Anime figures are a great way to celebrate your favorite characters from shows and movies. For those just starting out in figure collecting, it can be hard to know where to begin because there are so many brands to choose from. This guide will help by highlighting some of the best anime figure brands that every beginner should know about. Each brand has something special to offer, with a variety of well-made figures at different price levels. Let's explore these brands and find out which ones might be perfect for a growing collection!
Good Smile Company (GSC)
Good Smile Company (GSC) is a leading name in the anime figure industry, founded in 2001. This Japanese company is known globally for its high-quality figures and wide selection of characters, often collaborating with popular franchises to bring fan favorites to life in stunning detail.
Popular Lines and IPs
Good Smile Company (GSC) offers a wide variety of products for collectors. Their main lines include the "Nendoroid" series, which features cute chibi-style figures with interchangeable parts, and the "Figurine" series, known for more detailed and dynamic poses. GSC also makes scale figures, model kits, and plush toys, making it a great place for fans to find everything they need. Some popular series they work with include My Hero Academia, Attack on Titan, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Fate/Grand Order, Sword Art Online, Love Live!, Nier: Automata, Re:Zero - Starting Life in Another World, Tokyo Revengers, and KonoSuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World!
How Do GSC Prices Compare?
Good Smile Company (GSC) focuses on the mid-to-high-end market. Prices for their Nendoroids start at around $40, while larger scale figures can cost several hundred dollars.
Banpresto
Banpresto, founded in 1977, is a popular name in the anime figure market. The company is known for making affordable figures that appeal to many fans. Originally, Banpresto started as a prize game company and specializes in "Prize Figures," which are often won in UFO catchers (arcade claw machines) across Japan.
Popular Lines and IPs
Banpresto offers a range of popular product lines, including "Figure Colosseum," "Q Posket," and "DXF" series. These figures often feature characters from beloved shows like One Piece, Dragon Ball, and My Hero Academia. Their affordable prices make them a favorite choice for both new collectors and casual fans. Other popular series include Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Naruto, Attack on Titan, Haikyuu!!, Jujutsu Kaisen, Tokyo Revengers, and Fate/Grand Order.
What Are Banpresto Prices Like?
Banpresto is an entry-level brand with prices usually ranging from $15 to $50. This affordability makes it easy for collectors to buy multiple figures without spending too much, which is perfect for beginners wanting to build a diverse collection. While Banpresto figures may not have the same level of detail as more expensive brands, they still offer good quality, attractive designs, and neat paint jobs - great options for anyone starting their figure collection.
Kotobukiya
Founded in 1953, Kotobukiya is a well-respected figure maker known for its amazing designs and attention to detail. The company began by making plastic model kits and has since become an important player in the figure market, gaining a loyal fanbase among collectors.
Product Lines and IPs
Kotobukiya has several popular product lines, such as the "ArtFX" series, which features beautifully detailed action figures, and the "Cu-Poche" series, known for its cute, chibi-style figures with poseable joints. They create figures from a variety of beloved franchises, such as Star Wars, Marvel, DC Comics, Final Fantasy, Street Fighter, Overwatch, Metal Gear Solid, Dark Souls, Persona, and Attack on Titan.
What Are Kotobukiya Prices Like?
Kotobukiya figures usually fall into the mid-range price category, with prices ranging from $30 to $150, depending on the size and details of the figure. Collectors like Kotobukiya because they offer high-quality products at reasonable prices, making them a great choice for both beginners and experienced collectors.
Alter
Alter is a premium figure maker that started in 2004 and is known for producing high-end collectible figures. The brand quickly earned respect in the anime community because of its focus on quality and precision, making it a favorite among serious collectors.
Popular Lines and IPs
Alter mainly focuses on scale figures featuring characters from popular anime series like Fate/Stay Night, Sword Art Online, and Re:Zero - Starting Life in Another World. Their figures are known for their striking poses and dynamic designs, making them stand out in any collection. Other beloved series they include are The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, KonoSuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World!, Steins;Gate, Arifureta: From Commonplace to World's Strongest, A Certain Magical Index, No Game No Life, and My Dress-Up Darling.
What Are Alter Prices Like?
Alter figures are in the high-end price range, usually costing between $100 and over $300. While these prices might seem high for beginners, many collectors believe the investment is worth it due to the excellent quality and fine details of each figure.
Max Factory
Max Factory was established in 2002 and is closely linked to Good Smile Company. The brand is known for making well-crafted figures and has gained popularity, especially through its partnership with GSC on the popular Nendoroid series. This collaboration has helped Max Factory secure its place in the anime figure market.
Popular Lines and IPs
Max Factory offers a variety of products, including detailed scale figures and the Nendoroid series, which features cute chibi-style figures with different accessories and interchangeable parts. The brand also provides articulated figures, giving collectors more options for posing their characters. Some popular series they work with include Fate/Grand Order, My Hero Academia, Sword Art Online, Re:Zero - Starting Life in Another World, KonoSuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World!, Madoka Magica, Granblue Fantasy, Nier: Automata, Tokyo Ghoul, and Fire Emblem.
