Geek collectibles are not toys to play with! 

The line between what is a toy and what is a collectible can be blurry. It often depends on the person’s perspective. For some, anything that can be played with is considered a toy. For others, if an item has any value to it other than its use as a plaything, then it is considered a collectible. There is no one right answer, but it is important to understand the distinction when making purchases.

What drives the Funko brand and others like it to explode in popularity? The answer may seem simple at first, but when you take a closer look, many factors have led to this phenomenon. Geek collectibles appeal to people starting with the basics because they represent a connection to their favorite characters or stories. They provide an opportunity for people to own a piece of their favorite media and display it in a way that makes them feel proud. In addition, as comic books, movies, and other geek properties have become more mainstream, the demand for merchandise has grown. This has led to an increase in the variety and quality of products available and a decrease in their price. Finally, Funko and similar companies have successfully marketed their products to collectors who are looking for something unique to add to their collection.

In recent years, geek culture has taken the world by storm, with so many people now identifying as geeks. This newfound appreciation for all things geeky has also led to a resurgence in geek collectibles. These are not your average action figures or dolls; they are highly detailed and often expensive. Some of the most popular geek collectibles include Marvel and DC Comics characters, movie and TV show props, and even video game memorabilia.

A few decades ago, toy lines were created with the primary purpose of being played with. However, this is no longer the case. Instead, lines of toys are now created primarily for collectors to purchase and display in their homes as Geek collectibles. While these items may still retain some play value, they are not meant to be used as children’s toys.

What are geek collectibles?

Geek collectibles are items that are associated with geek culture. They can include anything from comics and movies to video games and TV shows. They occupy a unique space in that they are not just for display, but they can also be played with. However, they are not action figures or dolls which typically play with. Rather, they are items you can place on a shelf or in another display area to show your fandom for the given property.

These items have been mass-produced and meant to be collected by fans of a particular genre or media, such as comic books, movies, or television shows. These items can range from replica props and action figures to clothing and jewelry. Many popular brands have lines dedicated to collectible products, such as Marvel, which has an entire replica line.

They are geek collectibles driven by the age-old passion of completing collections and owning something linked to a brand or movie. People attend Comic-Con to purchase exclusive Funko products. These items are not meant to be played with but rather collected and displayed as a source of pride for the owner.

With the advent of social media, people have changed how they socialize. Facebook was followed by Instagram and Snapchat, which TikTok then replaced. Each of these platforms has changed how and what we share. For some, collecting geek collectibles is a way to express or reflect part of their personality.

In today’s society, geek collectibles have taken on a new meaning. They are now considered valuable items that enthusiasts can collect and engage with. We believe that the passion for geek collectibles should be brought into the digital space, as this is where most people spend their time nowadays. We think that entertainment, fun, and being engaged will be the new social networks.

It’s an investment

It’s not just about coolness–it can be an investment. For example, if you have a collection of toys and games that your Dad has passed down to you, it might be worth taking care of them. Of course, they will be more valuable down the road, but they’ll also be a lot more fun to play with!

Geek collectibles have been around for a while now, and they continue to be popular. Unfortunately, people usually buy these items because they love the fandom, not because they think it’s a good investment. However, with the right market knowledge, it is possible to make a profit from geek collectibles.

Most of us who collect toys and geeky memorabilia don’t do it with the intent to sell them for a profit. Instead, we keep them because we love them and want to share that joy with future generations. However, if you have items you’re willing to part with, there’s a market for that too!

Geek collectibles are popular because they are investments. People buy them to hold onto them and hope that their value will go up over time. We keep them because we want to preserve the value of our investment, and we believe that these items will be worth more in the future.

It’s a hobby

People collect all sorts of things for a variety of reasons. Some people might collect it because they appreciate the artistry or history behind it, others might do it as a form of investment, and some might enjoy having a collection. No matter the reason, collecting is a hobby that many people enjoy.

