The Correlation Between Collecting Comic Books and Action Figures: A Historical Perspective
Collecting comic books and action figures isn't just a hobby for the dedicated fans; it's a fascinating interplay of nostalgia, historical trends, and cultural impact. Exploring the correlation between collecting comic books and action figures requires delving into their intertwined histories, starting from the early days of the superhero genre to their current status as highly coveted collectibles.
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The connection between comic books and action figures can be traced back to the "Golden Age" of comics, which began in the late 1930s and lasted through the mid-1950s. This era marked the debut of now-iconic characters like Superman, Batman, Captain America, and Wonder Woman, whose popularity swiftly grew, especially during World War II. They became symbols of hope and inspiration, appealing to both young readers and adults.
In the post-war years, toy companies like Ideal and Marx started capitalizing on this newfound love for superheroes, creating the first figures that represented these comic book characters. These early attempts weren't quite action figures as we know them but were more like small, molded plastic toys. They laid the groundwork for the collectible action figures that would appear decades later.
Brighton Toy Museum
During the "Silver Age" of comics (mid-1950s to early 1970s), superheroes regained prominence, with Marvel Comics and DC Comics introducing popular new characters and storylines. This resurgence coincided with the first truly modern action figure, the G.I. Joe, introduced by Hasbro in 1964. G.I. Joe's success popularized the concept of fully articulated figures targeted at boys, paving the way for other superhero characters to get their own action figures.
In 1971, Mego Corporation entered the scene and changed the game by securing licensing rights for characters like Spider-Man, Batman, and Superman. Their 8-inch action figures became immensely popular and helped solidify the link between comic books and toys. Mego’s figures were among the first to feature accurate representations of beloved comic book characters, adding tremendous value for collectors.
The "Bronze Age" of comics, spanning the 1970s to mid-1980s, brought more mature themes and new characters. Concurrently, Kenner’s Star Wars action figures, released after the 1977 film, changed the toy industry forever. These 3.75-inch figures became a template for future toy lines, influencing Marvel and DC’s own toy lines in the coming decades.
Live Auctioneers
Since the 1990s, the collectibles market for both comic books and action figures has seen significant growth. The comic book "speculator boom" of the 1990s saw many comic issues being bought en masse for potential investment returns, while action figures became increasingly detailed and specialized. Companies like McFarlane Toys and NECA, among others, began producing high-quality, hyper-realistic figures that appealed to adult collectors.
Simultaneously, significant comic book events like the “Death of Superman” (1992) and Marvel’s "Civil War" (2006-2007) led to both increased comic book sales and a demand for toys representing characters involved in these storylines. Movie tie-ins also played a significant role. The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in particular prompted a massive resurgence in both comic book readership and action figure sales.
DC
Today, collectors pursue both comic books and action figures for nostalgia and investment purposes. Grading systems like CGC (Certified Guaranty Company) for comics and authentication certificates for action figures have made high-grade collectibles more desirable. Companies like Hasbro (Marvel Legends) and Mattel (DC Multiverse) continue to produce action figures closely linked to ongoing comic book series and cinematic releases, maintaining a close relationship between the two markets.
The correlation between collecting comic books and action figures is a rich tapestry woven from shared origins, cultural significance, and evolving trends in entertainment and commerce. From the early days of idealized superhero depictions to today's high-end collectible figures, both hobbies thrive on nostalgia, storytelling, and the sheer joy of collecting. The synergy between these two pursuits ensures that collectors will continue to find excitement and fulfilment in this beloved cultural phenomenon.
