Anime figures have become an integral part of the world of collectibles, making tangible fandom into something you can hold in your hands. If you love detailed designs or simply enjoy having your favorite characters around, there is a need to know the various types of anime figures.
This guide will expose several kinds of figures, all with their unique features and charm, to help you decide which one fits into your collection.
Nendoroids
Nendoroids are one of the most iconic figures in the anime community. They feature large heads, small bodies, and exaggerated facial expressions- the Chibi design. Their design captures the essence of the original characters. They sometimes include interchangeable parts and other accessories that allow you to recreate a specific scene or expression. Popular series with Nendoroid figures include "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba," "Attack on Titan," and "My Hero Academia."GSC company do great in Nendoroids.
Appeal of Nendoroids
- Their small size and simplicity of design could limit how they can pose if compared to more articulated figures.
- They represent the characters in an amusing and funny way, appealing to both casual fans and dedicated collectors.
- Small in size, they can easily be kept on desktops, on small shelves, or in specific display cases.
Considerations of Nendoroids
- Their small size and simplicity of design could limit how they can be posed, if compared to more articulated figures.
- Collectors may have to buy more than one Nendoroid to fully show different sides of a character's personality or story.
- While charming, the simplistic style will not fill the needs of collectors desiring highly detailed representations.
Figma/Action Figures
What makes figma, or action figures, special is that they are very articulate and can be posed in various positions. These figures are designed with a number of joints that allow the collector to pose them in a wide range of expressions. Often, several accessories accompany these figures, including weapons, props, and alternate hands. Popular series, such as "Sword Art Online" and "Demon Slayer", have released popular figma figures that resonate well with fans.
Appeal of Figma
- Figma is ideal for posing. They are perfect for showing off action.
- These figures allow collectors to depict their favorite scenes from their favorite series.
Considerations of Figma
- Figures are much more fragile compared to static models; hence, they need be handled with care.
- The joints articulation tends to wear out after some time with use, and this reduces the ability to sustain poses well.
- While some of them are cheap ranging from $40 to $100, high-quality ones can be very expensive costing between $100 and $200; thus, it is important to put in consideration your budget before making the purchase.
Scale Figures
Scale figures are highly detailed character representations made to an exact scale, such as 1/7 or 1/8. Full attention is given to their design to ensure the figures representing characters from different franchises, such as "One Piece," "Naruto," and "Re:Zero," are well and accurately represented. The delicate attention to design often leads to absolutely stunning displays with an emphasis on minute details, such as textures of clothes and facial expressions.
Appeal of Scale Figures
- Scale figures are widely known for their skill and craftsmanship in creating minute details.
- They can be used not only as collectibles but also as pieces of art, which might add a touch to someone's home.
- Special editions often appreciate with time, which makes them attractive as both collectibles and investments.
Considerations for Scale Figures
- One disadvantage associated with scale figures is that they tend to be a little pricier compared to other types of figures. This could be a drawback for collectors who are working on tight budgets.
- As they are larger in size, they do need space for good display, so make sure to plan space in plenty.
Resin Statues
The resin statues are probably the pinnacle of collectible figures, created with high-quality resin and sometimes fantastic levels of detail. Such statues often come with backgrounds or themed bases, which make them look much cooler than they already are, creating a context for the character and making them as display pieces more dynamic. "Fullmetal Alchemist" and "Dragon Ball Z" are some of the popular IPs that often release impressive resin statues, which really capture the spirit of the characters.
Appeal of Resin Statues
Considerations for Resin Statues
- Resin statues might be very heavy, and this would make it less practical for certain display setups.
- Unlike articulated figures, resin statues come in fixed poses that tend to limit display options.
- They tend to be more expensive, the starting price usually being from $100 upwards of $300 for most, but really high-end or limited edition pieces can go much higher, upwards of $500 or more. This might perhaps dampen the interest of the would-be collector.
Prize Figures
Prize figures are usually cheaper and most commonly picked up at amusement arcades or through contest wins. Many of these figures are popular characters from hit series such as "Tokyo Ghoul" and "Jujutsu Kaisen". While they may not have the detail of high-end figures, they are more accessible and tend to feature well-known characters.
Appeal of Prize Figures
- Prize figures are affordable ranging from $10 to $30, which benefits the amateur collectors or newcomers a lot. They enable fans to own something from their favorite series without breaking the bank.
- There are a lot of styles and characters available to choose from. Collectors can easily create a diverse assortment.
Considerations for Prize Figures
- Prize figures may vary in quality, not all of them meet the standards of collectors. Sometimes, they may seem less polished or even with noticeable flaws.
- Because they are mass-produced, prize figures usually do not hold their value as well as other rare collectibles do.
Pop! Figures
They are so recognizable due to their peculiar design: an oversized head, a small body, and simplified features. These vinyl figures represent a lot of franchises, from anime to many more. Characters from series like "Death Note" and "Neon Genesis Evangelion" appeal to a wide audience.
Appeal of Pop! Figures
- The appeal of Pop! figures, well, can be described as fun to hunt down, especially the exclusives editions or variants.
- They're easy on the wallet for any collector, usually priced between $10 and $15.
- They are playfully designed of a standard size and, hence, are easy to display.
Considerations for Pop! Figures
Though cute, one of the major complaints about Pop! figures is the lack of fine detail in comparison to traditional figures. They seem to focus a lot on style rather than accuracy. To collectors who like showing realism with their figures, this might not be quite as satisfying.
Model Kits
Model kits introduce collectors into the enriching world of building. It takes a lot of hands-on work to assemble, paint, and customize these figures. Model kits are popular in series like "Mobile Suit Gundam" and "Attack on Titan," attracting fans who value the artistry involved in creating their models.
The Appeal of Model Kits
- Many collectors enjoy the challenge and creativity that model kits provide. Completing one gives a real feeling of satisfaction and achievement.
- Building model kits helps foster a deeper connection to the characters and series.
Considerations for Model Kits
- These model kits take so much time to be finished and, therefore, call for patience. This can be intimidating for beginners, and mistakes can drive them crazy.
- Also, unlike ready-to-display figures, model kits need preparation and care, it's not a good choice for those who prefer instant gratification.
Explore Anime Figure Types to Build Your Perfect Collection!
The anime figure world has a great many options for collectors, and each type appeals to different tastes, budgets, and ways of display. The real joy of collecting actually lies in the journey- that is to find, display, and enjoy these figures connecting you to your favorite characters and stories. And you can start anime figure collection on a budget as a try.So take some time to explore these different types and create a collection that really shows off your passion for anime!
