Show and Tell: ArtBones Articulated Action Figures

Before heading to Comic-Con, we check out the highly-articulated posable figures from ArtBones and talk about the different kinds of articulation we look for in collectible figures. We're impressed by the dexterity of the ArtBones figures, which are 3D-printed and made to order by artists in Brooklyn.
Check out the ArtBones line of figures here: www.artbones.nyc/
Shot by Gunther Kirsch and edited by Norman Chan
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Tested is:
Adam Savage / donttrythis
Norman Chan / nchan
Simone Giertz / simonegiertz
Joey Fameli www.joeyfameli.com
Gunther Kirsch guntherkirsch.com
Ryan Kiser / ryan.kiser
Kishore Hari / sciencequiche
Sean Charlesworth / cworthdynamics
Jeremy Williams / jerware
Kayte Sabicer / kaytesabicer
Bill Doran / chinbeard
Ariel Waldman / arielwaldman
Darrell Maloney / thebrokennerd83
Kristen Lomasney / krystynlo
Intro bumper by Abe Dieckman
Set design by Danica Johnson / saysdanica
Set build by Asa Hillis www.asahillis.com
Thanks for watching!

[@ChozoSR388]

It goes without saying, but BANDAI's Perfect Grade and Real Grade action model kits have phenomenal amounts of articulation, down to individual fingers.

[@gagnonguitars]

Yes, I still have to buy my first perfect grade, but I have many master grades and all the other grades as well. I really hope to get a perfect grade soon.

[@therisinger8142]

If you're into complex poses the GM sniper II mg is solid

[@c.glazercrush3994]

These are up there with the revoltech,real nice for poses.

[@pillowmaster420]

yerp

[@yuriart]

​@@pillowmaster420 can you recommend a figure that has great anatomy and pose ability. without much accessories or costume to get in the way i am an artist and need it for reference SH bodykun and sigma archetype are a dissapointment please help

[@ariochiv]

If you're someone who takes photos of figures or has great experience with action figure lines, then you will probably already know that there are a number of different poseable figure lines (notably from Japan) which are better articulated, less expensive, and are made from plastic that won't disintegrate with handling like these printed resin figures will.

[@irsistic0438]

Examples of some?

[@ariochiv]

@@irsistic0438 Figma, TOA Heavy Industries, Body-Kun

[@ShadowLynx516]

Price aside, I think these are great figures and good job to the 2 guys doing it!

[@PrimyFritzellz]

$120 for just one figurine that is just plain? No thanks

[@numberjackfiutro7412]

I know, they're mighty expensive for what they are!

[@nickademuss42]

the price is prob because the are in new york, insane taxes on all manufacturing.

[@numberjackfiutro7412]

@@nickademuss42 Of course, Big Government makes everything pricier!

[@mattkevlarlarock5469]

yeah, i was all in until i went to the site. yikes. that's too much.

[@KitbashCustoms]

PrimyFritzellz its all in house, from renders to assembly. Two dudes with 3d printers.

[@FranciscoTChavez]

An artist that works at a company I used to temp at was impressed with the level of articulation of some of my Gungam models. According to her the artist models that she had seen so far had less range if motion that mine and they cost more to. Shoot, a lot of the newer Gundam models will use double hinge joints for the knees and elbows, but I think new model has most of them beat on the abbs and shoulders. Also, this one shows muscle flow which is important for applying deformations.

[@flamestoyershadowkill6400]

even older master grades have the double elbows and legs. The part that has been innovated the most is the waist articulation and ab crunch.

[@skrimshander]

Thanks Norm for keeping the action figure community cutting edge.

[@cofiddle]

Really glad you shared this. Always had in interest in custom figures

[@bionicdemon4707]

I am making an action figure and this video will help me in making articulations.

[@GrymmsPlace]

This is a big thing and I hope it goes from success to success. At the very least, the Art world of figure drawing, through stop-frame and o to the full customised sci-fi/fantasy realm of figures. All awesome. Hope they go on from strength to strength - without someone buying them up and restricting it in any way :)

[@pedrochevez2090]

For me the best I've seen so far is from Revoltech. Check out the Assemble Borg line in particular. I have one of those and i can say it's the most articulate and one of my personal favorite in my collection.

[@mikeledger2614]

This channel is the best...toy love! I’m going to check artbones riiiight now

[@sharmilabarua6416]

Excellent work.

[@LS1Cobra]

My daughter uses similar figures to these to set up poses for her illustrations. They help her visualise what she is going to draw/paint. I bought them for her a few years back.

