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Action figures between 10 and 18 cm tall, equivalent to approximately 4–7 inches, are the most popular size in modern collectibles. This size range includes two of the most popular scales: 1:18 (approximately 10 cm / 4 in) and 1:12 (approximately 15 cm / 6 in), all the way up to 1:10 (approximately 18 cm / 7 in). These sizes are chosen for their ability to combine aesthetic detail, advanced articulation, and compatibility with environments, accessories, and vehicles. It is in this range that we find many of the most iconic representations of How to Train Your Dragon.
How to Train Your Dragon, original title How to Train Your Dragon, is one of the most popular animated franchises of recent years, born from the children's novel by Cressida Cowell and adapted into an animated feature film by DreamWorks in 2010. Directed by Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois, the film marked a turning point for the studio, demonstrating a narrative maturity and visual quality capable of competing with the giants of the sector, quickly becoming a cult saga for audiences and critics.
The story is set on the island of Berk, a Viking community constantly struggling with dragon attacks. Hiccup (Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III), son of Chief Stoick, is an intelligent but physically frail teenager, a stark contrast to the typical model of strength and courage of his tribe. Eager to prove his worth, Hiccup wounds a legendary dragon, the Night Fury, but instead of killing it, he chooses to help it heal. Thus begins a friendship with Toothless, a bond that will radically change the way the inhabitants of Berk view dragons.
The first film sets the stage for a trilogy that grows in intensity and maturity. In How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014), set five years later, Hiccup is now a young explorer. His relationship with Toothless deepens, while new threats emerge, including the cruel Bludvist Dragon and the mystery of Hiccup's mother, Valka, believed dead. The second chapter expands the world, introduces more adult themes and develops a more dramatic narrative. How to Train Your Dragon - The Hidden World (2019) closes the trilogy with melancholic tones, exploring the fate of dragons and the future of the bond between Hiccup and Toothless. The saga ends with a conscious and poetic separation, in which humans and dragons follow different paths to live in harmony.
The characters of the saga are an integral part of its success. Hiccup evolves from a misunderstood boy to a responsible leader, through a coherent and credible narrative arc. Toothless, despite not speaking, has a surprising expressiveness, built through animations that mix feline, canine and reptilian behaviors, making him one of the most iconic animated characters of the last decade. Astrid, Hiccup's companion, is strong, loyal and becomes a central figure not only in the action, but in the emotional journey of the protagonist. They are joined by a group of young Vikings - Fishlegs, Snotlout, Tuffnut and Ruffnut - who provide comic support and group dynamics functional to the development of the plot.
From a technical standpoint, the animation created by DreamWorks was among the most sophisticated ever produced by the studio. The digital photography work, curated by Roger Deakins as visual consultant, helped define a cinematic palette close to live action, especially in the skies, landscapes and flight sequences. The scenes between Hiccup and Toothless in flight are built with a visual grammar close to the language of adventure cinema, with fluid camera movements and a spectacular sense of space. The soundtrack composed by John Powell played a fundamental role in strengthening the identity of the saga, with epic, lyrical themes perfectly integrated with the emotional arc of the characters.
Alongside the films, the franchise has expanded in several directions. Television series such as Dragons: Riders of Berk e Race to the Edge They have expanded on events between the films, developing secondary characters and introducing new dragons. These products, distributed on Cartoon Network and Netflix, have maintained a good level of quality, managing to keep the interest of the public alive and to expand the mythology of the narrative universe.
Merchandising has played a central role in the commercial success of the brand. Toy lines dedicated to dragons, with Toothless at the forefront, have invaded the market with interactive figures, plush toys, construction sets and models. The variety of dragons present in the saga has allowed for a wide range of products, each with its own characteristics. Licenses have also extended to video games, clothing, children's publishing, school supplies and collectible gadgets. Among the video games, titles such as Dragons: Dawn of New Riders e School of dragons, an educational MMO for kids.
Another significant aspect is the use of characters and setting in educational and promotional contexts. The dynamics between Hiccup and Toothless have also been interpreted as a metaphor for empathy, respect for diversity and cooperation between different worlds. This has made the saga usable also in a school or family context, as an example of narration rich in values without being didactic.
The success of How to Train Your Dragon It is linked to its ability to tell a universal story with modern tools. It is not limited to entertainment: it offers a model of growth, an exploration of emotional bonds and a reflection on the relationship between man and nature. The decision to close the trilogy without forcing its continuation has helped to strengthen its impact, leaving a legacy that remains intact. The series is now considered one of the best DreamWorks productions and a point of reference in contemporary animation for sensitivity, coherence and vision.
In the case of How to Train Your Dragon, the 1:12 or 1:10 scale allows for the precise capture of every characteristic detail: facial features, costume textures, and identifying symbols. The proportions faithfully reflect the graphic style of the series, while the sculpting explores the narrative elements associated with the character. At these scales, each figure becomes not just a display object, but a faithful micro-replica of the original.
Figures from 10 to 18 cm offer a wide range of articulation, with ball joints at the shoulders, hips, elbows, knees, ankles, and torso. More advanced productions also integrate double joints, hidden joints, and systems that do not compromise the figure's aesthetics. For How to Train Your Dragon, this translates to a wide and natural range of poses, ideal for both dioramas and dynamic photography.
Each figure generally includes interchangeable accessories: additional hands, alternative faces, weapons, symbolic objects or visual effects to apply to the figure. The packaging is designed to enhance these elements, with transparent packages or display boxes that allow all the components to be stored in an orderly manner. Some lines offer deluxe versions with scenic bases, printed backgrounds or articulated supports for aerial poses.
The 1:12 and 1:10 scale figures are produced by leading brands such as Hasbro (Marvel Legends, Star Wars Black Series), Bandai (SHFiguarts), McFarlane Toys, NECA, and Mafex. How to Train Your Dragon (How to Train Your Dragon) is available in multiple versions depending on the line: a more stylized and cartoon-like figure, a more realistic one, or a limited-edition celebratory variant.
The 1:18 scale (approximately 10 cm / 4 in), less commonly used today but still popular among nostalgic fans, gave rise to historic lines like GI Joe and Kenner's Star Wars. Figures in this size offer less articulation but a compact, easily collectible aesthetic. Even in this format, How to Train Your Dragon retains its essential features and fits perfectly with the settings and vehicles of the same line.
From a collector's perspective, 10–18 cm figures are considered ideal for their balance of space, detail, and playability. They can be displayed on shelves, in themed display cases, or in custom-built settings. Their compatibility with other 1:12 scale figures and accessories has fostered the emergence of communities of photographers, dioramists, and customizers. In this context, How to Train Your Dragon becomes the protagonist of new visual narratives, beyond the screen.
In short, action figures between 10 and 18 cm (4–7 inches), in the 1:18, 1:12, and 1:10 scales, offer the most versatile and comprehensive format currently available. They are designed to be dynamic, complete, and adaptable to any type of collection. The How to Train Your Dragon figure in this size is today one of the most popular and recognizable versions of the character, perfectly balancing aesthetics, functionality, and identity.
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