What is the best action figure brand?
Share
What is the Best Action Figure Brand?
Action figures have always been an essential part of gaming, movies, and pop culture. They allow fans to celebrate their favorite characters, create imaginative play scenarios, and display their collections in style. With so many brands out there, it can be overwhelming to pick the best ones. This blog will break down some of the top action figure brands based on quality, detail, variety, and price, offering you guidance on where to buy them.
1. Hasbro (Marvel Legends, Star Wars, Transformers)
Hasbro is one of the most recognized and respected action figure brands in the world. They offer a vast range of collectibles, including:
- Marvel Legends: These action figures are detailed and highly articulated, making them perfect for collectors. With characters from the Marvel Universe, they come with accessories and alternate heads.
- Star Wars Black Series: These highly detailed action figures bring iconic characters from the Star Wars universe to life with intricate details, articulation, and accessories.
- Transformers: Known for their transforming figures, Hasbro's Transformers toys have been loved by fans for decades. The attention to detail and functionality of these figures make them a top choice for both collectors and casual fans.
Why Choose Hasbro?
- High-quality, durable materials.
- A wide range of licenses (Marvel, Star Wars, Transformers, etc.).
- Excellent articulation and detailing.
Where to Buy:
2. NECA (National Entertainment Collectibles Association)
NECA is known for producing highly detailed and collectible action figures, particularly for horror, sci-fi, and pop culture franchises. Their figures are often sculpted with precision and provide realistic textures and paint applications.
- Predator and Alien: NECA is renowned for producing intricate and well-painted figures from the "Predator" and "Alien" franchises. These figures are great for collectors who appreciate fine details and craftsmanship.
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT): NECA’s TMNT action figures are perfect for nostalgic fans of the classic series, featuring an old-school design mixed with excellent articulation.
Why Choose NECA?
- Exceptional sculpting and paint details.
- Iconic horror and pop culture franchises.
- Great for serious collectors.
Where to Buy:
3. Hot Toys (Marvel, DC, Star Wars, and More)
Hot Toys is known for producing highly detailed, high-quality action figures aimed at collectors. They are best known for their “1/6 scale” figures, which are impressively detailed and often include lifelike features.
- Marvel and DC Superheroes: Hot Toys offers action figures of Marvel and DC characters, often featuring hyper-realistic details such as fabric costumes, multiple points of articulation, and interchangeable parts.
- Star Wars and More: In addition to superheroes, Hot Toys also produces figures from the "Star Wars" franchise and other major films, including "The Matrix" and "Iron Man."
Why Choose Hot Toys?
- Lifelike and detailed figures.
- High-quality materials (often including fabric costumes).
- Premium pricing with premium quality.
Where to Buy:
4. Mattel (Masters of the Universe, WWE, Barbie)
Mattel is one of the largest toy manufacturers in the world, and their action figures span many genres, from wrestling to fantasy and pop culture icons.
- Masters of the Universe: Mattel’s classic He-Man and Skeletor action figures have remained popular for years and have received several modern updates.
- WWE Figures: Mattel’s WWE action figures are highly articulated, allowing for a variety of dynamic poses, and come with accessories like championship belts and alternate heads.
Why Choose Mattel?
- Accessible price range.
- Long-established brand with a wide variety of figures.
- Classic series like He-Man and WWE.
Where to Buy:
5. Bandai (SH Figuarts, Power Rangers, Dragon Ball Z)
Bandai is a giant in the world of action figures, offering beautifully designed and highly articulated figures. They specialize in Japanese anime and franchise-related figures, particularly SH Figuarts and Power Rangers.
- SH Figuarts (Dragon Ball Z, One Piece, Naruto): These figures offer excellent articulation and highly detailed designs. Bandai’s attention to detail in their anime figures makes them a fan favorite.
- Power Rangers: Bandai also produces highly collectible Power Rangers figures, often with a premium level of detail and articulation.
Why Choose Bandai?
- Exceptional articulation and detailing.
- Focus on anime and Japanese franchises.
- Collectible figures for fans of Japanese culture.
Where to Buy:
6. Super7 (Transformers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Disney)
Super7 offers a more niche set of collectibles with a focus on retro styles, high-quality craftsmanship, and pop culture icons. Known for its vintage designs, Super7 brings characters from various franchises into the action figure world with a blend of modern and retro.
- TMNT Retro Figures: Their retro TMNT figures are designed with vintage aesthetics and come with a ton of accessories.
- Transformers: Super7 also produces high-quality Transformer figures with a vintage look but modern articulation.
Why Choose Super7?
- Retro designs with modern functionality.
- High-quality craftsmanship.
- Figures with a vintage appeal.
Where to Buy:
Conclusion
Choosing the best action figure brand depends on your preferences, whether you're looking for hyper-realistic detail, nostalgia, or modern functionality. Whether you're a collector or a casual fan, these brands offer high-quality figures across a range of styles and franchises:
- For high-detail and premium figures, Hot Toys and NECA are your best bet.
- For action figures that are both high-quality and widely available, Hasbro and Mattel are excellent choices.
- Bandai and Super7 are perfect for anime and vintage enthusiasts.
Whichever brand you choose, make sure to buy from reputable websites to ensure you’re getting the real deal.
Happy Collecting!
