Dolls for
adults

Action figures are gaining popularity in Hong Kong, but these dolls aren’t for kids. They’re for dads.

Action figures are movable and bendable dolls with realistic costumes, body shapes and facial expressions.

They vary in cost from $300 to $700.

Mr. Joel Chung is a consultant for Dragon Models Limited.

Said he: “Although many foreigners started to collect action figures 60 years ago, the trend caught on in Hong Kong only 20 years ago.”

Unlike the target markets for other dolls, the targets of action figures are middle aged men.

“Actors and policemen are especially interested in buying action figures,” said Mr. Chung. “The Hong Kong police force series is the most popular among the policemen since the figures are a symbol of them.”

People collect action figures for different reasons.

“Some collectors appreciate the art of action figures,” continued Mr. Chung. “Some collect action figures because they represent special people like the Special Duty Unit and Bruce Lee. Possession of these action figures gives collectors satisfaction.

“In general, men like war and guns. Therefore, military action figures meet their interests. They can feel like they are experiencing war when they are playing with the figures.”

Military action figures developed around the Second World War.

G.I. Joe and Action Man were the ones that kicked off this business.

Said Mr. Chung: “Action figures of the Special Duty Unit in the police force are the most popular because the Special Duty Unit is a very important and secret unit.

“Since then, action figures have become trendy and collectible toys in the U.S.”

In the ’70s, action figures became popular in Japan. Most of the action figures made there were based on comic and movie characters.

Previously, all of the action figures sold in Hong Kong were made in the U.S. or Japan.

Over the years, however, local Hong Kong designers have started to produce action figures with unique styles and features.

“Due to the economic downturn in 1999, there was much less capital for producing new models of action figures in Japan, and people gradually got bored of the old models,” said Mr. Chung.

“Therefore, Hong Kong designers started to produce action figures of their own.”

The most famous local designer is Michael Lau, who has fuelled the action figure trend since 1999.

Mr. Kevin Mak is the creator of the figure design company d825 Interactive.

Said he: “There are great differences between local and foreign action figures.”

“Action figures made in the U.S. and Japan are based on characters in movies, cartoons and comics.

“On the contrary, local figures are created from a designer’s original design, and the styles appear to be more unique.”

Traditionally, action figures were for collection and display only, but now they can be used with online games.

For example, the 2da6 series, which is a reference to the working classes in Chinese, has become popular recently.

Miss Wendy Mak is another designer for d825 Interactive.

“This series of action figures is designed as waiters in local cafeterias. They have the unique features of traditional waiters, such as holding cigarettes and wearing sandals and white shirts,” said Miss Mak.

There is also an identity card in each box set. With the card, people can log onto the official website of the design company and play an online game.

“The theme of the game is about Hong Kong culture. The action figure brings players to different places in Hong Kong. Different players have different endings, depending on the paths they choose,” said she.

According to Miss Mak, the process of designing an action figure is divided into three main steps.

The first step is the conceptual design where the basic layout of an action figure is drafted.

The second step is the refining stage. Consultation is needed for useful opinions, and lots of changes are made here.

Finally, the third step is modelcrafting. The designers usually modify details at this stage.

“To me, creation is not difficult because a lot of ideas come to my mind frequently,” said she. “My ideas change all the time. As a result, modification never ends until the final model is produced.

“If you asked me to design the figure again, I would definitely create a character totally different from the original one,” added she.

After design, action figures undergo the production process.

“The crafted model shows the primary shape of the action figure. Refinement is made to ensure that every part of it is in right proportion,” said she.

“After that, a model is made by wax. The whole body is produced by different separate parts, such as head, arms and feet, and they are put into a tank containing mercury for five days.

“Then they are joined together again,” said she.

After a series of complicated industrial steps, the whole body of an action figure is created.

Before the figure goes any further, however, there is thorough checking and measurement.

If there are no more modifications and amendments, the model will be used for mass production.

The final procedure is colouring. After that, the model is completed.

The whole production process lasts about three months.

Miss Mak said producing action figures is difficult.

“I am not familiar with the procedures of factory production, so the factory sometimes cannot meet my demands.

“As a result, I haveto go to the factory to deal with it,” said she.

“The quality control is also a problem. As a whole, I think production is much harder than design,” added she.

Miss Mak has earned more than a paycheck as an action figure designer.

“I have two ways of presenting my design — a 3-D figure and on-line game. The sense of success and satisfaction encourage me to design new action figures,” said she.

Both Mr. Chung and Mr. Mak are optimistic about the future of action figure collecting in Hong Kong.

“This trend will never stop, although it may be affected by economic factors.

“The economic downturn in Hong Kong makes people spend less money on leisure, including the consumption of action figures,” said Mr. Chung.

Added Mr. Mak: “Action figures have a large group of supporters and lovers. So, there is always a market for them.

“Local designers should design more new action figures and add more new ideas in order to attract more buyers from different backgrounds.”

Miss Mak has a different point of view.

“Not every buyer is an action figure collector. About 30 percent of buyers are only trend followers. They will eventually stop collecting figures. Therefore, this trend may decline in the future,” said she.