favorite is a tough pick, so much of 90's kenner from star wars to beast wars comes to mind immediately but i gotta go with the og jurassic park from kenner. worst pretty much all current transformers you either see half the figure or just art work on a sealed box, I really hate that they don't show the other figures on the back anymore, As a kid i would keep a card back and circle the figures i wanted for birthday or xmas so my mom would know which ones i wanted and cross out the ones i already had.
I gotta say the MOTU Origins line is the best on the market now. It’s just like the old but the artist Axel pours so much love into each piece. Some of his new pieces beat out the originals. Worst is almost anything Hasbro now along with McFarlane. It’s just so dull. That new TF and Legends boxes look so awful on pegs.
I absolutely appreciate the fact that you offer the figures without packaging at a lower cost. Both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Win win
I absolutely hate the current packaging for Transformers that Hasbro has. The lack of a plastic window allows for anyone to pop the figures head off the ball socket. Probably my favorite packaging for toys was the Revenge of the Sith line with the round bubble and Vader’s helmet looming in the background
While I appreciate good packaging, I’m mostly an “out of the box” collector. I like what Mythic Legions and Fresh Monkey Fiction Eagle Force does with the resealable blisters. You can throw everything back into the package if you want and it doesn’t damage the card back if you just want to keep that.
In box collecting probably started in the late 80s and early 90s when people heard about how valuable Star wars toys were when they were still mint in box. It doesn't look like things turned out the way most people thought they would.
I like the window boxes. Easy to open and close with the figure back in the box. Easy to stack and store in bigger cardboard boxes. Very useful when moving becasue the figures are well protected from the factory in China to the stores to our homes. If we move from one home to another we can keep the figures well protected.
That’s one reason I really like Classified packaging compared to Legends or Black Series. The boxes are all properly rectangular classified without weird shapes.
Bobby I love these videos you do on valaverse UA-cam channel. They give me alot insight in the toy industry. Not alot of people talk about marketing or packaging on a action figure.
@@Valaverse I love it. It make alot sense and helps us understand why companies do the packaging they do. But yes it's all about the figure and celebrate the figure. I totally agree with that. Plus your blister packing is awesome. it's simple and straight to the point.
For box figs, side art is a nice bonus. I display loose, but I can store my boxes in a way that shows off all that beautiful side art... as long as a company doesn't keep switching box size/design every 9 months. I think the design of the GI Joe Airborne box is my top pick. Nearly everything about the physical product is visible, and it can be displayed front/side/open/loose to enjoy the art. I dislike blisters because they are a pain to store and ship.
I grew up with action figures on blister cards. To me, that is the best way to sell an action figure. Keeping the package simple is the best way to cut costs and put the product foward. So when I see a figure on a card and I can see it from almost EVERY ANGLE, it not only allows me to inspect at the quality of the product, but also enjoy the effort the designer's put into their toy. The "figure with accessories in a box" that seems to be EVERY toyline now just doesn't hit the mark for me. In fact, even though I do not like Super 7 that much, I often find myself intently looking at their Reaction toyline, even of characters I don't know, just to enjoy the figure. Yes the quality for the price is bad, but it is far more interesting than looking at 3D renderings on a mostly closed box.
The problem with the heat seal on the blister card is that it rips up the card and is next to impossible to put back on the card (I try to keep the top attached while pulling the figure out the bottom). Part of why I keep the package is for storage and moving. The packaging is good enough to protect the figure all the way from the factory in China to our homes. The packaging is still useful after that.
Out-of-box / used / loose vintage collector here. When I do buy new things, I enjoy savoring the artist’s skill on the box art. I enjoy savoring the packaging designer’s thoughtfulness and ingenuity. I absolutely love packaging that functions as part of the play pattern, like cardboard diorama backgrounds, etc. So, either go hard on packaging as part of the play pattern or if shipping direct, absolutely just the plainest, durable-est shipping cardboard. ❤
I’m appreciative of these videos, but it highlights the hours and hours you’ve put into planning and trying to take practical and logical steps into creating the line, from all aspects
When I study graphic arts we spent a term on packaging and it’s very interesting. I feel the quality of packaging has drop and I’m not talking about the packages made out of. I’m talking about design elements what you see on the package. I love hearing about your opinion. Things like this. I’ll be interested to hear more from you on designing things and your opinion and experiences with it. Have a beautiful day.
The only figure set that I am collecting right now is the NECA Gargoyles line. In my opinion....their packaging is chef's kiss. They have a front flap on it that displays artwork, the sides and back show the figure posed in different figure configurations. But when you open the flap...you see EVERYTHING. The window isn't obstructed by any needless graphics so you see everything you are getting. I want to take them out of the box once I can get my hands on a 3D printer for a castle display. Also....at the bottom of the box are credits and trademarks which is a very nice touch.
Part of me wonders if Hasbro tried the full box packaging to stop collectors from seeing what they are getting. Did it under the guise of being environmentally friendly. It's not like they didn't know about plant based plastics before. I know many times I have looked at multiple of the same figure to find the best paint, etc. If it has a bad paint job or any noticeable issues, it will sit on the shelf.
HA HA HA YES! We actually want to see the figure we are buying before making the purchase. We might not want to go as far as making a legal parameter to get that done becasue that would lead to more rules and regulations.
As a huge Star Wars 3.75 collector, I feel like the 30th anniversary line had the best packaging. It’s great on display in the one I keep on display and as an out of box collector, it’s an easy package to break open and preserve the info cards on them.
The toybiz marvel legends are the best action figure line ever made you get a figure, accessories, comic, BAF piece, all the information on the back and all in clear plastic box
I agree with a lot of the points you made. Creative packaging is definitely a lost art. Wish more companies saw Resaurus’ take on Street Fighter. That was a masterclass on presentation.
I remember hearing about the first GI Joe live action movie (I haven't seen it yet) trying to minimize the "Americanness" of GI Joe in order to be able to show the movie in other countries. GI Joe: A Real American Hero is solidly an American brand. GI Joe was never anti-any other country. People in other countries might not care for it very much, but there was no reason to dislike it because GI Joe was not against any other country.