[@oxide_fx]

These are super expensive compared to the body-kun pose figures...

[@AudoricArt]

I have one of those. honestly a pretty comparable figure to these. although it does have a pretty anime centric design.

[@cobchob]

Which are super expensive compared to MoDi-Bot pose figures

[@ChozoSR388]

They're even expensive compared to the Bandai artist's body model kit.

[@UnvarnishedTarnished]

@@ChozoSR388 yeah but you have to realize this is 2 dudes doing all of this

[@ChozoSR388]

@@UnvarnishedTarnished Huh. My comment was the one that seemed most threatening in the thread?

[@destinycarrico894]

Very articulate figure! I've always loved the Marvel Legends and WWE Elite figures' articulation. Looking into making some custom figures at some point, and trying to decide whether it'd be better to purchase existing figures or try to 3D print my own.

[@thecommenter578]

These would be cool models for drawing action poses

[@unorthdoxcleric6953]

That rubber O ring is a super idea and should make each joint have just the right amount of friction. As most collectors of figs know, joints can become very loose over time and with alot of use.

[@acopernic]

One cool feature to add.. The stand could be green or blue to 'disappear' in photo montage...

[@bleep5621]

What an intersesting review

[@devinweathers7520]

I freaking love it

[@lordgarmadon8860]

They might pricy, but they do have good articulation, and the one with exposed muscles is very well detailed.

[@howtosurvival360]

Looked at these for an Art reference possibility, because I’m good at transferring things I’m actually seeing into art but not good at drawing from memory. I need a reference and these would be a great reference for drawing human figures, something I greatly struggle with. Feel free to comment any additional options you guys may have found, I’m open to suggestions as well as options.

[@ariochiv]

Figma, Bandai and others have similar figures that are much less expensive and are made from plastic rather than resin.

[@eliasvazquez1378]

1:18th scale. Tomy Takara Microforce from 2003-2006. These little guys had more articulation than most figures today in larger scales. The main issue with these was the material was pretty cheap but had a great deal of articulation with great range of motion. Hasbro took over the license but haven't dud anything with it.

[@flamestoyershadowkill6400]

The megami device line has single jointed elbows that go to 140 degrees bend creating something that is more natural than two 90 degree bends while only taking away 40 degrees of articulation. The model kits otherwise have double jointed legs and good flow to aticulation rather than focusing on adding as many joints as possible

[@gagnonguitars]

I forgot to say it but Happy Birthday to Adam Savage!

[@mmromanx]

I love it but I remember having an action figure that has articulation on the fingers. They should implement that as well. Big Win.

[@soapbetweenthecrack]

I'm sorry, but $120 for a basic figure is a rip-off. Bandai, Max Factory Figma, 1000toys, etc... make the same for way less.

[@civiccc]

comparing a million dollar company over 2 dudes in an apartment isnt right. but still 120 is outrages

[@atomixfang]

Even at that price their margins are probably still low. Its funny how people are always like ""BUY 'MERICA!!""! But when push comes to shove, like here, everyone is whining about the price, want it cheaper? The manufacturing needs to be moved to be moved abroad.

[@henchmen4hire]

I use resin 3d printers for action figure related stuff daily, and have been a figure customizer for almost 2 decades, so I'd like to chime in that $120 for this thing is reasonable considering what goes into making it. •Each figure is printed, assembled, and painted on demand. If you've ever used a resin printer you know what a PITA that is, cleaning up the support scars, sanding to get tolerances right, etc., and doing that for every tiny piece. •There's added complexity because they're using o-rings to prevent the resin from rubbing against itself at the joints, this prevents the resin from destroying itself via friction. I can appreciate what goes into making it, but yes, I understand how people may not think it's worth $120. After all, it performs a little better than other modern articulated action figures, but for 6 times the price.

[@miguela.alvarez7284]

GIJOE Had that covered they are the best..

[@demgutts]

Seen figure and immediately went to site, seen price and immediately came back to vid. Tbleague and dam toys are releasing better looking 1/12 bodies for way less, dam toys figure is $22 and tbleague has a seamless version meaning no visible joints for $45.

[@BrokenMonocle]

Pretty much. I'm a miniaturist from 1:6 to 1:12, and the price is kind of disappointing. I certainly wasn't expecting over $100.

[@nickademuss42]

120$? Oh yeah they are in New York, insane high taxes, so one would be 45$ if it were, say made in Kentucky, and 3.99 if made in China.

