This article is for educational and collector awareness purposes. Bootleg and third-party figures discussed are not endorsed by Funktuary.

In May to June 2025, toy prices in the US rose by 2.2%, largely due to tariffs imposed on China.
China is one of the biggest production hubs for action figures, supplying about 75% of the global toy market. This price hike has led many collectors to explore more affordable alternatives namely bootleg and third-party action figures.

The difference between the two is simple:

• Bootleg action figures are direct copies of well-known brands.
  

• Third-party action figures are original or inspired designs, but unlicensed.
  
  

Below are some popular companies in both categories among action figure collectors.

 

Bootleg Companies

CT Toys

Caption: Bootleg version of Amazing Yamaguchi Spider-Man from CT Toys. This figure is not licensed or official.

A Beijing-based company operating since 2023, CT Toys focuses on producing knockoffs with quality close to the official figures they copy mainly S.H. Figuarts and Mafex. Many collectors find them a budget-friendly option, especially toy photographers, who prefer using knockoffs for posing to avoid damaging expensive originals.

 

AC Factory

Caption: Bootleg version of Ultron Amazing Yamaguchi from AC Factory. This figure is not licensed or official.

A newer company producing high-quality knockoffs of REVOLTECH figures. Reviews praise their articulation, though frequent posing can cause paint chipping.

 

MESS TOYS

Caption: Bootleg version of Venom from MESS TOYS. This figure is not licensed or official.

Believed to be related to CT Toys, MESS TOYS modifies or recolors figures based on shared molds. While some parts can be loose, they’re easy to snap back on. Collectors often fix this by applying nail polish to ball joints to prevent detachment. Overall, it’s considered a decent knockoff brand.

 

Third-Party Companies

Dasin Model

Caption: Third-party figure inspired by popular anime characters, made by Dasin Model. Not officially licensed.

A well-respected third-party brand frequently discussed among collectors. They produce original figures based on anime, games, and even some American icons like Captain Planet.

 

Tonsen Art Toys

Caption: An official statement from Tonsen Art Toys about the dissolve of the company. 

A third-party company operating in the “grey area.” They create custom and stylized kits inspired by popular anime like Dragon Ball. With no official website, they sell through AliExpress, Omnime Store, and occasionally Mercari or eBay. Be cautious, there’s a fake website run by scammers. This studio was dissolved on 16th April 2025 according to their official instagram. 

 

Wow Super Action

StudioCaption: Third-party figure inspired by Goku from Dragon Ball, made by WOW Super Action Studio. Not officially licensed.

A newcomer producing figures with similarities to S.H. Figuarts. So far, the only known release is a Goku figure from Dragon Ball. There are no collector reviews yet, but they’re available on AliExpress.

Final Note

Bootleg action figures can be an affordable way for new collectors to enjoy their favorite characters without overspending. If your collection is growing, the VALOR Glide Series is the perfect display solution. Its stands connect together, allowing you to slide and swap between out-of-box and boxed display bases with ease.

Disclaimer: All bootleg figures featured in this article are shown for educational and review purposes only. Funktuary does not sell, promote, or endorse unofficial or unlicensed products. All trademarks and character designs belong to their respective owners.