The Fox X-Men Anniversary packaging is purely a one-time stylistic thing, they silhouetted all the actors equally on the box. I will say that the lack of a bio on any of the boxes was a missed opportunity
I adore my muddy Vanguard btw. And thank you for reacting so quickly to fix that top cannon so that it can pivot up and down. I managed to grab a 3d printed fix part from a fellow collector, but I'll gladly take the replacement when it's eventually made available.
As an in box collector, I love the art, the prominent display of the figure and its accessories, and the ability to display the package prominently on my shelf. As for Cards Vs boxes, I’d always favour boxes because you get to enjoy the unboxing experience multiple times, which in of itself adds value to the figure imo. Vs the retro card which to me just feels cheaper. I’ve passed on figures because of the packaging. Also consistency is key. Keeping the same package size and art style is critical.
When I bought in store I’d appreciate the full figure exposed so I could examine what I was buying. I wanted to see if the paint aps were solid & all that. Most of my figure shopping now is online & I just hope I get a good one. I like thick card backs because Walmart & Amazon & others would definitely bend up anything thinner. Happened so much.
I can't say enough how much I love your videos man! Best of both worlds. The perspective of a collector and of someone within the business. Personally I love the art and card backs of the retro tmnt figures. It's colorful, it pops, its just great!
@@Valaverse yeah. This has been great. We are the same age so I have been at this a long time and I have had so many curiosities about the inner workings of things. You have answered so many questions and put light on many different things. I love when you talk shop. When you were talking about the technodrome reissue and explained how large the mold would be to make that it honestly blew my mind. And in another when you explained how different joints works and are made. Love it!
I used to be mostly an in-box collector. But at some point, I decided I'd rather play than stare...plus, I had accumulated an unsustainably large volume of packaging that had to be dealt with. I tossed most of the packaging from my regular retail Transformers, Star Wars and MOTU stuff. I did keep the packaging for the more premium stuff (imports, etc.). My favorite type of packaging is something that shows the entire figure AND features artwork or photography from the source of the nostalgia.
If i was in box collector i would definitely want to see more of the figure. Ive always preferred simple packaging unless its a premium figure like mezco.
I'm with you 100% on the busy, lackluster packaging. I still shake my head at the lack of cross-sell on the back, and you might get one sentence about the character if you're lucky 🤦🏻♂
I put the figure back in the box and hang it on the wall until I feel like using it again. That's why I like collector friendly packaging. If I want to sell it, it will be opened but complete in box.
Really like the retro cards for Marvel Legends. Unlike the Joes its double thick stock, the bubbles look like the oldschool ones, and theres this weird charm with them having line specific art instead of every character getting special images.
Honestly i'm more of a half opener half sealed kind of collector :) I usually have my boxed figs surrounding my loose ones in the glass cab to fill up the space on each level... the reason why I don't open some of my stuff is that they're usually the more highly regarded releases from a line so I see them as art pieces if that makes sense
Love the break down on the simple marketing tactics. I think the modern toy makes have a hard time figuring out who they want to sell to. It’s apparent with everything from packaging to character selection. These company heads should take a field trip to Ollie’s, Ross, or Big Lots to figure out what sells and what doesn’t. Maybe then we’ll get more solid waves and less peg warmers. When collectors and kids alike won’t buy certain characters, that should be a sign but I digress. Thanks for the video and look forward to seeing more.
Great video and very relevant! This topic covers one of the 3 main reasons I am wrapping up on my collecting. 1. Too much garbage/boxes/packaging to dispose of, especially when the figure comes through a mail carrier. I can't keep justifying a selfish hobby if every new figure or vehicle creates 3-4 new pieces of garbage. FIX: Sell plastic bagged figures and for more money, sell MIB, collector figures. (Points to Valaverse!) 2. Posing my figures should be fun, not be more stressful than my 60 hour a week job. FIX: a) Backpacks should be as light as possible so my figure doesn't fall backward every other week, even when on a foot peg stand. Backpacks are useless until this is fixed. b) Backpacks should stay in, so use a three peg system like the new superior spiderman figure from Hasbro. Backpacks are useless until this is fixed. c) EVERY figure should come with a EASY to use stand. I shouldn't have to struggle with after market foot peg stands that require me to drill out holes in the feet to fit and still have the figure fall off every 1-2 weeks or oversized claw stands that are worse then the foot peg stands . FIX: The figure should come with a reasonable sized base with 2 different plug in, clear rods...a straight rod that plugs into a hole in the bottom of the backpack and/or a 90 degree rod that plugs directly into the back of the figure should I choose not to display with the backpack. Mega Blox / Mega Construx has been doing this for their Halo line for a long time and it makes displaying fun again. d) Also, I'm so tired of screwing around with the figure's weapon and a hair dryer only to have the weapon fall out ever other day. FIX: Include an extra set of hands that has the weapon molded into it already. I don't need a million pairs of useless "arthritis" hands. This would tremendously benefit two handed rifle positions....just line up the arms and plug in the one piece, dual hand accessory and you have the perfect action shot in seconds. 3. I'm done with the rapid change in packaging style. There are some figures I like to have second's of in the box to hang on my wall. FIX: Develop an iconic collector style package design and stick to it. It's the figure's brand, so stop changing it every 2-3 quarter so the figures don't look like they belong to the same line. This has to be confusing to non-collector parents. Hasbro's Transformers is the worst, followed by Marvel Legends. I stopped collecting my favor characters MIB for Marvel Legends last year because Hasbro switched over from a good design that allowed for the perfect amount of rebranding on the same package design to now offering up to three different packaging styles, none of which look like they belong to the same collection from a year ago. In summary, I have to agree with Valaverse here about packaging. Emphasis on package design reminds me of real estate agents. Both are useless, wasteful, costly practices that have long since passed their cost to benefit value.
IMO the back of the box should always show the other figures that are available in the line. Otherwise you might pick up a figure, turn over the box, and think, "Well I guess this is the only one" and meanwhile there's several other characters that just sold out.
Bobby brings up a lot of good points here. I'm a child of the 80's. Back then the packaging was distinct. You knew what Masters looked like, TMNT, Silver hawks, M.A.S.K, Transformers etc. Every toy line had recognizable distinct packaging. It was simple but it worked. I think the main issue is toy lines are too diversified now. Even within the same line you get different packaging. Like with Star Wars Black Series. It gets confusing because their are so many toy lines running in parallel with each other. I prefer the packaging I grew up with in the 80's over modern toy packaging of today.
