Starting an anime figure collection can be exciting but also a little overwhelming. This beginner’s guide explains the main figure types, trusted manufacturers, pre-orders, display space and what to check before buying your first anime collectible.
How to Start Collecting Anime Figures
Anime figure collecting is a fun way to celebrate your favourite characters, series and artists.
There is no correct way to build a collection. Some collectors focus on one anime series, while others collect favourite characters across many franchises. You might prefer small poseable figures, affordable prize figures or highly detailed premium statues.
Before buying your first figure, it helps to understand the main product types and how they differ.
1. Learn the Different Types of Anime Figures
Nendoroids
Nendoroids are small, stylised figures with oversized heads and compact bodies.
Many include interchangeable faces, hands, accessories and posing parts. They are a great choice for collectors who enjoy changing displays, recreating scenes and photographing their figures.
POP UP PARADE Figures
POP UP PARADE figures are fixed-pose, full-body figures designed to be easy to collect and display.
They are generally larger than Nendoroids but more accessible than many premium scale figures. They normally include a simple base and require very little setup.
Prize Figures
Prize figures are originally designed for arcade prize machines and lotteries in Japan.
They are usually fixed-pose figures that provide good size and detail at an affordable price. Popular manufacturers include Banpresto, SEGA, Taito and FuRyu.
Prize figures are a good starting point for beginners who want larger figures without spending premium-scale prices.
Scale Figures
Scale figures are designed around a stated proportion, such as 1/7 or 1/8 scale.
They often feature detailed sculpting, paintwork, clothing, effects and decorative bases. Scale figures can be more expensive and may require significantly more display space.
Funko Pop Vinyl Figures
Funko Pops are stylised vinyl figures with a recognisable design.
They are available across anime, movies, games, television and pop culture. Some releases also have chase, exclusive, glow-in-the-dark or metallic versions.
Blind Boxes
Blind boxes contain a random character or design from a particular series.
They can be fun to open, but always check whether the listing is for one random box, a complete set or a sealed case.
2. Choose What You Actually Enjoy
It is easy to feel pressure to collect rare, expensive or popular figures.
A better approach is to start with characters and series you genuinely enjoy. Your collection does not need to impress anyone else.
Consider choosing:
• One favourite character
• One favourite anime series
• A specific manufacturer
• One figure style
• A colour or display theme
• Figures that fit your available space
Starting with a clear focus can prevent impulse purchases and make the collection feel more personal.
3. Set a Collecting Budget
Anime figures range from affordable small collectibles to premium statues costing hundreds of dollars.
Decide how much you are comfortable spending each month and remember to include:
• Shipping
• Display cases
• Shelving
• Protective supplies
• Pre-order deposits
• Possible international fees
A collection should be enjoyable, not financially stressful.
Pre-orders can also arrive close together, so keep track of future payments rather than only considering the amount due today.
4. Check the Manufacturer
The manufacturer can help indicate the type, quality and expected price of a figure.
Popular anime figure manufacturers include:
• Good Smile Company
• Banpresto
• Bandai Spirits
• SEGA
• Taito
• FuRyu
• Kotobukiya
• Megahouse
• Alter
• Max Factory
Different manufacturers produce different product lines, so compare the exact figure rather than assuming every release from one brand will be identical.
5. Understand How Pre-Orders Work
Many anime figures are announced months before their expected release date.
Pre-ordering can help secure a figure before it sells out, but estimated release dates may change due to manufacturing, licensing, shipping or distribution delays.
Before placing a pre-order, check:
• Estimated release period
• Deposit and cancellation terms
• Whether the release date is guaranteed
• Whether the product is officially licensed
• When the remaining payment is due
• Whether other products in the order will ship separately
Keep a list of your active pre-orders so upcoming payments do not become a surprise.
6. Check the Product Size
Online images can make a figure look larger or smaller than it actually is.
Check the listed dimensions and remember that weapons, hair, wings, stands and decorative bases may require extra room.
Before ordering, measure your shelf and consider:
• Figure height
• Base width
• Base depth
• Shelf clearance
• Space between figures
• Room for future additions
Acrylic risers can help smaller figures remain visible behind larger ones.
7. Buy from a Trusted Retailer
Counterfeit anime figures can have poor paintwork, incorrect colours, low-quality plastic or missing licensing information.
Buying from an established retailer gives you more protection if the item arrives damaged or does not match the listing.
Look for:
• Clear contact information
• Genuine customer reviews
• Product descriptions
• Returns information
• Secure checkout
• Original or supplier-approved images
• Details about the manufacturer and licence
Be cautious when a rare figure is advertised far below its normal price.
8. Keep Boxes and Accessories Safe
Many figures include interchangeable hands, faces, weapons or small accessories.
Store unused parts in labelled containers or resealable bags. Keep instruction sheets and original packaging somewhere clean and dry.
The original box can make moving, storing or reselling a figure easier later.
Avoid storing boxes in damp garages, sheds or directly on concrete floors.
9. Protect Figures from Sunlight and Moisture
Direct sunlight may fade paint and packaging over time.
Display figures away from windows, high humidity, cooking residue and areas where they may be knocked over.
Dust figures carefully using
