New Meta

One of the biggest debates in Marvel Legends Collecting is how important the aftermarket value of a figure is. When I first got back into collecting Marvel Legends I would watch a lot of Nerdzoic YouTube videos. My favorites were always his videos covering the after market value of the most expensive Marvel Legends or figures that had increased the most over time. I was interested in the rise and fall of the prices of the kinds of figures I collected.  Now, on the Strong Collectors Podcast, Jordan and I will often try to speculate what figures will rise and fall in the aftermarket to help listeners make more informed decisions of if they should buy a figure now, wait for a new version, or sell the current high value figure. For me, it’s helped grow my collection by selling the high value figures to buy more new figures as they come out.  Recently we’ve seen a lot of new release figures come out that immediately have a high aftermarket value because of exclusive releases. The biggest example of this is the recent SDCC exclusive Savage Land 3 pack. The Savage Land 3 pack sold out quick and just as quickly shot up in price in the aftermarket. This is where I started seeing a lot of very vocal comments about collectors wanting availability over aftermarket value. We saw this again recently with the “made to order” Dragon Man from Marvel Legends. A figure that was said to only be available during the pre order window was put up as an In-Stock item at Hasbro Pulse. I expected a bit of an uproar about how Hasbro misled the community. Instead, based off the comments on our recent livestream, collectors felt mostly positive. Many, noting that caring about aftermarket value of a figure makes you a “fake collector”.  I was surprised by the overwhelming response that aftermarket value is not something to desire with your figures.I remember ordering the entire AOA Colossus wave for retail. I was excited to have the figures when they came but not long after, they went on clearance for nearly $5 each. I was still excited to have my figures, but did feel a bit let down that they were no longer worth what I had paid for them. Similarly, when I order a figure that is a hotter seller than expected and it becomes more valuable on the aftermarket, I have an added sense of accomplishment knowing I was able to secure a figure I wanted at the best price possible.  I may be in the minority, but I actually like having figures that I’m hunting for. I want there to be something that keeps the chase alive. I could always go on EBay and buy a Fin Fang Foom, but how much sweeter would it be to find him at a lower price locally or at a random shop. If he was readily available for cheap, I wouldn’t have that hunt.  So where do you land? Do you care about the aftermarket value of Marvel Legends, or is the joy just in having the figures? Join the discussion with us on the Strong Collector’s YouTube page!  And until next time,  Stay Strong!  

For years, fans of video game–inspired action figures had limited options. A handful of characters here and there, often lacking in accuracy or articulation, left collectors wishing for more. That all changed when SH Figuarts, Hasbro, Storm Collectibles, and Jada Toys stepped into the arena. What some fans call the Gamerverse Wars has sparked a creative arms race, pushing each company to refine its approach and deliver better figures than ever before. Marvel vs. Capcom: Premium vs. Accessible On the Marvel side, SH Figuarts and Hasbro have carved out their own visions of what collectors want. SH Figuarts leans into premium craftsmanship, with sharp sculpts, game-accurate detail, and articulation that makes dynamic fight poses come alive. Hasbro, meanwhile, has doubled down on accessibility — expanding rosters through its Marvel Legends line, improving sculpting and paint over the years, and giving collectors a wide variety of characters at a far more affordable price point. Instead of clashing directly, the two lines have sharpened each other’s strengths. Figuarts has set the bar for premium standards, while Hasbro has proven that mass-market releases can still thrill hardcore fans. Collectors benefit by having both options — whether you want to build out a massive Marvel vs. Capcom display or showcase a few high-end pieces. Street Fighter: Titans vs. Newcomers The Street Fighter lines have turned into an equally fascinating duel. Storm Collectibles established itself as the premium home for fighting game fans, with oversized, muscular sculpts and an abundance of accessories — from alternate heads to wild effect parts. Their figures feel like deluxe display pieces built for seasoned collectors. Enter Jada Toys, the surprising new challenger, which has quickly gained momentum with affordable, highly articulated figures that capture the energy of the franchise without breaking the bank. Storm continues to serve the diehards who want massive figures with presence, while Jada has opened the door for new collectors to join in. The result? A hobby space where you can have both — a centerpiece Ryu from Storm and a full playable roster from Jada — depending on your budget and collecting style. Competition Makes Everyone Better What makes the Gamerverse wars so exciting is that competition has elevated every company involved. SH Figuarts has tightened its game on accuracy and posing. Hasbro has expanded its offerings and improved sculpt quality to stay competitive. Storm keeps delivering fan-favorite fighters with deluxe builds, while Jada pushes boundaries on what a $25 figure can achieve. Each brand fills its own niche, meaning collectors aren’t stuck with a single version of their favorite characters. Collectors Are the Real Winners In the end, the Gamerverse wars don’t have a single victor. Instead, the rivalry ensures that fans win across the board. Whether you prefer premium imports, mass-market variety, oversized display pieces, or affordable entry points, the choices have never been better. For Marvel vs. Capcom and Street Fighter fans alike, this is a golden age of collecting — where your shelves can showcase both high-end works of art and budget-friendly fighters ready for battle. At New Meta, we celebrate that spirit of choice. From Hasbro to SH Figuarts, Storm to Jada, our mission is to connect collectors with the figures that mean the most to them. Because when companies push each other to be better, the entire community thrives.

  I’ve been collecting superhero figures for two and a half years and in that time, I have managed to find my way into collecting a wide assortment of characters. These include Marvel, DC, Masters of the Universe, Power Rangers, GI Joe, Star Wars, Gargoyle’s, Thundercats, Silverhawks, Ninja Turtles, and most recently Mythic Legions. Being a participant in that many lines will eat a hole in your wallet quickly! It can be daunting trying to figure out what to collect. Prices and functionality can vary greatly. And character accuracy can be elusive. How many articulation points are needed? And will there be a better version coming sooner than I can say “Spider-Man”?! Fortunately, I’ve found an array of figure review channels on YouTube to help sort it all out (and they share my zeal for collecting!) It’s a fun community to be a part of, after all, the characters we collect have a rich history in print media and television and most definitely pluck at our nostalgia heartstrings! I’m drawn to presenters who know the source material; they’re honest and constructive with their criticisms; ideally, they cover several lines; and most importantly they make their presentations fun and engaging. They take into consideration the points of articulation, accurate paint application, the body mold used for the figure (is it outdated), the number and usefulness of accessories, and price. I don’t intend to rank them with the exception that my favorite five channels will be listed at the end. I want to promote the remainder of my favorites first so that you’ll make sure and give them all a visit! Hopefully you will find them as helpful as I do and have a few laughs along the way!-OGI Universe-DC Multiverse Collector -Pearlescent Toys-Asoka the Geek-Xmanny87-Dan Who? Reviews-Toy Bro-Analog Toys-Pixel Dan Top 51. 5POA Figure Reviews2. Toy Shiz3. Brad The DC Universe Geek4. MCUcollector245. ShartimusPrime