Loved the passive aggressive dig on the airborne figure…they don’t tend to come with a lot of stuff. I appreciate your input and take on the toys of today. I hope one day we will actually get the Joe’s we want the way we want. But I do gotta say you are making it easier with all the choices that is coming out.
I like to be able to see as much of the figure as possible but the thing I miss the most about most modern packaging is turning it around to the back and not seeing the other figures that are available in the line.
Hey, I ABSOLUTELY get it; as a kid, I wanted to keep all my Kenner SW card backs. I told mom I wanted them for the POPs, but even after I cut out some to get Bossk, I still kept them. Back then, anything with Star Wars on it was worth keeping; if you didn't grow up in the time before home entertainment systems, you wouldn't understand.
I open most of my figures.. But there is one exception.. Star Wars Black Series. I’ve been into that line since it started. The Orange line and Blue line boxes are my favorite toy packaging ever. Admittedly most of the first black series figures aren’t that good. But that packaging just speaks to me. Great video Bobby! 🤙🏻
This was interesting for me. I graduated from college with a degree in graphic design and animation. And one of my favorite projects in a design class that I had to do was A PACKAGE DESIGN. And yes, I did a design of an action figure character I created. I passed but.... it was horrible. Lol.
My favorite kind of packaging when it came to toys...are the ones can be, don't have to be, but can be interactive. For example ..the 80s toys: Boglins...the creepy rubber puppet creatures. The deluxes ones ...their boxes looked like wooden crates, with the front being hard plastic cages...like a modern day pet carrier. You'd lift the front gate and pull the Boglin out and of course, you'd put him back in for "sleeping". But yes, packaging has always been a big deal for me...colors, presentation etc etc
I'm a former graphic designer (had to retire because I'm losing my vision) and I totally agree with you! Todd's designs for packaging by far are the best when it comes to boxed figures, but I prefer the carded figures like the Power of the Force line. Keep it simple, display the figure and don't use all your space with open air with accessories in between gaps. The latter is a massive pet peeve of mine. It really bothers me how much wasted space there is in a lot of today's packaged figures. An example based on this video... Look at the vintage Gi Joe figures and then look at the retro series. I know today's figure are bigger, but so are the cards. Why does the bubble go almost all the way to the top of the card when the vintage bubble was around the half way point? I know manufacturers want to show the accessories off, but they way they're doing it is just too much... In my opinion. Anyway, back to the original point. Todd has it right so does valaverse with their new blister cards and a lot of the other guys are just too busy. Tone it down (K.I.S.S. keep it simple stupid). People will see the figure and they will buy the figure. That's what's important. Packaging draws the eye, but it must highlight what is inside... That is what is important!
There is a channel in Spanish called Diseñoños, that talk a lot about this, he has done several videos about packaging. And he kept talking about the messaging and how bad are the backs in this line. Highly recommended to see through the eyes of the a seasoned packaging designer, although he centers more on the marketing side of it and the buying impact of the product through packaging.
I don't have a lot of display space, so I rotate my toy shelves. I like to store the figures in their original packaging. Blister cards bum me out because they're not really resealable. Though I found a nearly perfect storage solution for 6" figures, so I'll still buy cardback figs. I just prefer the boxes.
I see Bobby’s thinking but disagree. Packaging adds a lot to the product. It’s like a movie poster for a movie. It inspires and excites. The card art sparks imagination and playability. People old enough to remember movie posters and (for example) gi joe vehicle box art recognize how much was lost then the classic designs that accompanied the product, movie or figure, went away. Think of any great toy line that doesn’t have iconic packaging.
I like a box I can open up but leaves me the chance to easily retirn it to the box in virutally the same state in case I want to sell it later (and it will still look good repacked in the box). Your Valerse ones, Joes, Black Series, SHF and Mafex allow this functionality. While I like carded figures, The new Retro carded Joe's are a real pain, because I am forced to cut the plastic & ruin the packaging to get the figure out (much like Star Wars TVC where I then often buy two to keep one carded) - which is why Mythic Legions (& Boss fight) cards are BRILLIANT because of the ability to recard them.
I personally like the new Action Force packaging. Easy to open, less waste, easy to see the figure if you choose to display it boxed. I like the Action Points. I like the Bio cards.
Just got your figures come in it looks like jumbo GI Joes packaging really like it great job. My favorite packaging will always be the 1980’s GI Joe line just awesome original art work!!
Do you have any videos about the accolades you have in the toy industry. I hear little hints when you speak about various things, but a video about your experiences in the toy industry seems like it would be interesting. Love your videos man. Always different and engaging for people who may or may not be too obsessed with toys. ✌🏻
Maybe I'm wrong, but the "Epic" logo on the new Star Wars figures line might be referring to the Epic collection (comics). That would explain why they went for comic illustration instead of photos or more lifelike images.
The function of the packaging is to protect the figure from the factory to the store to the home. The packaging also needs to get people's attention. The packaging also needs to actually show the toy (WINDOWLESS boxes completely failed in that regard).
The only stuff that should be in windowless packaging is vehicles and other large items. A figure should never be windowless. Best is blister packaging for any figure. Because it cannot move, it is open so you can see all the paint apps. And just basically sells the product better than art on the outside of a box. When GI Joe classified went closed box a lot of us hated it. They quickly came around on that one. It just does not work. Also the entire "environment thing" utter bs. Many collectors keep the boxes. And even if they get thrown away, there is plasticization like the high gloss on the outside of the box, rendering it useless for regular paper recycle purposes. Another thing is a lot a plastics are already recycled material.
@@dgray3771 I remember Emily, the GI Joe brand manager, in a live stream stated that the windows would never come back. Wanna bet lady? The windows are back, but the damage to the brand has already been done. The so-called "environmental" concerns were just some weird people trying to dictate to the rest of us how things were going to be. Those weird people are mistaen. The customers decide how things are going to be.
It is The Vintage Collection for their main 3.75" Star Wars line. Black Series is strictly their 6" line now. The Epic Heroes line is even a completely different scale (4" instead of 3.75")...
