10 Tips for Collecting
Action Figures
by Melissa O'Donnell
If you are just beginning your journey as a collector, these essential 10 Tips for Collecting Action Figures will help you collect smarter, preserve value, and build something truly special. If you prefer to listen instead of read, listen to this presentation in a podcast instead.
Preface
People collect toys for many of the same reasons people collect anything… but toys add an extra layer of emotion and storytelling that makes them especially powerful.
For a lot of collectors, it starts with nostalgia. Toys are closely tied to childhood, so collecting them is a way to reconnect with simpler, happier moments. A single action figure can instantly bring back memories of Saturday mornings.
There’s also a strong sense of story and imagination. Action figures aren’t just objects; they represent characters, universes, and adventures. Collectors often feel like they’re preserving pieces of those stories, whether it’s superheroes, sci-fi, or classic cartoons.
Backstory
What's in a name?
An action figure is a poseable toy typically made of plastic (although some are made from resin, wood, or metal) that represents a character from a movie, a television series, a comic book, the military, or even a video game. The term "action figure" was coined by Hasbro in 1964 for its G.I. Joe line. They needed a term that appealed to boys, as "dolls" were traditionally marketed to girls, hence "action figure" was born to convey adventure and excitement. To follow are the essential 10 tips for collecting action figures:
1. Define Your Focus
What type of action figures to collect
1
A good starting point is deciding what type of action figures to collect. In fact, it's one of the most important and most personal steps in the hobby. Without some direction, you'll just end up with a random mix that doesn't make sense instead of a carefully curated collection that others will admire.
2
What genuinely interests you? Think about the shows, movies, and themes you’ve always loved. Whether it’s superheroes, cartoon characters, sci-fi, wrestling, military, or vintage lines, your collection will feel far more meaningful if it connects to something you already care about.
3
It also helps to consider how you want your collection to look and feel. You might lean toward highly detailed modern figures, or you may love the charm of older, more simplistic designs. Your visual preference should guide your direction.
4
Scope is a key factor. Try to define some boundaries early on. For example, you might collect:
  • A specific brand or toy line (i.e. Kenner)
  • A certain era (i.e. pre-2000)
  • A particular franchise (i.e. Star Wars)
  • A specific scale (i.e. 1:6 or 1:12)
You don't have to stick to one or the other, but doing so can make collecting more enjoyable because it gives you clear goals.
The Great Debate
2. Boxed vs.
Loose
Your preference hinges on one key question: are you collecting for display enjoyment or future resale value? Many serious collectors do both… you can display it out of the box but still keep the box (breaking it down to save space) for selling later.
🟢 Boxed
Keeping action figures in the box is ideal for preservation and for increasing value.
🔵 Loose
Without packaging is great for displaying, to be enjoyed, and for recreating iconic scenes.
3. Budget Wisely
Allocate Your Funds Strategically
5–10%
Monthly Allocation
The sweet spot for sustainable collecting without financial strain.
$0–$$$
Price Variance
Prices fluctuate widely based on size, brand, rarity, and condition. Research before every purchase.
0
Impulse Buys
A firm budget prevents emotional spending and keeps your collection focused and intentional.
4. Understand the Lingo
Become an Insider
Collecting toys often builds community. Whether online or in person, collectors share knowledge, trade pieces, and bond over a shared interest. That connection can be just as rewarding as the collection itself. Knowing collector terminology helps you decode listings, assess value, and communicate confidently with other enthusiasts. Mastering the language is your first real step into the community.
MIB / MOC
Mint In Box / Mint On Card — figure is in original, pristine packaging.
Grail (or Holy Grail)
A highly sought-after action figure that a collector considers a “must-have” for their collection.
Backs
Refers to the version of a figure based on packaging back design.
Wave / Series
A production batch of action figures released together under one line.
POA
Points of Articulation — the number of movable joints on a figure.
Accessories
Items that come packaged with the figure for the figure to use (i.e. sword) or wear (i.e. cape),
Kitbashing
Swapping and combining body parts or accessories on a figure to create a unique model.
Fodder
Leftover or extra parts used to replace broken figure pieces or to create custom models.
Variant
A version of a figure that is different from the standard release (different paint, packaging, accessories, etc.).
Reissue / Re-release
When a previously released figure is produced again, sometimes with slight changes.
