Originally published March 27, 2017. This article preserves One Sixth Society’s original reporting and images; product availability, pricing, and opinions reflect the original publication period.
Before choosing a gift, confirm the exact character, scale and product code, check the collector’s existing figures, and distinguish an in-stock item from a preorder. Our edition comparison guide helps with reissues, while the figure review library provides hands-on coverage. The prices and product recommendations below are historical examples from 2017.
A good gift starts with three checks: what your partner likes, what they already own, and what reviews say about the exact release.
To simplify the purchasing process, we want to refer to three simple points, and those are 1) Your Partner, 2) Their Collection, and 3) Reviews.
Start with the films, games and characters your partner likes. An Aliens collector and a Star Wars collector may both enjoy sixth-scale figures but want very different gifts. Check the character’s costume and film appearance too: collectors often have a particular version in mind.
Check their collection before buying. Hot Toys has made multiple versions of many characters, sometimes with only small costume or accessory changes. A product code or photo of the box can help you tell those releases apart. A wanted list is even better if your partner keeps one.
Getting The Most Value for Your Money!
Read reviews of the exact release, especially the likeness, clothing and joints. Photos from owners can show details that promotional images leave unclear. Compare the total price, including shipping, and the return terms. For a birthday or holiday, confirm that the figure is in stock: a preorder estimate is not a promised delivery date.
The following examples illustrate how to match a gift to a collector’s interests and budget. NOTE: At the time of the original article, all these recommendations were listed as preorders at Sideshow Collectibles (sideshowtoy.com) unless otherwise stated.
BLACK WIDOW | $219.99 USD
Black Widow has been represented in 1:6 scale from her debut in Iron Man 2 to her team outing in The Avengers and subsequent appearances in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Avengers: Age Of Ultron and most recently Captain America: Civil War. The latest iteration of the character is from Captain America: Civil War and her design and likeness are breathtakingly captured and presented in 1:6 scale. She is a natural addition to a sixth-scale Avengers display, complementing characters from the Captain America and Iron Man films.
FALCON | $234.99 USD
The Falcon made his cinematic debut in Captain America: The Winter Soldier and also as a 1:6 figure from Hot Toys. The newest version of the figure is based on his appearance in Captain America: Civil War. Hot Toys enhanced and upgraded the figure’s design based on the film including a detachable and separate Redwing drone. It’s an impressive design in terms of presence and visual aesthetics compared to other 1:6 scale Hot Toys offerings. The wings and drone give him a distinctive presence in an Avengers collection.
HAWKEYE | $219.99 USD
The Civil War Hawkeye updates Clint’s costume from the earlier Avengers releases. His bow and distinctive outfit make him a useful gift for someone building that particular Avengers team.
IRON MAN MARK XLVI | $189.99 USD
This example is the Mark XLVI Power Pose release from Captain America: Civil War. It has limited articulation in the head and arms, so it should not be confused with Hot Toys’ more articulated diecast versions. Check which format your partner wants before choosing it.
His appearance/outing in the MARK XLVI configuration of the armor suit is no exception. This version of the 1:6 figure from HOT TOYS is very reasonably priced compared to their die cast and more complex versions. Its red-and-gold finish gives it the familiar Iron Man look, making it worth comparing with other armor versions already in the collection.
HARLEY QUINN | $249.99 USD
Suicide Squad was an interesting DC cinematic universe offering just outside of the Batman and Superman realm from Hot Toys. Harley Quinn is one of the film’s most memorable characters, and Hot Toys captures her distinctive styling in sixth scale. Though the figure is not scheduled for release until mid-2017, it definitely makes our list of anticipated figures for 2017. This one will be popular for many collectors due to the resounding popularity of the character.
The safest choice is the exact release your partner has been looking for. Confirm the product code, condition and included parts, then check that it will arrive in time for the occasion.
