Originating in Japan’s ACG circle in the 1980s, anime figures are limited-edition anime peripheral models, a creative combination of anime and toys derived from anime and film characters/items. Main static non-articulated types include high-priced, handcrafted resin GK (Garage Kit) and affordable, mass-produced PVC PF (PVC Figure); in a broader sense, they also cover Nendoroids, gashapon and prize figures. Initially popular as collectible anime peripherals, the industry has globalized with mature business models in Japan and the US (e.g., Disney’s IP-toy integration), while China is fast developing the sector—with enterprises like AOXU Animation integrating toy production and original content, and cross-border integration with the gaming industry driving mutual traffic. Originality, interactivity and faithful reproduction of anime images define the core characteristics of the anime figure industry.

This article offers a comprehensive overview of the world's most renowned action figure brands, spanning both global giants and niche specialists. From long-established industry leaders like Hasbro and Mattel with their iconic IP collaborations, to Japanese powerhouses such as Bandai and Mega House that excel in anime and mecha-themed collectibles, it covers brands across different market segments. It also spotlights premium manufacturers like Hot Toys, celebrated for their hyper-realistic 1/6 scale figures, and fan-favorite labels including McFarlane Toys, Funko, NECA and Mezco, each distinguished by unique craftsmanship styles and thematic focuses. Whether you are a casual fan seeking pop culture-inspired toys or a seasoned collector hunting for high-end, intricately detailed pieces, this roundup serves as a valuable guide to the standout players shaping the action figure industry.

ABS figurines are high-performance plastic collectibles crafted from acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, a material that blends hardness, toughness, and glossiness to deliver exceptional durability and dimensional stability. Widely used in iconic toys like LEGO bricks and Bearbrick figures, ABS is non-toxic, stain-resistant, and ideal for structural components such as movable joints. Often combined with PVC for a balance of aesthetic detail and strength, ABS figurines stand out for their impact resistance and safety.

This article breaks down the key differences between three common materials used in toy and figure production—resin, rotocasting, and rigid PVC: it starts by defining each material, then uses a table to compare core features like hardness, structure, manufacturing process, weight, and applications, before outlining their respective pros and cons and concluding with practical material recommendations tailored to specific use cases.

This brief overview clarifies the definition, properties, production methods and application scope of PU prototypes and PU figures in the toy industry. Starting with PU resin—a high-molecular compound that outperforms PVC and ABS in toughness, shape retention and texture—it explains that PU figures are fabricated either by light-curing 3D printing for prototypes or silicone mold casting for small-batch runs. Widely recognized as "resin toys" in designer and art toy circles, PU resin products are the top choice for GK kits thanks to their excellent detail reproduction, customizable colors and smooth, ivory-like finish. Yet their inherent drawbacks—higher material costs, brittle texture, limited silicone mold lifespan and reliance on manual finishing—prevent mass production, making them suitable exclusively for small-scale, high-end toy manufacturing with a higher per-unit cost than PVC or ABS alternatives.

This is a Christmas-themed thank-you letter from Demeng Toy to all its customers. Opening with a warm festive atmosphere, it sincerely expresses gratitude to customers for their long-term trust and support, and conveys heartfelt Christmas and New Year wishes.

Originating in Japan from early 20th-century lucky bags and 1980s Gachapon capsule toys, blind boxes (also called mystery boxes or blind bags) have evolved into a global phenomenon. These sealed packages contain unknown collectible items—usually figurines sold in sets—with the thrill lying in the element of surprise upon unboxing, often likened to the famous line from Forrest Gump: “Life is like a blind box; you never know what you’ll unbox next.” Driven by unique designs tied to popular IPs such as Molly and PUCKY, plus the allure of rare hidden variants, blind boxes have captivated enthusiasts worldwide. They not only satisfy aesthetic and collecting desires but also foster vibrant online communities for trading and sharing, while resonating deeply with younger generations as a symbol of cute culture, emotional fulfillment, and a pursuit of quality life.

Gashapon, or capsule toys, are small collectibles sold randomly from vending machines in sealed, egg-shaped plastic capsules. Each contains a toy from a themed series, so buyers never know which one they’ll get, making collecting and trading fun—especially among anime fans. The trend began in Japan in the early 1980s for model enthusiasts, then grew popular in the 1990s with anime characters like Sailor Moon. Kaiyodo, a leading maker, produces thousands of types, from heroes and monsters to dinosaurs, with such detail that some models are shown in museums. Though challenging to make, their quality has won global praise. Gashapon has also spread to places like Hong Kong and mainland China in recent years.

