Super Bowl XLVI Sunday is this Sunday, and more than 100 million fans from 180 countries, speaking around 30 different languages, will be glued to their big screens, rooting for their favorite team. The Green Bay Packers are defending champions from the 2010 Superbowl XLV. This year, the New York Giants and the New England Patriots will contest Super Bowl XLVI.
Many football fans are passionate about their NFL heroes depicted as collectible action figures. We have some NFL variant McFarlane Action Figure Toys and thought you would like to know why some McFarlane figures are recognized as variants, as well as the differences between a super chase, variant, surprise, and exclusive figures.
There’s much confusion about these terms because of inaccuracies on various listing channels, even though McFarlane has specifically defined the terms on his site.
While we will only talk about NFL figures, the following definitions hold for other McFarlane sports figures, as well.
- Regular McFarlane figures are standard issues and commonly available. No announcement is made of the numbers produced.
- Chase McFarlane figures are regular figures with intentional modifications. The term “Chase” evolved from the fact that collectors invariably chase the intentional variation because it’s rare in number compared to the regular version. Modifications include: a different jersey, a different tem or uniform,a different helmet, or omitting the helmet. The chase figure modification may or may not be pictured on the package.
- Super Chase figures are McFarlane figures that are intentionall produced in very limited quantities.
- Variant McFarlane figures are similar to chase figures but the variation is generally unexpected rather than planned and typically not publicized prior to their discovery. As a result, the variant is usually more rare than the chase. Often the variation occurs when the licensee doesn’t like something about the figure and stops production of the figure to make an unplanned change. The reasons for these changes can be due to corrections of errors or because of decision changes.
Most of the McFarlane figures that we’ve sold have been variants. We enjoy the fact that variations that occur during the production of the figure affect their collectability. We also respect that collectors hold onto the variants, even when the player is injured and unable to play or retires. Variants become particularly appealing and highly collectible when the player's performance history demonstrates unmatched moments in sports history and becomes worthy of future induction into the Hall of Fame.
One our favorite variant is the McFarlane Ray Lewis NFL Series 5 Purple Jersey 2002 Variant. A fierce middle linebacker, the figure captures Ray Lewis' spirit during a play with the Baltimore Ravens professional football team. Throughout his 15 season career, he was feared by opposing running backs due to his intense, fierce determination. The list of his accomplishments and NFL statistics is remarkable!
Mcfarlane Ray Lewis NFL Series 5 Variant
We also value the Mcfarlane Tom Brady 2002 NFL Series 5 Blue Jersey New England Patriot Variant. A poised and calm performer, Tom Brady always comes through in the clutch as depicted in this figure. A 6th round draft selection, he led the New England Patriots to victory in Super Bowl 36 during his first season. Brady has won three Super Bowls and two Super Bowl MVP awards. His statistics for the 2011 season have been awesome!
Mcfarlane Tom Brady NFL Series 5 Variant
- Chase Variant McFarlane figures are variations of the chase intentionally modified versions. Following the intended Chase modification/s, the collector discovers two or more discovered unintended variations that then become publicized and part of the archival history of the NFL sports figure. For the devotee who must have every variation, collecting can become challenging when there are many unintended chase variations. It's an individual decision as to extent the collector wishes to pursue all these additional variations.
- Surprise Chase McFarlane figures are variations of Chase figures in that, without announcement, a player is intentionally included in the lineup. Although packages and packages are not marked “Surprise Chase”, they are discovered by collectors because the figure is not included on the checklist on the back of the package.
- Custom McFarlane figures are not company releases. Rather, an artist modifies the figure through some type of re-crafting or repainting.
- Exclusive McFarlane figures are announced figures created for specific retailers, events, or other special occasions. As such, they are not marketed through the company’s usual network of retailers. Often Exclusive figures are created to commemorate major sports events such as the Super Bowl, All-Star games, and Hall of Fame inductions. They are typically sold at the event via show booths and often sell out.
- Collector Club McFarlane figures are generally sold to collectors who are registered members of the McFarlane website. Some of the most sought-after figures have been Collector Club ones.
- Specific Retailers or Regions figures are those made for select retailers who have exclusive rights to sell them. Some times store exclusives are chase figures.
We’ll be once again increasing the selection of our SundryShop stock of McFarlane NFL sports figures. We would be interested in hearing about you experiences with collecting McFarlane NFL sports actions figures.
What have been your favorite collectibles and why? Do you focus on certain types of McFarlane NFL figures and what determines your decision? What has been your most valuable figure?
Feel free to generate other topics of discussion, as well
