How to Start an Anime Figure Collection: Beginner Tips

Every anime collection starts with one figure. The hard part is the second, third and tenth: what to buy, how much to spend and how to keep the shelf from turning into a random pile. These are the tips we give first-time collectors at our Chennai stores, plus five pieces that make a good start.

Start with one series you love

The easiest collections to enjoy are built around a single show. Pick the series you rewatch, not the one that is trending, and let the shelf tell that story. Once one series feels complete, adding a second one is easy, and the two groups will still look tidy side by side.

Begin small with chibi and mini sets

Mini and chibi sets are the cheapest way to get a whole cast on your shelf at once. They take very little space, they look good in a line on a desk or a bookshelf, and they help you work out which characters you like enough to buy as a bigger figure later. Browse all of them in Mini & Chibi Figures.

Demon Slayer 15pcs Set (₹1,999)

The Demon Slayer 15pcs Set has fifteen mini figures, each about 6 to 7cm, in a sitting chibi style. The photo shows Tanjiro, Nezuko, Zenitsu and Inosuke alongside Hashira such as Rengoku and Mitsuri. Fifteen pieces is a full Demon Slayer shelf in one box. More from the series is in our Demon Slayer collection.

One Piece Chibi Figure Set, 8 pieces (₹1,799)

Most One Piece sets stick to the Straw Hats. The One Piece Chibi Figure Set goes wider: Doflamingo, Law, Boa Hancock, Ace, Jinbe, Blackbeard, Mihawk and Buggy, each on its own round black base. It is a nice way to cover the rivals and allies before you go after bigger figures. See more in One Piece.

Kakashi and Ninja Dogs Chibi Figure Set, 6 pieces (₹1,399)

A themed set rather than a random mix: the Kakashi and Ninja Dogs Chibi Set puts Kakashi Hatake with his ninja hounds, Pakkun included. Small themed groups like this give a shelf a little scene instead of a row of poses.

Then add one centrepiece figure

Once you have a small line-up, one bigger figure gives the shelf a focal point. Put it in the middle or at the back and let the minis sit in front. A figure with an effect part or a base makes the best centrepiece because it already looks like a scene.

Naruto Uzumaki Adult Rasengan PVC Figure (₹1,759)

The Naruto Adult Rasengan Figure shows Naruto from the Boruto era in his mesh shirt, a Rasengan in one hand and a blue swirl effect around the rocky base. It comes with an extra head bust you can display beside it. It is an affordable first big figure for a Naruto shelf.

Gojo Satoru Hollow Technique PVC Figure (₹4,000)

If Jujutsu Kaisen is your series, the Gojo Satoru Hollow Technique Figure catches Gojo mid-strike with large blue, pink and purple energy effects around his fist. The effect parts spread wide, so give it shelf room. More in our Jujutsu Kaisen collection.

Five habits that keep a collection looking good

Set a monthly budget. One planned buy a month builds a better shelf than five impulse buys.
Check the size in the title. A 6cm chibi and a 30cm figure look very different next to each other. Plan the shelf before you order.
Keep the box and spare parts. Extra heads and effect parts are easy to lose, and a box makes moving house much safer.
Keep figures out of direct sunlight. Strong sun can fade paint over time. Dust them with a soft brush.
Look at every photo before you buy. Check the face, the paint and the base, and read what is included.

For more detail, read our guides on how to choose an anime figure and how to display and care for figures.

See figures in person in Chennai

Seeing the size of a figure in your hand helps a lot when you are starting out. Baka Store has two stores in Chennai, in Navalur and at BSR Mall. Stock moves between the stores and online, so message us first to check that the piece you want is there. Addresses and timings are on our stores page.

Frequently asked questions

What should my first anime figure be?

Start with a character from the series you love most. A mini or chibi set is a low-cost way to begin, and one larger figure can follow once you know what you like.

What is the difference between a chibi figure and a regular figure?

Chibi figures are small and stylised, with big heads and short bodies, and usually come in sets. Regular figures are taller, with more realistic proportions and more detail.