Another spot-on awesome video!! I completely agree that there should be some sort of consistency with action. Figure packaging. PS - do a video from your truck and have Matt film you through the windshield yelling. 😉
I love Mafex and Sh Figuarts packaging the double layer tray ads a premium feel to it, and its easy to take it out. I hate select and neca im not a fan of the squashed into a plastic tray packaging and they add tick wires which is a pain in the rear to remove... and neca is usually very pretty but fragile so Im always afraid while trying to yank it out the tight plastic and get the wires off that i will break or scratch something. Marvel Legends and classified similar the cheap bendy plastic which they tend to push through loop (like arrows for example) and only way you can get it out is bending it a bit. Im out of the box collector, i only kept my hottoys Ripley package, the Hellfire boxset, i kept most my mafex packages. And I have the shell storage Turtles in package cause nostalgia =D
I agree with you on toy packaging 100%. It's gotten way too complicated and convoluted and over-designed. I think I heard that you used to work at Hasbro? If so, their loss. You should be running that company. Since watching your video, I've been checking out my in-box action figures and thinking about what you said, why hide the figure? artwork vs. figure photos, etc. I keep several figures in box if I like the packaging, the artwork, good design or because the figure happens to be a favorite.
Inbox collector. Vintage 3.75" only. No modern. So yeah, I like to clearly see the figure in the blister. But also that beautiful card art in all its magnificent glory. Always loved _The Phantom Menace_ cardbacks. So much I've often thought about collecting the whole line. In the end, I always stick to my "80s only" focus. Did pick up a MOC Jar Jar tho lol
Part of the problem I was seeing with blisters that show the entire figure is that thieves can easily cut a U-shape with a small boxcutter or razor blade and extract the figure quickly. Basically cut along the edges then fold the plastic up/down.
Scarlett is another example , fantastic figure . I love it so much . Gummy trash weapons . No direct replacement for said weapons = Great figure with iconic accessories that are literally dollar store quality , trash . Good job Lenny .👍
Your critique of toy packaging is spot-on! Show the figure through the window or bubble, and then on the back of the package either celebrate what's great about the figure or give some interesting background info about the character, via file card or just a write-up on their background. Thanks for the video!👍
I guess at the end of the day, I don’t really care for the packaging. But with that in mind! When I do come across packaging that I really like, I keep it! 😅 but I mainly tear out the figures and forget about the packaging! 😂
I am an inbox collector. And what I enjoy about the box is the artwork however I appreciate Todd McFarlane‘s boxing because it’s simple. I can stack it kind of like books on my shelf with the titles of each character on the backside. I don’t really do Star Wars anymore Marvel I’m glad they’ve gone back the figures visible with Marvel. I kind of prefer the card back where you can see the entire figure out front like they are doing now I don’t like the size of the G.I. Joe boxes cause they’re too short but reason for inbox collecting From childhood losing all the small pups and I prefer them to be somewhere that I can find them and I do take it out of the box. Don’t leave it in the box some of them you buy doubles and you take one out and you keep one in the box and I think the mentality is just not wanting it to break or if it does break because you know, sometimes they do that you have access to a second one but part of it is also, selling way way way down the line inbox collecting does not make sense to a lot of people sometimes it does not make sense to me however I continue to do it. I have large rooms full of figures and boxes and mini crates full of figures out of boxes it really just depends.
I was inbox for my 3 3/4 Star Wars figures until Hawaii's & Florida's humidity made the boxes built up mold. Now I have a great 24 figure wall display case. Also now for my Valaverse figures I have a 2 tier 5 max figure wall display case out of the box because frankly their kool looking. I also have a 5 shelf for vehicles out of the box. Currently 4 Valaverse Vanguard trucks are taking up most of the space with a HISS tank on one of the shelves. If I get the pink Vanguard I'm gonna need a new home for the HISS tank 🤞🤞🤞
You're right on most of your points, but I remember back in the 80's when I was a kid I looked for the biggest boxes with the most exuberant prints on the box, filled with colors and tons of shit! So for the part that you say that the package has to be simple I think that that depends on who the product is targeted to. By the way... im an in-box collector 😅
What toy line has your favorite packaging? What toy line has the worst?
favorite is a tough pick, so much of 90's kenner from star wars to beast wars comes to mind immediately but i gotta go with the og jurassic park from kenner. worst pretty much all current transformers you either see half the figure or just art work on a sealed box,
I really hate that they don't show the other figures on the back anymore, As a kid i would keep a card back and circle the figures i wanted for birthday or xmas so my mom would know which ones i wanted and cross out the ones i already had.
Best - 80s Gijoes
Worst - 1:12 Fortnite by Hasbro.
Man i just need 3 action points for the Website condor. XD i am gona use it to make my own Condor custom
I gotta say the MOTU Origins line is the best on the market now. It’s just like the old but the artist Axel pours so much love into each piece. Some of his new pieces beat out the originals. Worst is almost anything Hasbro now along with McFarlane. It’s just so dull. That new TF and Legends boxes look so awful on pegs.
90's Star Wars is the best, easy. Modern Hasbro packaging is definitely the worst I've seen: Show us the whole figure, what are you hiding?
I absolutely appreciate the fact that you offer the figures without packaging at a lower cost. Both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Win win
I never saw this offer but think it's a great option to offer
@@kenprime221 just another well thought option Bob offers the consumer. That most don't 😉
%10000 as a collector that’s always opened everything since I was a kid
It's a great idea and one I thought should be done. Minimal packaging and I despise slip covers. How do you order with no packaging?
@@ydoIhavetohaveachann me too. We'll count that as win number 3 😁
I absolutely hate the current packaging for Transformers that Hasbro has. The lack of a plastic window allows for anyone to pop the figures head off the ball socket. Probably my favorite packaging for toys was the Revenge of the Sith line with the round bubble and Vader’s helmet looming in the background
While I appreciate good packaging, I’m mostly an “out of the box” collector. I like what Mythic Legions and Fresh Monkey Fiction Eagle Force does with the resealable blisters. You can throw everything back into the package if you want and it doesn’t damage the card back if you just want to keep that.
In box collecting probably started in the late 80s and early 90s when people heard about how valuable Star wars toys were when they were still mint in box.
It doesn't look like things turned out the way most people thought they would.
I like the window boxes.
