Sideshow Collectibles Sixth Scale figures

Sixth Scale: Sideshow's 1/6 scale figures trace their origins back to 1998

The history of Sideshow Collectibles Sixth Scale figures goes back to the manufacturer's early years. In 1998, when the company was still operating under the name Sideshow Toy, it developed a range of 12-inch figures for Universal Monsters featuring characters such as Frankenstein, Dracula, The Mummy and the Wolf Man. These 12" figures correspond to what are now more commonly known as Sixth Scale Figures.

These early collections already stood apart from smaller action figures through their greater articulation, costumes made from different materials and the large number of accessories included.

Understanding the Sixth Scale format

What does Sixth Scale mean?

Sixth Scale simply means 1/6 scale.

The character is theoretically reproduced at one sixth of their actual size. An adult measuring around 1.80 m would therefore result in a figure approximately 30 cm tall.

A height of 30 cm is not an absolute standard: it depends directly on the actual size of the character being represented.

Why is 1/6 scale particularly well suited to articulated figures?

1/6 scale offers an interesting balance between size, detail and posing possibilities.

At around 30 cm tall, it becomes possible to create a much more detailed portrait than on a smaller action figure while retaining a genuinely articulated body beneath the costume.

This size also makes it possible to produce real miniature clothing with stitching, linings, belts, holsters, capes or several layers of fabric.

Accessories benefit from the same advantage: weapons, equipment, jewellery and objects associated with the character can be produced as genuine miniature items rather than merely suggested through sculpting.

This combination of sculpted portrait, articulated body, fabric costume and interchangeable accessories is one of the fundamental principles of Sideshow's Sixth Scale figures.

How are Sideshow Sixth Scale figures designed?

A Sixth Scale figure is built around an articulated body, dressed and equipped according to the character.

Sideshow has used different generations of bodies throughout its history. Several Star Wars releases from the 2010s, for example, use the Prometheus Body, while Darth Vader required the development of a dedicated body with more than 30 points of articulation. C-3PO, meanwhile, used a unique construction with more than 40 points of articulation.

There is therefore no single identical body used for every Sideshow Sixth Scale figure.

The character's build, costume, armour and mobility requirements determine the construction needed.

What materials are used for Sideshow Sixth Scale figures?

Sixth Scale figures are generally mixed media products.

The body, portraits, hands, footwear, armour and accessories mainly use different plastics and synthetic materials, while costumes may incorporate fabric and other materials.

Depending on the character, additional materials may be used for armour, accessories or costume elements.

The exact composition therefore varies from one figure to another.

How are the portraits created?

The headsculpt is one of the most important elements of a Sixth Scale figure.

For a movie or television character, the aim may be to recreate the actor's features. Commander Luke Skywalker Hoth was therefore designed around a portrait of Mark Hamill, while the Clint Eastwood figures were developed to reproduce the actor's appearance at different periods of his career.

For characters originating in comics, the approach is different. Sideshow's Batman or Superman Sixth Scale figures aim to translate an iconic interpretation of the comic-book character into three dimensions.

Sideshow Collectibles Star Wars Sixth Scale figures

The Star Wars licence marked a major turning point in the history of Sideshow Collectibles' 1/6 scale figures and would become one of the manufacturer's most important collections.

A collection launched in 2006

Following the discontinuation of Hasbro's 12-inch range, Sideshow partnered with Lucasfilm to develop a new collection of 1/6 scale Star Wars figures aimed at collectors.

The collection began in 2006 with Luke Skywalker: Jedi Knight.

It then expanded through numerous families: Jedi Order, Sith Lords, Militaries of Star Wars, Galactic Rogues, Legacy Collection and various other series.

The Star Wars Sixth Scale collection has grown to more than 250 releases over the course of its history.

This extensive catalogue has notably allowed Sideshow to produce secondary characters that are rarely represented in high-end collections.

What is the Scum & Villainy collection?

Scum & Villainy is one of Sideshow's major directions for its Star Wars Sixth Scale figures.

The collection focuses on criminals, bounty hunters, gangsters and supporting characters from the galactic underworld.

Greedo and Ponda Baba launched the new series, joined or followed by characters such as Kithaba and Tessek.

This range clearly illustrates one of Sideshow's historic strengths at 1/6 scale: offering secondary or highly specialised characters that allow collectors to go far beyond the saga's main heroes.

What is the Mythos Sixth Scale range?

Star Wars Mythos is an artistic approach that imagines certain characters beyond scenes directly shown in the films.

The collection has been adapted into several formats, including Premium Format statues and Sixth Scale figures.

A Mythos Sixth Scale figure therefore represents a specific narrative interpretation of the character rather than a strict reproduction of an on-screen scene.

Collector Edition and Sideshow Exclusive Edition

As with other Sideshow Collectibles ranges, some Sixth Scale figures may be offered in several editions.

What does Collector Edition mean for a Sixth Scale figure?

The Collector Edition generally corresponds to the standard edition of a collectible when several versions are available.

At Sideshow, a Collector Edition can be distributed through official retailers such as Myth Factory.

It includes the figure and the accessories provided in its standard configuration.

What is a Sixth Scale Sideshow Exclusive Edition?

A Sixth Scale Sideshow Exclusive Edition figure is a version sold exclusively through the Sideshow website and generally includes an additional item.

This may be a hand, portrait, accessory or another display option.

The Darth Malgus Exclusive, for example, included an alternate unscarred portrait, while Commander Wolffe came with a second decorated base.

As with Premium Format statues, Exclusive does not mean that the basic figure has a better sculpt or superior paintwork.

The difference essentially lies in the additional content specific to that edition.

Posing and caring for a Sixth Scale figure

Articulation is one of the main attractions of the 1/6 scale format, but the materials used require certain precautions when a figure remains on display for a long period.

Can a Sixth Scale figure be left permanently in a dynamic pose?

It depends on the materials.

A conventional figure can accommodate many poses, but a very extreme position may place prolonged pressure on clothing, joints or certain materials.

Sideshow specifically recommends avoiding prolonged dynamic poses on 1/6 scale figures using silicone skin or seamless joints, as the tension may damage the material.

To preserve this type of body, the manufacturer instead recommends a neutral “museum pose” for long-term display.

It is of course still possible to use much more dynamic poses temporarily for display or photography.

How should a Sixth Scale figure be maintained?

Sideshow recommends keeping figures in a stable environment, protected from direct sunlight, excessive heat and major fluctuations in humidity.

Dust can be removed with a clean microfibre cloth or a soft brush. A slightly damp microfibre cloth can be used when necessary.

Clothing also deserves particular attention: fabric, faux leather and other synthetic materials can react differently to time, UV exposure and humidity.

Sideshow also recommends keeping the original packaging, which remains the best solution for storing or transporting the figure.

Which licences has Sideshow developed in Sixth Scale?

The historic catalogue is extremely broad.

Universal Monsters formed part of the origins of the collection, while Star Wars became one of its most important licences from 2006 onwards.

Sideshow has also produced Sixth Scale figures for DC Comics, including Batman, Superman and Joker; Marvel Comics, including Deadpool and Ghost Rider; G.I. Joe; Buffy the Vampire Slayer; The X-Files; James Bond; The Lord of the Rings; various horror movie licences; as well as characters such as Jack Burton.

More recently, the manufacturer has notably been developing Star Wars Scum & Villainy and the Clint Eastwood Legacy Collection.