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What is a Figure?
A figure refers to human-shaped dolls designed based on characters from animations, comics and video games. In a broad sense, figures include GK figures, Nendoroids, prize figures, finished PVC painted figures and articulated action figures. Their prices range from tens of yuan to tens of thousands of yuan, determined by design, craftsmanship, materials and carving details.
1. GK Figure
GK stands for Garage Kit, namely unpainted resin model kits that require self-assembly and painting. Mostly made of resin, they are also known as resin models among collectors and are recognized as authentic traditional figures.
The origin of the term “Garage Kit” dates back to the 1980s. Back then, collectors wanted customized character models that were unavailable on the market, so they started carving prototypes, making silicone molds and casting resin models by themselves, then traded or sold these works among fellow hobbyists. Since most creations were finished in personal garages or basements, the name Garage Kit came into being.
GK figures are priced from several hundred to tens of thousands of yuan. They are mainly for senior collectors, as self-assembly and hand painting require high operational skills.
2. Nendoroid Figure
Nendoroids are stylized figures designed in Chibi or SD (Super Deformed) style.
Chibi means short and cute, commonly known as Q-version style.
SD features chubby body proportions, shortened limbs, oversized heads and big eyes to highlight a cute and lovely appearance.
The first official Nendoroid launched by Good Smile Company was Neko Arc in 2006. Early Nendoroid characters were mainly classic anime roles from popular works such as Death Note and The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya. Nowadays, classic movie characters are also made into Nendoroids, greatly expanding its global fan base among anime and movie lovers.
Nendoroids support full part replacement, including faces, hair, limbs and outfits, allowing players to pose them in various postures for fun.
3. Prize Figure
The word “Prize” derives from Japanese, referring to gifts obtained from claw machines, lucky draws, commercial events and point redemption activities.
Claw machine anime figurines, promotional event gifts and convenience store point-exchange character dolls all belong to prize figures. They feature simple sculpts, limited poses and basic painting work, thus coming with affordable prices. They are ideal entry-level collections for new figure enthusiasts to learn about brands, materials and daily maintenance knowledge.
4. PVC Figure
Made of PVC material, PVC figures are also called PF Figures or finished painted PVC collectibles.
PVC features good flexibility and thermal malleability. It softens under high temperature for easy shaping and trimming, and restores its fixed shape after cooling. This material is perfect for crafting figures with intricate body curves and large-sized models, which can be easily bonded with hot glue.
Compared with prize figures, PVC figures adopt richer color painting and are usually matched with exclusive display bases. Players can also replace accessories like weapons to create exclusive poses.
5. Action Figure
As the name suggests, articulated action figures are movable dolls with about 13 to 14 movable joints to realize diverse posing effects.
Core design concept: creating palm-sized fully movable character models, and movable joints are its core feature.
Famous mainstream brands include Max Factory Figma, Bandai S.H.Figuarts and Kaiyodo Revoltech.