Anime figurines are an integral part of otaku culture. From large-scale figures to palm-sized nendoroids, they help collectors showcase their love for their favorite shows and characters.
During the early 2000s, most scale figure producers focused on cute female characters during the moe era. But in 2015, Good Smile Company started producing male-focused Nendoroids and Figmas.
Origins
Manga is the name given to Japanese comics. It combines a blend of realism and stylization to tell a story that often has a moral or ethical lesson. It has transcended cultural barriers and become one of the country’s most popular exports. It has inspired films, TV shows, anime, video games, and collectible figures.
Anime figure artists begin by practicing gesture drawing to get comfortable with body proportions and musculature. They then learn how to manipulate proportions, lines, and textures to create a style that is unique and appealing.
Anime figurines come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from palm-sized creations to standard desktop figures. Several companies specialize in creating them, including Kotobukiya and Good Smile Company. Until recently, most of these figurines manga were based on shonen or bishojo franchises. However, in the latter part of the new ’10s, manufacturers like Alter started to produce male-focused figures, and Nendoroids of shoujo heroines from dating sims followed.
Symbolism
Manga characters have a unique way of expressing emotion through their visuals. For example, a huge water droplet on a character’s forehead symbolizes confusion or embarrassment. If the water droplet is in a continuous flow, it indicates relief or dismay. Characters also use their eyes to convey emotion. Brighter eyes suggest joy or elation, while darker colors depict fear or sadness. If the eyes are connected by a spark-like symbol, it signifies a fight or other intense situation.
Other symbols include throbbing “cross popping” veins, which show irritation or anger. These are usually shown on a character’s forehead and clenched fists, and the more they throb, the more angry the character is.
Manga figures are available in many styles and sizes, from chibi (child-like) to full-body. Some manufacturers specialize in posable figurines, while others make scale figures that are a sixth or half of the character’s actual size. Kotobukiya, for instance, makes high-quality figurines and model kits that are perfect for collectors.
Types
There are many different kinds of figures out there, and each one comes with its own advantages. Some of the most popular types are posable figures, chibi action figures (like Kotobukiya chibis and Good Smile Company Nendoroids) and resin statues.
Resin statues are the largest, heaviest and most expensive of all figurines. They often come with dioramas, which are 3D backgrounds that show the character in a particular scene. These figures are made to a high quality, and the details can be quite lifelike. However, because of the high cost and difficulty of making them, they are also the most counterfeited, as shady companies make knockoffs to take advantage of the popularity of these figures.
Another popular type of figure is the prize figure, which is usually one piece of PVC through which the clothes can be removed. These figures are often referred to as “hentai” because they can be posed in a variety of ways. Some of them are made with cast-off clothing, revealing a more NSFW or nude look and are targeted toward an 18+ audience.
Collecting
Collecting anime figurines is a fun and rewarding practice that can be enjoyed by both casual and serious collectors. While there are no set rules for collecting anime figurines, it is recommended that collectors start by researching their interests and finding the genres they most enjoy. This will help them narrow down the options available and find the pieces that are most valuable to them.
Many people collect anime figures as a way to show their love for their favorite characters. Others enjoy the challenge of completing a collection or simply admire the aesthetic appeal of these figurines.
When buying anime figurines, it is important to keep in mind the space where they will be stored. Figures can be fragile and should be kept away from heat and light sources. Also, consider whether you have any children or pets that could damage your new figure. Lastly, be sure to purchase your anime figurines from reputable sellers.
Leave a Reply