7 Mistakes to Avoid When Starting a Manga Figurine Collection (and How to Fix Them)

Everyone starts somewhere. Mine was a Goku. A Banpresto Vibration Stars I bought on eBay for €18… or so I thought. When I opened the box: rickety box, unstable base, smeared paint. He was missing an ear. Since then, I've learned to sniff out counterfeits and guide other collectors to avoid the pitfalls.

✨ Do you want to start a real collection? With stylish, official pieces that you can proudly display (and not regret in 3 months)? Here are the 7 mistakes I still see too often, and how to avoid them like a pro.

Mistake #1 – Getting fooled by a fake figurine

It often starts like this: an “original Banpresto” ad on Vinted or eBay. Tempting price. You click. You pay. And you get… a fake. Smeared paint, stickerless box, cheap plastic. And then you realize: it was too good to be true.

🕒 I've seen fake Tanjiro figures with blurry eyes, poorly molded Goku figures, and bases that don't fit together. At Japan Sama , we import exclusively from Japan via reliable sources and we check each box by hand to ensure they are sealed and authentic.

👉 To learn how to spot real vs fake: Banpresto Comparative Guide

Mistake #2 – Buying without knowing the collections

You see a Demon Slayer figure for €19, then another for €54, then another for €28. It's completely unclear. But behind each price lies a different collection —with its own codes, formats, style... and price positioning.

• Q Posket → 14 cm chibi, stylized face, upright pose — 💸 €
• Vibration Stars → dynamic pose, action effects — 💸 €€
• Luminasta (SEGA) → careful details, almost premium rendering — 💸 €€€
• Ichiban Kuji → lottery figurines, limited editions — 💸 €€€€

🧠 One figurine = one collection = one level of detail = one positioning. Learn to recognize them → you'll avoid unpleasant surprises and make an informed choice.

Mistake #3 – Not checking the size (and getting caught out)

You order a figurine that looks “too beautiful” in the photo. You expect a 10-inch beast. It arrives… it’s the size of a mug.

✨ Yes, some Q Poskets are only 14 cm. And that's normal. But if you don't read the product sheet correctly, you risk disappointment.

• Q Posket: 14 cm (standard)
• Vibration Stars: 15 to 17 cm
• Ichiban Kuji A Lot: 18 to 22 cm

📏 On Japan Sama , sizes are indicated precisely (never “approximately”). Remember this: the size is always in centimeters, not a visual promise.

Mistake #4 – Thinking that “more expensive = always better”

We've all thought it at first: "If it's more expensive, it's better." But in the world of manga figurines, it's not that simple. A Q Posket can have an adorable, clean, and well-finished look, while a so-called "premium" figurine that's poorly produced or sold too expensively on the secondary market can disappoint.

🧠 The price depends on several factors:
– the collection (e.g. prize vs Kuji)
– rarity (limited edition or not)
– the design (simple or dynamic pose)
– the time you buy it (new or resold later)

💡 What you need to look at is the intention:
– Want a cute figurine to display? A Q Posket will do the trick.
– Want an iconic fighting pose? Check out Vibration Stars .
– Do you want a more elaborate, visually striking piece? Luminasta or Ichiban Kuji can be real gems.

✨ It's not "the most expensive" that you should look for, but "the most fair" for what you really want to exhibit.

Mistake #5 – Collecting without a big picture vision

A Q Posket, a Goku Vibration Stars, a One Piece Ichiban Kuji… in the end, your display case looks like a puzzle. And you lose all the visual impact you could achieve with a little more consistency.

🧠 Of course, everyone collects in their own way. But if you really want to showcase your collection, you can think about a common thread:

• Theme: focus on a license like Demon Slayer or Dragon Ball / One Piece
• Stance: All attack poses, all Super Saiyan forms, all fight scenes
• Visual Atmosphere: Chibi format, dark figurines, black base, dynamic collection, etc.

✨ A window display with a clear focus tells a story. And visually, it has much more impact (and helps you make the right choices).

Mistake #6 – Forgetting maintenance and protection

Dust, UV rays, shocks... an unprotected figurine quickly loses its shine. Exposed to direct sunlight, the paint can fade in a few weeks. A shock or fall can break an arm, a visual effect, or a base.

✨ To avoid this:

• Place your figurines away from direct light (avoid windowsills!)
• Use a closed display case (DETOLF type) or an acrylic box for sensitive parts
• Clean them regularly with a soft cloth (microfiber if possible)
• And above all: keeps the boxes (Easily foldable without damaging them to save space)

📦 Why? Because an original box is:
– better protection for moves
– a real added value if you sell one day
– and sometimes, a collector’s design in its own right

Mistake #7 – Waiting too long on limited editions

You see an Ichiban Kuji from Luffy Gear 5. You hesitate. You wait. And it's SOLD OUT the next day. That's from experience. Ichiban Kuji are limited editions, often not reissued.

🕒 Once a series is gone, it's too late (unless you pay triple on resale platforms). If you have a crush and the price is reasonable → go for it. This type of opportunity doesn't wait.

Conclusion – Your collection starts now (and it can be epic)

We all made mistakes at the beginning. That's okay. But you can avoid them. Whether you're a fan of Demon Slayer , One Piece , or Jujutsu Kaisen , what matters is collecting with passion... and with the right information.

🛒 Ready to get started? Browse the entire catalog here: All official figurines .