Transformers Bumblebee action figure statue in Australia

Transformers action figures – Robots in Disguise

When you were a kid, you probably had all kinds of really great toys that you wish you still had, including all kinds of really cool toys from the Transformers cartoon series. Some of the Transformers toys and action figures are now considered to be highly collectible, and worth a heck of a lot of money too. This was an incredibly popular cartoon, which even spawned a couple of box office hits in recent years, sparking Transformers collectors to add even more toys to their collections.

In The Beginning

Did you know that the very first Transformers toys were actually just new versions of a Japanese toy line that were re-painted. Hasbro introduced the Transformers line of toys, which transformed from robots to cars or trucks and back to robots again, and launched a whole new world of characters, which turned into an extremely popular cartoon series that was written by Dennis O’Neil and Jim Shooter. The Transformers became so popular that there was even a popular animated movie, as well as two Gobots animated movies. Once Transformers hit the scenes, there were all kinds of other lines of robot-themed toys and action figures, although none of them ever reached the popularity of the Transformers.

How to Start Collecting Transformers Action Figures and Toys

Just like with any type of collection, if you want to start collecting Transformers figures and toys, you should probably learn about the genre. If you are already a fan of Transformers, then you are well on your way, but even if you are a fan of the cartoons and movies, you may still need to learn a bit about how to get the best deals on the best toys. One way to do this is to start joining collectors groups and online forums. These are great places to meet other Transformers collectors, and learn the things you need to know to get your collection started. For instance, you may be wondering if certain figures are more rare and valuable than others, and asking other collectors is a great way to find out. Some of the Transformers toys and figures that you will definitely want to have in your collection include:

• Megatron, vintage and new • The Bumblebee Voice Mixer Helmet
• Optimus Prime, the leader of the Autobots, vintage and new
• Mr. Potato Head version of the main Autobot, Optomash Prime.
• Sideswipe

Anyone who is really serious about collecting Transformers figures, or any other type of collection, will try to get the newest collectors’ books that have all of the Transformers toys and their values. Because the values of many toys go up and down all the time, there are also periodicals collectors can get, which have all of the latest, most up-to-date information about the toys.

Don’t just stick to retro Transformers toys. Due to the popularity of the movies, there are all kinds of really awesome Transformers figures and other toys that are on the market right now, and because they are new, you can usually get them for pretty good prices. In fact, most department and toy stores put a lot of these toys on sale periodically, so you can get them really cheaply sometimes.

Remember, the most important thing about collecting Transformers figures and toys, or any other type of toys, is to just have fun with it. Relive a part of your youth, and enjoy sharing your love of Transformers with your kids.

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Star Wars young Jedi

Collecting Star Wars Action Figures

One of the most popular movies of all time is Star Wars, and not only are the movies incredibly popular, there are also loads of awesome collectibles, such as figures, that have been marketed over the last 30-odd years. From the original Luke and Leah 12-inch action figures from Kenner to the really cool Lego Star Wars building sets, collectors who are into Star WCars will never be at a loss for things to collect.

Entire volumes can be written about collecting Star Wars memorabilia, so for the sake of time and space, we’ll keep this article about action figures, and there are all kinds of them out there. In fact, there are so many different action figures and figurines from the Star Wars movies that many collectors often find themselves devoting their collections to different variations of a single character. After all, a person could spend thousands and thousands of dollars trying to collect every single Star Wars figure ever made.

Which Era is Your Favorite?
Basically, there are three main eras that Star Wars figures can fall into: vintage, neo-classic and prequel. Each era is popular with collectors, and there are many collectors who like to have figures from all three eras. Others stick to a specific era, either because it is what they like, or they just can’t afford to have everything, even though they may want all of the figures they can get their hands on.

Vintage – These Star Wars action figures are those from 1977 to 1989 that represented characters from the original trilogy (A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back and The Return of the Jedi). Figures from the Power of the Force collection (Droids and Ewoks cartoons) are also part of the vintage category. Many of the action figures from this Star Wars era are extremely hard to come by, and can bring in a high price, even if they aren’t in their original boxes, or come with their original accessories. Some of the most highly sought-after vintage Star Wars action figures include: any of the Kenner 12-inch figures, which mint in box can sell for upwards of $4,000; Jawa figures, which can sell for $3,000; and one of the rarest and most-wanted figures from the vintage Star Wars collection, Vlix, which can go for as much as $6,500.