Easy to open and close with the figure back in the box.
Easy to stack and store in bigger cardboard boxes.
Very useful when moving becasue the figures are well protected from the factory in China to the stores to our homes.
If we move from one home to another we can keep the figures well protected.
That’s one reason I really like Classified packaging compared to Legends or Black Series. The boxes are all properly rectangular classified without weird shapes.
@@2Hats74 Yes, and that style of packaging might be a little cheaper than the kinds with slopes.
Bobby I love these videos you do on valaverse UA-cam channel. They give me alot insight in the toy industry. Not alot of people talk about marketing or packaging on a action figure.
Thank you for saying so! We were worried about this one!
@@Valaverse I love it. It make alot sense and helps us understand why companies do the packaging they do. But yes it's all about the figure and celebrate the figure. I totally agree with that. Plus your blister packing is awesome. it's simple and straight to the point.
For box figs, side art is a nice bonus. I display loose, but I can store my boxes in a way that shows off all that beautiful side art... as long as a company doesn't keep switching box size/design every 9 months. I think the design of the GI Joe Airborne box is my top pick. Nearly everything about the physical product is visible, and it can be displayed front/side/open/loose to enjoy the art. I dislike blisters because they are a pain to store and ship.
I grew up with action figures on blister cards. To me, that is the best way to sell an action figure. Keeping the package simple is the best way to cut costs and put the product foward.
So when I see a figure on a card and I can see it from almost EVERY ANGLE, it not only allows me to inspect at the quality of the product, but also enjoy the effort the designer's put into their toy. The "figure with accessories in a box" that seems to be EVERY toyline now just doesn't hit the mark for me. In fact, even though I do not like Super 7 that much, I often find myself intently looking at their Reaction toyline, even of characters I don't know, just to enjoy the figure. Yes the quality for the price is bad, but it is far more interesting than looking at 3D renderings on a mostly closed box.
Really enjoying this series of talks about toy collecting. Thank you.
Glad you like them!
The problem with the heat seal on the blister card is that it rips up the card and is next to impossible to put back on the card (I try to keep the top attached while pulling the figure out the bottom).
Part of why I keep the package is for storage and moving.
The packaging is good enough to protect the figure all the way from the factory in China to our homes. The packaging is still useful after that.
Out-of-box / used / loose vintage collector here.
When I do buy new things, I enjoy savoring the artist’s skill on the box art.
I enjoy savoring the packaging designer’s thoughtfulness and ingenuity.
I absolutely love packaging that functions as part of the play pattern, like cardboard diorama backgrounds, etc.
So, either go hard on packaging as part of the play pattern or if shipping direct, absolutely just the plainest, durable-est shipping cardboard. ❤
G.I. Joe was a huge international brand. It’s been so forever. But thanks so much for the video. I really appreciate it.
In my country no kid I knew did not own GI Joes or TF figures. It was so common.
I’m appreciative of these videos, but it highlights the hours and hours you’ve put into planning and trying to take practical and logical steps into creating the line, from all aspects
Love it when you do these "behind the scenes" videos about the industry. Super informative!
Listen to these every week on the drive home🤙🤙
Drive home from work?
Yup @@Valaverse
Love it!
i watch them saturday morning when i wake up and have breakfast
When I study graphic arts we spent a term on packaging and it’s very interesting. I feel the quality of packaging has drop and I’m not talking about the packages made out of. I’m talking about design elements what you see on the package. I love hearing about your opinion. Things like this. I’ll be interested to hear more from you on designing things and your opinion and experiences with it. Have a beautiful day.
Thanks for commenting! Happy people are liking these videos!
Mainly an open box collector but I keep my neca mirage tmnt box, and display them stacked sideway like books. Kevin Eastman artwork goes hard.
The only figure set that I am collecting right now is the NECA Gargoyles line. In my opinion....their packaging is chef's kiss. They have a front flap on it that displays artwork, the sides and back show the figure posed in different figure configurations. But when you open the flap...you see EVERYTHING. The window isn't obstructed by any needless graphics so you see everything you are getting. I want to take them out of the box once I can get my hands on a 3D printer for a castle display. Also....at the bottom of the box are credits and trademarks which is a very nice touch.
Should we review those?
@@Valaverse I meeeeeeeeeeean....that would be dope.
Part of me wonders if Hasbro tried the full box packaging to stop collectors from seeing what they are getting. Did it under the guise of being environmentally friendly. It's not like they didn't know about plant based plastics before.
I know many times I have looked at multiple of the same figure to find the best paint, etc. If it has a bad paint job or any noticeable issues, it will sit on the shelf.
Corporations dont give a crap about the environment. They have no problem Virtue Signaling if they end result is cheaper costs.
Bobby, I love these videos man. Keep em coming.
wow, these episodes just get better and better. Thank you for sharing your design process
HA HA HA
YES!
We actually want to see the figure we are buying before making the purchase.
We might not want to go as far as making a legal parameter to get that done becasue that would lead to more rules and regulations.
As a huge Star Wars 3.75 collector, I feel like the 30th anniversary line had the best packaging. It’s great on display in the one I keep on display and as an out of box collector, it’s an easy package to break open and preserve the info cards on them.
77-07 baby!
The toybiz marvel legends are the best action figure line ever made you get a figure, accessories, comic, BAF piece, all the information on the back and all in clear plastic box
I agree with a lot of the points you made. Creative packaging is definitely a lost art.
Wish more companies saw Resaurus’ take on Street Fighter. That was a masterclass on presentation.
I guess they have that front art to fill that space, the GI Joe window forms a star.
Thanks for showing us how you look at packaging it definitely opened up a whole new world for me when I look at packaging thanks😊
I remember hearing about the first GI Joe live action movie (I haven't seen it yet) trying to minimize the "Americanness" of GI Joe in order to be able to show the movie in other countries.
GI Joe: A Real American Hero is solidly an American brand.
GI Joe was never anti-any other country.
People in other countries might not care for it very much, but there was no reason to dislike it because GI Joe was not against any other country.
