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Action
Figure Display Cases
Posted 9/25/00
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| There's a variety
of display cases available for the action figure collector today.
Most of these are designed for the larger figures, from 8" to
12", but could be used for smaller figures in some cases as
well. Here are four of the currently available models, with my two
cents on each one. Some of this will be familiar to those that read
my other web site, but I thought it would be useful to put the info on
several cases in a single place. |
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Ballqube (www.ballqube.com)
makes a wide variety of plexiglass cases for different collectibles.
They also provide wooden bases for these cases at an additional cost.
Their standard figure case works quite well for a single
8" or 9" figure - a 10" one might fit, but he'd be crowded,
and there's no room for a 12" figures. Exact dimensions are
5.20" x 3.90" x 10.45". You can see to the right that a
Famous Cover figure fits nicely.
At 2 for $14.96, or 10 for $66.10, they cost as much as many of the
Famous Covers figures themselves. I'm not sure that the value is
there for the average figure, but if you want to ensure that you will keep
your favorites dust free, I'd recommend these babies.
They make lots of other sizes as well, intended for all kinds of
collectibles, from sport jerseys to cereal boxes. One of these other
cubes is the Basketball Holder, and it's dimensions are 9.44" x
9.44" x 9.44" - it's too small for anything bigger than a
9" figure, but it's squarer design will allow you to hold more than
one figure, or set up small dioramas under protection.
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| To the right you'll see this holder containing a bundle of Star Trek
Megos. I've also seen this case
used to set up the Flatt World Bela Lugosi with his coffin and
extras. If you're looking to set up a scene, but still want the
protection from dust, these larger models will do the trick. This
one costs $25.83 for one, $23.08 each for 2 or 3, and for 4 or more they
drop to $20.70 each.
All of these cases open and close the same way - there are two pieces,
each one accounting for three of the sides of the cube. They slide
together to form the plexiglass box. This makes for a very seamless
container, but I found that you have to be very careful taking them apart
and putting them together to avoid scratches and breakage.
Overall - ***1/2
Nice protection, and an attractive look. The price is a little high,
and probably prohibitive for lots of figures, but for the special ones you
want dust free, these are an excellent way to go.
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Dragon Models (www.dragon-models.com)
have just started providing a nice display case designed specifically for
their 12" military and police figures. Here you can see Alfred inside the case. The black background is
nice, allowing you to have a good contrast against which you can easily
see the figure. I think I prefer this to the all clear cases.
The front of the case is angled, so you can easily see the figure from all
three sides. These cases run around $12 at most Dragon retailers.
One of the more interesting features is the inclusion of two round
brackets of different sizes. These can slip around the waist of
pretty much any size 12" figure, and they attach through the back of
the case. This will hold the figure steady, which would be far more
important for some of the figures that are feet-impaired like Barbies.
Overall - ***
I'd have given this one a better score except for two details.
First, the price is a bit high - perhaps 8 bucks or so would be far more
reasonable. And second, the case needs slightly more depth. As
you can see in the picture, poor Alfred can't even point his Luger out
straight. Ouch.
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| KB Toys (www.kbkids.com)
has a very nice 12" case currently available both on line and at
their stores. Called the Collector's Doll Showcase, it retails for
about $10. They are
designed to hold Barbie style dolls, including the box. They are
11.75" wide, 15" tall, and 4" deep. They come with a
black plastic base and top and plexiglass sides.
The picture to the right demonstrates that they can hold the average Star Wars
boxed 12" figure just fine, although they are too small for the extra
deep boxes. They are also too small to hold two loose 12"
figures comfortably, but they can hold two 9" figures nicely.
The extra space in height can allow you to place some sort of interesting
background picture on the back of the case, clearly visible behind the
figures.
Overall - ***1/2
This case is large enough to allow you to add some extras with the average
loose 12" figure. The construction is extremely sturdy, and the
design is attractive. And the best part - these are on sale right
now at Kaybee Toys for $9.99 each. A very good deal! |
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Mcfarlane Toys (www.mcfarlane.com)
also makes slightly smaller lighted cases that are extremely useful for
their figures, as well as others in the 7"-9" range.
I've bought several of these, and use them mostly for 8"
figures. The case construction is quite sturdy, and they are very
attractive. However, don't bank on the light-up feature too
much. The bulbs tend to burn out very fast, and you'll find yourself
replacing them quite often.
Price point on these is around ten bucks, but it depends on where you
pick them up. I suggest trying to get them from McFarlane toys
directly at a toy show, as they tend to have a pretty good price
there. Also, some Mcfarlane figures come already in these cases, and
at times (i.e. sales) can be had cheaper than the individual cases
themselves.
Overall - ***
If the light up feature functioned better, these would certainly rank up
there with the others. The construction is excellent, and they look
great on the shelf. However, their size also hurts them, as they
won't work for the average 1/6th scale collector. |
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Another shot of the
Collector's Doll Showcase holding a 12" Tom Hanks kit bash figure.
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