Neo-Classic – These figures are the same characters as the vintage ones, but they were created in different poses from the originals. The neo-classic Star Wars figures cover the years from 1990 to 2002, and also include the figures from the Shadow of the Empire and Power of the Jedi lines. The highly collectible action figures from the neo-classic era include: The Power of the Force 2 (1995-2000), the Shadow of the Empire (1996-2000) and Power of the Jedi (2000-2002)

Prequel – These Star Wars action figures are from 2002 to present. There are more action figures in the prequel collections than in any of the other eras of Star Wars collectibles, including the original Star Wars trilogy, Episodes 1, 2 and 3, which features action figures from the Revenge of the Sith and Clone Wars. Because these figures are newer, they are usually pretty easy to get, so they are a great place for new collectors to start. Some of the popular figures from this era include the Darth Vader collectible helmet, Clone Commander Cody, and Darth Maul.

No matter what type of Star Wars action figures you decide to collect, you are bound to have a really great time with your collection. It’s a real blast when you find that elusive figure you’ve been looking for, and even more fun to add it to your growing collection.

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Eowyn and the Nazgul framed giclee on paper

Eowyn and the Nazgul

This is a fine art print of the art of Ted Nasmith, a composition scene from The Lord of the Rings facing Eowyn and the Nazgul.

This Eowyn and the Nazgul is a 100 pieces limited edition. It’s 10 lbs of framed fine art print made by ADC Publications and published by Sideshow, and at $450, it’s an expensive stuff (no, I mean it, I tag every wallet-raping item at the bottom of my post as “expensive stuff”).

Check it out here: http://actionfiguresbuff-jon.com/sideshow/other/fineprint/eowynnazgul

The Eowyn and the Nazgul Fine Art Print features:

* Custom matting and framing by Parker Jordan Fine Art
* Limited to 100 pieces worldwide
* Print Size: 23″ H x 21″ W
* Product Size (Including Frame): TBC

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Barbie legs

All About Collecting Barbie Dolls and Accessories

Every little girl loves Barbie, and I can’t think of any little girl who doesn’t want to be a Barbie girl. There are other, newer lines of dolls that have hit the market in the past few years and have really surged in popularity, but, no matter what, you are still more than likely going to find at least one Barbie doll in every home that has a little girl living in it.

Grown-Ups Can Be Barbie Girls Too
These days, much of the sales of Barbie dolls and accessories are not necessarily for little girls to play with, but for big girls to collect. A huge part of the Barbie line is devoted to specialty collectible dolls, and there are all kinds to choose from, including some of the newest collectible Barbie dolls, the Ladies of the 80’s collection, with Joan Jett, Deborah Harry (Blondie) and Cindy Lauper.

Barbie fans who also are into television nostalgia will love the new Carol Burnett Barbie, which unlike most character Barbie dolls, instead of having Barbie’s face, she is actually modeled after the famous comedian. The doll wears a Bob Mackie costume from the famous “Went with the Wind” skit, which Mackie re-designed for the new doll.

How to Collect Barbie Dolls
Collecting Barbie can be a really fun (and profitable) hobby, and there are thousands, if not millions of adults all over the world who enjoy getting the latest Barbie in the collection, or finding that really great gem of a classic doll. Depending on the collector, the collections can range from being very specialized, to collections that have all kinds of different Barbie dolls and accessories.

