ANN Holiday Gift Guide 2021

Collectibles

There are a lot of things to consider when choosing what figure to put on your shelf. Do you want something posable, cost affordable, highly-detailed, or some combination of the three? There's also the fact that many figures, especially the pricier options, require putting down for a pre-order many months in advance. When it comes to this list of collectibles, I tried to offer a variety for shoppers that are on a budget and those who want to splurge while also limiting it, with the exception of our sponsored items below, to items that will get here before the New Year and are representative of some of the most popular series.

Kyojuro Rengoku ArtFX J Figure (Demon Slayer)

Kicking this list off with a blast of fiery passion is none other than the Flame Hashira Kyojuro Rengoku, who is also the star of the record-smashing film Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Movie: Mugen Train. This ArtFX J figure recreates Rengoku's swirling haori in impressive detail, emphasizing the movements of his Flame Breathing style as well as his intense personality.

Retail Price: US$169.99
Publisher: Kotobukiya
Shopping Link: Amazon

Megumi Fushiguro ArtFX J Figure (Jujutsu Kaisen)

On the other end of the personality spectrum is the stoic and contemplative Megumi Fushiguro, whose subdued outward presence brings a strong contrast to the energetic and oftentimes goofy cast of Jujutsu Kaisen. This doesn't mean that his combat abilities are any less distinctive or potent, however, and this figure, which is modeled after an original illustration, showcases him summoning his "Divine Dog" shikigami to action.

Retail Price: US$149.99
Publisher: Kotobukiya
Shopping Link: BAIT

Eren Yaeger ArtFX J Renewal Package Ver. Figure (Attack On Titan)

Eren Yaeger is no doubt recognizable as the protagonist of the immensely popular Attack On Titan series. However, for those of us who have been keeping up with the anime's recent developments, it has been a while since we have seen Eren quite this way, clad in his Survey Corps uniform and vertical maneuvering equipment. This renewal package variant of the ArtFX J figure recreates in detail the very moment he slashes at a Titan's nape, down to the individual components of his gear and the slash marks on the tree trunk. But in a different sense, it also immortalizes the innocent determination of a boy who thought the Titans were humanity's sole enemy.

Retail Price: US$119.99
Publisher: Kotobukiya
Shopping Link : Crunchyroll Store

Katsuki Bakugo Ver.2 ArtFX J Figure (My Hero Academia)

If there is one thing that truly encapsulates the essence of My Hero Academia's Katsuki Bakugo, it is the word "explosive"; aside from his name, it is also something that fittingly describes his Quirk, disposition, and even his popularity among the MHA fandom. Above all else, his character design and hero outfit just scream volatility, an aspect that is brought to life in this brand new, stunningly detailed ArtFX J figure.

Retail Price: US$179.99
Publisher: Kotobukiya
Shopping Link: Amazon

Hatsune Miku feat. My Little Pony Bishoujo Statue

Hatsune Miku gets an equine partner to join her in song and dance! This collaboration between Kotobukiya and Hasbro features a Hatsune Miku design by illustrator Shunya Yamashita and a unique "Miku Pony" that is specially designed for this statue, making it a must-have for any passionate My Little Pony fan.

Retail Price: US$139.99
Publisher: Kotobukiya
Shopping Link: Sideshow

Evangelion Test Type-01 Poseable Figure (Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon A Time)

Wielding the Spear of Cassius as a symbol of hope, this poseable figure of Unit-01 marks the beginning of the iconic scene that brought the Evangelion series to a fitting resolution. It also comes with a Pallet Rifle, a Progressive Knife, and optional hands to allow for a further degree of customizability.

Retail Price: US$74.99
Publisher: TAMASHII NATIONS
Shopping Link: RightStuf

Sakura Haruno & Hinata Hyuga Look Up Series Naruto Figure Set With Gift (Naruto Shippuden)

There are some days when you just want a pair of anime girls to look at you with kind eyes and warm smiles to reassure yourself that everything is going to be okay – all the better if they are characters you grew up with, like Naruto's Hinata Hyuga and Sakura Haruno. Megahouse's "look up" series of figures, which feature characters sitting and looking upwards (with adjustable neck joints!), are the perfect gifts for those among your otaku friends who are feeling somewhat down or stressed-out as of late.

Retail Price: US$82.99
Publisher: MEGAHOUSE
Shopping Link: RightStuf

Palamute Statue Figure (Monster Hunter Rise)

The figure for the loyal and fearless hunters' companion introduced in Monster Hunter Rise has received premium treatment from Capcom. Looming atop a moss-covered stone alongside a Cohoot owl guide, the dignified beast has been lovingly recreated, with detailed shading across its fur, claws, ears, and tail. Costing 200 bucks apiece, the statue is also on the pricier end of this list, but you know this good boy is worth it.

