• Discover Action Figure Milestones

• Learn Action Figure Terms

• Protect Your Action Figures Collection

• Find Action Figures on eBay Australia

• Buy Action Figures with Confidence

• Need More Help?

• Legal Disclaimer

Discover Action Figure Milestones

Discover Action Figure Milestones

In 1964, the Hassenfeld Brothers (later renamed Hasbro) came up with the idea for a pose-able, dress-able play toy designed for boys. The result, a 12 inch action figure by the name GI Joe, was a huge success. In addition, children could buy their fully articulated GI Joe action figures a wide range of clothes, vehicles, and accessories.

1965–77: Action figures take off

More companies started to develop their own action hero figures for mass production in a bid to cash in on the popularity of GI Joe. Presto introduced Caption Action, a figure that can become whichever popular movie or TV character you wanted by changing its clothes. Mego launched an 8 inch line, which featured popular characters from DC and Marvel comics, called “World’s Greatest Super Heroes”. This action figure trend went on for the next 12 years.

1977: Star Wars changes the world

In 1977, Kenner released the 3 ¾ inch Star Wars line of action figures thereby changing the whole industry. These figures were less flexible due to their small size, but they were also cheaper in comparison to the previous 12 inch figures. Coupled with the fact that the large variety of figures and accessories allowed kids to play out their favourite scenes from movies, the 3 ¾ inch action figures became a huge success. This in turn revolutionised the way people thought about action figures and the size soon became the new standard.

1980s: TV takes over

In the early 1980s, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States relaxed a regulation which previously prevented toy companies from developing children’s programming. This caused an explosion of toy lines with television show tie-ins to hit the market. Mattel was the first to capitalise on this deregulation with its “He-Man and the Masters of the Universe” action figures. These were made slightly larger, and many integrated features such as swivel waist, cap firing, and other mechanical abilities.

The Transformers soon followed suit with incredible success. Based on the TV series which depicted the adventures of robots that could transform themselves into planes, cars, and radios among others, the die cast toys were extremely popular in spite of the fact that they were more than double the cost of most other action figures in the market back then. All of a sudden, soldier action figures, superhero action figures, and Star Trek action figures took off. To this day, the toy industry continues to create new action figures, many of them as tie-ins with television shows and movies.

Today: Special Collector Editions

Today, many action figure lines now have special edition, also called collector’s edition, toys that promote the collector’s market. Toy designers are also creating non-poseable figures for display purposes only.

Learn Action Figure Terms

Learn Action Figure Terms

Collecting action figures should be something you do because you like the figures. You’ll need to keep up on the latest trends and developments in your chosen brand as well as keep your records in order. Besides toy magazines, the action figures collector’s community can help you keep up with the latest news in the world of action figures collecting while making new friends. Another important thing you’ll need to do before starting your action figures collection is to get to know the specialised terms that help collectors organise their figures and collections.

• A/O: All Original. The doll comes complete with everything it came with originally.

• Book value: Price of a particular figure.

• Collectible: Any action figure that you can collect. The most valuable collectible action figures are in high demand and low supply.

• Exclusives: Exclusive figures are often found at retailers that can order in large quantities. These retailers ask for figures that will only be available at their stores.

• HTF: Hard to find.

• Limited edition: Figures that are not produced in large quantities. Often figures that are not expected to sell well will find themselves with the moniker “Limited Edition.”

• Mail-in premiums: Mail-in premiums were originally only offered through the mail. Often, you are required to cut out and send in a “proof of purchase” in order to buy the figures.

• MIB: Mint in box. Factory condition in original box.

• MIP: Mint in package. Similar to MIB except all accessories are in their packages.

• Mint & complete: The figure has all the accessories and is in excellent shape.

• MNB: Mint, no box.

• NM: Near mint.

• NRFB: Never removed from box.

• Prototype: Prototype figures are designs that never made it to production. Often, they are only made by factories for the purpose of helping designers and marketers to develop the product. The most well known prototype is probably the Boba Fett figure with the firing rocket pack.

• Semi-exclusive: Semi-exclusives are similar to exclusives, but are often offered to more than one store. However, the stores that receive semi-exclusives are often not in the same geographic area.

• Shortpacks: Shortpacked figures are available only in limited quantities compared to other figures in the line. This is occasionally done because of the higher production costs, expected limited demand, or for the sole purpose of making one figure more valuable.

• Variation: Variation action figures are those that have been changed. Often a mistake in production is noted and the figure is pulled, fixed, and then reissued. Variations can become valuable since they are usually limited in supply.

There are two main scales used to judge the condition of collector-level action figures. The first is the “C” scale, the second is the AFA.

Understand the “C” scale

The “C” scale rates condition on a scale of one to 10, with a C10 rating indicating high quality and a C1 rating indicating poor quality.

• C10: The C10 rating represents perfection and is incredibly rare.

• C9: C9-rated figures have minimal defects and are excellent collector quality toys.

• C8.5: C8.5-rated action figures are in very good condition. However, collectors may shy away from them.

• C8: Action figures with a C8 rating, the lowest collector grade rating, have visible flaws, but do not look worn.

• C6/7: C6 and C7-rated action figures have rips and apparent flaws. Collect them for nostalgic value only.

• C5 and lower: Action figures with a rating of C5 or lower are of very poor quality. They often have large parts missing and well-worn features.

Use Action Figure Authority (AFA) ratings

Action Figure Authority (AFA) bases quality on a percentage scale.

• AFA 100: AFA 100 ratings indicate near perfection.

