A Beginner’s Guide to Starting Your Own Anime Figure Collection
Anime figures are collectibles that are based on Japanese-style characters from television shows, movies, manga (Japanese comics), and video games. The popularity of anime has grown significantly over the years, sparking a collecting frenzy around the world.
If you are interested in anime figures and would like to start the fun hobby of collecting them, then you should familiarize yourself with what makes a figure valuable. The most treasured figures are usually the first ones that have never been taken out of their packages. Terms like MIB (Mint in Box) and NRFB (Never Removed From Box) are terms that you should become familiar with, as it will be easier for you to figure out why certain figures cost more than others.
An interesting fact about anime toys is the fact that they come in a variety of sizes. Many collectors start collecting the smaller, often less expensive figures, then gradually work their way up to the larger models. Before starting your collection, determine which anime you like the most, specifically which character. Most anime collectors feel a sense of intimacy and attachment to the anime toys in their collection because of what they represent. It is much more fun and exciting to collect the exact character that you love the most.
You can start looking for anime figures in and around your area by visiting local toy stores and even thrift stores. It is a well-known fact among collectors that the most valuable figurines have often been found in second-hand stores, so be sure to visit these stores frequently. Take the time to look closely at the toy boxes and shelves because you are lucky and find a great figure that is worth a good amount of money.
Another great place to look is online auction sites. Typically, you will find that you have the option of purchasing figures at a fixed price on these websites or as a sale-only alternative. If you are unfamiliar with online bidding, be sure to set a maximum price you can afford before placing your bid. The budget you are willing to spend will be the deciding factor in how many figures you can buy. Some of the older and rarer figures will easily cost hundreds of dollars if they are in excellent condition. You can also visit some anime collectibles websites to get an idea of the prices and value. Seasoned collectibles are very willing to reveal what features to check so that you can pick up the figures you are looking for without getting confused as to whether you are paying too much for a particular character.
Once you have started a collection, you will need to have a place to display the shapes. Many collectors simply place their figures on some shelves, while others prefer to display them in a glass-covered display case to keep them in their current state. As your collection grows and you run out of space, you can figure this out if you have a rotation program for the shapes. Every few weeks, simply swap the numbers that are on display with others that are in storage.
Collecting anime is a lot of fun and it can become a hobby that will give you great pleasure for years to come. It is recommended to join online anime communities when collecting, as well as attending anime conventions, so that you can discuss your figures with other collectors.