Common questions about Model figure

Short answers, pulled from the story.

When did Aurora Plastics Corporation release their first plastic model kits of movie monsters?

The 1st of January 1955 marked the beginning of a quiet revolution in American living rooms, as Aurora Plastics Corporation released their first plastic model kits of movie monsters. These were mass-produced, injection-molded plastic figures standing nearly 9 inches tall. Frankenstein, The Wolf Man, and Dracula were no longer confined to the silver screen but were now in the hands of children and collectors.

What date did Tamiya release their 1:35 scale model kit that redefined military modeling standards?

The 12th of March 1982 saw the release of a 1:35 scale model kit by Tamiya, a company that would redefine the standards of military modeling. Unlike the single-cast figures of the 1:32 scale, Tamiya's kits required the modeler to cut arms, helmets, and gear from plastic sprues and glue them together with precision. This level of detail opened a new realm of possibilities for diorama making.

When did the global animation merchandising market reach an estimated value of 663 billion Japanese yen?

The 15th of August 1998 marked a turning point in the global animation merchandising market, which was estimated to be worth around 663 billion Japanese yen. Model figures based on icons like Hello Kitty and characters from anime, manga, kaiju series, science fiction/fantasy films, and video games became a major part of otaku fandom. This cultural phenomenon transcended borders and was prominently featured in the work of modern artist Takashi Murakami.

When did the underground market for garage kits emerge among hobbyists creating movie monster figures?

The 3rd of November 1985 saw the emergence of an underground market for garage kits, as hobbyists began creating their own figures of movie monsters, often without permission from copyright holders. These kits were produced in limited numbers and sold primarily by mail order and at toy and hobby conventions. Companies like Horizon Models in California and Screamin' Models in New York began licensing vinyl model kits of movie monsters.

When was the concept of chase figures introduced to the world of model figure collecting?

The 7th of February 2001 introduced the concept of chase figures to the world of model figure collecting, a model figure that was released in limited amounts relative to the rest of an assortment. This was comparable to the chase cards in the collectible card game industry, where collectors would go to great lengths to acquire these rare items. Chase figures were more common in collector-oriented lines like Marvel Legends and WWE Classics.

When did the diorama industry start supplying pre-painted diorama scenery to make 1:32 scale modeling easier?

The 1st of January 2010 marked a new era in the world of model figure collecting, as the diorama industry started supplying pre-painted diorama scenery, making high-quality 1:32 scale diorama making much easier than ever before. This development allowed modelers to create complex scenes with a level of detail that was previously unattainable. Companies like Tamiya and Airfix led the way in producing high-quality models that were both detailed and realistic.

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