Your Collector's Starting Kit

Starting an anime figure collection is an exciting journey for any South African fan. It’s a way to celebrate your favourite characters and curate a physical gallery of incredible art. But knowing where to begin can be daunting. What should you buy first? How do you display them? Don't worry, we've got you covered. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear, step-by-step roadmap to start building a stunning anime figure collection you can be proud of, from choosing your first piece to displaying it like a pro. 🔧

Prerequisites: Your Collector's Starting Kit

Before you dive in and start spending your hard-earned Rand, it’s good to have a plan. Here’s what you’ll need to get started on the right foot:

• A Clear Budget: Decide how much you can comfortably spend per month or per figure. This will help guide your choices.
• A Designated Display Space: Even one shelf on a bookcase is a perfect start. Knowing where your collection will live helps you choose the right size and number of figures.
• A Favourite Series or Character: The easiest way to start is with what you love! Focusing on one show or character prevents your collection from feeling random.
• Basic Cleaning Tools: A large, soft makeup brush is the perfect tool for gentle, regular dusting.

Building Your Collection: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to build your collection thoughtfully, creating a display that looks amazing and you can be proud of.

1. Define Your Collecting Goal

First, ask yourself: what kind of collection do I want? Do you dream of owning one or two breathtaking, museum-quality statues? Or would you rather have a whole shelf full of characters from your favourite show? Deciding if you want to focus on high-end premium figures or build a wider army of characters will help guide every purchase you make.

2. Start with an Affordable "Prize Figure"

It can be tempting to go all-in on a massive, R6,000 figure for your first purchase, but it’s smarter to start small. We recommend beginning your collection with a "prize figure." These are high-quality figures from brands like Banpresto, SEGA, or Taito that offer incredible detail for their price point. Buying one of the many available prize figures is a fantastic, low-risk way to see if you enjoy the hobby before making a huge investment.

3. Choose Your Style: Realistic vs. Stylised

Next, decide on the aesthetic you prefer. Do you want figures that look like they jumped right off the screen, with realistic proportions and dynamic poses? Or do you prefer the stylised, cute "chibi" look? The world of adorable Kawaii figures—like Nendoroids—offers incredible customisation with interchangeable faces and accessories, letting you create your own unique scenes.

4. Plan Your Display Space

How you display your collection is just as important as what’s in it. A dedicated glass cabinet is the ultimate goal for many collectors as it protects from dust. However, a simple bookshelf can look just as amazing with a little planning. Consider buying some clear acrylic risers online; they are cheap and allow you to create multiple tiers on a single shelf, ensuring no figure is hidden from view.

5. Expand Beyond Figures

A truly great collection tells a story and can be enhanced with more than just statues. To add more texture and personality to your display, consider mixing in other types of merchandise. Adding a few keychains, art books, or even some soft, cuddly plushies and accessories can break up the display and create a richer, more visually interesting tribute to your favourite anime or game.

Quick-Reference FAQ

Q: How do I avoid buying fake or bootleg figures in South Africa? A: The golden rule: always buy from a trusted, official retailer. If a deal on a brand new figure from an unknown online seller seems too good to be true, it is 100% a fake.

Q: Should I keep the boxes? A: Yes, absolutely. For collectors, the box is part of the item. It’s essential for protecting the figure if you need to move or store it, and it's critical for maintaining the figure's resale value.

Q: Is it better to have many affordable figures or a few expensive ones? A: This is purely personal preference! Some collectors love a shelf that’s crowded with a huge cast of characters. Others prefer a minimalist display with one or two show-stopping statues. There is no wrong way to collect what you love.