Buy the RIGHT Anime Figure!

If you're starting your first figure collection or unsure of which is your newest addition then you're in the right place. Though it might seem straight forward to some, deciding where to start can be a daunting concept. Especially if you don't have a bunch of extra money to spend on a figure that you'll grow bored of in a few weeks.

Research

The best way to get an idea of what type of anime figure you want is to simply research them. This can be through social media like following accounts that already have large collections or review the latest figures from top brands. Or it can just be buy using a search engine to look at '*Anime character/name* figures', this can also give you an idea of prices for products.

Even though it might be tempting, I wouldn't advise to buy any just yet! Firstly, you need to check the website isn't selling counterfeit items. The pictures might look as good as the original (normally because it's the same picture with just the logo blurred) but this can be a really easy way to lose your money. Be wary of anywhere that the price seems too good to be true (eg AliExpress) as these might be a lower quality version of the figure you're expecting. 

I would also suggest looking on different brands sights and socials to see upcoming figures that might be of your favourite characters. There is nothing worse that spending money on something you kind of like and then seeing something you really like but now don't have the money for!

 

Displaying

Another reason collecting can be hard to start is you might need new shelves or cabinets to display and protect them. 

For some, you might have an exact idea of where you want to place your collection but just make sure its the right place. Displays should really be on shelves or cabinets that are secured to a wall and out of direct sunlight for a majority of the day. Sun damage and dust are going to be your worst enemy so if you can afford a glass cabinet and can place it in a darker room that would be perfect (though normally a little unrealistic).

Having said that, I have figures all over my house and keep my favourites and the most expensive in a glass cabinet to keep safe. These suggestions are really the way to keep them in top condition as much as you can but ultimately your collection is there to make you happy! 

10/10/10

For a long while, I made the mistake of buying every figure I thought was cool that was related to the anime I was binging at the time. When I was a teen, this was a great strategy. At 25 though... I need to be a lot more careful with my money, unfortunately.

My partner and I came up with a system that helped us a bit when we were trying to move out. We tended to get swept up in buying merch and figures so we had to implement the rule we call '10/10/10'. 

 If we ever saw a figure that we liked they had to score ten in all three categories of character, quality and pose.

Character - The character has to be one of our absolute favourites, there is normally one or two characters in a show that we would both agree are our favourites. This can get a little trickier if the figure is of an original character or if the you love every character in a show but that is why we have the other categories.

Quality - If you're buying online, it can be harder to tell the quality of the figure you're buying. Even buying in person can be hard as the image on the box might not represent what is inside. The quality of the figure for its price can normally be deciphered by checking reviews and knowing a little about the manufacturer. I've written a bit about the pros and cons of some of the top brands here: https://tokyotopi.co.uk/blogs/topi-talk-blog/best-and-worst-figure-brands

Pose - The pose can refer to how unique and intricate the figure is. For instance, if the figure is just of the character standing with their hands on their hips I'd be less likely to buy it over a figure of the character in an action stance. The pose also includes the stand and base! Most brands now have started using the base as part of the scenery for some of their higher quality figures. Or they could be like that of 'Pop Up Parade' figures that have a hexagon shape in different colours depending on the figure.

Obviously, a figure can be a 10/10/10 and still not be the right one if the price is too much for you. It can be very frustrating (I have hundreds of figures I can't afford) but it just makes it so much better when you do find a figure that is in your price range .

 

10/10/10 Suggestions

Satoru Gojo from Jujustu Kaisen

Frieren from Frieren Beyond Journey's End

Hatsune Miku from Vocaloid

 

At the End of the Day

Though you can take everything above into consideration it might not be the strategy for you! For some people I know giving themselves a budget per month on how much they can spend on figures might be the best but I know I couldn't stick to that at all so... 

There is no one way to collect, it's supposed to be a fun way for you to decorate your living space with things that bring you joy! Be sure to check out our products to see if any of them will be your next addition.