How Much Do You Spend On Anime Figures

Welcome to the Solaris Blog! ヾ(῀ʚ̴̶̷́  .̫ ʚ̴̶̷̥̀ ῀)ﾉ"

Okay, nosotros know this is long overdue, only nosotros're finally back at information technology, here to tackle that burning question: why do anime figurines cost so much?(ര௰ര)

And, in case yous missed information technology, make sure you lot check out our showtime part to this question where nosotros take a look at how anime figures are made. Why is production of anime figures relevant to the question at hand? Because understanding just how time-consuming and enervating the process behind making figures is makes it clearer why they end up costing what they do.

But, at present that we've gone over the production process, what's side by side? What else could possibly explicate why anime figures cost as much as they practise? (๑•̆૩•̆)

Well, there's actually a lot, in fact. From the cost of production to the nature of the goods themselves, in that location's a whole slew of factors for prices being what they are. We're looking at the biggest reasons backside them, so let's non delay any further and get right to information technology!

ane. Makes li-sense, no?

Equally you know by at present (if you lot've read Part 1, that is), there's a lot of time and effort put into researching which characters will ultimately become a figure. That's its own process, but once decided, the company volition have to ask the anime creator or its license holder for permission to use the grapheme's epitome.

Permission granting is not ordinarily washed through friendly banter and handshakes, merely rather by mode of licensing — something that gets pretty expensive pretty fast.

Sadly, anime merchandising data is quite sparse and non nearly equally abundant every bit data nearly broadcasting, which we were able to detect some info virtually. Yet, something worth noting is the tale of how Astro Boy spearheaded anime'due south reliance on merchandise to generate revenue. Past underselling broadcasting rights, a series could beginning build an audience who would be interested in paying for merch.

It's pretty natural to think that this Astroboy formula would have changed over the years, but, surprisingly, merchandising is still 1 of anime'south primary revenue streams. Based on AJA 's 2019 report, domestic merchandising was the highest income source and accounted for 42.vii% (66.nine% if you lot include pachinko and the likes) of the manufacture's revenue. (ʘ言ʘ╬)

If that number doesn't already stick out, consider its weight when compared to broadcasting's relatively measly 23.v% share of revenue. By the fashion, that number COMBINES Telly, motion picture, and digital broadcasting. Yeesh. 😱

So, with that cleared up, how much is licensing then? Of course, there'south no lucent reply since it actually varies. Depending on the series, the distributor, and much, much more, the costs can actually run the gamut. Withal, take these numbers in for a moment:

• Toei Animation didn't specify how much each of their series earns in terms of licensing fees, only they reported income of over $291,000,000 (USD) from licensing solitary in 2019.
• The 2005 movie Guyver had licensing fees of $746,665 , even though information technology's a relatively unpopular pic.
• While not a data point, the process of obtaining broadcasting licenses is detailed hither and oof, is it a procedure.

Of course, this data just helps the states out a chip since we don't know how these numbers reflect the realm of merchandising licenses, but it's enough to give us an idea that the costs are non cheap. Actually, they're the farthest matter from it. (ㄒoㄒ)

Since the manufacturers already have this massive fee to offset earlier they've even started selling a figure, it's piece of cake to understand how this can drive up a figure's last retail price.

2. Things will get ameliorate (quality-wise, that is)

Much like an aged wine, time seems to be a expert friend to the world of anime figures. Improvements inside any industry are e'er expected (exercise makes perfect, equally they say). The world of anime figures is no exception and has definitely seen an explosion in quality improvements over the years, likewise as a nice diversification of product offerings. ( • ̀ω•́ )✧

For starters, let'south wait at how unlike the more OG figures looked similar in comparing to what we see today.

Allow'southward have some quality time

While changes in quality usually happen in modest steps (thus making it harder to discover how much things have improved), we luckily have some figures with new and erstwhile versions to remind the states how much the world of figures has evolved. ﾐ☆( *uωu人)+ﾟ

From one of the nigh well-known manufacturers, Good Smile Company, comes a shining example: the Nendoroid. As if overhearing our discussions for blog ideas, Practiced Grin did us a huge favor and re-released two of their earlier Nendoroids from Death Note. These aptly named "2.0" releases of Light and 50 really show off just how far the Skillful Smile offerings accept come:

The original releases look almost comical side by side to their updated counterparts. For starters, the originals lack many sculpt and pigment details. You can see how the ii.0 versions integrate so many features we have come to wait with electric current Nendoroids: gradient painting to add levels of depth, detailed sculpting (downward to the freakin' toes, human), and a more compatible style that pays a better homage to the original source. (ᵒ̤̑ ₀̑ ᵒ̤̑)

Only improvements have been pretty sweeping across the board. Some might debate that there are limitations with Nendoroids since they're much smaller and usually cheaper figures compared to all the options out there. Then, allow's have a look at a scale figure producer — specifically one that is famous for its loftier-quality (and loftier price tags…). Of course, we're talking about Alter!

