Frequently asked questions about comic book figurines and statuettes
Are you just starting a collection, or are you torn between two items? Here are the answers to the questions we’re asked most often about comic book statuettes, figurines and enamel plaques.
What is an official collectable comic strip figurine?
It is an item produced under licence from the series’ rights holders (Hergé, Peyo, Franquin, Uderzo, etc.) by an authorised publisher. It differs from a generic item in that it bears the publisher’s name, has a limited print run and is faithful to the original artwork, as approved by the rights holder. See our statuettes.
What is the difference between Pixi, Fariboles and Aroutcheff?
These three French companies do not work with the same materials. Pixi, founded in Paris in the early 1980s, produces hand-painted metal figurines. Fariboles Productions, which has been in operation since 1993, mainly produces resin items. Michel Aroutcheff, a craftsman who has been in business since 1986, is best known for his lacquered wooden vehicles.
Is polybronze the same as bronze?
No. Polybronze is a resin reinforced with bronze powder: it mimics the appearance and some of the density of bronze, whilst having lower weight and cost. Solid bronze, on the other hand, is an alloy cast in a foundry. Both are legitimate materials for collectors, but they are two different things.
How is an enamel plaque made?
By fusing glass onto metal. A glass powder or paste is applied to a sheet of steel, then fired at a very high temperature: the glass melts and forms a hard, non-porous layer. This is a long-established industrial process, which explains the depth of colour and the durability of these pieces. See our enamel plaques.
Does Tintinimaginatio manufacture the Tintin statuettes?
No, it is the publisher, not the manufacturer. Tintinimaginatio — formerly Moulinsart — is the Belgian company that manages the rights to Hergé’s work and designs the official merchandise. The actual manufacturing is outsourced to workshops. It is therefore the publisher that guarantees the official status of a Tintin item.
What is the CAC3D?
It is the reference work for identifying and valuing Franco-Belgian comic book figurines, published by Éditions Côte-à-Cas. Each volume lists the items by series or by material, along with their artwork details, manufacturers and sculptors. It is not a figurine manufacturer but a reference tool for collectors. See our publications.
Why are comic book figurines produced with a limited print run?
Because the licence granted by the rights holder usually covers a specific number of pieces, and because the hand-finishing process limits the quantities that can be produced. This rarity is part of the appeal of collecting. However, it does not guarantee that a piece will increase in value: a piece’s market value also depends on its condition and demand.
How can you tell if a piece is official?
First, check the markings: an official piece bears the name of its publisher and, in most cases, a copy number. Next, examine the finish — the clarity of the moulding, the evenness of the paintwork, and the absence of flash at the joints. If you have any doubts about a pre-owned piece, ask the seller about its origin and any accompanying documents.
How do you look after a resin statuette?
Keep it out of direct sunlight, which causes the paintwork to fade, as well as away from damp and temperature fluctuations. Dust it with a soft, dry cloth, without using any cleaning products or water. A closed display cabinet offers the best protection. Keep the original packaging: it’s important if you ever want to resell it.
Where can you buy collectable comic book figurines in France?
Zédibulle Éditions sells online at zedibulle.fr and has a shop in Wambrechies, in the Nord department. The catalogue brings together the major Franco-Belgian franchises — Tintin and Snowy, Asterix and Obelix, the Smurfs, Lucky Luke, Spirou — in the form of statuettes, bronzes and enamel plaques.
How are fragile items shipped and packaged?
[To be completed by Zédibulle: type of packaging and padding, transport insurance, preparation time, dispatch time, parcel tracking, what to do in the event of breakage. Until this answer is complete, it is automatically excluded from the FAQPage markup.]