I’ve been in the action figure world for about 20 years.  So, it’s safe to say I’ve got a fair bit of knowledge on the terms that tend to be thrown around by collectors with little or no explanation as to what they mean.  I generally try to explain a concept on its first appearance on this site, but much as Stan Lee once said to assume every comic book was somebody’s first, I too must assume that every review on this site might be the first to be read by a new visitor.  As such, I’ve decided to put together a guide to some of the more frequently used terms and names that might show up.

BUCK SYSTEM

What is it?:

A method of creating a small set of base bodies on which multiple figures can be built.  Commonly used as a way to cut costs.  However, it may also be used to make releasing additional figures and characters a quicker process.

Example:

Masters of the Universe is perhaps the greatest example of this system, but it has been seen on other lines, such as DC Universe Classics, another Mattel line.