The Fox X-Men Anniversary packaging is purely a one-time stylistic thing, they silhouetted all the actors equally on the box. I will say that the lack of a bio on any of the boxes was a missed opportunity
I appreciate your post on IG this morning updating the turret for the vanguard
I adore my muddy Vanguard btw. And thank you for reacting so quickly to fix that top cannon so that it can pivot up and down. I managed to grab a 3d printed fix part from a fellow collector, but I'll gladly take the replacement when it's eventually made available.
By far the best toy packaging in the market
Awesome stuff, The New Masterverse Packaging is probably my favorite right now.. it’s gorgeous.
I do wish we saw more of the figure.
That's the only currently running line I included in my list!
As an in box collector, I love the art, the prominent display of the figure and its accessories, and the ability to display the package prominently on my shelf. As for Cards Vs boxes, I’d always favour boxes because you get to enjoy the unboxing experience multiple times, which in of itself adds value to the figure imo. Vs the retro card which to me just feels cheaper. I’ve passed on figures because of the packaging. Also consistency is key. Keeping the same package size and art style is critical.
When I bought in store I’d appreciate the full figure exposed so I could examine what I was buying.
I wanted to see if the paint aps were solid & all that.
Most of my figure shopping now is online & I just hope I get a good one.
I like thick card backs because Walmart & Amazon & others would definitely bend up anything thinner.
Happened so much.
I can't say enough how much I love your videos man! Best of both worlds. The perspective of a collector and of someone within the business. Personally I love the art and card backs of the retro tmnt figures. It's colorful, it pops, its just great!
Wow, thanks!e
@@Valaverse yeah. This has been great. We are the same age so I have been at this a long time and I have had so many curiosities about the inner workings of things. You have answered so many questions and put light on many different things. I love when you talk shop. When you were talking about the technodrome reissue and explained how large the mold would be to make that it honestly blew my mind. And in another when you explained how different joints works and are made. Love it!
Awesome! So you watch Toy Attics as well!!
You are right. Sometimes less is more.
Sometimes I get stressed out opening a lot of boxes, but I still like it 😊
I used to be mostly an in-box collector. But at some point, I decided I'd rather play than stare...plus, I had accumulated an unsustainably large volume of packaging that had to be dealt with. I tossed most of the packaging from my regular retail Transformers, Star Wars and MOTU stuff. I did keep the packaging for the more premium stuff (imports, etc.). My favorite type of packaging is something that shows the entire figure AND features artwork or photography from the source of the nostalgia.
If i was in box collector i would definitely want to see more of the figure. Ive always preferred simple packaging unless its a premium figure like mezco.
I'm with you 100% on the busy, lackluster packaging. I still shake my head at the lack of cross-sell on the back, and you might get one sentence about the character if you're lucky 🤦🏻♂
I put the figure back in the box and hang it on the wall until I feel like using it again.
That's why I like collector friendly packaging.
If I want to sell it, it will be opened but complete in box.
Really like the retro cards for Marvel Legends. Unlike the Joes its double thick stock, the bubbles look like the oldschool ones, and theres this weird charm with them having line specific art instead of every character getting special images.
Honestly i'm more of a half opener half sealed kind of collector :) I usually have my boxed figs surrounding my loose ones in the glass cab to fill up the space on each level... the reason why I don't open some of my stuff is that they're usually the more highly regarded releases from a line so I see them as art pieces if that makes sense
Love the break down on the simple marketing tactics. I think the modern toy makes have a hard time figuring out who they want to sell to. It’s apparent with everything from packaging to character selection. These company heads should take a field trip to Ollie’s, Ross, or Big Lots to figure out what sells and what doesn’t. Maybe then we’ll get more solid waves and less peg warmers. When collectors and kids alike won’t buy certain characters, that should be a sign but I digress. Thanks for the video and look forward to seeing more.
Great video and very relevant! This topic covers one of the 3 main reasons I am wrapping up on my collecting. 1. Too much garbage/boxes/packaging to dispose of, especially when the figure comes through a mail carrier. I can't keep justifying a selfish hobby if every new figure or vehicle creates 3-4 new pieces of garbage. FIX: Sell plastic bagged figures and for more money, sell MIB, collector figures. (Points to Valaverse!) 2. Posing my figures should be fun, not be more stressful than my 60 hour a week job. FIX: a) Backpacks should be as light as possible so my figure doesn't fall backward every other week, even when on a foot peg stand. Backpacks are useless until this is fixed. b) Backpacks should stay in, so use a three peg system like the new superior spiderman figure from Hasbro. Backpacks are useless until this is fixed. c) EVERY figure should come with a EASY to use stand. I shouldn't have to struggle with after market foot peg stands that require me to drill out holes in the feet to fit and still have the figure fall off every 1-2 weeks or oversized claw stands that are worse then the foot peg stands . FIX: The figure should come with a reasonable sized base with 2 different plug in, clear rods...a straight rod that plugs into a hole in the bottom of the backpack and/or a 90 degree rod that plugs directly into the back of the figure should I choose not to display with the backpack. Mega Blox / Mega Construx has been doing this for their Halo line for a long time and it makes displaying fun again. d) Also, I'm so tired of screwing around with the figure's weapon and a hair dryer only to have the weapon fall out ever other day. FIX: Include an extra set of hands that has the weapon molded into it already. I don't need a million pairs of useless "arthritis" hands. This would tremendously benefit two handed rifle positions....just line up the arms and plug in the one piece, dual hand accessory and you have the perfect action shot in seconds. 3. I'm done with the rapid change in packaging style. There are some figures I like to have second's of in the box to hang on my wall. FIX: Develop an iconic collector style package design and stick to it. It's the figure's brand, so stop changing it every 2-3 quarter so the figures don't look like they belong to the same line. This has to be confusing to non-collector parents. Hasbro's Transformers is the worst, followed by Marvel Legends. I stopped collecting my favor characters MIB for Marvel Legends last year because Hasbro switched over from a good design that allowed for the perfect amount of rebranding on the same package design to now offering up to three different packaging styles, none of which look like they belong to the same collection from a year ago. In summary, I have to agree with Valaverse here about packaging. Emphasis on package design reminds me of real estate agents. Both are useless, wasteful, costly practices that have long since passed their cost to benefit value.
IMO the back of the box should always show the other figures that are available in the line. Otherwise you might pick up a figure, turn over the box, and think, "Well I guess this is the only one" and meanwhile there's several other characters that just sold out.
