Custom Figures vs. Licensed Toys: Creativity Meets Collectibility

Frankly Nerd News #4

Custom Figures vs. Licensed Toys: Creativity Meets Collectibility

Hey Toyrats, Frank Hyden here.

I'm not here to try to claim that one side of this topic is better than the other. They're both great, but even more than that, any kind of collecting is what you make of it. What it makes you feel, the joy it gives you, and the satisfaction you feel when you finally get that grail you've been searching for.

Collecting toys isn’t just about shelves full of figures — it’s about stories, creativity, and passion. On one side, you have custom figures: unique, hand crafted pieces born from the imagination of artists. On the other, licensed toys: mass produced, officially approved collectibles that dominate store shelves worldwide. Together, they form a fascinating duality in the hobby, one that traces back to the Garage Kit pioneers who turned fan creativity into a movement. Exploring this contrast reveals not just how we collect, but why we collect.

THE RISE OF GARAGE KITS

To understand this duality, we need to look back at where it all began — the Garage Kit movement in Japan. Fans wanted figures of characters that toy companies weren’t making, so they sculpted their own in garages, casting resin kits to sell at conventions. These kits were unpainted, requiring collectors to assemble and finish them — a true DIY art form. Over time, some garage kits became so popular that companies licensed them, blurring the line between underground creativity and official merchandise.

CUSTOM FIGURES: ART IN YOUR HANDS

That underground creativity didn’t fade; it evolved. Today, custom figures carry the same spirit of individuality, but with new tools and techniques. They’re prized for their uniqueness — no two are exactly alike. Owning one feels like holding a piece of the artist’s imagination. But they can be expensive, hard to find, and sometimes exist in a legal gray zone.

Case Study: One famous example is the early Evangelion garage kits. Fans sculpted their own versions long before Bandai released official figures. Those customs not only filled a gap but also influenced the designs that later became licensed products.

LICENSED TOYS: THE MAINSTREAM COLLECTIBLES

Yet while customs thrive on uniqueness, licensed toys dominate through consistency and scale. Licensed toys are mass produced and widely available. They guarantee consistency, affordability, and legitimacy. Whether it’s a Marvel Legends figure or a Bandai Gundam kit, collectors know exactly what they’re getting. These toys are the backbone of most collections.

Case Study: Compare a hand painted custom Gundam resin kit with a Bandai Master Grade kit. The Bandai version offers accessibility and precision engineering, while the custom kit offers individuality and artistic flair.

THE DUALITY OF COLLECTING

Together, these two approaches form the backbone of collecting culture — one side pushing boundaries, the other preserving tradition. Customs celebrate individuality and artistry, while licensed toys celebrate accessibility and tradition. And for many collectors, the real joy is mixing both — a shelf that tells a story of creativity and fandom side by side.

LOOKING AHEAD

And as technology advances, the line between them grows thinner. With 3D printing and online marketplaces, fans can design and print their own figures at home, while companies are starting to collaborate with independent artists. The future may hold a hybrid model where creativity and licensing coexist more openly.

CONCLUSION

In the end, whether custom or licensed, both tracks carry the same locomotive of passion forward. Like a locomotive, collecting moves forward on two tracks — custom artistry and licensed tradition — each carrying the passion of fans to new destinations.

DID YOU KNOW?

Did you know that you can create your own custom toys on Nibble with the Make My Toy feature? It's true, you can commission custom collectibles from our network of talented artists!

Whether it's an action figure, a statue, model kit, or more, you can fulfill your dream of getting a truly custom collectible!

You choose the character/theme!

You describe your vision!

You choose the budget range!

You choose the timeline!

Already have your STL file? Upload it on the site!

From there, our team connects you with talented artists who can make your vision a reality!

Stay playful, — Frank Hyden, Chief Editor- Toy Rat Enterprises