Geek collectibles are items that people acquire and keep for the pleasure of having them. For some, it’s a way to learn more about the objects and their history. For others, it’s a means to show their status or prestige. And for many, collecting geeky items is a way to show their loyalty to their team, country, or hometown.

Tips for buying collectible toys

Collectible toys can be a fun and rewarding hobby, but it’s important to remember that they are not just playthings. When you’re first getting started in collectible toys, it can be difficult to know where to start or what to look for. So here are a few tips to help make your experience a little easier.

• Do your research. This is probably the most important thing you can do when buying a collectible toy. Know what you’re looking for and the market value for different items. Several resources are available online, including price guides and collector forums, where you can get information on specific items.
• Be aware of fakes and reproductions. Often, especially with older collectible toys, replicas and fakes are being sold as the real thing. It’s important to be able to spot these and avoid them, as they can devalue your collection.
• Know your limits. Collecting can be addictive, but it’s important to remember that you don’t need to have every toy in a particular line or genre. Set some boundaries for yourself and stick to them. This will help keep your collection manageable and prevent you from spending too much money on toys.

Collectors need to exercise caution when buying geek collectibles. Since the category of geek collectibles covers a wide range of artworks, from 2-inch-tall plastic figurines to functional household vases, it can be difficult for collectors to determine whether they are getting a good deal. In addition, many of the artists who create geek collectibles don’t have a catalog raisonné that would provide information on the piece’s history and value. As such, collectors need to do their homework before spending their money.

Though it may seem like a fun and easy way to spend your money, collectors should know that geek collectibles are not toys to play with. To ensure they’re getting the best deals and the most accurate information, collectors should turn to dedicated social media accounts and forums instead of online marketplaces. This will create a more digital transparent market for everyone involved.

Collectible toys can be a fun and interesting way to add excitement to your life, but it’s important to remember that they are not just playthings. There is a lot of money to be made in the collectible toy market, so it’s important to do your research before buying. And even though some large-scale toys by artists such as KAWS sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars, the range of sizes and editions means that there is a collectible toy for every budget, making this the perfect category for new collectors—if they know what to look for.

Look beyond vinyl figurines

The art toy movement began with the collectible plastic figurines sold in Hong Kong and Japan in the 1990s. These figurines were often based on popular culture characters or celebrities and were meant to be displayed as a collection. However, the trend gradually grew in popularity, and by the turn of the millennium, artists like KAWS, Michael Lau, and KidRobot founder Paul Budnitz had taken it global.

At the turn of the century, vinyl figurines were all the rage. However, as times changed and new trends emerged, buyers started looking beyond these collectible toys. This led to some of the world’s biggest auction houses starting to offer toy collections as a category.

Today, when most people think of “collectible toys,” they might imagine small vinyl figurines from pop culture. However, over the past 5 to 10 years, there has been a dramatic explosion in the variety of materials used by artists to create figurines. This means that collectors now have a much wider range of options for unique and interesting collectibles.

Collectible toys have evolved beyond vinyl figurines to encompass a wider range of objects. Street art expert Roger Gastman has observed that this category has expanded to include lifestyle objects such as planners, vases, and flyswatters. He explained that “now that people have mastered art toys, they’re seeing what else they can do.” As a result, collectors are seeking out unique items that serve a purpose in addition to being aesthetically pleasing.

Smaller toys in larger editions are the perfect entry point for new collectors

People often think that the size of a toy dictates its worth, but in reality, it’s often the demand for a toy that makes it more valuable. This is especially true for new collectors who may be intimidated by large editions of toys. Starting with smaller editions can help them develop their collection while also learning about the market value of different toys.

Many collectors believe that smaller toys in larger editions are the perfect entry point for new collectors. Larger pieces can be overwhelming and seem less accessible to those just starting. On the other hand, a collection of smaller items gives you more variety and lets you experiment with different styles before settling on what you like best.