Now, we have to say that Alter was still way ahead of the bend with their earlier figures. At that place was definitely withal a base level of quality with Alter in its offset stages, merely information technology pales in comparison with what they produce today. Seriously, just check out some of these comparisons of similar figures released in Alter'southward early and afterwards days.

Asuka honestly looks amazing in both figures, but there are some obvious upgrades. The first release does a dandy chore of recreating the exact image of Asuka from the source material, but does little in terms of translating her 2D form into our 3D world — her overall appearance comes off flat and is missing the vibrancy of the later release. This could very well stem from the figure'due south lack of variation in paint colors and textures — the company's before attempts at shading too come off looking more dusty than deep. Information technology'due south corking, especially for 2006, merely is no match for Asuka's subsequently figure release from Alter. (ﾉ･ｪ･)ﾉ

Next, permit'south look at these 2 Sabers — it'due south immediately noticeable how much more dynamic the poses have become. The movement and velvety matte textures of Saber Alter 's dress is on a whole other level. Information technology's deeper colors add subtle shading to create a jaw-dropping level of realness that almost begs you to feel the material. Saber of Blackness 'south dress is not bad at all, only looks so much more than basic in comparing. Fifty-fifty the smaller, less eye-catching features of this 2006 release, like her hair and shoes, come off looking more dull in comparison.

Fifty-fifty some smaller sculpting and painting details have dramatically improved over the years. KOS-MOS 's (1) outfit is meant to exist tight-plumbing fixtures (and def looks bang-up 😏) just doesn't fit quite every bit snuggly as Lila 's (2). The way Lila's outfit really showcases all her curves and edges and even pinches at her torso a bit (similar her garters) really makes such a difference for how realistic information technology comes off.

Also, KOS-MOS's vibrant hair doesn't wow us as much as some of Change'due south newer releases. Take Plachta (3), for example. Her hair has a like shade and sheen (in the source material) to KOS-MOS's, but looks completely different thanks to the utilize of glossy, translucent paint which is honestly stunning. It's such a pocket-size, but desperate change that actually elevates the figure to new heights. (⑅ ॣ•͈૦•͈ ॣ)

It's not hard to run into how much figures have actually evolved — plain, techniques were not equally developed, but earlier figures seemed to focus as well heavily on transplanting a character from their second advent into figure class without consideration for how it would turn out as a 3D model. Conversely, figures these days now seem to focus heavily on blending those two things to create an entirely new representation, bridging that gap and recreating our favorite characters in a different light.

(◕‿◕｡)

But all these changes for the amend mean college costs — higher quality materials and greater time investment (since sculpting all those details don't happen in the blink of an eye) aren't gratuitous and volition end up hiking up the final price.

All shapes and sizes

Another huge benefit we've seen come along is the multifariousness of unlike figure lineups — we've got Bandai Spirits, ARTFX J, and behemoth statues from Prime number 1 Studio to name only a few. __φ(．．;)

The reality is that the catalogue of anime figures is constantly expanding and adapting to the irresolute demands of anime lovers who buy them. Some are looking for more affordable options whereas some are willing to dish out a pretty dollar for that top-shelf quality — in fact, well-nigh collectors are looking for a range of options all along this spectrum of offerings.

With that in heed, let'due south briefly bear upon a couple of these options that'll make the more upkeep-witting collector bosom their wallet out à la Futurama's Fry.

Go ahead, popular off

Possibly one of the most recognizable players in the world of anime figures is Good Smile — they have some great scale figures, but they are also well-known for their Nendoroid serial, which is ane of their near popular since it offers a lot of diversity for a much smaller price tag (and smaller figure).

The Proficient Smile CEO has even mentioned that they started to really recognize the opportunity Nendoroids presented since the demand was much higher than expected. Then, it'due south no wonder they debuted their new serial Popular Up Parade! Pop Up Parade focuses on bringing affordable figures to beginner and experienced collectors alike. ＼(＾O＾)／

The range of characters already offered is pretty jaw dropping considering how young this series still is. Merely one of the greatest things about Popular Up Parade is that it delivers the fun of scale figures for a fraction of what many scales become for at present. Of course, the poses are not well-nigh every bit intricate or dynamic as another scales, but it still is listen-blowing how Good Grinning'due south maintained their quality for such a good price!

You lot're a prize!

