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Shenzhen Demeng Toy Design Development Co.,Ltd focus on making custom designer toys.

What is Model Figure?

Exploring the World of Model Figures and Collectibles

What is Model Figure?

A Comprehensive Guide to Model Toy Figures

Model Figure Overview

Model figures are scale models that represent humans, monsters, or other creatures. They can be generic models (e.g., "dinosaur model," "penguin figurine"), characters from movies (e.g., "Spider-Man," "Hulk"), or fictional characters (e.g., "Luffy," "Goku").

Model figures are sold in two main formats: kits for hobbyists to build and paint, and pre-made, pre-painted collectible figures. Model kits are typically made from plastic (usually polystyrene), polyurethane resin, or fiberglass, while collectibles are usually made from plastic, fiberglass, or (rarely) copper.

Recently, larger sizes (12 inches or more) have been produced for the street art character Kaws. Some model soldier manufacturers utilize large plastic military figures as a secondary source of revenue.

Art Toys Overview

Military Toy Figure Models

Those with a passion for figure modeling have the option of pursuing it as a standalone pursuit or as an additional interest alongside military modeling.

Additionally, there is an overlap with miniatures utilized in war games and role-playing games. Miniatures are typically smaller than 54 millimeters in scale and do not necessarily represent any particular character.

In the 1980s and early 1990s, the majority of military model figures were produced in 1:72 and 1:35 scales, with other scales, such as 1:48 and 1:32, representing a smaller market share. The 1:48 scale was typically reserved for aircraft and aircraft support vehicles with maintenance and crew figures, while the 1:32 scale consisted mainly of vehicles such as tanks and their crews.

A number of companies produce 1:35 scale miniatures, including Tamiya, Testor's, Revell, Monogram, and others. The product range includes kits of soldiers, vehicles and combinations, covering the period from World War I to the Vietnam War, with a particular focus on World War II. Miniatures in 1/72 scale cover a wider and more diverse period, with Atlantic offering figures representing a variety of historical eras and cultures, including ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, cowboys, and American Indians. Other companies, such as Airfix, offered not only high-quality figures in 1:72 scale but also beautifully detailed airplanes and military vehicles that are still available today. One of the most significant distinctions between 1:72 scale and 1:35 scale is the abundance of readily available, paintable dioramas and kits for small-scale modeling. Airfix is a prominent player in this market, offering a comprehensive range of kits for modelers, including pontoon bridges, the Atlantic Wall, Waterloo, and more. These kits are designed to provide hobbyists with everything they need to depict a particular moment in time, including buildings, trees, vehicles, and people. They are not currently available for large-scale modelers.

Art Toys Overview

Anime and Manga Models

Anime and manga models based on popular characters from series such as Dragon Ball, King of Thieves, Naruto, and Marvel superheroes, as well as characters from anime, manga, monster series, sci-fi/fantasy movies, and video games, represent a significant aspect of otaku fandom. It is also a significant contributor to the global anime merchandise market. Some enthusiasts focus their attention on specific types of figures, such as garage kits, capsule toys, or PVC beauty statues. Such figures are a prominent feature of the work of modern artist Takashi Murakami. Mr. Murakami's company, Kaikai Kiki, produces a number of limited-edition designer toys, which are sold in stores geared towards otaku.

While there are numerous companies engaged in the production and sale of anime character models, the price of a given model can vary significantly depending on its level of authenticity and quality. Authentic models are typically character models licensed by their creators, resulting in a higher price point. Some of the most well-known manufacturers, such as Good Smile Company, Mighty Jaxx, Hot Toys, Bandai, and others, are known for their consistent quality and high standards.

Garage Models

Garage models are produced by hobbyists and professionals and are typically cast from polyurethane resin. In Japan, these products are typically images of anime characters, while in the United States, they are usually movie monsters. Due to the limited production quantities, garage sets are typically more expensive than typical injection-molded statues and sets.

Art Toys Overview

Model Collecting

In the early 21st century, the advent of social media led to a surge in interest in the work of certain artists, who were encouraged to develop their own lines of art toy models. This resulted in the emergence of numerous prominent art toy brands, including Pop Mart, Funko Pop, Mighty Jaxx, Superplastic, Kaws, and others.

Model collectors, like most hobby collectors, typically have specific criteria for their collections, such as designer toy figures or anime characters.

Collectible model manufacturers that specialize in collectors often create chase models. These are models that are released in limited quantities as opposed to other varieties, usually "one chase model for every two boxes of regular product" or something similar. The name stems from the assumption that collectors will put in more effort than usual to "chase" these models in order to "collect" them. These types of collectible models are what we often refer to as blind box or mystery Box.

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