Collecting anime figures is a hobby that has become increasingly popular in recent years. When starting your anime figure collection, it’s important to consider your budget and what types of figures you’re most interested in. Whether you prefer larger, more detailed figures or smaller, more affordable ones, there’s sure to be a figure out there that will fit your style and budget. We believe these are the most important categories to be aware of:
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Types of figures
(Scale / Prize / Chibi / Articulated figures) - Material
- Manufacturer
- Brand
Types of figures
Scale refers to the size of the figure in relation to the character's actual size in the anime. Common scales include 1/8, 1/7, and 1/6. Generally, the larger the scale, the more detail and intricacy the figure will have, but also the higher the price. Scale figures are hand painted and are usually only released once so older figures can be extremely expensive and hard to come by. Some scales come with optional or cast off (removable) parts. It is a good idea to consider what scale a figure is as this will affect the price and where you're able to display it.
Another type of anime figure are prize figures, which is typically less expensive than other figures as they are mass-produced and painted by machine. These figures are often won as prizes in arcade games or given away as promotional items. While prize figures are generally smaller and less detailed compared to scale figures and often come with minor defects and seam-lines, they can still make a great addition to any collection.
Chibi figures, also known as miniatures, are another type of anime figure that is becoming more popular. These figures are typically small and cute, with oversized heads and small bodies. They are often less expensive than other figures and can be a great way to add some variety to your collection.
Articulated figures, which are highly poseable and come with a variety of interchangeable parts. These figures are often more expensive than other types of figures but offer a lot of flexibility in terms of how they can be displayed.
Materials and how it affects figures
The material used to make a figurine can significantly affect its overall quality, durability, and price. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is the most common material used in anime figures due to its ability to hold intricate details, durability, and affordability. Another popular material is ABS. ABS is known for its strength and durability, and it's often used for articulated figures and other figures that require a high level of structural stability. ABS is also lightweight and can be easily molded. Some figures may also use a combination of materials, such as ABS plastic for articulated joints and PVC for the body. This can result in a higher price tag but also provides the benefits of both materials.
ATBC-PVC is a type of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) material that is often used for anime figures. It is softer and more flexible than regular PVC. The material is also less prone to yellowing over time compared to other PVC materials, making it a popular choice for collectors who want their figures to maintain their original color over time. However, ATBC-PVC is also generally more expensive than regular PVC, so figures made from this material tend to be pricier.
Resin figures are known for their high level of detail and quality, making them more expensive than PVC figurines. Resin is a more delicate material and can be prone to cracking or breaking if mishandled.
Manufacturer
The manufacturer can matter when collecting figures. Some manufacturers are known for producing higher quality figures with more attention to detail and better paint jobs, while others may produce figures with lower quality materials or less attention to detail but offer a more affordable price.Some collectors may also prefer certain manufacturers because of their reputation for creating figures based on certain series or characters, or because they offer unique features or special editions. In addition, some manufacturers may have a larger selection of figures available, making it easier to find and collect multiple figures from the same series or theme.
Here are some manufacturers and what they're known for:
Good Smile Company - Largest and most well-known
Alter - High quality and detailed
FREEing - Large 1/4 scale figurines
FuRyu - Prize figures
Brand
Brand types can also play a significant role in figure collecting. Some brands have a reputation for producing high-quality figures with great attention to detail, special features and some others are known for producing more affordable options. For example, Figma and Nendoroid are both brands under Max Factory and Good Smile Company and are known for their highly poseable and customizable figures. On the other hand, Pop Up Parade is a newer brand under the same company that produces simpler and more affordable figures that are still of good quality.
When collecting figures, it's important to research the brand and read reviews from other collectors to get a sense of their reputation and the quality of their products.
It's also worth noting that some brands may specialize in certain types of figures:
Figma focuses on posability with the slogan: "Looks great, poses easily. The figma series is a collection of PVC action figures that are highly articulated, yet still beautiful, allowing you to display your favorite characters in the poses you prefer. "
Pop Up Parade focuses on affordable static figures with the slogan: "POP UP PARADE is a series of figures that are easy to collect with affordable prices and speedy releases! Each figure typically stands around 17-18cm in height and the series features a vast selection of characters from popular anime and game series, with many more to be added soon! "
Nendoroids are known for their cute, chibi-style designs and multiple articulation points, allowing for endless posing possibilities.
FuRyu's Noodle Stoppers are a unique line of prize figures designed to help keep your instant noodle cups closed while cooking. They can also be displayed on the edge of a shelf or table, making them both functional and decorative.
Of course, there are many other brands worth noting, and new ones continue to emerge. Be sure to keep an eye out for the latest releases and additions to your favorite collections.
- Cast off – Cast off figures are figures that have removable parts that result in NSFW full or partial nudity.
- Forced Cast off – By breaking the figure ie. Snapping, melting a part to allow for cast off. This is irreversible.
- Cancelled – When a figure or any merchandise becomes cancelled it means it is no longer planned for production.
- Exclusive – Exclusive items come bundled with another item or is only available through specific stores or mail order.
- Limited – Limited items are items which have a limited number of pieces are available, limited colour edition, it is only available for order in a restricted period, or it is only obtainable at a convention.
- Bootleg / Recast – A bootleg or recast is an illegal and unlicensed product. They are often made by reproducing garage kits or figures with low-quality materials that can be toxic or deteriorate quickly.
- Garage kit – Garage kits are unassembled, unlicensed and/or unpainted resin figures that are fan-made. In Japan, festivals are occasionally held which allows creators of garage-kits ,who are able to obtain a “one day license", to legally display and sell their creations for one day only.