Bobby brings up a lot of good points here. I'm a child of the 80's. Back then the packaging was distinct. You knew what Masters looked like, TMNT, Silver hawks, M.A.S.K, Transformers etc. Every toy line had recognizable distinct packaging. It was simple but it worked. I think the main issue is toy lines are too diversified now. Even within the same line you get different packaging. Like with Star Wars Black Series. It gets confusing because their are so many toy lines running in parallel with each other. I prefer the packaging I grew up with in the 80's over modern toy packaging of today.
Loved the passive aggressive dig on the airborne figure…they don’t tend to come with a lot of stuff. I appreciate your input and take on the toys of today. I hope one day we will actually get the Joe’s we want the way we want. But I do gotta say you are making it easier with all the choices that is coming out.
For me 1977-84 was the best time for action figures.
I like to be able to see as much of the figure as possible but the thing I miss the most about most modern packaging is turning it around to the back and not seeing the other figures that are available in the line.
Great points made. I wish packaging was more compact since storage space is an issue
Wow I never thought of it that way. Great video
I like seeing more of the figure, I like something like a bio that I can cut and keep and I like an insert that can be a background.
Hey, I ABSOLUTELY get it; as a kid, I wanted to keep all my Kenner SW card backs. I told mom I wanted them for the POPs, but even after I cut out some to get Bossk, I still kept them. Back then, anything with Star Wars on it was worth keeping; if you didn't grow up in the time before home entertainment systems, you wouldn't understand.
I open most of my figures.. But there is one exception.. Star Wars Black Series. I’ve been into that line since it started. The Orange line and Blue line boxes are my favorite toy packaging ever. Admittedly most of the first black series figures aren’t that good. But that packaging just speaks to me. Great video Bobby! 🤙🏻
I love the classified art work ones with no plastic. Such as the 3 pack vibers, crimson bat, that kne ninja dude that starts with K
I love Packaging!!!!!! when i see it being picked up for recycling.
Class is in session everyone,caught the replay.Great stuff Bobby 😀🤙
Great video
It should always be about the product not the packaging
This was interesting for me.
I graduated from college with a degree in graphic design and animation. And one of my favorite projects in a design class that I had to do was A PACKAGE DESIGN.
And yes, I did a design of an action figure character I created.
I passed but.... it was horrible.
Lol.
My favorite kind of packaging when it came to toys...are the ones can be, don't have to be, but can be interactive. For example ..the 80s toys: Boglins...the creepy rubber puppet creatures. The deluxes ones ...their boxes looked like wooden crates, with the front being hard plastic cages...like a modern day pet carrier. You'd lift the front gate and pull the Boglin out and of course, you'd put him back in for "sleeping". But yes, packaging has always been a big deal for me...colors, presentation etc etc
I'm a former graphic designer (had to retire because I'm losing my vision) and I totally agree with you! Todd's designs for packaging by far are the best when it comes to boxed figures, but I prefer the carded figures like the Power of the Force line. Keep it simple, display the figure and don't use all your space with open air with accessories in between gaps. The latter is a massive pet peeve of mine. It really bothers me how much wasted space there is in a lot of today's packaged figures. An example based on this video... Look at the vintage Gi Joe figures and then look at the retro series. I know today's figure are bigger, but so are the cards. Why does the bubble go almost all the way to the top of the card when the vintage bubble was around the half way point? I know manufacturers want to show the accessories off, but they way they're doing it is just too much... In my opinion. Anyway, back to the original point. Todd has it right so does valaverse with their new blister cards and a lot of the other guys are just too busy. Tone it down (K.I.S.S. keep it simple stupid). People will see the figure and they will buy the figure. That's what's important. Packaging draws the eye, but it must highlight what is inside... That is what is important!
There is a channel in Spanish called Diseñoños, that talk a lot about this, he has done several videos about packaging. And he kept talking about the messaging and how bad are the backs in this line. Highly recommended to see through the eyes of the a seasoned packaging designer, although he centers more on the marketing side of it and the buying impact of the product through packaging.
I don't have a lot of display space, so I rotate my toy shelves. I like to store the figures in their original packaging. Blister cards bum me out because they're not really resealable. Though I found a nearly perfect storage solution for 6" figures, so I'll still buy cardback figs. I just prefer the boxes.
Your figures are top notch love em
I see Bobby’s thinking but disagree.
Packaging adds a lot to the product. It’s like a movie poster for a movie. It inspires and excites. The card art sparks imagination and playability.
People old enough to remember movie posters and (for example) gi joe vehicle box art recognize how much was lost then the classic designs that accompanied the product, movie or figure, went away.
Think of any great toy line that doesn’t have iconic packaging.
I like a box I can open up but leaves me the chance to easily retirn it to the box in virutally the same state in case I want to sell it later (and it will still look good repacked in the box). Your Valerse ones, Joes, Black Series, SHF and Mafex allow this functionality. While I like carded figures, The new Retro carded Joe's are a real pain, because I am forced to cut the plastic & ruin the packaging to get the figure out (much like Star Wars TVC where I then often buy two to keep one carded) - which is why Mythic Legions (& Boss fight) cards are BRILLIANT because of the ability to recard them.
great video! I love the thought process of "the toy is what matters" great stuff
I like toy packaging but I love the toy more ❤😂
I personally like the new Action Force packaging. Easy to open, less waste, easy to see the figure if you choose to display it boxed. I like the Action Points. I like the Bio cards.
I can't wait to see how you're going to package the new Captain power and the soldiers of the future line
Did we get that one?
That would be awesome! Future video?
Just got your figures come in it looks like jumbo GI Joes packaging really like it great job. My favorite packaging will always be the 1980’s GI Joe line just awesome original art work!!
Do you have any videos about the accolades you have in the toy industry. I hear little hints when you speak about various things, but a video about your experiences in the toy industry seems like it would be interesting. Love your videos man. Always different and engaging for people who may or may not be too obsessed with toys. ✌🏻
Maybe I'm wrong, but the "Epic" logo on the new Star Wars figures line might be referring to the Epic collection (comics). That would explain why they went for comic illustration instead of photos or more lifelike images.
The function of the packaging is to protect the figure from the factory to the store to the home.
The packaging also needs to get people's attention.