[@lordgarmadon8860]

😂

[@hugoantoniogarcia8033]

I want one of this figures

[@JP-lm8ww]

Is there a way I can buy just the joints ? Or does anyone know where I can buy small joints like that? I do custom builds and joints similar to these would be amazing!

[@LycaonsMemories]

"with all these joints combined, i am captain flexible"

[@tazmane3]

These figs would make great stop-motion fighting scenes hahaha

[@christianbrucken6147]

Are they going to be building licensed product like the old GI Joe? Or other articulation figures of characters?

[@BaronOfHell666]

You should do a toy photography tutorial for newbies.

[@ianb8745]

1000toys is my go to for articulation

[@devinweathers7520]

My god its superb i wanted get all For my project

[@HaightTheGreat]

Toys are to nice to play with.

[@hudfreegamer]

What are your thoughts on Sticky Bones? (It's a poseable 8" artist mannequin / stop motion armature).

[@ernestvenn8291]

Are they also for anatomy reference but on a small scale?

[@lucascabrera7477]

Is there any way of ordering one size-wise 2.5 inch figures

[@itsvoogle]

Still waiting for a figure of that size to have individual pose able hands and fingers.!

[@awglasgo]

These are cool, but I can't justify $120 for a figure

[@TheBunnyOfDeathProductions]

Alan Glasgow just hope for bigger manufacturers getting onboard and starts making on greater scale

[@Goo4You135]

Especially a 6 inch one.

[@awglasgo]

@@TheBunnyOfDeathProductions That's cool, but any go getter could find a cheap 3D printer and tool one themselves. $120 for a 6 inch figure is ridiculous considering some Marvel Legends are on sale for $10-15 and a few of the Spiderman figures have ridiculous amounts and range of articulation.

[@thefacebiters]

I want this for 3d modeling

[@christinaremter6681]

Are they going to make drawing models for drawing?

[@hughring]

i can't wait for a Spiderman ArtBones figure!

[@dirtysteve40]

I wish I knew where Norm got his sweater from?

[@3DZipGuy]

I would love to see a comparison review with ZIPGUY.

[@lilgl0ck306]

omg so nice !! make one with batman or spider man that would be awesome keep up the good work

[@lanelandry13]

can you make a tour of your room

[@dravinpendergrass1901]

Norm is the best

[@yuriart]

can you recommend a figure that has great anatomy and pose ability. without much accessories or costume to get in the way i am an artist and need it for reference SH bodykun and sigma archetype are a dissapointment please help

[@OctoBooze]

I guess economy of scale is to blame for the high price... Like already pointed out there are much better alternatives for quarter of the price even. Figma Next for example.

[@XCLU5V]

reminds me of the movie i, robot!

[@true._.confusion8314]

Nice

[@feezarl8872]

Where to buy?

[@seba1cantero]

stop motion artists use them a lot

[@jhulvincentcalabia4784]

I want a 7 inch one

[@mr.naughty5225]

Are this for a sale????

[@robertkielty5094]

Some of my own o-rings are starting to wear out. Really buggers up articulation.

[@nonames000]

i want a silver surfer one

[@wowieinciong7197]

How much for the figure?

[@fucker1234]

How does it compare to 1000Toys Synthetic Human? That would be a good apple to apple comparison. Usually, articulation points get complicated once the character designs come into play. As a blank figure, its a free canvas but looking at your video, it looks AMAZING!!!

[@nathansossai]

Search youtube for D_Amazing 's video on these figs. I'm 99% certain he compares 'em with the synthetic human figures.

[@Aedrian07]

It looks amazing but it’s so damn expensive

[@mtpromises5880]

Mafex... Figma ...sh figurarts and revoltech are leading Brand’s of articulated figures .and yes...all from japan

[@pedrochevez2090]

Revoltech is my personal favorite when it comes to highly articulated figures.

[@mtpromises5880]

Same here bro...deadpool was awesome

[@ArchangelExile]

Exactly. This isn't new. I'm surprised at how blown away he is at these.

[@TheSalemCrow]

@@pedrochevez2090 It depends on which Revoltech figure you have though. The Amazing Yamaguchi figures for example are great, but for the most part, aren't meant for vanilla poses. They were made for action.

[@rickytoddbotelho9555]

I want one. Send it off to me immediatley.

[@chacrawarrior]

Fuck, the toy story movie based on this figures must be really scary.

[@yuriart]

i went to their website, and they are out of stock.... boooohoooo so sad, they look so good

[@miguela.alvarez7284]

I have a fully articulating fox football robot figure.

[@genericfriend2568]

These really don't look like they're worth the cash, not to mention if/when they get licenses, the price will sky-rocket.