Retired
When a figure is no longer being produced or distributed.
Scale
The proportional size of a figure compared to a standard 6-foot human, typically expressed as a ratio, each having more (or less) detail, articulation, and accessories.
  • 1:4 scale ( approx. 18" )
  • 1:6 scale ( approx. 12" ) - popular scale for collecting
  • 1:9 scale ( approx. 8" )
  • 1:10 scale ( approx. 7" )
  • 1:12 scale ( approx. 5" to 6" ) - popular scale for collecting
  • 1:18 scale ( approx. 3.75" to 4" )
  • 1:48 scale ( approx. 2" )
Licensed
Action figure produced with legal permission from the owner of the intellectual property.
Bootleg
Action figure produced without the approval and licensing from the intellectual property owner.
Scalper
A person who buys up high-demand figures in large quantities (often clearing off retail store shelves) with intention of reselling them immediately at significantly higher prices.
Hostage Pack
The practice of resellers bundling one or two less popular figures with a highly desired figure when selling.
⚠️ Buyer Beware
5. Authenticity
is Key
Spotting Fakes
Counterfeit figures have surged 340% since 2019. Protecting yourself requires a trained eye and smart buying habits.
Examine packaging to see if its the original, official box and check for inconsistent fonts, words misspelled, a missing manufacturer logo, or a missing copyright stamp.
Check joint construction. Bootlegs may be overly loose (preventing it from holding a pose), or very stiff (prone to breaking). Also check for sloppy paint jobs (blobs, colors bleeding, off-hue).
Buy from reputable dealers and for high-value pieces, always ask for provenance documentation and Authenticity Certificates. Also, compare it with official photos.
6. Grading: For the Serious Collector
Professional grading services like AFA (Action Figure Authority) authenticate your figures and assign a standardized condition score — adding credibility and protecting value for high-end investments.

Getting figures officially graded is an additional expense, but for rare or valuable pieces, it can significantly increase the resale price and instill confidence/trust with the buyer.
Preservation
7. Proper Storage
Protect What You Love
How you store your collection is just as important as what you collect. Poor conditions can devastate value and condition over time.
Climate Control
Keep figures away from direct sunlight and humidity to prevent fading and warping.
Acrylic & Glass Cases
Display cases protect against dust, UV exposure, and accidental damage.
Value Impact
Proper preservation can retain up to 85% more value for your collection long-term.
8. Research Brands
and Rarity
Proven Powerhouse Brands
Star Wars, Marvel, DC, Transformers, G.I. Joe, and TMNT consistently hold and grow in value over time.
Variants & Chase Figures
Rare versions, limited editions, and exclusive colorways often command significant premiums on the secondary market.
Packaging Variations
Production run details matter — a "12 Back" vs. "76 Back" Star Wars figure can differ dramatically in value.
9. Where to
Treasure Hunt
Retail Stores
Toy aisles for new releases, exclusives, and store-specific variants direct from manufacturers.
Secondary Market
Thrift stores, garage sales, and flea markets are goldmines for vintage bargains at a fraction of their value.
Conventions & Online
Comic cons, specialty online stores, and collector communities offer the widest selection and trading opportunities.
10. Buying Vintage Action Figures
If you decide to curate a collection of vintage action figures of classic superhero and villain characters, go to Collectibles And More In-Store to check out its Marvel and DC Comics vintage action figures which include the following (to name just a few):
To check out all of its cartoon and comic book vintage action figures, go to the Collectibles And More In-Store vintage toys page.
Conclusion
In the end, collecting action figures is about more than just acquiring items… it’s about building a collection that reflects your interests, knowledge, and passion. By choosing a clear focus, learning the language of the hobby, understanding condition differences, and doing your research on brands, rarity, and authenticity, you set yourself up for smarter and more rewarding decisions. Pair that with knowing where to hunt, how to store and protect your figures, and how grading can impact value, and you’ll be collecting with confidence.
Brought to You By:
This 10 Tips for Collecting Action Figures is brought to you by Collectibles And More In-Store, a trusted leading retailer of pop culture memorabilia, limited editions, Coca-Cola collectibles, Hot Wheels, DC Comics merchandise, cartoon/comic book art, vintage toys, and a diverse selection of other treasures whose commitment to customer satisfaction and passion for the collectibles industry make it the go-to destination for enthusiasts of all ages.