Example of Clamshell Packaging

Ben Leach

Bill from NECA's Kill Bill Vol. 2 line of 2004, an example of an action figure in clamshell packaging.

Clamshell packaging is a relatively new practice for packaging action figures. A clamshell refers to the heat-sealed blister packaging that encases the entire figure, rather than using a blister on the front and a cardboard backing to support it. Clamshells are becoming more commonplace because they allow for a larger blister, and thus larger figures, or figures with larger accessories, have an easier time of being displayed when they're on the shelf. The main issue that many collectors have with the clamshell is that if you plan to open the figure, the package has to be cut in such a way that it's impossible to save.