Over the past few years, the arena of licensed action figures has seen something of an influx of rock music related figures, with varying levels of success. These have proved to be a hit with many fans of the artists that companies have depicted, and an industry has been born to cater for the growing desire for sculpted plastic versions of famous musicians. The most obvious range that people will see on sale in collectibles outlets is of course the McFarlane range of licensed Elvis Presley figures. Thus far eight have been released, each showing the late rock n roller in a particular era of his career. Some have proved to be more popular than others, such as the Comeback 68 edition and Las Vegas edition, both of which have also surfaced in both 12 inch and commemorative versions as well as the regular clamshell-packed items. The McFarlane music figures range got off to a strong start in 1998 with the initial set of figures based around rock legends KISS in all their glammed up glory. These proved to be a hit with fans and figure collectors alike, and thus the demand for more was born.
Other early successes in the McFarlane range were the Grateful Dead's Jerry Garcia, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison of The Doors, Ozzy Osbourne and arena legends Metallica (originally available as both single figures and an elaborate box set). More sets of KISS related action figures also followed, including the perennially popular KISS ALIVE stage box set, which is still a strong seller to this day.
Since then a slew of officially licensed rock music action figures have surfaced (and a few unofficial ones here and there too). The main creator of these figures remains the industry giant McFarlane Toys, which have been responsible for some of the best figures in recent years such as two Jimi Hendrix figures, Jim Morrison, Alice Cooper, Metallica, Motley Crue and more, but they have increasingly stuff competition from NECA, who have created some excellent Iron Maiden figures after Mcfarlane lost the license, as well as Kurt Cobain, John Lennon, Freddie Mercury and others. Even museum-quality merchandise company Sideshow Collectibles has got in on the act, with Elvis, Kiss and, ahem, Spinal Tap items on offer.
It does show that the demand is there for music related items other than posters and T shirts, and these companies have been bringing out wave up[on wave of figures to meet with demand. McFarlane even began making '3D album covers' of legendary albums from Led Zeppelin, the sex Pistols, Jimi Hendrix and more. They have created a new market for licensed collectible action figures, and music fans are now eagerly awaiting the next batch. A space in the market has been filled, and with 7 inch and 18 inch versions of various figures available, along with headknockers (think nodding dogs but sculpted to look like celebrities. Joey Ramone and Iron Maiden's Eddie are the biggies here) and all manner of other licensed items, there's plenty for fans to choose from. This is one area of collectibles fandom that is not suffering from overkill. The right balance seems to have been struck, and the figures don't stay in production for long enough to saturate the market, which, in an age of so much memorabilia on offer, is a very good thing indeed.
The Beatles have also been a hit in plastic form, with 'Yellow Submarine' and 'Saturday cartoon' editions of the fab four being released. These items fill a need for items fans can display and pose. They give the fans the opportunity to own something physical of their idols without having to pay over the odds for the opportunity. Even Bon Jovi have got in on the act recently, with figures of Jon Bon Jovi himself and Richie Sambora finding their way onto the shelves. As long as fans want them, these collectibles will continue to be made. Some of these figures have proven to be amongst the biggest sellers in the collectibles field of late, probably down to the musicians they follow having much more in the way of longevity than most movie and TV franchises. Long may it continue. For those about to rock, we, erm, snap you up and put you on a shelf!
No comments:
Post a Comment