NECA
The National Entertainment Collectibles Association (NECA) is a company specializing in licensed merchandise, primarily action figures, collectibles, and other pop culture-related products. NECA is known for producing high-quality figures based on movies, video games, comics, and TV shows.
Founding and Early History
NECA was founded in 1996 by Joel Weinshanker. The company was established to fill a gap in the collectibles market by creating highly detailed and affordable action figures for niche audiences. Unlike major toy companies that focused on mass-market appeal, NECA targeted collectors who wanted screen-accurate and highly articulated figures from cult classic franchises.
Growth and Expansion
During the late 1990s and early 2000s, NECA expanded its product line and secured licensing agreements with several major entertainment properties. The company became well-known for its horror-themed figures, producing collectibles based on movies like Halloween, Friday the 13th, and A Nightmare on Elm Street. Over time, NECA expanded into other genres, including science fiction, fantasy, video games, and comic book properties.
Major Licenses and Partnerships
NECA has acquired licenses for many popular franchises, including:
- Horror & Sci-Fi: Alien, Predator, Halloween, Friday the 13th, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Texas Chainsaw Massacre
- Movies & TV Shows: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Gremlins, Back to the Future, The Thing, The Boys
- Video Games: Halo, Street Fighter, Crash Bandicoot, Resident Evil, Doom, God of War
- Comics & Pop Culture: DC Comics, Marvel, Spawn, The Crow
In 2002, NECA acquired Reel Toys, which became one of its major divisions for action figures. This move helped the company refine its focus on highly detailed, collector-grade figures with intricate sculpting, paint applications, and articulation.
Key Product Lines
NECA produces various types of collectibles, including:
- Ultimate Figures – High-detail, highly articulated figures with interchangeable parts and accessories.
- Retro Cloth Figures – 8-inch figures with fabric clothing, reminiscent of classic 1970s and 1980s toys.
- Toony Terrors – Cartoon-stylized versions of horror characters.
- Prop Replicas – Life-sized replicas of props from movies and TV series.
- Head Knockers – Bobblehead-style figures of popular characters.
- Quarter Scale Figures – Larger, highly detailed figures (18 inches tall) with premium articulation.
Acquisitions and Collaborations
- NECA has acquired other collectible companies and brands, including Kidrobot, known for its vinyl figures, and WizKids, a tabletop gaming company.
- The company collaborates with Loot Crate, offering exclusive figures and collectibles in mystery boxes.
Present-Day Status
Today, NECA is one of the leading collectible toy manufacturers in the industry. The company continues to expand its product lines, securing new licenses and releasing exclusive figures for Comic-Con and other fan conventions. NECA products are widely available in retail stores like Target, Walmart, and specialty collectible shops, as well as through online marketplaces.
Conclusion
NECA has solidified its reputation as a premier company for collectors, offering highly detailed and screen-accurate figures from beloved franchises. With an ever-growing portfolio of licensed properties, NECA remains a dominant force in the collectibles market, appealing to both nostalgic fans and new generations of collectors.