So, the thing with anime is that the obsession doesn’t just stop at watching the show itself. Sometimes, you like a franchise so much that you buy the manga. And when that isn’t enough, you decide to get related merch, such as posters and the like, to show your love for it. And maybe you like a character in particular and stumble upon certain anime figurines of them that look really well made and would be the perfect showpieces on your desk. So, you think about buying it and – excuse me, how many dollars is it?!
Anime Figurines are hard to justify buying. Like, they are worth it only if you genuinely enjoy a certain character and the build quality is exceptional. However, as an avid Otaku, I’ve had my fair share of unhinged spending. Like, sometimes I see Naruto Shippuden-related stuff, and I blank out, only to recover with a couple of shopping bags by my side and my pocket significantly lighter. However, figurines are one of those things that are such an iffy investment to make.
But personally, I’ve always been a fan of them. Ever since I was a baby Otaku growing up, I used to be enamored with the idea of having a space that was my own, decorated with the things that showcased the things I was passionate about. And, of course, that included anime. Anime figurines were this unattainable dream, with their gorgeous structures and beautiful builds. I mean, a good figurine can cost in the hundreds, easily. And the bigger pieces can be a pain to manage.
Hey, if you’re a hardcore fan, maybe those things don’t matter to you. Sometimes, it’s okay to throw all caution to the wind and just get something you’d enjoy looking at. However, you should be careful when buying anime figurines considering how high they are in price. You wouldn’t want a subpar product now, would you? So, here’s why anime figurines are worth buying sometimes and things you should care about when purchasing!
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Anime Figurines: Like A 3D Screenshot Of Your Favorite Scene?

I remember the very first figurine I caved in for, which Sasuke Uchiha from Naruto Shippuden in the middle of releasing a Chidori. The lightning in the arm, perfectly sculpted with translucent material to echo the energy, and the facial features on the figurine, all of it made it look as if it was an image frozen in time.
I genuinely couldn’t look away, I had to buy it on the spot. And that’s how I learned that, despite the heavy price tag, anime figurines are just so special. They capture your favorite character in full glory, like a scene caught in time. And even if it is a hefty investment, it’s worth it to me.
However, it’s understandable that not everyone can afford a figurine, no matter how much they want to. It’s just not a reasonable purchase to make when you don’t have that kind of money to spare. Sure, you can get knockoff ones from the internet. But that’s both unethical and ill-advised. Personally, I’d hold off and save up for a Nendroid or something. However, nothing can beat the quality of a good anime figurine, with its intricate detailing and beautiful visuals.
Knock Off Figurines: Definitely Not Worth the Trouble!

So, as I said, while one might get tempted to buy imitations or copies of their favorite figurines from offshore countries due to the cheaper prices, it’s a huge mistake. These knock-off sculptures are not only unethically made and sold but also just terrible when it comes to quality.
I’ve definitely been curious about the cheaper models, especially during my travels. But a close look at them and you can already see the flaws. Sometimes the colors are wrong, the paintwork is chipping, the quality of the material itself is wonky, so there are issues with the molding and so on, and so forth.
Another issue that stems is that these don’t last very long. The colors tend to fade very quickly over time. So, what you’re left with is a dusty-looking piece of plastic instead of a beautiful collector’s item worthy of being put on display.
Always, Always Be On The Lookout For A Good Sale!

Just because figurines from high-end places such as the Good Smile Company, Square Enix, and Aniplex are expensive doesn’t mean you can’t get a good bargain! Sometimes, the companies have massive sales going on, and that is prime time to get your hands on that figurine you had been eyeing beforehand.
If not, there are plenty of resale shops and enthusiasts who are selling secondhand figurines from their own collections for a reduced price. And secondhand doesn’t mean they have to be damaged. Often, they are in mint condition and just being sold to get rid of old stock. Sometimes, you’re lucky enough to find a rare, discontinued item too!
All in all, anime figurines are definitely worth looking into if you’re an enthusiast!
What do you think?
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