fantastic_four

What's the best forum for action figure talk? I'm finding myself going very vertical with my figure questions these days. My latest need for info is that I'm in the market for the Revoltech figures, but apparently China is making tons of knockoffs and I'm wondering if there are quick visual clues to look for on knockoffs. Virtually EVERY Revoltech figure on eBay is a knockoff, which is easy to see since the list prices on most of the Marvel figures are around $65 yet there are plenty in the $15 to $35 range on eBay. But I've heard stories of knockoffs being picked up from more reputable sources, too. For example, there's someone selling them for inflated prices near $100 on Amazon, but the comments on that seller suggest some or all of what they're selling are actually knockoffs. The problem I'm hearing with the knockoffs is the quality is shoddy and the joints break far more easily. Also Hot Toy long-term quality, what's the best version of a particular character, etc, etc, etc...I'm just having a lot of questions that go beyond the expertise one would expect in a forum not dedicated to that topic.

Let's not go overboard with expectations.

That one has 67 articulation points, but this one has 99! https://www.sideshowtoy.com/collectibles/transformers-optimus-prime-threea-toys-903080/

Went looking for example images of Hot Toys degrading and could only find one--a Rambo released in 2000 with lots of cracks pictured below. Is it possible they've changed materials since then to address this?

The Hot Toys rubber is degrading? Is it with age or repeated bending? Hadn't heard about that. When did they start releasing figures?

Where Hot Toys is killing it for me is the Star Wars figures that have no comic version of them to compete with in my mind. I can't look at their upcoming Darth Maul as anything but completely awesome. Their Boba Fett looks spectacular too. Darth Maul: https://www.sideshowtoy.com/collectibles/star-wars-darth-maul-special-edition-hot-toys-9038531/ Boba Fett: https://www.sideshowtoy.com/collectibles/star-wars-boba-fett-deluxe-version-hot-toys-903352/

Yea, I can see that, that's definitely in there. The one I've noticed it the most on is the Revoltech Psylocke pictured below; her face looks TOTALLY anime. But all of them look at least somewhat anime-styled, and I, too, would prefer they didn't. It's the insane articulation I can't get past. I haven't seen ANYTHING that comes close to what Revoltech does. Even though I'd prefer Psylocke to not have the anime eyes on the figure below, the articulation and attention to stylistic detail boggles my mind, it just looks AMAZING. My main gripe about Revoltech's articulation is that Hot Toys covers their articulation points up with skin or costume, but Revoltech just puts the joint out there. And the joints are a bit ugly. I can't help but wonder if it's possible to maintain Revoltech's articulation but cover it up somehow.

I feel the same way about Hot Toys; I wish they'd do more figures based upon comic models, not movie actors who play superheroes. That's the reason I like Revoltech right now, their designs are all based upon comic book designs. Also, what about the other Sideshow premium figures, do you like those? Sideshow distributes both Hot Toys and other figure creators, too, right? Here's a Daredevil based upon the comics, not the Netflix show like the one Hot Toys makes. Are the other artists that Sideshow distributes as good as the Hot Toys figures?

That's a statue, isn't it?

I feel the same way about Hot Toys; I wish they'd do more figures based upon comic models, not movie actors who play superheroes. That's the reason I like Revoltech right now, their designs are all based upon comic book designs. I feel the exact opposite way than you about the Revoltech designs; most of them are absolutely AWESOME design. What do you not like about the Revoltech Batman, for example? I ADORE these extreme designs, most of them remind me of Jim Lee-style art translated into a figure.

But having said that, he's getting a few Marvel Legends 6" figures for Christmas. Apparently I'm a glutton for punishment.

Mine will go into two large identical glass jeweler's cases that are about 6' 4" tall with lights built into the roof; one of them is shown in the picture below. I've been using those for decades to display comics and statues, and I'm seriously considering liquidating my statues and filling them with figures. Either Hot Toys or Revoltech will fit, but obviously I'd be able to fit more 6" figures in them. Space isn't an issue, I'm just debating quality.

In retrospect, it wasn't the best idea to buy 6" action figures for toddlers. My son throws them around a lot and broke one of Iron Man's legs off, one of Black Panther's legs off, and Thor's hand with the hammer in it on his figures from the Toybox line. I can't get him to stop throwing toys around when he's feeling mad or hyper.

Richmond Comix is my favorite in Richmond. Trilogy in Virginia Beach has the most impressive store. It's huge, and it's PACKED with comic stuff. Really fun to walk in the first time and see it all.

These Revoltech toys are amazing. They seem easy and cheap to get on eBay imported from Japan, but it's still a shame they don't have a license from Marvel to sell in the US.

One thing I'm absolutely decided upon--the best reviewer of modern figures is Shartimus Prime. He's insanely entertaining, he's incredibly detailed on the pros and cons of figures, and he seems to review EVERY Marvel figure. Love listening to his reviews.

I was unaware of the Golden Age of figures we're currently in until you guys introduced me to Hot Toys about a year ago. My interest in premium figures has been simmering all that time, and it's about to boil over. However, one question has me torn as to where to start--which company do you guys think make the absolute best figures? The two companies I'm currently torn between are Hot Toys and Revoltech. The figures available from Hot Toys are amazingly realistic, but their articulation seems to pale compared to that of Revoltech figures. I'm currently leaning towards Revoltech but am still undecided.

Is it possible they changed the name of the film from "Annihilation" to "Endgame" due to the leak? Or is it more likely the leak source was weak?

OK trailer. I wasn't familiar with Ronin so that was over my head.

Whoa, how do they know the inventory of the stores better than the stores themselves?!?!

Yea, I just found out during lunch today you're right. Their site is impressive when it's right because it tells you which aisle the item is on, but I went looking for two items the site claimed were there--a Paw Patrol toy and the Marvel Legends Daredevil--and neither were there. But there were a dozen or more Marvel Legends figures that WERE there but not on their site.

They don't even list it on their web site as something they carry. Wonder how often stock just shows up from nowhere like that. I just bought the yellow Wolverine from Target just two months ago and I already don't see it for sale on their web site. Usually they're pretty good about keeping their store inventory online up to date with what's in the stores, although I've seen the online inventory lag by up to a week.

Anyone know why Hasbro doesn't consistently crank out the Marvel Legends figures? Anything that isn't actively produced seems to end up going for multiples of the $20 release price even a year or two after release. Earlier this year the Legends Wolverine was $50 until they released more. Now my kid wants a Cyclops, and the Legends version pictured below is the absolute best I've seen. Almost every Legends figure I've seen from the past few years is absolutely awesome and this one is no exception. But you can't get it for less than $50 despite it just coming out two years ago at $20!

Your non-spoilery spoiler ponderings feel vaguely spoilery.

Just saw the trailer...wow, they're skipping her from the Ms. Marvel to the Binary powers right from the start, eh?