The Most Popular Toys In The U.S.A. Are Action Figures?



Posted: Friday, May 22, 2009

by Steve Ripsky
http://www.actionfigureusa.com

The increasing popularity of action figures brings some great new products. Since the 1950's, acti
on figures have become increasing in popularity. G.I. Joe was first introduced in the 1950's. Since then, it's popularity has grown in huge numbers. After the 1st G.I. Joe came to life, the hit sci-fi film Star Wars produced tons of action figures from those great characters. Kenner had spawned some of the greatest collectible action figures on the planet from the movie Star Wars.

The most common size is 7 inches, but other sizes available are 3", 3 3/4", 12", and 18". Most action figures are made from plastic or vinyl. Each figure (most, usually) comes loaded with accessories. Accessories may include guns, knives, weapons, interchangeable parts, etc. Clamshell, boxed, or carded are all methods of packaging that action figures come packaged in.

There are plenty of manufacturers that make these fine fun interesting figures. Just to name a few would include: McFarlane Toys, NECA, Jakks Pacific, and Mezco Toyz. Jakks pacific specializes in licensing WWE wrestling figures. Both NECA & McFarlane Toys license many different films, TV shows, video games, sports, musicians, and tons more. One of McFarlane Toys specialties is licensing professional sports. They cover all pro sports including: NHL, NBA, MLB, and NFL. Since themes vary in genres, film characters can be from such films as Halloween, Friday the 13th, Alien, Star Wars, Robocop, Star Trek, The Godfather, and Nightmare on Elm Street. While movie action figures are popular, licensed action figures from hit television shows are extremely popular as well. 24, Lost, The Simpsons, The Girl's Next Door, Futurama, South Park, and Family Guy all have quality action figures made from characters of each of these shows.

There are people who purchase action figures with intention of displaying them and there are those who collect them. Collecting action figures is a hobby for some, for others it is a collecting empire. Determining the value of your collection, according to the experts, is based on several criteria. Condition of packaging and how rare a figure is are just a few.

Toy conventions are an excellent way to see the latest action figures. It's also a great way to network with other fans or collectors. The American International Toy Fair, Comic-Con, and Wizard World are just some of the huge toy conventions that are held once a year across the country. These conventions are a great place to meet new people that share your same interest.

So, start collecting something new and exciting and welcome yourself to the wonderful world of action figures.

Steve Ripsky runs the popular online store that sells action
figures, bobbleheads,
and collectibles. Action Figure USA.com carries the latest in action figures and bobbleheads.
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)
» left by Connor Davidson
 2 years 352 days ago.
94 fans. Follow Connor Davidson on twitter!
Great article. Well done.
 
I would expect the sales of action figures to fall due to the growing popularity of video games. But the tough nose collectors should keep the industy do you think?
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