The year 2008 was a landmark for collectible action figures, with a surge in demand driven by movies, TV shows, video games, and even music. From the intricate designs of video game characters to the nostalgic appeal of classic TV series, the market for action figures saw unprecedented growth. This article delves into the most sought-after action figures of 2008, highlighting the trends and statistics that made them so popular.
The action figure market in 2008 was dominated by merchandise tied to various forms of media, including feature films, comics, TV shows, and video games. The video game industry, in particular, had a significant influence on the popularity of action figures. According to the Entertainment Software Association, the video game industry generated $21.33 billion in revenue in 2008, a clear indicator of its impact on popular culture and related merchandise.
Two franchises stood out in 2008: Gears of War and Halo. The Halo series expanded its range with two new sets of articulated figures, along with statues, large-format figures, headknockers, posters, calendars, and various apparel. However, the demand for Halo merchandise was slightly overshadowed by the overwhelming popularity of Gears of War.
With the release of a highly anticipated sequel, Gears of War merchandise saw a steady increase in demand throughout the year. NECA, the company behind these figures, produced some of the most detailed and well-packaged action figures on the market. The Gears of War figures were larger and featured higher levels of detail and better accessories. The box sets, each containing four separate figures, were particularly hot sellers.
Other video games that made a significant impact on the action figure market in 2008 included:
These franchises proved that even older titles still held considerable sway with fans.
The Star Wars franchise continued to be a major player in the action figure market, thanks to the new Clone Wars movie and TV series. Surprisingly, the 'Classics' range of Doctor Who action figures exceeded all expectations, becoming highly sought after by fans and collectors alike.
The horror genre also saw a resurgence in 2008. The 12-inch SAW puppet on a tricycle, depicting the infamous Billy doll, became a particularly popular item following the release of the fifth installment of the SAW franchise. Other notable horror figures included a 12-inch version of Jason Voorhees.
Superhero movies also contributed to the action figure market. Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, and The Dark Knight all had their share of fantastic merchandise, appealing to both fans and collectors.
While the number of new music-related action figures was limited, the demand remained strong. Notable releases included figures of Joey Ramone, Lemmy from Motorhead, and two new Elvis Presley figures, along with two Elvis headknockers.
Despite the global economic downturn in 2008, the market for licensed memorabilia from all corners of popular culture saw a definite upturn. These collectibles made perfect Christmas gifts, and the merchandise industry became even more integral to the entertainment industry. According to the NPD Group, the toy industry, which includes action figures, saw a 2% increase in sales in 2008, reaching $21.64 billion.
The action figure market in 2008 was robust, with video game franchises like Gears of War leading the charge. The success of these figures highlights the growing influence of video games on popular culture. As we look forward to 2009, the future appears bright for the action figure industry, with many more collectibles on the horizon.
For more insights into the video game industry's impact on popular culture, check out Entertainment Software Association and NPD Group.
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