25/04/2026 General News
In a turbulent world, it is hardly surprising that nostalgia is such a popular sentiment, and in particular hankering back to the more innocent days of childhood, writes Emily Turner. Many people, grappling with the many responsibilities of adulthood, develop hobbies which can transport them back to an age when play and friendship were the most important things in their lives.
This is the reason for the enduring appeal of collecting action figures. Our May Popular Culture, Music, Film and Sporting Memorabilia Sale features a wide variety of such action figures, so I thought it would be interesting to investigate their appeal.
This is a hobby which sits at the crossroads of nostalgia, artistry and fandom. On the one hand it is a simple extension of childhood, revisiting characters that once fuelled the young imagination. But for some, it develops into a serious pursuit, involving research, investment and careful curation.
Collecting action figures relating to movies, TV shows, comic books or video games can feel like preserving a piece of the emotional experience which those forms of entertainment originally created. The figure is not just about the character it portrays, but about the collector’s relationship to that character.
In the saleroom, the phenomenon ranges from collecting mass-produced figurines to the thrill of seeking out the rare. For some, it is also about the artistry involved: although cheap and cheerful merchandise was produced, many of the best action figures can feature remarkable detail, articulation and craftsmanship.
The variety in this hobby is immense. Some collectors focus on particular franchises, with Star Wars, Star Trek and Planet of the Apes among the most popular. Some zero in on collecting the rarest limited editions, making the hobby more akin to a treasure hunt; the actual tracking down of a sought-after figure can be as satisfying as actually owning it.
Alongside scarcity, condition is a vital consideration, as it is with so many forms of collecting. These were toys which were made to be played with, and play-worn examples are of less appeal to the collector, even if their very condition demonstrates that they have been used for their intended purpose.
Most collectors are seeking figures in their original packing, ideally never opened. That said, some will remove the figures from those boxes so that they can display them, even if that means sacrificing eventual resale value. There is an argument that these are the true collectors, more interested in enjoying and appreciating their collection than regarding it simply as a financial investment.
For those choosing to display their collection, this in itself can turn into an art form. Custom display cabinets, carefully designed lighting and even intricate dioramas all allow collectors to showcase their collection. For many, this aspect is just as important as the acquisition itself.
There is a thriving community of action figure collectors, with online forums, social media groups and conventions where collectors can interact and discuss their passion. This sense of belonging to a club is something that collectors of any type will recognise.
Ultimately, collecting action figures is not just about the objects themselves, but about what they represent. Each figure carries with it a piece of a story, a moment in time, or a connection to a more innocent time in the collector’s life. Whether displayed proudly on a shelf or carefully stored away, these small, detailed creations hold a unique power to inspire imagination and preserve the magic of the stories they come from.