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.

HOT TOYS

What is it?:

A company based in Hong Kong who are known for their high-end twelve-inch scale figures.  Their figures retail at a high price, are exceptionally lifelike, and usually include a large number of accessories.  They also have a tremendous after market, with more popular figures going for anywhere from two to six times their original value.

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.

HEAVY HITTER

What is it?:

A character that is more heavily packed in case assortments of figures and receives more variations and figures in general, based on their well-known status.  They are generally used to anchor a series of boxed set of lesser known characters, and are usually aimed at “moms and kids.”

Example:

Batman, Spider-Man, and Iron Man are all heavy hitters.

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.

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.

EXCLUSIVE

What is it?:

A figure only available from a certain place (first-hand, anyway).  Can be a specific store, such as Toys R Us or Wal-Mart, or possibly and event such as San Diego Comicon.  Usually a figure that is desirable to more hard-core fans, but not a general audience.  Store-exclusives are usually meant to be a sign of good faith to the store to encourage them to support the line.

Example:

Minimates have prominent Toys R Us exclusive waves, with brand new characters not seen elsewhere.

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.

DISPLAY STAND

What is it?:

A stand meant to aid a figure in remaining vertical.  More often than not, designed to be innocuous and small, but can also be large and obtrusive.  Mostly seen with more collector oriented lines.

Example:

Recent releases of Minimates include a small clear stand.

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.

DC

What is it?:

One of the big two comic book companies.  They are owned by Time Warner, and created Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, the Flash, and many others.  The name stands for Detective Comics, the name of the series in which Batman first appeared.

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.

DAY-OF

What is it?:

When an item is released online, at a specific time, and there are no pre-sales, it is typically referred to as a “Day-of” sale.  Depending on the nature of the site, Day-of sales can range anywhere from relatively painless to living hell.

Example:

Matty Collector runs on Day-of sales.  They tend to be an example of the “living hell.”

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.

BUILD-A-FIGURE

What is it?:

A way of releasing larger or less desirable characters.  The figure is divided into several pieces and a piece is included with each figure in a given series.  It is common for figures in that series to be related to the Build-A-Figure in some way, but not necessary.

Example:

The idea was pioneered by Marvel Legends, where it was used to release larger characters such as Galactus and the Sentinel.

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COLLECT-N-CONNECT

What is it?:

The Mattel equivalent of a Build-A-Figure.  Exactly the same idea, just under a different name.

Example:

Used in just about every series of DC Universe Classics, for characters such as the Ultra Humanite

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.