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Action figures are a staple of childhood; one of the mainstream objects that parents can pretty much count on a kid wanting at some point. There are figures modeled after superheroes, television personalities, and characters from books and comics. They are appealing because they are possible, affordable, suitable for both play and display, some so detailed that they are highly valuable not just to complete a collection, but because they are works of art.
Buying an action figure for a kid can actually be a more difficult process than one might imagine. There is a huge selection out there of many characters and series to choose from. If you have to make a choice between several, there are some characteristics you may want to look at in particular to ensure that you are getting the best value for your money.
More figures are always produced of those "popular" characters that every child wants, and the less in-demand figures are short-packed – meaning that less of them are made. Occasionally a popular or variant character will find themselves short-packed, heightening their value for collectors and the demand for them in general. Everyone wants the exclusive figures, so keep an eye out for ones you know to be rare!
Price will always be a big factor in buying toys. Every parent knows how many toys a child gets tired of as he or she goes through different phases in their lives. And when you are looking at purchasing a number of figures, there's a big difference between $10 and $15! A well-made figure produced by a reputable company can run as high as $20 (USD), but generally a standard one will be half that. As with all toys, prices fluctuate according to quality and time, but $8 has been fairly standard for an action figure in recent years. You can expect such a figure to come with at least one accessory and have two or more "joints" - in other words, be possible in at least two places. Possibility is one of the features of an action figure that raises price, though not always significantly, and accessories are another. If it comes bundled with a vehicle, another character, or even a small object such as a CD or trading card the price will rise.
Be wary of figures that "change" by adding parts, as occasionally they will not fit together as smoothly as the photos would like you to believe. A good figure will fit together seamlessly and move smoothly without limbs detaching, and should be able to stand on their own without a base.
Whether buying for a child's casual play or for building a large collection, you should always look for quality figures. Avoid purchasing bootlegged figures - usually identified by Chinese writing and lack of a familiar manufacturer's logo - and look at all aspects of the figure before you buy. A higher price is acceptable for the niche figures you might purchase at a comic shop, and you should expect high-quality workmanship and a long shelf life for such toys. If you use good judgment when buying figures, you can feel comfortable that you are getting the best value for your money.
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