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.

HASBRO

What is it?:

Probably the largest producer of action figures.  They originated the term action figure with the original GI Joe.  They currently produce Star Wars and Marvel toys, and previously made DC toys as well.  They have bought out numerous smaller companies over the years, and are best known for their work with the 3 ¾ inch scale.  They have a tendency to pack figures with pointless missile launchers.