figures are something you can get a couple times a year to be a "collector." a comic collector is someone getting them on the regular.
someone getting 2-3 comics a year a year isn't going to be viewed or called a collector. but if you get 2-3 figures a year the label may apply. if you break 4 it definitely does, which still is considerably less than what a comic collector would have to do.
comics are also something that are consumed in and of themselves usually too, whereas figures are just extras. this furthers the nerdiness since it means it's an ongoing hobby that demands continuous consumption, whereas a figure can be as simple as "i like her" or "i like that dragon." that continued situation gives comics extra points since it's not just the quantity but also the time and investment involved.
figurine collecting nerd alert
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