
The biggest questions you’ll need to answer are:
- What should I collect?
- How should I display it?
- Can my wallet handle this hobby?
Spoiler alert: The best advice I can give you is to collect what you love, what you can afford, and display it however you like.
But let’s break this down further because, honestly, it’s not always that simple.
1. Your Wallet Matters. A Lot. #
Collecting can get expensive, fast.
Figures that once retailed for $15–$20 now hover around $25–$30 or more. Some lines, like Hasbro Marvel Legends or McFarlane Toys DC Multiverse, have remained relatively affordable. But premium brands like Medicom Mafex or Bandai Tamashii Nations SHFiguarts can cost anywhere from $70 to $150+ per figure.
Yes, those higher-end figures often come with better articulation, accessories, and designs, but they’re not always in the budget for everyone.
Personally, I’ve made a conscious effort to stick to budget-friendly collections, with the occasional splurge. When I started dabbling in import figures, my wife and I agreed on a rule: I’d limit myself to four high-end purchases per year.
Why?
- To stay within our budget.
- To build discipline and avoid impulse buying.
Collecting is a fantastic hobby, but it should never interfere with your financial responsibilities. Plan your spending and stick to it.
2. What Should You Buy? #
The short answer? What you like!
But let’s dig a little deeper. The real question to ask yourself is: “Why do I want to collect?”
Everyone’s motivation is different. Some people collect for nostalgia. Others are drawn to specific franchises or aesthetics. Still, others see it as an investment opportunity.
For me, it’s a combination of nostalgia and the sheer coolness factor of today’s figures.
As a kid, I adored superheroes and Star Wars. Even now, I own about 80% of my original Star Wars collection from the ‘70s and ‘80s. But modern figures? They’ve taken things to a whole new level. The articulation, the details, and the variety of characters are mind-blowing!
For instance, I was thrilled to add Web-Man (an obscure Spider-Man variant) to my collection. The fact that companies are bringing lesser-known characters to life in figure form is a dream come true.
That said, I’ve learned to focus my collection. For example:
- G.I. Joe Classified Series: I stick to Storm Shadow and Snake Eyes.
- Star Wars: My focus is on Mandalorian-themed figures.
This strategy helps me avoid overwhelm and overspending. Ask yourself: What are you passionate about? Once you figure out your “why,” it’ll be easier to decide on your “what.”
3. How Will You Display Your Collection? #
You’ve bought your figures—now what?
The two main approaches are:
- Loose display (out of the box).
- In-package display (keeping them boxed).
Both are perfectly valid. It all comes down to personal preference.
Loose displays can be beautifully arranged on shelves, in dioramas, or inside lit cabinets. Meanwhile, in-package displays showcase the box art and keep figures pristine.
Whichever route you choose, here are some essential tips:
Protect Your Figures From Sunlight #
Direct sunlight causes fading and discoloration. Even indirect sunlight over time can damage your collection. I learned this the hard way with my Millennium Falcon—it suffered significant yellowing despite my attempts to shield it.
Temperature Control Is Key #
Extreme heat can soften plastic, leading to warped joints. This can cause the dreaded “domino effect,” where one figure topples into another, creating a mess.
I used to keep my collection room door closed to keep our cats out. Unfortunately, this trapped heat, and the room would reach 80–90°C during summer. Figures started falling over, and I realised the heat—not the cats—was to blame.
Now, I keep the door open for better air circulation, and thankfully, the cats haven’t caused any issues.
Whether you prefer loose or in-package displays, set up your collection in a way that sparks joy. Keep sunlight and temperature in mind, and you’ll preserve your figures for years to come.
Happy collecting!