When it comes to high-end collectible action figures and pop culture statues two names often come up in the most in conversation: Sideshow Collectibles and Hot Toys. There is, however, a surprising amount of confusion about these two brands, which often leads to the question: is Sideshow and Hot Toys the same company?
The answer is no. They are in fact two distinct and separate companies. Sideshow is based in Los Angeles, California and primarily manufacturers and distributes statues. Hot Toys is based in Hong Kong and manufactures high-end action figures. Sideshow, however, is 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, when in fact they are two separate organizations.
What is Sideshow Collectibles
Founded in 1994 in Thousand Oaks, California, Sideshow started out creating prototypes for a variety of major toy companies, including Mattel and Galoob. In 1999, however, the company began marketing its own line of speciality action figures.
A few years later, Sideshow began experimenting with a combination of concept art and digital rendering to develop high-end statues in the popular sixth-scale format. These were initially sold only through speciality vendors, but quickly grew in popularity.
By 2008, Sideshow has grown considerably and secured licenses with major entertainment brands including Marvel, Disney and Warner Bros. In addition to manufacturing its own statutes (listed as “Sideshow Originals”) the company also distributes statutes for a number of other manufacturers, including Iron Studios, Prime 1 Studio, PCS, Medicom Toy, Kotobukiya and Threezero.
Currently, Sideshow is also the official distributor of Hot Toys action figures for North America, Europe and much of Asia.
What is Hot Toys
Founded in 2000 in Hong Kong by noted toy collector and businessman Howard Chan, Hot Toys initially started creating one-sixth scale action figures based on US Army Special Forces. The company soon pivoted into creating high-end figures based on media properties (featured primarily under their Movie Masterpiece Series brand). The company later officially signed a licensing deal with Disney for Star Wars (which has become one of their showcase brands), but also maintains licensing rights for Marvel, Warner Bros. and a variety of other major entertainment brands.
Hot Toys really stands apart from other competitors (such as SooSoo Toys) because of their highly-realistic looking sculpting, paintwork and fabrics that are used in their figures. Unlike a typical action figure which has roughly 10 total points of articulation in the arms, legs and head, Hot Toys contain 30 or more points of articulation, allowing for an incredible range of motion and posability.
In late 2010, Hot Toys inked a deal for Sideshow Collectibles to be the official distributor of Hot Toys action-figures for North America, Europe and much of Asia (although Hot Toys does distribute its own items in some parts of Asia).
Sideshow Collectibles vs Hot Toys
It’s interesting that people often want to compare these two brands, when in fact they create completely different products. Hot Toys creates high-end action figures and Sideshow creates and distributes statues and action figures (including Hot Toys). So the two really aren’t in direct competition. In fact, they’re very much a business partnership that has allowed both to expand their reach when it comes to the collectibles market.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it: the answer to the question is Sideshow and Hot Toys the same company? Both are in fact, very different brands that work closely together to create some of the coolest and most sought after collectibles on the market.
See Our Other Sideshow Reviews
Check out the links below for the latest or visit our Sideshow Reviews page.
- Sideshow Captain Marvel Statue Reveal
- Sideshow Batman and Catwoman Statue Reveal
- New Psylocke Statue from Sideshow Revealed
- Moon Knight Statue Reveal from Sideshow
- Sideshow Power Girl Statue Preview
- Sideshow Collectibles Batman Who Laughs Statue Review
- Sideshow Red Sonja Statue Preview
Learn More About Sideshow
Check out the link below visit our Sideshow Collectors Guide.
- Where is Sideshow Collectibles Located
- Is Sideshow and Hot Toys the Same Company?
- Where to Buy Sideshow Collectibles
- Are Sideshow Collectibles a Good Investment?
- Is Sideshow Collectibles Reliable?
- Are Sideshow Collectibles Worth It?
- Is Sideshow Legit: What Collectors Should Know
- What is Sideshow Collectibles?
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