VOCALOID Figure Collecting: Where to Start

Scaled Figures

If you’re looking for high quality, well proportioned, and detailed renditions of your favorite VOCALOID characters, scale figures are by far the best place to turn. Prices vary greatly depending on the scale and amount of detail but an average price is about $100 USD with the most expensive figures not reaching over $300 USD and usually not even hitting the $200 USD mark.

Smaller figures, of course, cost less while larger ones cost quite a bit more. You can usually get a 1/8 scale for around ¥9,000 to ¥10,000 while a 1/7 is usually at least ¥10,000 and can get closer to or even over the ¥15,000 mark.

The most popular sizes for scaled figures are 1/7 and 1/8. However, figures as small as 1/12 (and 1/10) and as large as 1/4 have been made. These scales are harder to come by though, and VOCALOID figure collectors will likely have more 1/7 and 1/8 scaled figures than any other size.

These scaled figures are based on the size of the character so height varies. However, most 1/7 and 1/8 scaled figures are around 200mm (7.9 inches) to 300mm (11.8 inches) tall.

Over the years, there have been scaled figures of many VOCALOID characters. Some are harder to get than others with Good Smile Company figures being the easiest to obtain and most abundant. However, other companies have made spectacular figures as well.

Pros

Quality. Out of all the options, scaled figures are by far the highest quality option on the market. These figures almost always have incredible craftsmanship with the smallest pieces sculpted and painted to perfection. The higher up you go in price, the more detailed the figure.

However, there are reports of some manufacturers providing low quality figures. Be sure to look into unfamiliar names for examples and reviews of their previous figures.

Lifelike. Following the quality comes the fact that these figures are scaled models of characters. They follow proportions well and that added to the quality makes these figures almost like the character has entered your home.

The Stands. With Prize Machine figures, it’s likely that making sure the figure doesn’t become deformed comes before making sure that the stand looks nice. With scaled figures, the two usually go hand in hand. Companies try their hardest to provide a supported figure that won’t break while also looking like a work of art and not something held up by clear plastic.

Easy to Obtain. Most scaled figures can be pre-ordered from multiple sources. If the item is a Good Smile Company product, you can pre-order it from their online shop. If it isn’t a GSC product, there are various sources to go through assuming the company making the item doesn’t have their own website.

And should you miss the pre-order period for whatever reason, most figures will eventually show up for sale used somewhere. Mandarake and AmiAmi both sell used figures.

Middle

Price. The number one turn off for most fans is the price tag on scaled figures. The nicest ones will easily put a dent in the wallet of an average person. However, the price is far from a con. You pay for what you get.

It may be something that turns people away but it isn’t something that should. The prices are actually rather cheap when compared to other products. Just compare the 1/4 Scaled Hatsune Miku (¥25,741) with the Steiff x Hatsune Miku bear (¥36,111).

Occasional Issues. Sometimes, there isn’t enough support for a figure or something is more flimsy than originally thought. Racing Miku 2011 ver. is infamous among the avid collectors for its tendency to break.

However, this is a rarity. Usually the figures hold up well so long as you are gentle with them. The largest problem most people have is parts of the figure eventually leaning or sagging. This issue can be fixed by a few days in the plastic blister pack the figure came in.

Size. 1/7 and 1/8 Scaled figures are rather large, most clocking in slightly over 200mm. Though some, like the Deep Sea Girl are shorter but have quite a bit of width to them.

Fragile. Scaled figures are very fragile compared to more flexible figures. While Nendos can usually survive a fall with a small scuff and figmas are also rather durable, scaled figures are more likely to take quite a bit of damage. While this isn’t a problem if the figures are displayed somewhere safe, keeping them somewhere that they can fall is dangerous.

Cons

Removable Parts. If a scaled figure has parts that aren’t connected to the figure, it’s sometimes difficult to put them in the proper place and possibly hard to keep them there as well. Even the smallest movement can lead to the piece coming out of place.

Small Parts. Coupled with the fragile nature of scaled figures, small parts suddenly become very easy to accidentally remove even when they’re not supposed to be removable. In other words, there’s a chance that these small pieces will break off. Once again, it’s very important that you take care of your figures. Though all figures can suffer from damage after a fall, scaled figures tend to take falls the worst.

Cleaning. Probably the most frustrating part of scaled figures is also the most enchanting: the incredible attention to detail. Though this brings the figures to life and makes them works of art, it also leads to many small nooks and crannies that dust can get into. If you don’t have the right tools, it can be difficult to properly clean the figures. However, it’s not difficult to obtain the proper tools. (Though it’s still a bit difficult to dust all the nooks and crannies of some of the more complicated figures.) A soft makeup or paint brush works great as a duster for all types of figures. Make sure not to buy an extremely cheap one, though. You want to make sure that the bristles won’t fall out in the areas you’re trying to clean.

In Conclusion

If you’re interested in VOCALOID figure collecting, you have a lot to choose from. You can go with the pose-able Nendoroids if you find the deformed chibi look appealing or choose figmas if you’d like pose-ability but prefer a more realistic scale. If you want a realistic looking figure and don’t care if you can’t move their limbs, you can choose from prize machine or scaled figures depending on your price range.

Should you be interested in something more casual and inexpensive, Nendoroid Petites and Nendoroid Plus figures are both options.

And if you’re into collecting slightly rarer items, prize figures are right up your alley.

There’s so much to choose from but that means that everyone can find something that works for them. Buying figures is a great way to not only support your favorite VOCALOIDs but also to display your love of them.

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Stay tuned for the next article in the VOCALOID Figure Collecting series: Bootleg Figures