Some people like to only collect Barbie dolls that are either new, or at least, mint in the box. This of course is the way to go if you are planning on selling and trading with other collectors, because the better condition the doll is in, the higher price it will bring. But, there are other collectors who like collecting loose dolls, so they can set them in really cool displays. These collections may not be worth as much, but they are loved just as much.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when collecting Barbie dolls and accessories:

• If you plan to trade or sell Barbie dolls from your collection, remember that dolls that have been restored or altered do not have the same value as those that are original.
• Do not mistakenly assume that the date on the Barbie doll is the date that she was made. The date is actually when the mold for that doll was made, and as everyone knows, these molds are often used over and over again for many years.
• Specific Barbie dolls that are only made in limited numbers always have a higher value, and are much more collectible and highly desired. Collector’s edition Barbie dolls are usually made in quantities of 35,000, while limited edition Barbie dolls are made in far less quantities.
• If you have, or can get, the original outfits and accessories your collectible Barbie dolls wore, they will increase the value.
• If you really want to get serious about collecting Barbie, you should invest in books that list the current values of the various dolls.

To learn more about collecting Barbie, and to see all of the newest collectible Barbie dolls, you can visit www.barbiecollector.com, where you can also become a member of the Barbie Fan Club. You should also hook up with other Barbie collectors too, which is a great way to learn more about this collecting genre, and to make some new friends too!

And if you’re on the fence about calling them dolls or action figures, check this post: Care Bears vs Transformers – gender stereotypes

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Shrek Forever After plush

Shrek Forever After talking plushes

With this summer’s anticipated release of Shrek Forever After, Shrek fans can get a hold of Shrek in plush version. And they talk. That’s right, it’s a talking plush, you just need to squeeze their bellies. Everyone of them talk.

I don’t know exactly the phrases and words they say but I know they all have their saying: Shrek, Donkey, Puss and Gingy. They also come with rotomolded arms, heads and legs. They all stand at around 6 inches.

The case of plushes in the image contain 6 plushes, 4 Shrek and 2 Donkey. Others may vary with the other figures. Check them out here: http://actionfiguresbuff-jon.com/entertainment-earth/others/shrekforeverafterplush

Also check one of the trailers of Shrek Forever After below.

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Action figure military looking at a distance

Action Figures – A Lonely Child’s Best Friends

Every kid loves to play with toys, especially action figures. But in a lot of cases, this love of the toys goes much deeper than just play. There are all kinds of kids out there who feel lonely, and often, they feel like
they only friends they can really trust are their action figures. They can create fantasy scenarios that put them into a world of make believe, one that is a lot happier than real life.

Action Figures Don’t Bully Kids
Here’s a familiar scene: a child comes home from school every day in tears, because someone has been picking on him. He told the teacher, which just made it worse, and when he tried to defend himself, he was the one who got into trouble. It doesn’t seem fair, but this happens all too often in the world of children (and often in the adult world too…bullies aren’t just limited to kids).

Bullying has been going on for as long as there have been people on the planet. Millions of kids all over the world are bullied every day, and often, they feel like they don’t have anywhere to turn, and no one to talk to. But, they always have one thing in their lives that will always be there for them…their action figures. Toys don’t make fun of you, and they don’t bully you.

Often, a kid that has been bullied or picked on won’t tell anyone in fear that they will get it even worse, but, he or she will talk to their action figures. They will cry and say things that they would never have the nerve to say in front of anyone else, and instead of being picked on, or made fun of for crying or being sad, the action figures will commiserate with the child in silence. These beloved toys often become the child’s best friends.

A Healthy Way to Solve Problems
Unfortunately, many kids who are bullied and picked on have difficulties dealing with it, and lash out at their bullies, making the situation even worse. But, kids who act out scenes with their action figures can get out all of their aggressions, and let their feelings loose, without the fear of retribution. They can create scenarios where one figure is the bully and another is the victim. They can unleash all of their anger on the toys, without actually ever hurting anyone, including themselves. This may seem like it is encouraging violence, but really, if the child is not hurting anyone, and they are releasing their aggression, it can actually be a really healthy way to deal with the situation, especially if the kid is not willing to talk to an adult about it.

Best Friends for Life
Many kids who have action figures as their best friends often continue to love these toys throughout their lives. I know a lot of people, myself included, who collect toys as adults for this reason. No matter how old you get, and how successful you become in life, there will always be a little bit of that insecure child inside. Even those who don’t want to admit it get a little bit nostalgic when they think about the toys of their past. Many toy collectors focus on the toys they had as a child, as a way to preserve their only really good childhood memories.

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