The packaging also needs to actually show the toy (WINDOWLESS boxes completely failed in that regard).
The only stuff that should be in windowless packaging is vehicles and other large items. A figure should never be windowless. Best is blister packaging for any figure. Because it cannot move, it is open so you can see all the paint apps. And just basically sells the product better than art on the outside of a box. When GI Joe classified went closed box a lot of us hated it. They quickly came around on that one. It just does not work. Also the entire "environment thing" utter bs. Many collectors keep the boxes. And even if they get thrown away, there is plasticization like the high gloss on the outside of the box, rendering it useless for regular paper recycle purposes. Another thing is a lot a plastics are already recycled material.
@@dgray3771 I remember Emily, the GI Joe brand manager, in a live stream stated that the windows would never come back.
Wanna bet lady?
The windows are back, but the damage to the brand has already been done.
The so-called "environmental" concerns were just some weird people trying to dictate to the rest of us how things were going to be.
Those weird people are mistaen.
The customers decide how things are going to be.
Love the videos you make sharing your perspective. I agree with you on packaging. Should be simple unless its a special edition like an exclusive.
It is The Vintage Collection for their main 3.75" Star Wars line. Black Series is strictly their 6" line now. The Epic Heroes line is even a completely different scale (4" instead of 3.75")...
It's all about presentation ;)
Another spot-on awesome video!! I completely agree that there should be some sort of consistency with action. Figure packaging.
PS - do a video from your truck and have Matt film you through the windshield yelling. 😉
I prefer a box because I can take the figure out and display but then I can put it back in the the package and it looks new. 😊
Bro, you almost killed me with the Rob Liefeld comment! lol!!!
I love Mafex and Sh Figuarts packaging the double layer tray ads a premium feel to it, and its easy to take it out. I hate select and neca im not a fan of the squashed into a plastic tray packaging and they add tick wires which is a pain in the rear to remove... and neca is usually very pretty but fragile so Im always afraid while trying to yank it out the tight plastic and get the wires off that i will break or scratch something. Marvel Legends and classified similar the cheap bendy plastic which they tend to push through loop (like arrows for example) and only way you can get it out is bending it a bit. Im out of the box collector, i only kept my hottoys Ripley package, the Hellfire boxset, i kept most my mafex packages. And I have the shell storage Turtles in package cause nostalgia =D
I agree with you on toy packaging 100%. It's gotten way too complicated and convoluted and over-designed. I think I heard that you used to work at Hasbro? If so, their loss. You should be running that company. Since watching your video, I've been checking out my in-box action figures and thinking about what you said, why hide the figure? artwork vs. figure photos, etc. I keep several figures in box if I like the packaging, the artwork, good design or because the figure happens to be a favorite.
speaking of packaging . . . can't wait to see the TRIGGER REISSUE PACAKGING! It's going on sale, when now?? :)
Inbox collector. Vintage 3.75" only. No modern.
So yeah, I like to clearly see the figure in the blister.
But also that beautiful card art in all its magnificent glory.
Always loved _The Phantom Menace_ cardbacks. So much I've often thought about collecting the whole line. In the end, I always stick to my "80s only" focus. Did pick up a MOC Jar Jar tho lol
If they centered the logos on the Joe vehicle boxes you could clip them to use somewhere in a display, which would give more value to the packaging.
For packaging I LOVE Motu Origins stuff. Blister card or boxed, just beautiful. Shows the head to the feet too! 😂
Part of the problem I was seeing with blisters that show the entire figure is that thieves can easily cut a U-shape with a small boxcutter or razor blade and extract the figure quickly. Basically cut along the edges then fold the plastic up/down.
Everything comes out of the package. Some boxes get saved, but most go to the bin.
Scarlett is another example , fantastic figure .
I love it so much .
Gummy trash weapons .
No direct replacement for said weapons = Great figure with iconic accessories that are literally dollar store quality , trash .
Good job Lenny .👍
Your critique of toy packaging is spot-on! Show the figure through the window or bubble, and then on the back of the package either celebrate what's great about the figure or give some interesting background info about the character, via file card or just a write-up on their background. Thanks for the video!👍
FACTS NOT FICTION GREAT EPISODE BOBBY
The Predator series from Lanard had some awesome presentation! The stark white cintraaring with the comic book artwork gave it a great shelf presence.
I guess at the end of the day, I don’t really care for the packaging. But with that in mind! When I do come across packaging that I really like, I keep it! 😅 but I mainly tear out the figures and forget about the packaging! 😂
I am an inbox collector. And what I enjoy about the box is the artwork however I appreciate Todd McFarlane‘s boxing because it’s simple. I can stack it kind of like books on my shelf with the titles of each character on the backside. I don’t really do Star Wars anymore Marvel I’m glad they’ve gone back the figures visible with Marvel. I kind of prefer the card back where you can see the entire figure out front like they are doing now I don’t like the size of the G.I. Joe boxes cause they’re too short but reason for inbox collecting From childhood losing all the small pups and I prefer them to be somewhere that I can find them and I do take it out of the box. Don’t leave it in the box some of them you buy doubles and you take one out and you keep one in the box and I think the mentality is just not wanting it to break or if it does break because you know, sometimes they do that you have access to a second one but part of it is also, selling way way way down the line inbox collecting does not make sense to a lot of people sometimes it does not make sense to me however I continue to do it. I have large rooms full of figures and boxes and mini crates full of figures out of boxes it really just depends.
Another good saturday bobby video!
I was inbox for my 3 3/4 Star Wars figures until Hawaii's & Florida's humidity made the boxes built up mold. Now I have a great 24 figure wall display case. Also now for my Valaverse figures I have a 2 tier 5 max figure wall display case out of the box because frankly their kool looking. I also have a 5 shelf for vehicles out of the box. Currently 4 Valaverse Vanguard trucks are taking up most of the space with a HISS tank on one of the shelves. If I get the pink Vanguard I'm gonna need a new home for the HISS tank 🤞🤞🤞
You're right on most of your points, but I remember back in the 80's when I was a kid I looked for the biggest boxes with the most exuberant prints on the box, filled with colors and tons of shit! So for the part that you say that the package has to be simple I think that that depends on who the product is targeted to. By the way... im an in-box collector 😅