Collecting Gundam Action Figures

In the past 10 to 15 years, the popularity of Japanese "anime", or animated shows, has grown by leaps and bounds in the United States. It seems that some people simply can't get enough of these programs, so stores that import anime DVDs are now making a killing. Sales of related products are also going through the roof, which is why I'm not surprised to learn that Gundam action figures are huge collectors' items these days.

Gundam action figures are based on a series of anime bearing the same name. The series has been around since 1979, and has continued to be wildly popular both in Japan and in the United States. One reason that Gundam action figures sell so well is that they look pretty cool. They're based on characters from the television series, and will no doubt remind the casual observer of an advanced robot. Some people might even confuse these characters with Transformers, because the similarities are striking at times, but it won't take long before you'll be able to separate the two different lines with ease.

Those who are interested in collecting Gundam action figures might be wondering how to get started. Well, short of hopping on the next plane to Tokyo, the best way to begin is to see if there's a hobby shop in your area that sells imported items like this. It's always more fun to go shopping when you can actually handle the merchandise and get a feel for the product before plunking down some money for it.

But obviously there aren't import shops on every street corner, so it will probably be more convenient -- and cost-effective -- for you to buy Gundam action figures online. By using the Internet, you'll be able to instantly browse through hundreds of online stores for the exact product that you want. You'll also be able to hook up with other collectors that share your passion for Gundam action figures, which gives you a whole other avenue for building up your collection through trades or direct purchases.

In addition to Gundam action figures, you might want to check out other collectibles related to the anime franchise, including t-shirts, keychains, posters, postage stamps, model kits, and a whole lot more. These products can easily be purchased online or even at various anime conventions at different locales across the country. But be forewarned here: once you start collecting all of this stuff, it's really hard to stop!

People who have never watched anime have a hard time understanding its appeal, but to those who have become hooked on a particular series, the attraction is clearly evident. The storylines are terrific, the art is out of this world, and the themes are universal. No wonder collectibles such as Gundam action figures are best sellers even in the U.S.!