Kotobukiya Figure Complete Guide | Thorough Explanation from Bishoujo to ARTFX
Kotobukiya Figure Complete Guide | Thorough Explanation from Bishoujo Series to ARTFX
Kotobukiya is a long-established Japanese figure manufacturer with a history of over 70 years since its founding in 1953. It offers a wide range of unique figures, including the Bishoujo series designed by Shunya Yamashita and the dynamic ARTFX series. The company is also proactive in creating figures from works that other manufacturers do not handle, garnering support from a broad fan base.
This article will thoroughly explain the charm of Kotobukiya figures. We will cover the company's history and strengths, the characteristics of each series, quality evaluations, purchasing methods, reservation benefits, price ranges, popular lineups, and comparisons with other manufacturers, providing comprehensive information useful for both beginners and collectors.
What is Kotobukiya? History and Strengths of a Long-Established Manufacturer in the Figure Industry
Kotobukiya has established a solid position in the figure industry through its technical skills and unique planning capabilities cultivated over a long history. Here, we will explain the company's origins and its uniqueness in the industry in detail.
- From a Toy Store Founded in 1953 to a Figure Manufacturer
- Uniqueness in Handling Works Not Made into Figures by Other Manufacturers
From a Toy Store Founded in 1953 to a Figure Manufacturer
Kotobukiya was founded in 1953 as a toy store in Akihabara, Chiyoda, Tokyo. Initially, it was a retail store dealing with models and plastic models, but in the late 1980s, it began planning and manufacturing original products, starting its journey as a figure manufacturer.
In the 1990s, it entered the market for figures of anime and game characters in earnest. In particular, the Bishoujo series launched in 1998 attracted significant attention with its innovative concept of transforming characters from American comics and horror movies into beautiful girls. This series continues to this day and has become a representative brand of Kotobukiya.
Since the 2000s, the expansion of the ARTFX series has further improved its sculpting and painting techniques, enhancing its presence in the figure industry. Today, it has a flagship store, "Kotobukiya Akihabara", and a well-developed online shop, receiving high praise from collectors both domestically and internationally.
The planning capabilities and manufacturing technology accumulated over more than 70 years, along with a flexible product development that captures the needs of the times, are significant strengths of Kotobukiya. The reliability of a long-established manufacturer and a constant willingness to challenge new things are reasons why many fans support it.
Uniqueness in Handling Works Not Made into Figures by Other Manufacturers
The most significant feature of Kotobukiya is its proactive approach to creating figures from works and characters that other figure manufacturers do not handle.
For example, in the HORROR Bishoujo series, iconic characters from horror movies such as Jason from "Friday the 13th" and Freddy Krueger from "A Nightmare on Elm Street" are transformed into beautiful girls. This is a unique attempt rarely seen in other manufacturers. Additionally, in the MARVEL Bishoujo and DC COMICS Bishoujo series, American comic heroes are developed as Japanese anime-style beautiful girl figures, achieving a fusion of both cultures.
In the realm of games, it works on figures of niche titles that major manufacturers overlook, as well as figures of works that have been out for some time. It continues to provide valuable products for fans of nostalgic works such as the "Yu-Gi-Oh!" series and the "Mega Man" series.
This uniqueness is supported by Kotobukiya's proactive approach to acquiring licenses and its careful research into fan needs from the planning stage. By shining a light on not only popular works but also those with dedicated fan bases, it brings diversity to the figure industry.
Representative Figure Series of Kotobukiya
Kotobukiya offers multiple figure series, each with its unique charm. Here, we will introduce the characteristics of the representative series in detail.
- Bishoujo Series | Beautiful Girl Figures Designed by Shunya Yamashita
- ARTFX Series | The Charm of Dynamic Figures
- Other Series (Frame Arms Girl, Cu-Poche, etc.)
Bishoujo Series | Beautiful Girl Figures Designed by Shunya Yamashita
The Bishoujo series is a brand of beautiful girl figures designed by illustrator Shunya Yamashita. Since its launch in 1998, it has transformed characters from a wide range of genres, including American comics, horror, and games, into beautiful girls, enjoying high popularity both domestically and internationally.
