Whether you're an experienced collector or a newcomer, there’s one thing we all have in common: we all like to bring our favourite fandoms into our homes. From comic books, movies, TV, video games, anime or manga, having your favourite character on display is a tradition that resonates across generations.
The nostalgic allure goes beyond age; creative escapism makes us relieve cherished moments, from both past and present. But, when you look at your collectibles shelf, what are you actually seeing?
In this article, we’ll explore the key distinctions between action figures and collectible statues. Get ready to find the perfect piece to complement your collection and bring even more life to your space!
Difference Between an Action Figure and a Collectible Statue
The term "action figure" was coined by US multinational toy manufacturing and entertainment holding company Hasbro in 1964. Originally, the term was used to market G.I. Joe figures to boys, while competitors still used the term "boy’s dolls".
However, articulated dolls go as far back as Ancient Greece and Rome and military figures have even been found in ancient Egyptian tombs!
So the term “action figure” helped to elevate figures beyond playthings, evoking a sense of adventure, excitement, heroism and belonging. Over time, appealing more and more to mature audiences, who appreciate their craftsmanship and cultural significance, however without losing a childlike wonder for the imaginative potential.
Collectible statues could be argued to be the evolution of action figures. Where action figures go back and forth between a younger audience and a niche market, statues took the fandoms to more artistic heights.
Being handcrafted, hand-painted and having an overall artisanal appeal, statues transcended home decoration and became exhibition items.
Action Figure
An action figure is a poseable, joint-articulated character model figure made most commonly of plastic, and often based upon characters from film, comics, games, TV and other media.
Their joints and articulations allow buyers to pose them in various action-filled stances, hence the name, departing from their more traditional counterparts, the collectible figurines.
Credit to maydaymakes
Action figures have had a sustained popularity since the 60’s due to the sparking of nostalgia and imagination, and also allowing fans to feel more connected to their favourite characters, them being from child, teenage or even adulthood.
Collectible Statue
Statues are typically made from higher quality material, with more detail put into the art of sculpting. Action figures are usually made to be more affordable and to reach a wider audience, from kids to collectors. In the case of Iron Studios, our Art Scale products are usually made in Polystone and may contain parts in Resin, PVC and Metal.
Statues can hold and actually increase their value because they are usually limited edition, whereas action figures are made to be mass-produced.
Statues are sculpted by artists. They have no articulations and are designed for display. They are easier to clean and meant to be exhibited, like historical and artistic pieces in a museum.
Credit to thali_sabonaro
There is Nothing Like Seeing Your Favourite Character in 3D
Fictional characters usually become part of our imaginarium from a very early age. They are more than just a source of entertainment, they turn into friends, into family, into cozy memories.
So whether you can pose it like an action figure, or if it’s a hand-made, hand-painted, certified Iron Studios statue, your collectible's shelf deserves a museum-worthy work of art of your favourite character.
Get your statue now and turn your humble home into a geek Louvre! But hurry up because they sell out quickly and the British Museum might get them first!
