Difference between revisions of "Non-Japanese Figures and Statues"
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| − | + | ==Unlicensed Non-Japanese Statues and Figures== | |
| + | Expensive unofficial figures/statues of popular anime and video game characters, typically using resin like GKs, but pre-painted. These are not the same category as bootlegs which try to copy existing figures. While these unlicensed figures/statues are modeled without permission from the original IP owner---the designs are technically original and not re-casted or copied from official PVC figures. These figures/statues are often large in scale (1/6 and 1/4) and are very expensive compared to official PVC figures due to limited production runs and heavy weight (for a figure). | ||
| + | |||
| + | Most of the manufacturers do not have official websites due to the duplicitous nature of their business. Almost all manufacturers are based in China or southeast Asia, so expect little quality control from most companies. Preview pictures are frequently 3D renders rather than an actual sample, so don't get overly excited by a fancy design. That being said, unlicensed figures are one way to find lewd takes on flavor of the month characters given the popularity of r18 designs. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Pretty much all of these figures operate on a pre-order system that produces only as much as are ordered. Stores will typically require a deposit to secure an order due to this. Don't expect to be able to re-sell any of these figures, the after market is virtually non-existent. | ||
| + | |||
| + | If it's not obvious enough yet, take everything you see of unlicensed figures with fist-fulls of salt. Some of these figures are genuinely amazing works of art worth the high price. Many are not. If you decide to take a gamble on one, pay attention to the shop options. Many figures have a SFW and a NSFW version, and sometimes there is an option to buy both at the same time. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===Unlicensed Statue and Figure Storefronts=== | ||
| + | |||
| + | *<u>'''[https://www.toypanic.com/ Toy Panic] '''</u> | ||
| + | Site that sells various PVC figures, garage kits, and statues. Better customer service than any site below. Will send pictures of packed products ready for shipment. Offer a variety of shipping options (Pre-COVID). They even offer to hold shipments in their warehouse, helpful for customers in countries impacted by COVID shipping restrictions. Excellent packaging quality and frequent sales on in-stock products. | ||
| + | |||
| + | *<u>'''[http://www.fanaticanimestore.com/ FNC anime] '''</u> | ||
| + | Terrible site with horrendous customer service representatives who will lie about a figures completion / shipping date. They have a wide selection but will frequently sell more figures than they have in stock---leaving customers to beg for refunds before the paypal refund limit is reached. | ||
| + | |||
| + | *<u>'''[https://www.favorgk.com/ Favor GK] '''</u> | ||
| + | Site with above average customer service but unimpressive packaging. You can save money on shipping large figures because they will basically ship it in a cardboard box sized slightly larger than the figure box inside with protective plastic corners added. But large resin large resin figs are sure to break during shipping unless the manufacturer has high quality packaging. | ||
| + | |||
| + | *<u>'''[https://www.gkfigure.com/ GK figure] '''</u> | ||
| + | Smaller selection of figures---there seems to be no consistent theme or reason to their pre-orders when compared to other sites. Good packing though and speedier shipping options compared to other sites (at least for smaller scale figures) | ||
| + | |||
| + | *<u>'''[https://www.populartoyss.com/ Popular Toys] '''</u> | ||
| + | Good site to find older figures if you missed a pre-order date. But they take a very long time to respond to custom service inquiries. Packaging is normal. | ||
Revision as of 17:03, 26 February 2024
Unlicensed Non-Japanese Statues and Figures
Expensive unofficial figures/statues of popular anime and video game characters, typically using resin like GKs, but pre-painted. These are not the same category as bootlegs which try to copy existing figures. While these unlicensed figures/statues are modeled without permission from the original IP owner---the designs are technically original and not re-casted or copied from official PVC figures. These figures/statues are often large in scale (1/6 and 1/4) and are very expensive compared to official PVC figures due to limited production runs and heavy weight (for a figure).
Most of the manufacturers do not have official websites due to the duplicitous nature of their business. Almost all manufacturers are based in China or southeast Asia, so expect little quality control from most companies. Preview pictures are frequently 3D renders rather than an actual sample, so don't get overly excited by a fancy design. That being said, unlicensed figures are one way to find lewd takes on flavor of the month characters given the popularity of r18 designs.
Pretty much all of these figures operate on a pre-order system that produces only as much as are ordered. Stores will typically require a deposit to secure an order due to this. Don't expect to be able to re-sell any of these figures, the after market is virtually non-existent.
If it's not obvious enough yet, take everything you see of unlicensed figures with fist-fulls of salt. Some of these figures are genuinely amazing works of art worth the high price. Many are not. If you decide to take a gamble on one, pay attention to the shop options. Many figures have a SFW and a NSFW version, and sometimes there is an option to buy both at the same time.
Unlicensed Statue and Figure Storefronts
Site that sells various PVC figures, garage kits, and statues. Better customer service than any site below. Will send pictures of packed products ready for shipment. Offer a variety of shipping options (Pre-COVID). They even offer to hold shipments in their warehouse, helpful for customers in countries impacted by COVID shipping restrictions. Excellent packaging quality and frequent sales on in-stock products.
Terrible site with horrendous customer service representatives who will lie about a figures completion / shipping date. They have a wide selection but will frequently sell more figures than they have in stock---leaving customers to beg for refunds before the paypal refund limit is reached.
Site with above average customer service but unimpressive packaging. You can save money on shipping large figures because they will basically ship it in a cardboard box sized slightly larger than the figure box inside with protective plastic corners added. But large resin large resin figs are sure to break during shipping unless the manufacturer has high quality packaging.
Smaller selection of figures---there seems to be no consistent theme or reason to their pre-orders when compared to other sites. Good packing though and speedier shipping options compared to other sites (at least for smaller scale figures)
Good site to find older figures if you missed a pre-order date. But they take a very long time to respond to custom service inquiries. Packaging is normal.