A major feature of the Bishoujo series is its faithful reproduction of Shunya Yamashita's delicate yet powerful illustrations into three-dimensional forms. The designs, which retain elements of the original works while being elevated as beautiful girl characters rooted in Japanese anime and manga culture, captivate many collectors.
The scale is primarily 1/7, with a price range of approximately 15,000 to 20,000 yen. The high quality of the deco samples (display samples) and the minimal difference from the actual product versions have also earned it a reputation as a series that can be confidently pre-ordered.
【Related Articles】: Complete Guide to Kotobukiya Bishoujo Series | The Charm of Designs by Shunya Yamashita
HORROR Beautiful Girl Series
The HORROR Beautiful Girl Series features particularly original lineups within the Bishoujo series. The bold concept of transforming iconic horror movie characters into beautiful girls began with the 2012 release of 'Friday the 13th: Jason Voorhees'.
Notable works include 'A Nightmare on Elm Street: Freddy Krueger', 'Alien', 'Predator', and 'Child's Play: Chucky'. The characters, which symbolize fear in their original works, are reborn as attractive beautiful girls through Shunya Yamashita's designs, while retaining the distinctive elements of each character (such as Jason's hockey mask, Freddy's claws, and the unique silhouette of the Alien).
This series has garnered significant attention from horror movie fans overseas, greatly contributing to Kotobukiya's international recognition. The success in the horror genre, a field that other manufacturers find difficult to tackle, speaks to Kotobukiya's high planning capabilities.
MARVEL Beautiful Girl & DC COMICS Beautiful Girl
The MARVEL Beautiful Girl and DC COMICS Beautiful Girl series, which transform American comic heroes into beautiful girls, are among the main lineups of the Bishoujo brand.
In the MARVEL Beautiful Girl series, popular heroes such as Gwen Stacy from 'Spider-Man', Rogue and Emma Frost from 'X-MEN', and Black Widow from 'The Avengers' are being turned into figures. The visuals feature designs that utilize the original superhero suits while incorporating a Japanese anime-style beautiful girl expression.
In the DC COMICS Beautiful Girl series, characters representing DC Comics, such as Batgirl, Catwoman, Wonder Woman, and Harley Quinn from the Batman family, are included in the lineup. Notably, Harley Quinn has multiple variations, indicating her high popularity.
These series have succeeded as products appealing to both American comic fans and Japanese figure collectors, serving as a cultural bridge.
Other Bishoujo Series
Beyond horror and American comics, the Bishoujo series showcases a diverse range of developments.
In the gaming sector, characters from the 'Street Fighter' series such as Chun-Li, Cammy, and Sakura, as well as Alisa and Lili from the 'Tekken' series, and characters from 'THE KING OF FIGHTERS' have been turned into beautiful girl figures. The designs are praised for balancing the strength of the original game's fighters with the charm of female characters.
Additionally, it covers a wide range of genres, including female characters from the Star Wars series (such as Princess Leia and Ahsoka Tano) and original beautiful girl characters. New releases are announced regularly, maintaining ongoing popularity as a highly collectible series.
ARTFX Series | The Charm of Dynamic Figures
The ARTFX series is a figure brand characterized by dynamic posing and high sculpting quality. Unlike the Bishoujo series, it focuses on faithfully reproducing the atmosphere of the original work, with a charm in its high expressiveness of action.
- ARTFX|Large figures mainly from overseas works
- ARTFX J|Specialized in Japanese anime and game works
- ARTFX+|Budget collectible
The ARTFX series features dramatic compositions that capture the dynamism of characters and scenes from stories, making its presence stand out when displayed. The bases are also carefully designed, serving as an important element that enhances the character's world view.
【Related Articles】: Complete Guide to Kotobukiya ARTFX Series|Thorough Comparison of ARTFX, J, and +
ARTFX|Large figures mainly from overseas works
ARTFX is a large figure line mainly developed around overseas movies and comic works. The scales are primarily 1/6 and 1/7, with price ranges from 20,000 yen to over 30,000 yen, which is on the higher side, but the quality of sculpting and painting is highly regarded.