Also note that the statue is produced in limited quantities and sold on a first-come-first-serve basis, so make sure to be quick with your purchase if you do decide to grab one.

Retail Price: US$201.99
Publisher: Capcom
Shopping Link: RightStuf

Katsuki Bakugo Ichiban Figure (My Hero Academia The Movie World Heroes Mission)

I know, I know – this is the second time Bakugo appeared on this list. But hear me out: this one features the slick new "stealth suit" that series creator Kōhei Horikoshi personally designed for its characters for The My Hero Academia The Movie World Heroes Mission film, so it's definitely worth collecting for any diehard Bakugo fan. Bakugo's figure by Bandai comes with a replaceable hood, a defensive stance, and a slightly annoyed expression – as if the villain in need of blasting is not even worth his time.

Retail Price: US$44.99
Publisher: BANDAI FIGURE
Shopping Link: RightStuf

Blue Rose Sword Proplica (Sword Art Online: Alicization - War of Underworld)

If your gift recipient is not keen on figures and model kits, or if you're simply looking for something a little more substantial, then you might want to take a gander at Bandai's "Proplica" ("prop" + "replica") toy line, which features 1/1 scale replicas of accessories and armaments in anime. The Proplica in the spotlight this time around is the Blue Rose Sword, Eugeo's personal sword from the Sword Art Online: Alicization - War of Underworld anime. As befitting of a sword that symbolizes the connection between Eugeo and Kirito, It can play over a hundred of Eugeo and Kirito's lines (as well as battle music) from the anime at the press of a button.

Retail Price: US$119.99
Publisher: TAMASHII NATIONS
Shopping Link: RightStuf

Godzilla Ultima S.H. Monsterarts Figure (Godzilla Singular Point)

The Godzilla Singular Point anime gave us one of the most distinctive and downright chilling iterations of the King of Monsters to date, with ANN reviewer James Beckett describing it as "completely alien" and having "not a hint of anthropomorphic humanity". That's all thanks to Singular Point's kaiju designer Eiji Yamamori, who also personally supervised the creation of this Godzilla Ultima figure by S.H. Figuarts. From the color gradations on its chest, arms and fins to its 17-inch (!!) tail, no effort is spared in making this figure appropriately monstrous. Just look at that mess of pores and teeth...eugh.

Retail Price: US$114.99
Publisher: TAMASHII NATIONS
Shopping Link: RightStuf

Dynazenon MODEROID Model Kit (SSSS.DYNAZENON)

In terms of the sheer number of ways you can display your purchase, Goodsmile's MODEROID Dynazenon model kit is probably the most bang you can get for your buck. This is because this wondrous piece of engineering allows for not one, not two, but TEN different configurations. Indeed, like its anime counterpart, this Dynazenon can be reconfigured into Dynarex or split up into Dynasoldier, Dynawing, Dynastriker, and Dynadiver. From there, Dynasoldier can be combined with other components into Dynasoldier Wing, Dynasoldier Striker, Dynasoldier Diver, or even converted into Dynamic Cannon. The only combination missing is the Kaiser Gridknight, but that's probably too much of an ask at this point.

Retail Price: US$74.99
Publisher: GOOD SMILE
Shopping Link: RightStuf

Portrait of Pirates One Piece "SA-MAXIMUM" – Monkey D Luffy Gear 4 "Bounceman" Ver. 2 (One Piece)

The popular P.O.P "MAXIMUM" Luffy Gear 4 "Bounceman" figure by Megahouse has been revamped with a brand new sculpt. Based on Luffy's fight with Donquixote Doflamingo during the Dressrosa Saga, this version places a stronger emphasis on Luffy's unstoppable momentum in his Bounce-Man form, matched with a more fiercely intense expression on his face.

Retail Price: US$289.99
Publisher: MEGAHOUSE
Shopping Link: RightStuf

Dio Brando Nendoroid Figure (Jojo's Bizarre Adventure)

"It was me, Dio!" Dio Brando, archnemesis of the Joestar family and origin of many timeless JoJo memes, returns to the Nendoroid lineup in his classic outfit from Part 1, ready to steal first-kisses once again. Aside from the rose, you can also equip Dio with the Stone Mask that turned him into a vampire, display him in his floating head form from the end of Part 1, or choose from one of three different faceplates: a confident smirk, a serious expression, and most important of all, the legendary "WRYYYYY".

Retail Price: US$54.99
Publisher: MEDICOS ENTERTAINMENT
Shopping Link: RightStuf

Louis of Shishigumi (BEASTARS)

With a billowing jacket and a taunting smile, this figure of Louis radiates hostility and intimidation. This is not Louis the drama club head or the Beastar candidate — this is Louis of Shishigumi, the herbivore who rebelled against his biological instincts and became the leader of a carnivore criminal syndicate.

Retail Price: US$126.99
Publisher: MEGAHOUSE
Shopping Link: RightStuf