[@numberjackfiutro7412]

They're very pricey for what they are, but cool though!

[@lochlan.]

$120!!!!!!!! I think I'm gonna stick to my old stuff

[@NECROMAGICIAN666]

buy two mafex that are already overpriced but the articulatiosn are even better proportions not but at that price you can buy a custom head

[@bradleyfantasticeboyo4794]

How much are the guys in this video

[@madrabiddog]

Just checked and the bodies are all OOS

[@bradleyhavens5037]

Where can I get these

[@bradleyhavens5037]

Do I have to buy them

[@nanoasencio2242]

hello friend how are you, teach me how to model action figures in 3D please

[@shelbytomy07]

Notification squad!

[@resikek1207]

What a coincidence im making myself a balljointed doll

[@Samwicciki]

HOW ???

[@miguela.alvarez7284]

That's nice if you are doing stop motion videos I gues. It is cool. But still He-man and GI Joe were more than enough in my opinion. But this are great..

[@2B87]

If only the price would fit the size of these, too bad..

[@carlwoolley17]

Synthetic Human, archetype next he and she, body kun and body chan both regular and designer series, 1/6th scale figure by Side Show, all of these are cheaper and less rare than this. Which is sad really. I would like to get those if they weren't asking for so much for so little.

[@harpywarpyowo]

*ARTICULATED FINGERS.*

[@mayon6982]

It couldnt even tippy toe. So its a loud toy how can i play at night without being heard???

[@taboosaboo]

CraftMAn and Adam Savage. Great Combo. So much enthusiasm and creativity. Check him out and tell Savage, too. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnzFcnmPasSKqLs Besties for sure, he did one on joint articulation also kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZa1m42rqtiGeqs

[@asylumental]

Am I the only one who thinks the figurine in the thumbnail looks like a character from the Gargoyles cartoon?

[@BLAZE084]

Body kun looks better and apparently cheaper too.

[@tumbles8350]

but elbows don't work that way

[@tyan8168]

I hope this brand will release female figure with epic articulation and many accessories

[@romesrepublic]

I don't get why toy makers over complicate head and torso articulation, just use double ball pegs, problem solved😂

[@colesutra]

Check out stuff from 1000toys; their TOA Heavy Industries Synthetic Human has a similar joint structure and absolutely superb proportions while still being crazy articulated. They're expensive, but they're really impressive in hand. www.bigbadtoystore.com/Search?Company=700 It's out of left field, but the Pacific Rim Uprising action figures from the Bandai Spirits line (not to be confused with the Diamond Select Toys figures) are surprisingly good. They have some really interesting engineering in the hips that I've never come across before. I'd recommend Gipsy Avenger, Obsidian Fury, or Saber Athena. The less humanoid designs have features that get in the way of the articulation unfortunately. They're hard to come by outside of the aftermarket currently (hoping there's a new production batch in the coming months), but Toy Notch x Toy Forge's pair of Astrobots might be of interest because of it's design, and it's background--small-time designer 3D printed their figure in small production batches, and a manufacturer thought it was awesome and brought them in to help produce the figure. These bots are a masterclass in odd proportions with crazy good articulation. Like I said, they're hard to come by, but at the very least check out a review for them: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZSbi4eOhrmjeKM kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4e3i4FsnMR0rdk And another obscure producer, Armature Nine and their A9 Rig system of armature figures; similar situation as ArtBones. Small producer manufacturing their own mostly 3D printed parts, bit by bit investing in the production of steel injection molds. Their line runs both 1:12 and 1:6 scale, and has libraries of optional parts, so that you could opt to parts out a figure from the ground up. Along with sets to make quadrupeds, avians, and fantasy figures. They can work as art models, or as the skeletons for claymation stop-motion figures. armaturenine.com/

[@Articulario]

AWESOME!!! But, is out of stock. Congrats! Great project. PS: Sorry by my wrong english.

[@vnavarro02]

Well I really just buying the figures from the zip guy and just printed my self for $10 dollars

[@moonhead6165]

exposed muscle, so reminds me of Hellraiser film

[@arismafiamafiaiskandar5145]

(Laughs in Figma, Master grade, Perfect Grade gundam)...... Not that I glorify for figma and gundam... But some Mg gundam is quite cheaper than a 150 figure... Except for figma...

[@manjimbo9830]

Bandai going to buy one of these and reverse engineered it and sell it for much lower price.

[@akosikelvin1]

Try 1000toys

[@user-mm1vn1xs4q]

who eles just trying to get some attack on titan figures?