Representative works include Darth Vader and Stormtroopers from the 'Star Wars' series, Iron Man and Captain America from 'MARVEL', and Batman and Joker from 'DC COMICS'. In particular, 'Star Wars' related products are abundant, with multiple versions of Darth Vader being commercialized.
The features of ARTFX include dramatic posing that recreates a scene from a movie and highly detailed sculpting. The level of reproduction satisfies original fans, with details such as wrinkles and damage on costumes, as well as the intricacies of weapons and equipment.
ARTFX J|Specialized in Japanese anime and game works
ARTFX J is a sub-line of the ARTFX series specialized in Japanese anime, games, and manga works. The "J" stands for Japan, reflecting a love and commitment to domestic works.
Popular works include Izuku Midoriya and All Might from 'My Hero Academia', Satoru Gojo and Yuji Itadori from 'Jujutsu Kaisen', Denji and Power from 'Chainsaw Man', and Tanjiro Kamado and Kyojuro Rengoku from 'Demon Slayer'. Additionally, long-loved works such as the 'Yu-Gi-Oh!' series and 'JoJo's Bizarre Adventure' are continuously being commercialized.
The charm of ARTFX J lies in its three-dimensional representation of impressive scenes, such as characters striking their signature poses or unleashing special moves. The bases also feature gimmicks that express the character's abilities and the work's world view, showcasing clever designs that capture the hearts of fans. The price range is approximately 12,000 yen to 18,000 yen, making it relatively accessible within the ARTFX series.
ARTFX+|Budget collectible
ARTFX+ is a budget version of the ARTFX series that is more accessible. The scales are primarily 1/10, with price ranges around 8,000 yen to 12,000 yen, making it more reasonable compared to ARTFX and ARTFX J.
While the size is smaller, the quality of sculpting and painting is not compromised, and its high cost performance is appealing. The price range makes it easy to collect multiple figures, allowing for the display of characters from the same work.
The lineup features variations of Stormtroopers from 'Star Wars', members of the Avengers from 'MARVEL', and the Batman family from 'DC COMICS', allowing for team formations and variations. This series is recommended for those purchasing Kotobukiya figures for the first time or those looking to enhance their collection on a budget.
Other Series (Frame Arms Girl, Cu-Poche, etc.)
Kotobukiya also develops highly unique series beyond Bishoujo and ARTFX.
Frame Arms Girl is an original series that fuses elements of plastic models and figures. It features beautiful girl characters adorned with mechanical equipment, balancing the fun of assembly with the aesthetic appeal of figures. The design is easy to assemble even for beginners, and the high degree of customization has garnered support from a wide range of fans.
Kyouposh is a deformed figure series with a height of about 10 cm. Despite its cute mini size, it allows for various poses due to its joint mobility. Priced around 3,000 to 5,000 yen, it is popular as a collection item that can be easily started.
These series demonstrate Kotobukiya's diverse product development and flexibility in meeting various needs.
Quality and Evaluation of Kotobukiya Figures
The most concerning aspect when purchasing figures is quality. Here, we will explain the characteristics of Kotobukiya figures in terms of quality and user evaluations.
- High Quality with Little Difference Between Prototype and Product
- Painting Quality and Sculpting Features
- Reputation in User Reviews
High Quality with Little Difference Between Prototype and Product
One of the significant features of Kotobukiya figures is that the difference between the display sample (prototype) and the actual product is minimal. In the figure industry, it is often a problem that there is a significant difference between the displayed sample and the product that arrives, but Kotobukiya has received high praise in this regard.
The prototype is already designed with mass production in mind, allowing for the reproduction of details in painting and sculpting within the range that can be achieved in the product version. Therefore, there is a sense of security that the figure you receive will be of almost the same quality as what you saw at exhibitions or on the official website.
Especially in the Bishoujo series, supervision is conducted in detail to maximize the charm of Shunya Yamashita's illustrations, including expressions, posing, and color tones in painting. This thorough quality control system leads to trust in Kotobukiya figures.
Painting Quality and Sculpting Features
The painting of Kotobukiya figures is characterized by careful application of gradients and shadows, resulting in a three-dimensional finish. In particular, the painting of skin is well-regarded, with a transparent texture that many collectors appreciate.
The painting of hair also uses multiple colors instead of a single color to express natural shading. There are clever designs that change the expression depending on the angle of light, providing enjoyment in viewing from different angles.
In terms of sculpting, the details of the costume's wrinkles and accessories are crafted with care. In the ARTFX series, sculpting techniques that express the character's muscle contours and the deformation of clothing due to movement shine. The design of the base is also carefully considered, becoming an important element that enhances the character's world view.
The materials used are PVC and ABS, ensuring appropriate weight and stability. The design also minimizes the risk of breakage of small parts, reflecting consideration for a figure that can be enjoyed for a long time.
Reputation in User Reviews
In user reviews of Kotobukiya figures, the following evaluations are often seen.
Positive evaluations include comments like, "the difference between the prototype and the product is minimal, and the quality meets expectations", "this quality at this price range is satisfying", "the painting is meticulous and the expressions are charming", and "I appreciate the unique character selection". There are many voices expressing gratitude for being able to enjoy the charm of Shunya Yamashita's designs in three dimensions and for the figureization of works that other manufacturers do not handle.
On the other hand, there are also voices calling for improvements, such as "the seams of parts can be noticeable" and "there are concerns about the strength of thin parts". However, these are common challenges across other manufacturers and are not unique issues to Kotobukiya.
Overall, they are evaluated as a manufacturer with a good balance of quality for the price, making it a safe choice for purchase.
How to Purchase Kotobukiya Figures
Kotobukiya figures can be purchased through various sales channels. Here, we will explain the characteristics of the main purchasing sources while comparing them.
- Features and Exclusive Benefits of the Kotobukiya Official Shop
- DMM's 10% Discount and Free Shipping Benefits
- AmiAmi's Abundant Selection and Price Comparison
【Related Articles】: Kotobukiya Figure Purchase Guide | Thorough Comparison of Official, DMM, and AmiAmi
Features and Exclusive Benefits of the Kotobukiya Official Shop
The Kotobukiya official online shop has advantages unique to direct sales from the manufacturer. The biggest feature is that exclusive benefits are included that are only available at the official shop.
In the Bishoujo series, exclusive parts such as expression change parts and hair arrangement parts that can only be obtained at the official shop may be included as benefits. These benefits are an important factor that further enhances the appeal of the products and are a significant reason to purchase from the official shop.
Additionally, new product reservations start the earliest, and stock is prioritized, so if you want to ensure you get popular items, it is recommended to reserve at the official shop. The detailed product information is also comprehensive, making it easy to check sizes, included items, and product specifications.
Shipping costs vary by region, but campaigns for free shipping on purchases over a certain amount are regularly conducted. While the official shop primarily sells at retail prices, considering the value of the exclusive benefits, it can be an attractive option for collectors.
DMM's 10% Discount and Free Shipping Benefits
DMM's online shopping is a popular sales site where you can purchase Kotobukiya figures at discounted prices. The biggest appeal is that pre-order items are 10% off and shipping is free.
For a figure priced at 18,000 yen, you can purchase it for 16,200 yen, saving 1,800 yen. When reserving multiple items, this difference can be significant. The fact that shipping is also free is a major advantage, allowing you to purchase without worrying about additional costs.
DMM's point system is also one of its attractions, allowing you to accumulate points based on the purchase amount, which can be used for future purchases. Regular campaigns to increase the point return rate are also conducted, providing further opportunities for savings.
However, since exclusive benefits from the official shop are not included, if you want exclusive parts, you need to choose the official shop. It is advisable to choose your purchasing source based on whether you prioritize price or benefits.
AmiAmi's Abundant Selection and Price Comparison
AmiAmi is a major online shopping site that deals with figures and hobby products, and it has a rich selection of Kotobukiya figures. The biggest feature is the wide variety of products and the high discount rates on pre-order items.
AmiAmi handles not only new products but also a wide range of past products and re-releases, making it convenient when searching for already released items. Pre-order items often have discounts of about 15% to 20%, providing significant price advantages.
Additionally, the product review feature allows you to refer to evaluations and photos from actual users who have purchased the items, which is also a benefit. Even for products that have not yet been released, many photos of the painted prototypes are available, serving as material for purchase decisions.
The point system is also well-developed, with regular point increase campaigns being conducted. Shipping costs vary by region and purchase amount, but free shipping is available for purchases over a certain amount.
For those who want to prioritize price while choosing from a wide selection, AmiAmi is recommended.
How to Obtain Reservation Benefits and Exclusive Items
To enjoy Kotobukiya figures even more, it is important to check information on reservation benefits and exclusive items. Here, we will explain the types of benefits and how to obtain them.
- Expression Change Parts and Hair Arrangement Parts Exclusive to the Official Shop
- How to Check Reservation Deadlines and Reproduction Information
Expression Change Parts and Hair Arrangement Parts Exclusive to the Official Shop
When you reserve at the Kotobukiya official shop, expression change parts and hair arrangement parts may be included as exclusive benefits. These benefits are an important factor that greatly expands the enjoyment of the products.
In the Bishoujo series, in addition to the standard smiling expression, winking faces and serious expressions as replacement parts may be offered as bonuses. Changing expressions can dramatically alter the impression of the figure, allowing for different scenes to be portrayed. Enjoying multiple expressions expands the variety of displays.
The hair arrangement parts are bonus parts that allow for changes in hairstyle, bringing out different charms of the character. It is sometimes possible to recreate multiple hairstyles from the original work, such as ponytails, twin tails, long hair, and short hair, making it a delightful bonus for fans.
These limited bonuses are only available for orders placed during the reservation period at the official shop, and cannot be purchased later. Therefore, if you want the bonuses, it is important to frequently check for reservation start information and make your reservation early.
New product reservation start information and bonus details are announced on the official website and Twitter account, so it is recommended to follow them. Products with limited bonuses are very popular and may close for reservations early even within the reservation period, so caution is needed.
How to Check Reservation Deadlines and Reproduction Information
The reservation period for Kotobukiya figures varies by product, but generally, reservations start 3 to 6 months before release and often close 1 to 2 months before release. Popular products may reach their reservation limit immediately after the start of reservations, so early reservations are recommended.
Even after the reservation deadline, reproduction information may be announced on the official website or at retailers. It is not uncommon for popular products to be reproduced several months to a year after the initial production run sells out. Often, limited bonuses are not included in reproductions, but it provides a chance to obtain the main product.
Ways to check reproduction information include the new arrivals section of the Kotobukiya official website, the official Twitter account, and newsletters from various retailers. Especially, the official Twitter is updated in real-time, so following it can help prevent missing out on information.
Additionally, online shopping sites like AmiAmi and DMM have features that allow you to receive notifications when reservations are reopened. By registering items of interest in your "favorites" or "watch list," you can quickly catch information on reproductions or restocks.
Price Range and Buyback Information for Kotobukiya Figures
Here is some useful information regarding the prices and buyback situations of Kotobukiya figures.
Price Range and Market Prices for New Products
The price range for Kotobukiya figures varies by series and scale.
The Bishoujo series (1/7 scale) typically has a standard price range of around 15,000 to 20,000 yen. Works that incur licensing fees, such as HORROR Bishoujo and MARVEL Bishoujo, tend to be priced slightly higher.
The ARTFX series ranges from about 18,000 to 25,000 yen for 1/7 scale, and for large 1/6 scale figures, it can be 25,000 yen to over 35,000 yen. ARTFX J is around 12,000 to 18,000 yen, while ARTFX+ is about 8,000 to 12,000 yen, making it relatively affordable.
Small figures like Cu-Poche are around 3,000 to 5,000 yen, making them popular as easy-to-start collection items.
By taking advantage of discounts on online shopping sites, it is often possible to purchase at 10% to 20% off the retail price, further lowering the actual purchase price. Products that have been out for a while may also be available at even lower prices during clearance sales.
Trends in Buyback Prices and Tips for High Buyback
The buyback price for Kotobukiya figures varies greatly depending on the product's popularity and condition. Popular series and limited items may fetch buyback prices equal to or exceeding the retail price.
Conditions that can lead to high buyback prices include being unopened and in new condition, having all official shop limited bonuses, being a popular character or series, and being a limited item with a low production number. Particularly, popular characters from the Bishoujo series often trade at high prices even after some time has passed since their release.
When requesting a purchase, it is important to gather all boxes and accessories, store them to avoid sun damage and dust, and compare appraisals from multiple purchasing companies. Companies specializing in figures tend to offer more appropriate prices than general recycling shops.
Using online purchasing services is convenient as you can request appraisals from the comfort of your home. It is essential to check the purchasing track record and reviews in advance to choose a reliable company.
Popular Works and Recommended Lineup of Kotobukiya Figures
Here are some popular works and recommended figures from Kotobukiya.
- Popular anime works such as "Sousou no Frieren" and "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba"
- Notable lineups such as Hololive and Yu-Gi-Oh!
Popular Anime Works such as "Sousou no Frieren" and "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba"
In recent popular anime works, the figureization of "Sousou no Frieren" is gaining attention. The main characters, including the protagonist Frieren, Fern, and Stark, are brought to life in the ARTFX J series, and the sculpting that faithfully reproduces the anime's world view is highly praised.
In "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba," figures of Tanjiro Kamado and Kyojuro Rengoku are available in the ARTFX J line. In particular, Kyojuro Rengoku comes with effect parts for Flame Breathing, allowing for the recreation of iconic scenes from the series. The popularity of "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" continues, and new character developments are also anticipated.
The "My Hero Academia" series is also well-stocked, featuring main characters such as Izuku Midoriya, Katsuki Bakugo, Shoto Todoroki, and All Might. Each figure comes with effect parts that express their unique abilities, allowing for dynamic action scenes.
In "Jujutsu Kaisen," characters like Satoru Gojo and Yuji Itadori are included in the lineup, receiving high support from fans of the original work. There are creative efforts to enjoy the world of the work in three dimensions, such as effect parts that express Satoru Gojo's Limitless technique.
Notable Lineups such as Hololive and Yu-Gi-Oh!
In response to the rising popularity of VTubers, Kotobukiya has created figures of Hololive members. Popular VTubers like Fubuki Shirakami, Aqua Minato, and Marine Houshou have been brought to life in the Bishoujo series, creating a significant buzz among fans. The distinctive costumes and accessories of each member are meticulously recreated, making them attractive collectible items for VTuber fans.
The "Yu-Gi-Oh!" series is one of the works that Kotobukiya has been focusing on for many years. In addition to main characters like Yami Yugi and Seto Kaiba, popular monsters like Dark Magician Girl have also been made into figures. The ARTFX series features dynamic posing that recreates duel scenes, allowing fans to enjoy the original world in three dimensions.
The "Mega Man (Rockman)" series is also continuously developed, featuring past Rockman and boss characters in ARTFX+ and model kits. For nostalgic game fans, these figures become valuable collectible items.
These works demonstrate that Kotobukiya caters to a wide range of genres and fan bases, making it likely to find figures of your favorite works.
Comparison of Kotobukiya and Other Manufacturers
There are several manufacturers in the figure industry. Here, we will explain the differences between major manufacturers and Kotobukiya.
Differences with Good Smile Company and Alter
Good Smile Company is one of the largest companies in the industry known for its movable figure brands like Nendoroid and figma. It holds licenses for a wide range of works and is characterized by its fast product development speed. On the other hand, Kotobukiya has strengths in beautiful girl figures and dynamic statues (fixed pose figures), focusing more on products that emphasize display rather than movable figures.
Alter is a manufacturer renowned for high-quality beautiful girl figures. The quality of the prototype is very high, and the paintwork on the final product is meticulous, with a price range of 20,000 yen to over 30,000 yen, which is somewhat high. Compared to Kotobukiya, Alter focuses on faithfully reproducing the original illustrations, while Kotobukiya's Bishoujo series is a significant difference in that it reinterprets original designs by Shunya Yamashita.
In terms of pricing, Kotobukiya offers relatively reasonable pricing compared to Alter, making its cost performance appealing. Additionally, its proactive approach to producing figures of niche works and characters that other manufacturers do not handle has become a unique aspect of Kotobukiya.
Reasons to Choose Kotobukiya
Here are some reasons to choose Kotobukiya:
First, the Bishoujo series designed by Shunya Yamashita has a unique charm that cannot be experienced with other manufacturers. The innovative approach of transforming original characters into beautiful girls connects American comic and horror fans with Japanese figure culture, providing a new way to enjoy collecting.
Next, the proactiveness in handling works and characters that other manufacturers do not produce is noteworthy. If there is a passionate fan base for a niche work, Kotobukiya considers productization, leading to many cases where "this character's figure is only produced by Kotobukiya."
Moreover, the reliability of having minimal differences between the prototype and the final product is a significant strength. The assurance that the product received will be of nearly the same quality as seen during the reservation is a very important factor for figure collectors.
In terms of pricing, the cost performance relative to quality is good, and the wide lineup allows selection from various series according to budget. With a rich selection of price ranges from the ARTFX series to ARTFX+ and Cu-Poche, it can be enjoyed by both beginners and advanced collectors.
Guide for First-Time Kotobukiya Figure Buyers
For those purchasing a Kotobukiya figure for the first time, here are some points to consider when choosing:
Choosing by Series and Budget Guidelines
When purchasing a figure for the first time, it is recommended to start by selecting from your favorite works or characters. Since Kotobukiya handles a diverse range of genres, it is good to search within areas of interest such as anime, games, American comics, and horror.
If your budget is limited, it is realistic to start with ARTFX+ (8,000 yen to 12,000 yen) or Cu-Poche (3,000 yen to 5,000 yen). These series are affordable yet maintain high quality, allowing you to experience the charm of figures.
If you want to start a serious collection, Bishoujo series (15,000 yen to 20,000 yen) or ARTFX J (12,000 yen to 18,000 yen) are recommended. They are larger in size, have a strong presence when displayed, and are highly satisfying as core items in a collection.
For purchasing, if you prioritize price, it is advisable to choose DMM or AmiAmi, and if you want exclusive bonuses, the official shop. For your first purchase, it is recommended to compare multiple sales sites to find the one that suits you best.
Recommended Entry Figures for Beginners
For beginners, the following products are recommended as entry figures:
The ARTFX+ series Stormtrooper from "Star Wars" is a product that is affordable yet high in quality, and its simple design makes it easy to display. There is also the enjoyment of arranging multiple figures together.
In the Bishoujo series, figures of popular characters such as "MARVEL Bishoujo Spider-Gwen" and "DC COMICS Bishoujo Harley Quinn" are suitable for beginners. They allow you to fully appreciate the charm of Shunya Yamashita's designs and are ideal for understanding the characteristics of the Bishoujo series.
In the ARTFX J series, popular anime protagonist characters such as 'My Hero Academia's Izuku Midoriya' and 'Demon Slayer's Tanjiro Kamado are recommended. Fans of the original works will find high satisfaction, and the dynamic posing makes for an impressive display.
The Cu-Poche series is compact, space-saving, and very affordable, with prices ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 yen. Being movable, you can enjoy posing them to your liking, making it ideal for beginners in figure collecting.
What's important is to choose characters or works that you truly love. By selecting figures that you can feel attached to, the enjoyment of your collection deepens.
Summary: Start Your Collection Life with Kotobukiya Figures
Kotobukiya figures are supported by many collectors due to their history and reliability since 1953, the uniqueness of the Bishoujo series designed by Shunya Yamashita, the appeal of the dynamic ARTFX series, and their proactive approach to handling works that other manufacturers do not.
With high quality that has little difference from the prototype and product versions, careful painting and sculpting, and a wide range of price points, they cater to both beginners and advanced collectors. There are various purchasing options available, including official shops, DMM, and AmiAmi, allowing you to choose according to your needs.
By checking reservation benefits and information on limited items, you can further expand the enjoyment of your collection. With a wide range of figures from popular anime works to American comics, horror, and VTubers, you are sure to find a work you love.
Using this article as a reference, why not start your collection life with Kotobukiya figures? Meeting your favorite characters will open up a new world of hobbies.
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