The name Sideshow Collectibles has become synonymous with the world of high-end statues and figures from film, television, comic books and pop culture. Yet many collectors can be intimated by the cost and the sheer range of statues and items available.
Enter this Sideshow Collectors Guide, which offers everything you need to know to about this incredible brand and it’s unique range of products.
Table of Contents
- What is Sideshow Collectibles
- Are Sideshow Collectibles Worth It?
- Is Sideshow Collectibles Legit?
- Is Sideshow Collectibles Reliable?
- Are Sideshow Collectibles a Good Investment?
- Where to Buy Sideshow Collectibles?
- Is Sideshow and Hot Toys the Same?
- Where is Sideshow Collectibles Located?
- Where Can I Get the Latest Sideshow News
- Where Can I Get the Latest Sideshow Reviews
What is Sideshow Collectibles?
Founded in 1994 outside Los Angeles, California, Sideshow has since become one of the world’s foremost creators of high-quality statues and maquettes featuring popular characters like Batman, Spider-Man, Venom and the Mandalorian. The company has also signed exclusive deals with some of the biggest brands in entertainment, including Disney, Marvel, DC and Warner Bros.
Over the past few years, Sideshow has also developed a number of partnership deals, and is the exclusive North American distributor for Hot Toys; the Hong Kong-based company which produces a range of high-end posable figures.
The end result is a company that’s one of the most dominant names in the industry when it comes to high-quality pop culture collectibles.
Learn more about the company’s history on our blog What is Sideshow Collectibles.
Are Sideshow Collectibles Worth it?
With statues ranging in price from hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars or more, these statues can be incredibly expensive. Of course, hardcore Sideshow collectors are more than happy to shell out to own one of these rare items. As with any high-end item, one person’s frivolous purchase is another person’s priceless treasure.
We feel that Sideshow statues are indeed worth it for a few good reasons:
- The Characters and Licenses
- The Quality
- The Investment
- The Displayability
- The Sense of Ownership
Learn more on our blog Are Sideshow Collectibles Worth it?
Is Sideshow Collectibles Legit?
There is some skepticism online about whether or not Sideshow is a legit and trustworthy brand. And you can understand why given the cost of many Sideshow products.
In general, however, Sideshow Collectibles is considered a legit and reputable brand for a number of reasons. Chief among them is the fact that the company works with some of the biggest brands on the planet (Disney isn’t likely to trust their Star Wars IP to just anyone). Second, they have a solid reputation and generally favorable customer reviews, with a robust Sideshow collectors community existing online.
Learn more about the company’s reputation on our blog Is Sideshow Legit.
Is Sideshow Collectibles Reliable?
Despite a few negative comments and reviews, Sideshow is fairly reliable for a few key reasons:
- Solid Shipping
- A Decent Return Policy
- Flexible Payment Options
- Positive Customer Reviews
In some cases you may be able to find Sideshow products cheaper elsewhere, but buying directly from Sideshow is also one of your best options given their strong customer service, solid shipping and flexible return policy. For this reason, many Sideshow collectors choose to buy directly from their website.
Learn more in our blog post Is Sideshow Collectibles Reliable.
Are Sideshow Collectibles a Good Investment?
The short answer is yes. Sideshow Collectibles are usually a solid investment that can see a significant increase in value and at the very least will maintain their value. And while most individuals buy these statues purely because they love them, there are a few reasons why investing in these statues can also make financial sense. This includes:
- Limited Production Runs
- Growing Popularity
- Media Tie-Ins
- Secondary Market Sales
Ultimately, while we recommend purchasing a Sideshow statue because they’re amazing, the fact is they can actually be a solid investment, giving an added incentive for picking up these incredible items.
Learn more in our blog Are Sideshow Collectibles a Good Investment.
Where to Buy Sideshow Collectibles?
Many new Sideshow collectors often wonder where they can pick up the latest statue. The good news is that there are a variety of options for purchasing Sideshow both online and in person.
Buying online offers flexibility, layaway payment options and more inventory. Below are some options for where to purchase online.
- Sideshow Website
- Amazon
- eBay
Buying in person allows you to get up close look at the statue before you buy and avoid shipping costs. Below are some options for where to purchase in-person.
- Your Local Comic Shop
- Facebook Marketplace
- Kijiji
- Conventions
For more information, read our blog Where to Buy Sideshow Collectibles.
Is Sideshow and Hot Toys the Same?
There is a surprising amount of confusion about these two brands. In reality, they are in fact two distinct and separate companies. Sideshow is based in California and primarily manufacturers and distributes statues. Hot Toys is based in Hong Kong and manufactures high-end action figures. Sideshow, however, is also the official distributor of Hot Toys for North America, Europe and much of Asia. For this reason, many people often believe the two companies are the same.
It’s also interesting to note that people often want to compare product for these two brands, when they create completely different products and aren’t in direct competition. In fact, they’re very much a business partnership.
Learn more about the two companies on our blog Is Sideshow and Hot Toys the same?
Where is Sideshow Collectibles Located?
Currently, Sideshow Collectible’s head office is located in Thousand Oaks, California (just outside Los Angeles), which is where they’ve been based since the company was first founded in the early 90s.
As headquarters, this location is primarily where Sideshow manufactures statues and oversees their marketing and business objectives. It’s not currently a retail location, although the inside of their office is a collector’s dream, featuring thousands of their most popular statues and action figures on display in various parts of the building.
For more information, see our blog Where is Sideshow Collectibles Located?
Get the Latest Sideshow News
Whether you’re new to the hobby or already have a few statues in your display case, there are a ton of great resources out there for new and existing Sideshow collectors. Below are a few of our favorites:
- Gem Mint Collectibles: One of the most popular channels on YouTube when it comes to Sideshow statues (as well collectibles from other brands), Gem Mint features a range of reviews and news and remains both highly entertaining and informative.
- It’s Sisko: Another great resource for Sideshow statues, this YouTube channel often features exclusives from conventions and tradeshows, making it an awesome place to see upcoming items.
- The Xtreme Channel: Yet another great YouTube channel, Xtreme takes a look at new statues and figures, with a focus that’s often on Sideshow items and new figures.
- Collector Freaks: A solid online forum, Collector Freaks offers new and reviews and the chance to connect with other Sideshow collectors.
- Statue Forum: Another popular online forum, users can find the latest news, reviews and insights from Sideshow collectors around the world.
Get the Latest Sideshow Reviews
Check out some of our recent coverage below or visit our Sideshow Reviews page.
Hot Toys Reviews & News
See our latest Hot Toys reviews & news.