Collectible toys come in all shapes and sizes, but the most common dimension for art toys is the standard 8-inch figure. These figures can range from 3.5-inch-tall minis, typically cost $10 to $15, to 4-foot-tall figures such as the KAWS “Companions,” which can cost upwards of $50,000. New collectors can get their feet wet without spending too much money and then work their way up to more expensive items by starting with smaller toys in larger editions.

There are a few things to keep in mind when buying smaller toys as part of a larger edition. Firstly, the edition size can range from unique (one-of-a-kind) to unlimited pieces. Secondly, the smaller toys tend to be more expensive within these categories than their counterparts. This is because they are typically harder to find and often appeal to collectors looking for an entry point into a new category or collection.

Collectible toys can be an excellent way to start a collection. Ronnie Pirovino, who started his collection with KAWS toys before transitioning to more institutional artists like Antony Gormley, said these lower price points make the category an excellent entry point for newcomers. In addition, many of the top names in the collectible toy market have editions that are much smaller than their more expensive counterparts, making it easier for new collectors to get started without breaking the bank.

Collectible toys can be a great way to start a collection, especially if you’re new to the hobby. Smaller toys in larger editions are typically less expensive and easier to find than rare, one-of-a-kind pieces. This makes them a great entry point for new collectors who want to explore different styles and artists without spending too much money.

On the other hand, it is best to purchase a toy that is part of a larger edition for those collectors just starting. This will help keep the cost down and still provide the satisfaction of owning an original artwork by your favorite artist. Additionally, as the market for these pieces continues to grow, so should these editions’ value.

Collectible toys can be fun to add some excitement to your life, but they can also be expensive. If you’re starting, it’s important to know that the rarer and more exclusive the toy, the higher the price will be. So make sure you get on the hunt for those smaller toys that come in larger editions—they’ll be easier to find and less expensive than their rare counterparts.

Use websites and social media to do your research

Art toy collectors can use various online resources to research their pieces. Websites like eBay and Toy Tokyo are good places to start, as they have large archives of information on art toys and their prices. Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook can also be useful for finding pictures and information about specific toys.

When buying collectible toys, Pirovino recommends researching online marketplaces like eBay and StockX. “EBay has always been a snapshot into transactions in the market…but it is a place where you have to develop a method of research and analysis,” he said. “StockX is more ‘people are asking for this amount for this piece and it’s selling for this amount’ and there is a clear bottom and a clear ceiling. You can really take advantage of that sort of snapshot.”

To stay ahead of the curve and get the best deals on collectible toys, Pirovino recommends using websites and social media platforms to do your research. Following online forums and publications like Hypebeast and Highsnobiety can help you stay up-to-date with news on upcoming drops to purchase while the toy is still in its initial release phase. This will ensure that you don’t pay secondary market prices for the toy.

If you’re looking for value, it’s all about the artist and authentication

The art market is constantly changing, and the value of artwork can depend on various factors. However, if you’re looking for an investment piece, it’s important to go with a well-known artist and ensure that the artwork is authenticated and comes from a numbered edition. This will ensure that you get the most value for your money.

Collectible toys are a fun way to invest money, but it’s important to do your research before buying. Authenticating art toys can be difficult because artists often release their work through multiple channels. To ensure that you’re getting a valuable toy, it’s best to buy from an auction house with close contact with the artist’s representatives.

Rock-solid advice for anyone looking to buy collectible toys would be to do their research and find trusted sources. Speaking with an expert like Pirovino can help buyers make informed decisions and avoid spending money on counterfeits.

When collectors are looking to buy toys on the secondary market, it’s important to do their research and know what to look for. Pirovino advised shopping at stores like StockX and Toy Tokyo, both of which have an excellent reputation for authenticating their toys. Suppose collectors are looking to buy from a lesser-known individual seller. However, it is worth reaching out to an expert to authenticate the piece or consulting one of the crowdsourced social media pages set up to combat fakes, such as the @fakekawsbusta account on Instagram.