Some other sector seeing a lot more than options come forward is prize figures. For those unfamiliar with them, they're only figures you can win from claw machines in Japan. These figures are mass produced solely for the purpose of claw machines, which means they're usually won and not sold (if you have a prize figure, notice how it doesn't accept a barcode?). These figures are lower on the quality spectrum, just then too are their prices. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

So many franchises are starting to see prize figure releases which ways there'south a lot more options for collectors. Nosotros'll be honest — prize figures aren't gonna accident your socks off with their quality. If anything, they might actually put them back on with how underwhelming figures can sometimes turn out. But over again, the cost is just right with these ones! Unless y'all're actually trying to win one at an arcade, that is... (＃｀д´)ﾉ;

3.Hate the game, not the player

Okay, so this is by far the biggest thing to consider when asking what makes anime figures expensive: they're collectibles!

The very nature of anime figures — limited runs that are open up for buy at MSRP during the pre-order menstruation — dictates just how crazy the aftermarket can be for these items.

The easiest way to boil information technology down is to say that product of a figure has a strict cut-off date. Once this date passes, it's going to exist a lot harder to get one in your easily. Of course, some retailers will order extra stock then they can still sell them and some figures become re-releases, but the reality is that this is never a guarantee. Once they're gone, they're gone. (*_*;

And that's where the aftermarket comes in. The aftermarket is where people go to purchase and sell items that take closed preorders or are out-of-production (meaning you tin't get additional stock from the original manufacturer). This means they're a lot harder to find. Because of this, prices can really jump and dip depending on the demand and availability in the aftermarket.

There'southward no i formula to dictate how much a effigy'southward value volition translate to in the aftermarket — information technology's not almost the figure'south MSRP or how amazing it may exist. Information technology's just the basic formula of supply and demand. In the end, these conditions in the aftermarket are the biggest drivers in dictating what a figure'due south value becomes.

In fact, almost all figures volition meet an increment in value post-release since supply becomes express once pre-orders close. These increases aren't necessarily staggering and tin be a thing of a few hundred yen, simply some figures do come across price jumps that can brand you cry. (T⌓T)

Take a look at this figure of Morrigan — she retailed at ¥12,000 (pre-revenue enhancement) in 2016 and fifty-fifty had a re-release in 2018 but if yous're trying to find her new in 2021, y'all're gonna await to accept to pay around ¥40,000 (at the fourth dimension of writing)! That's right — this figure has tripled in value despite the original release only having been five years ago WITH a subsequent re-release not too much afterwards…

Even the cheaper figures can get a huge aftermarket value boost — just look at this Kuji prize effigy of Bakemonogatari'southward Hitagi.

She was a double-chance figure (meaning in that location was a second lottery round afterwards the original Kuji) and only had about 100 figures available total. It goes without saying then that her aftermarket value is through the roof!

Finding her is well-nigh impossible, as she rarely makes an advent for auctions or sale. Merely if you lot look at Surugaya's buyback toll for her, it is very clear how much she's worth, especially when yous see that information technology's 19x the price they'll pay for another one of Hitagi's Kuji prize figures. /(.□. ）

(fun fact, only Surugaya has sold information technology earlier on their site for a eye set on-inducing ¥seventy,000!!!)

Figures are not the only collectible to see these kinds of gains in value; there're many other well-known examples in the Western sphere like baseball cards and designer fashion drops. They all boil down to the aforementioned premise and tin can lead to similarly staggering jumps in value. Sometimes, it's plenty to consider turning to collectibles as an excellent choice for diversifying your investment portfolio.
(p_-)

I know, investments and economic principles might non be the first thoughts that come to mind when you lot await upon your shelf of prized figures. But, equally it turns out, these figures concord more than value than simply the emotional kind nosotros normally attribute to them. So, if your family or friends ever bog you with questions over why you lot spend money on anime figures, you tin can simply turn up your nose at their express knowledge of investment assets! Hmph!

That'due south a wrap!

To exist honest, nosotros could drone on and on about what makes a figure cost what information technology does. Nosotros've barely dipped our toes in the water, only hopefully this commodity will help better answer the question of why anime figures tin exist so expensive.

Ultimately, anime figures make a lot of u.s. fans happy. They're a recreation of our favorite characters that nosotros can transplant from the screen into our ain space, a true joy that makes this hobby every bit exciting and fulfilling as it is. Even if the prices don't always make us as happy, having a drove that you lot're proud of and excited by is more than than words tin can ever explain.

Let us know your questions or comments almost why anime figures are expensive and happy collecting everyone! ヾ(°∇°*)

Till next fourth dimension! <( ＿ ＿ )>

Source: https://solarisjapan.com/blogs/news/why-anime-figures-expensive

Posted by: greenfieldbutivene.blogspot.com

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