What Are Max Factory Prices Like?
Max Factory figures usually fall into the mid-range to high-end price category, typically costing between $50 and $200. Many collectors like these figures for their quality and collectability, which is why Max Factory is a favorite for both new and experienced fans.
Megahouse
Founded in 2002, Megahouse is known for making detailed figures based on popular anime and manga series. The company's love for anime culture shows in its wide range of character-based collectibles.
Popular Lines and IPs
Megahouse is best known for its "Portrait of Pirates" (P.O.P) series, which features characters from the popular One Piece franchise. They also offer the "G.E.M. Series," showcasing beloved characters from various anime titles. This diverse lineup includes figures from shows like Naruto, Digimon, Attack on Titan, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Sword Art Online, Dragon Ball, Fate/Grand Order, My Hero Academia, and Tokyo Revengers.
What Are Megahouse Prices Like?
Megahouse products are usually in the mid to high price range, with prices typically between $50 and $250. While some figures can be more expensive, the great quality and attention to detail make them very popular among collectors who want to show off their favorite characters.
Aniplex+
Aniplex+ is a branch of Aniplex that focuses on making high-quality figures and collectibles. It was created for fans looking for premium products and has quickly become popular for its limited-edition releases and great attention to detail.
Popular Lines and IPs
Aniplex+ figures often feature characters from popular franchises like Fate/Grand Order, Demon Slayer, and Sword Art Online. The brand is especially known for its stunning limited editions, which come with exclusive accessories and unique designs. Other popular series they cover include Madoka Magica, KonoSuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World!, Your Lie in April, The Promised Neverland, A Silent Voice, Re:Zero - Starting Life in Another World, and A Certain Magical Index.
What Are Aniplex+ Prices Like?
Aniplex+ figures are usually in the high-end price range, with prices averaging between $150 and $500, depending on how exclusive and detailed each figure is.
Orange Rouge
Orange Rouge is a sub-brand of Good Smile Company that started in 2014. It focuses on making figures of male characters from anime and games, especially for fans of otome and shounen-ai genres. The brand has carved out a special place among collectors who enjoy high-quality figures of male characters.
Popular Lines and IPs
Orange Rouge is well-known for its figures based on popular series like Haikyuu!!, Bungou Stray Dogs, and Touken Ranbu. The brand focuses on character-driven designs, making their figures not only great collectibles but also beautiful pieces of art. Other popular series they feature include Danganronpa, Free!, Given, Hypnosismic, Yuri on Ice, Tokyo Revengers, and K Project.
What Are Orange Rouge Prices Like?
Orange Rouge figures are priced in the mid-range, usually between $50 and $150. This pricing allows both new and experienced collectors to enjoy their favorite characters without spending a lot.
Phat! Company
Phat Company is known for making high-quality figures with a unique artistic style. Founded in 2009, the brand quickly gained popularity for its creative designs and innovative approach to figure production.
Popular Lines and IPs
Phat! Company works with various franchises to create figures from popular series like Re:Zero, Love Live!, and Fate. Their figures stand out with eye-catching designs and unique styles, making them appealing to collectors who want something different in their collections. Other series they feature include KonoSuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World!, Sword Art Online, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, A Certain Magical Index, My Hero Academia, Attack on Titan, and characters like Chuuya Nakahara.
What Are Phat! Company Prices Like?
Phat! Company figures are typically priced in the mid-range, generally falling between $50 and $150. This combination of attractive pricing and high-quality production makes Phat! Company a solid option for newcomers to the figure collecting scene.
Stronger
Stronger is a newer brand in the anime figure market, focusing on high-end collectible figures and statues. Founded in 2015, the company quickly gained attention for its outstanding craftsmanship and careful attention to detail.
Popular Lines and IPs
Stronger often focuses on popular series like Demon Slayer, Madoka Magica, and Fate. The brand is known for frequently releasing limited edition figures that showcase beloved characters in amazing designs. Other popular series they feature include A Silent Voice, Your Name, Re:Zero - Starting Life in Another World, Sword Art Online, KonoSuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World!, Attack on Titan, and My Hero Academia.
What Are Stronger Prices Like?
Stronger figures are usually in the high-end price range, costing between $100 and over $400 for limited editions. While these prices might not be suitable for everyone starting out, many collectors see Stronger figures as valuable investments because of their lasting quality and artistic appeal.
From affordable options by Banpresto to high-end pieces from Alter and Stronger, there is a wide range of anime figures for every budget and taste. As you explore these brands, you'll discover great ways to show your love for your favorite characters and stories. So get ready to discover unique treasures that reflect your passion. Happy collecting, and may your shelves be filled with joy!
