Buying figures and statues is not so easy, especially when the goal is to acquire a product that can serve both as decoration and as a collectible. There are several aspects to consider to achieve the final objective.
The difference between Action Figures and Figures
The first aspect to consider is the knowledge of the product you are going to purchase. Both action figures and figures are desirable products in the collectibles market, but the former are definitely more widespread as they are also considered real toys for younger children. In fact, the distinguishing factor is this: action figures have joints and articulation, unlike figures which are fixed statuettes. For this reason, action figures are technically toys, while figures are primarily considered collector's items. Ilnuovomondoshop deals almost exclusively in figures.
Characteristics and details
Figures can be made from various materials: PVC, plastic, wood, lead, or metal resin. The standard and most common sizes are considered those of the so-called play scale of 1:8 - 1:12 or 1:16, approximately ranging from 12 to 25 cm in height, although nowadays figures can be found in various sizes, including up to 31 cm. These products are highly detailed and carefully crafted to meet the needs of all collectors.
The reproductions in their entirety can include different scales:
- 1/18 = 95.25 mm (3.75 inches)
- 1/16 = 101.6 mm (4 inches)
- 1/15 = 127 mm (5 inches)
- 1/12 = 152.4 mm (6 inches)
- 1/10 = 177.8 mm (7 inches)
- 1/8 = 203.2 mm (8 inches)
- 1/6 = 304.8 mm (12 inches)
- 1/4 = 457 mm (18 inches)
- 1/3 = 609.6 mm (24 inches)
Among the best-known producers of action figures are: Bandai (with the divisions Bandai Spirits and Banpresto), Taito, Furyu, SEGA, and Good Smile Company.
Statues
While figures are made almost exclusively of PVC (polyvinyl chloride, a naturally derived plastic), statues are made of resin. This naturally significantly increases the weight but also means greater attention to detail by the manufacturer and a considerably higher quality. All these improvements are naturally reflected in the price, but also in a much more limited production run. For this reason, many statues are numbered and highly coveted by the most passionate collectors!