Art toys, also known as designer toys, are a creative cultural phenomenon born in Hong Kong in the late 20th century, blending artistic value with collectible appeal through three‑dimensional vinyl works crafted by designers and artists. Sparked in 1999 by Michael Lau’s street‑style vinyl figure and Eric So’s fashion‑themed Bruce Lee action figure, the trend swiftly grew into a global movement, dividing into Western designer toys and Japanese trend toys like Be@rbrick. Defined by limited editions and the fusion of art creation, they allow artists to reimagine existing models or invent original IP characters, with auction values soaring—Yoshitomo Nara’s limited figures have fetched 20 times their original price, and Takashi Murakami’s prototypes have exceeded $560,000. Today, while mainland China’s Pop Mart leads via designer incubation and omnichannel expansion, the industry remains emerging, balancing overseas imports with domestic innovation. From underground exhibitions to record‑breaking sales, art toys have evolved beyond collectibles into recognized artworks, embraced by global legends like KAWS, Gary Baseman, and others, and celebrated as a unique intersection of toy, fashion, and art.

Creating a lifelike anime figure is a meticulous journey that blends artistry, technology, and precision—here’s how Demeng Toy, a seasoned anime figure manufacturer with over a decade of expertise, brings 2D characters to vivid 3D life. Specializing in custom PVC painted figurines, Demeng Toy walks through the four core stages of production: prototype development (the most time-consuming and critical step, evolving from hand-sculpting with clay/putty to streamlined 3D printing), mold creation (balancing cost and scale with PVC or steel molds), painting & assembly (machine-sprayed base coats plus hand-detailed finishes, followed by careful part assembly), and packaging & transportation (dual-layer protection with secure inner foam/PVC boxes and eye-catching outer displays featuring viewing windows). From gray model (GK) refinements to mold line polishing and hand-painted nuances, each step ensures the final figurine captures the character’s essence—proving that even a small collectible demands intricate craftsmanship and significant manpower to shine in perfect form.

Originally referring to all kinds of humanoid or object models, the term figure, with the rise of anime culture, come to denote character models based on ACG (Anime, Comics, and Games) roles. While many are puzzled by their high prices—ranging from tens to hundreds of dollars—figures are far more than simple humanoid toys: crafting a high‑quality piece demands deep knowledge of human anatomy and advanced 3D modeling skills, often taking around a month, unlike mass‑produced clay dolls or regular toys. Their expense stems from three key factors: a manual production process​ that involves mold creation, assembly, and detailed hand‑painting, with sculptors sometimes spending weeks perfecting intricate details, and authentic figures issued as limited editions whose scarcity drives prices up after production ends, while counterfeits vary wildly in quality; anime copyright fees, since licensing character designs from companies such as Aniplex or Bandai adds substantial cost—explaining why genuine figures are pricier and fakes cheaper—yet supporting official releases also sustains the anime industry; and value beyond materials, because figures are treasured not merely for plastic and craftsmanship but for the meaning fans invest in them, transforming 2D characters into tangible 3D forms that embody dreams, passion, and support for creators, bringing deep joy when displayed. In essence, anime figures merge artistry, craftsmanship, intellectual property rights, and heartfelt connection, making them far more than decorative collectibles.

This article offers a comprehensive overview of common plastic materials and the diverse types of figures they produce, highlighting how material choice shapes form, function, and appeal. It explains that plastic figures—lightweight, durable, and colorful—are primarily made from ABS, PP, PVC, or resin, with each material serving distinct purposes: ABS for complex structures, PP for child-safe toys, PVC for finely painted collectibles, and resin for premium, limited‑edition anime or game figurines. Action figures, typically crafted from PVC or TPR via roto‑casting or injection molding, boast smooth or matte surfaces, impact resistance, and vivid surface treatments such as painting, electroplating, or UV printing, making them staples of trendy toys and IP derivatives. Injection molding enables low‑cost mass production, while roto‑casting yields hollow, flexible yet durable figures with a texture between soft rubber and hard plastic. Resin figures, made from epoxy or PU resin using casting methods, excel in reproducing intricate details like skin textures and fabric folds, often enhanced by meticulous hand‑painting techniques for rich, lasting colors; though heavier, costlier, and more brittle, they hold high artistic and collectible value, with some using eco‑friendly bio‑based resins. Compared to plush figures, roto‑cast figures are more impact‑resistant and design‑versatile, though they feel colder in winter. Overall, the article illustrates how material properties, production techniques, and finishing processes converge to create figures spanning affordable blind boxes to high‑end collectibles across art toys, anime IP derivatives, and themed collections.