# Nostalgic Figurine Iconic characters are reimagined with retro inspirations for new audiences. By [Rebecca Byers](https://www.trendhunter.com/becbyers), Insights Research at Trend Hunter | Published Jun 27, 2016 | Category: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/life-stages) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/nostalgic-figurine ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.6/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Nostalgic Figurine trend? **Nostalgic Figurine:** Toy manufacturers are aiming to woo Millennial parents with action figures that serve as reimagined takes on iconic characters conceived for series revivals and nostalgic remakes. Also a way to integrate modern technologies including animation, this progression demonstrates the prevailing power of nostalgia in marketing even to a new generation of children via their parents. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Oct 26, 2015 to Jun 10, 2016 - Published: Jun 27, 2016 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality) - Megatrends: [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism), [Nostalgia](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/nostalgia) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Gen Z - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Nostalgic Figurine trend ### Nostalgia Marketing Toy manufacturers are using revamped iconic characters from series revivals and nostalgic remakes, as a way to integrate modern technologies including animation to attract millennials parents. ### Realistic Action Figures Toy manufacturers are creating action figures that are incredibly realistic, with identifiable expressions and loads of individual character in each figure. ### Anatomical Skew Toys Artists are creating anatomical skew toys, showcasing the heroes with partially dissected bodies, exploring mortality in the character for an added unconventional perspective. ## What the Nostalgic Figurine trend means for industry ### For Toy Manufacturing Industry Industry can take inspiration to leverage nostalgic marketing, create updated action figures with identifiable expressions and loads of individual character, and create anatomical skew toys for new ways to celebrate iconic characters. ### For Animation Industry Industry can explore the trend towards nostalgia in marketing, build action figures with updated animatronics, and animate anatomical skew toys to create a new wave of nostalgic innovation, envisioning superhero toys from a twisted perspective. ### For Pop Culture & Merchandise Industry can leverage action figures audience engagement, create realistic collectables and anatomical skew toys for adult audiences. ## Workshop question How can your brand woo former consumers in order to have them purchase your products for their children? ## Trend signals for Nostalgic Figurine Trend score 3.6 out of 10, from popularity 43%, activity 56%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 43% - Activity: 56% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Nostalgic Figurine trend 5 featured examples from Oct 26, 2015 to Jun 10, 2016. - [Dissected Superhero Figurines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/justice-league-dolls): These Justice League Dolls Showcases the Heroes as Partial Skeletons (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Toy manufacturers can explore the trend of anatomical design to create unique and collectible toys that appeal to a niche market of collectors and enthusiasts. - [Collectible Comic Book Plushies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/batman-stuffed-toy): These Batman Stuffed Toy are Modeled After Classic Characters (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Toy manufacturers can seize the opportunity to produce collectible plush toys that cater to both children and adult collectors. - [Anniversary Intergalactic Action Figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/star-trek-series): The Mattel Star Trek Series Dolls Celebrate the Franchise (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Toy companies can capitalize on the opportunity to create retro-inspired toys that invoke a sense of nostalgia in consumers. - [Animated Turtle Action Figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtle-figure): These Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Toys Are Gorgeously Accurate (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Companies within the toy manufacturing industry can expand desired brands to appeal to collectors and meet the growing demand for high-end, realistically detailed action figures. - [Puppet Action Figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/muppet-toy): These Colorful Muppet Toy Figurines Have 14 Points of Articulation (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Exploring innovative manufacturing techniques to produce highly detailed and articulated action figures that appeal to both children and adult collectors. ## Recent trend clusters - [Constructible Franchises](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/constructible-franchises) (Life-Stages) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Life-Stages - [Retro Graphic Tees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nostalgic-graphic-tees) - [Screen-Free Kids Phones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/screen-free-kids-phones) - [Edible Oil-Based Lubes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coco-lube) - [Women's Health-Focused Probiotic Supplements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/womens-health-probiotic-capsules) All articles: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages)