why do anime figures cost so much

Full Answer

What is the most expensive anime figurine?

When One Piece Gold was released, Tokuriki Honten introduced the world to the most expensive anime figure ever made: a gold figure of Monkey D. Luffy himself. It's not the most polished work of art, but it is made of solid gold, adding its uniqueness.

Do anime figures increase in value?

Some people buy figures as financial investments as the majority of figures historically increase in value over time. Others buy figures to show off their personality. It's not just about the anime they like, but also the style of the figures that reflects their personality, be it cutesy, shounen or edgy.

Why are anime figures so popular?

The reasons behind collecting figures are as vast and unique as anime figures themselves. For many, it's a way to surround your physical space with some of your favorite characters. For others, it's a competition to build a collection that can rival those of even the most seasoned collectors.

Why are collectible figures so expensive?

The short answer is that they're extremely high quality, they're highly sought after by collectors, they're painstakingly handmade, they have limited production runs, and they're based on popular entertainment brands.

How much is an average anime figure?

You can often see the same anime figures that cost anywhere from $50 to $100 US over in the United States inside Japanese claw machines. It's not just that some claw machines in Japan have nicer things, but it's because the cost of production is vastly lower when it is domestic.

What are those anime dolls called?

In Japan, the term "figure" can refer to dolls and other collectible figurines. Figures based on anime, manga and bishōjo game characters are often sold as dolls in Japan.

How do you maintain an anime figure?

WashingFill a container with lukewarm water. ... Optional: Disassemble your figurine. ... Soak your figurine (or figurine pieces) in the water for about 5 minutes. ... Squirt (or rub) soap on a new, soft-bristled toothbrush and begin gently brushing the figurine. ... Rinse all the soap off the figurine using warm water.More items...•

What is anime figure made of?

The molds are filled with the material the figure will be made of, usually PVC since it's a cheap and somewhat flexible plastic. If not PVC, the next most likely materials are vinyl, polystone, synthetic resin, or ABS. The cooled plastic (or resin) is removed from the molds.

Why are action figures so expensive?

In general these types of products tend to have very high quality and the materials and details that go into them takes a lot of work which is why there is a limit for how many can be created at a certain period, and due to the demand being high while the supply being moderate, the prices can become high as well.

Why are good smile figures so expensive?

Production Of Nendoroids. Making nendoroids is a very manual process, so Good Smile Company can't make many at once. Their main production factory is located in China which 90% of the products are made there.

How are anime statues made?

The moulds are used by pouring the material from which the figure is made. For example, hot, molten PVC is poured on the moulds and then cooled so it can take the shape of the figure or the part. The figures are usually done with PVC (soft plastic) and ABS (hard plastic).

Why are comic book statues so expensive?

But statues are made in very low numbers, and after they are created the moulds are destroyed, which prevents any future pieces to be made. Quality of the product is another factor for the increased value of a statue. Statues are typically made from higher quality material, with more detail put into the sculpting.

Where are anime figures distributed?

Many anime figures are not distributed in the West. Some are only distributed in Japan and maybe South East Asian countries. If you lived in one of these countries, those figures could be significantly cheaper—sometimes half the price.

Is anime mainstream?

Even though it is relatively popular, anime is still not mainstream enough for there to be anime figures on the shelves of Wal-Mart and Target across the world. It would be a waste of money to produce that many.

Is Overwatch an anime?

The mold, the colors, and painting is just superior in every way. Yes, I know Overwatch is not an anime; however, Good Smile puts the same effort into their Overwatch figures as they do all of their other figures—many of which are related to various anime.

Compare that to the average cost of Anime merchandise

The average product (like the device you’re reading this from) costs more than the average Anime merch.

2. Cost of Producing Anime

They say the average Anime episode costs $100,000 to produce. According to a 2015 post shared by Crunchyroll.

3. Nostalgia

a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations.

5. Lack of Sales

Just as Goboiano stated in their Anime post, some Anime ‘s don’t make enough money at all.

1. Anime figures use high quality materials

If you’ve ever bought your own anime figure, or you know a friend who collects figures, then you know each figurine feels premium.

2. Supply and demand plays a big role in anime figure prices

The supply of anime figures is scarce. By definition they’re rare collectibles that usually don’t resell once they’re out of stock (unlike a commodity like a Vegetable or a mug for example).