Action Figures | Toys & Games | Classifieds.co.uk :

An action figure is a posable plastic figurine of a character, often from a movie, comic book, video game, or television program. These action figures usually are marketed towards boys. Redressable action figures are sometimes referred to as action "dolls," as a distinction from those that have all or most of their clothes moulded on.

History
The term "Action Figure" was first used by Hasbro in the early sixties, to market their G.I. Joe figure to boys who wouldn't play with dolls. G.I. Joe was an 11�" military figure, featuring changeable clothes with various uniforms for different purposes. In a move that would create global popularity for this type of toy, Hasbro licensed the product to companies in other markets.

How Action Figures are Made
Aluminium wire, modelling clay and various sculpting tools are used to create the prototype. The actual figure is moulded from a plastic resin, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). This is a harder plastic used to form the main body. Softer plastics (polypropylene and polyethylene) are used to mould smaller accessory and costume pieces. Various fabrics (often rayon or nylon), are used for costume components. As a final decoration, acrylic paints are used to decorate the figure. In addition, toys that are more elaborate may contain miniature electronic components that provide light and sound effects.

Notable action figures

Batman

Doctor Who

Jurassic Park

The Lord of the Rings

Marvel Select

Star Trek

Star Wars

Spider-Man

An action figure can be appreciated or criticised for its articulation, paints, detail and likeness to the character. Obviously, the value of any action figure will depend on how successfully the manufacturer combines the above elements. However, the most crucial factor in determining the value of an action figure is its condition.

There are a number of specific terms, acronyms and abbreviations used to describe the condition of an action figure:

A/O: All Original. The figure comes complete with everything it came with originally.

Book value:Price of a particular figure.

Collectable: Any action figure that you can collect. The most valuable collectible action figures are in high demand and low supply.

Exclusives: Exclusive figures are often found at retailers that can order in large quantities. These retailers ask for figures that will only be available at their stores.

HTF: Hard to find.

Limited edition: Figures that are not produced in large quantities. Often figures that are not expected to sell well will find themselves with the moniker "Limited Edition."

Mail-in premiums: Mail-in premiums were originally only offered through the mail. Often you needed to clip and send in "proofs of purchase" for the figures.

MIB:Mint in box. Factory condition in original box.

MIP: Mint in package. Similar to MIB except all accessories are in their packages.

Mint & complete: The figure has all the accessories and is in excellent shape.

MNB: Mint, no box.

NM: Near mint.

NRFB: Never removed from box.

Prototype: Prototype action figures are designs that never made it to production. These were often factory-only figures to help designers and marketers develop the product.

Semi-exclusive: Semi-exclusives are similar to exclusives, but are often offered to more than one store. However, the retailers that receive semi-exclusives are often not in the same geographic area.

Shortpacks: Shortpacked action figures arrive in a limited quantity compared to other figures in the line. Sometimes this is done due to higher production costs, expected limited demand, or to specifically make one figure more valuable.

Variation: Variation action figures have been changed. Often a mistake in production is noted and the figure is recalled, amended and then reissued. Variations can become valuable since they are usually limited in supply.

The "C" scale is the main scale used to judge the condition of collector-level action figures.

Understanding the "C" Scale

The "C" scale rates condition on a scale of one to 10, with a C10 rating indicating high quality and a C1 rating indicating poor quality.

C10: The C10 rating represents perfection and is incredibly rare.
C9: C9-rated figures have minimal defects and are excellent collector-quality toys.
C8.5: C8.5-rated action figures are in very good condition. However, collectors may shy away from them.
C8: Action figures with a C8 rating, the lowest collector-grade rating, have visible flaws, but do not look worn.
C6/7: C6 and C7-rated action figures have rips and apparent flaws. Collect them for nostalgic value only.
C5 and lower: Action figures with a rating of C5 or lower are of very poor quality. They often have large parts missing and well-worn features.

However, collecting action figures should be something you do because you like them. Keep your records in order and maintain your knowledge of the latest trends and developments. The action figures collectors' community can help you keep up-to date, while you meet new people and celebrate youth and imagination. Get to know the specialised terms that collectors use to organise their figures and collections.