Which industry makes more money: comics or action figures?

[Extrocomp]

Comics and action figures have a few things in common. They are both sold at comic book stores, collecting them is considered a geeky hobby and they can both be tie-ins to some other product.

However, nearly all action figures are based on something, whereas only a minority of comics are movie/tv/novel tie-ins. Action figures are sold at general stores and toy stores while comics are not. There seem to be a lot more movies that have action figures based on them, than movies that have comics based on them. Even superhero movies haven't gotten any comic adaptations since 2006.

On the other hand, comics are recognized as a creative achievement while action figures are not. All comics credit the writer and illustrators but only a few action figure companies write the sculptor's name on the package. Also, I've never heard of a Best Action Figure Award.

Comics make somewhere around $300 million to $500 million a year in America. Does anyone know how much revenue action figures make?

 

[23skidoo]

I'd say comics are probably the bigger money maker. Up till about 20 years ago action figures weren't just restricted to the comic shops - there were actually places called Toy Stores where you could go and buy these things.

There still are, of course, but I go into Toys R Us and the only action figures I find these days are ones related to the most current movies, and - for some insane reason I just cannot fathom - shelves upon shelves of wrestling characters. Occasionally an oddball like a Star Trek figure will turn up (not counting the recent movie, which falls under the "current movies" category, I mean the original Trek).

But if you want, say, Doctor Who action figures, you need to go to comic shops (at least here in Canada; I can't comment for the UK). And the shops might only bring in 2 or 3 and charge $25 each, which puts it out of the price range of most kids. And you see things like the big 13-inch DC comics dolls selling for $150 in some cases. It's become an exclusive market for collectors only. There's money to be made still, of course, but I just can't see them selling enough to outstrip the revenue generated by comics which, in many cases, you can still find for sale in local corner stores and magazine shops (though that's going the way of the dodo rapidly).

Alex

 

[Greg Cox]

On the other hand, comics are recognized as a creative achievement while action figures are not. All comics credit the writer and illustrators but only a few action figure companies write the sculptor's name on the package. Also, I've never heard of a Best Action Figure Award.

?

I'm not sure, but I think Diamond gives out awards for best action figures and collectible figurines.

 

[JoeZhang]

Dolls sell more than comics, the margins are higher and they are sold in more outlets.