• AFA 95: Very rare quality AFA 95 toys have glossy cards and no discolouration.

• AFA 90: Only 1% of action figures have an AFA 90 rating. These high quality toys contain only factory made flaws.

• AFA 85: Display quality AFA 85 action figures have slight fraying or apparent discolouration.

• AFA 80: AFA 80 is the lowest top level collector quality.

• AFA 75: Good quality AFA 75 action figures do not stand out as excellent figures.

• AFA 70: AFA 70 ratings indicate average collector quality items. Discriminating collectors do not usually find them acceptable.

Lower AFA qualities are not considered collector quality and you should only buy them for sentimental value.

Protect Your Action Figures Collection

Protect Your Action Figures Collection

Whether you want to keep your action figures in mint condition or play with them regularly, protect your action figures from harmful elements so that they always look their best.

• Avoid direct sunlight: Keep your toys out of direct sunlight. UV light is a killer and unless you want the dashboard of your Generation 1 Optimus Prime to look like the cracked and dry dashboard of your ‘82 Corolla, keep him out of the sun. Sunlight will also make boxes and cardboard backings fade and become brittle.

• Watch out for humidity: Keep action figures in boxes or with cardboard backing out of humid areas. While humidity won’t easily damage plastic, it will quickly warp cardboard.

• Carefully remove price tags: Try using your fingertips and tweezers first when trying to remove price tags. If that doesn’t work, try commercial adhesive removers from craft stores. However, note that some adhesive removers can damage cardboard if not used properly so be sure to test it out and practice before using them on something you really value.

Aside from the basics, avoid touching your figures or boxes excessively as spotting or yellowing can occur over time due to the oil on your fingers. Pick up the figure by the blister, or use a cloth when touching boxes. Comic book bags are great for storing most blister-pack action figure cards.

For stuff that requires more protection, durable plastic boxes, many of which are sized specifically for action figures, are readily available.

It is often easier to store loose action figures rather than those still in the blister pack or box since the cardboard backing is usually much more fragile compared to the figure itself. Sometimes, brands may have carrying cases specially designed for their figures but if not, it is fairly easy to find plastic boxes with 4 inch compartments that are great for most 3 ¾ inch figures.

Find Action Figures on eBay Australia

Find Action Figures on eBay Australia

Once you know what type of action figures you want, go to the Toys & Hobbies portal, click Action Figures, and start searching for items on eBay Australia.

• Categories: The Categories list on the left side of each page will help you narrow down your listings by item type. You’ll find links for Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Transformers, Wrestling, and more. As you dig deeper into the site you’ll also be able to narrow down your choice further.

• Keyword search: Search eBay Australia listing titles for specific words. For example, if you want to find a Spiderman figure, type “spiderman” (without quotation marks) into the Search box. Click “Search title and description” to expand your results. Visit eBay Australia’s Search Tips page for more tips on searching with keywords.

If you can’t find exactly what you want, try shopping eBay Stores, tell the eBay Australia Community what you want by creating a post on Want It Now, or save a search on My eBay and eBay Australia will email you when a match becomes available.

Buy Action Figures with Confidence

Buy Action Figures with Confidence

Before making your purchase, make sure you know exactly what you're buying, research your seller, and understand how eBay Australia and PayPal protect you.

Know your purchase

Carefully read the details in item listings.

• Figure delivery costs into your final price. If you spend a lot of money, make sure the seller will insure the item when it ships.

• If you want more information, ask by clicking the "Ask seller a question" link under the seller's profile.

• Always make sure to complete your transaction on eBay Australia (with a bid, Buy It Now, or Best Offer). Transactions conducted outside of eBay Australia are not covered by eBay Australia protection programs.

• Never pay for your eBay Australia item using instant cash wire transfer services through Western Union or MoneyGram. These payment methods are unsafe when paying someone you do not know.

Know your seller

Research your seller so you feel positive and secure about every transaction.

• What is the seller's Feedback rating? How many transactions have they completed? What percentage of positive responses do they have?

• What do buyers say in their Feedback? Did the seller receive praise?

• Most top eBay Australia sellers operate like retail stores and have return policies. Do they offer a money-back guarantee? What are the terms and conditions?

Buyer protection

In the unlikely event that a problem arises during your transaction, eBay Australia and PayPal are there for you.

• Pay safely with PayPal: PayPal enables you to pay without the seller ever seeing your bank account or credit card numbers. In fact, PayPal protects buyers 100% against unauthorised payments from their accounts. Plus, with PayPal Buyer Protection, your purchase can be covered up to $1,500.

• eBay Australia Security & Resolution Centre: Visit the Security & Resolution Centre to learn how to protect your account and use eBay Australia's quick and efficient resolution tools.

Need More Help?

Need More Help?

Visit our help pages or start a thread on one of our Community Discussion Boards - If you have a quick question that needs answering, try posting it on our community Answer Centre - there's bound to be a seasoned eBay Australia veteran with just the information you're looking for!                    

Legal Disclaimer

Legal Disclaimer

Buying Guides are intended merely as a guide or review for members when considering what products or services they may be interested in bidding on or purchasing. eBay does not make, and nothing in these Buying Guides is intended to constitute, any warranties, guarantees, representations or assurances about the accuracy of the information or content contained in these Buying Guides. Furthermore, eBay does not make, and nothing in these Buying Guides is intended to constitute, any warranties, guarantees, representations or assurances about the nature or performance of the products or services appearing in the Buying Guides. eBay is not affiliated with nor does it endorse the use of any particular product or service.