Manga Figure: How to Choose Your First Figure?

Buying your first manga or anime figure is often a special moment. You see a character you love, a pose that catches your eye, a box that makes you want it... and you wonder if it's the right choice.

Between licenses, characters, sizes, prices, and different ranges, it's normal to hesitate at first. Should you choose a figure from your favorite anime? A larger piece? An inexpensive figure to start with? Or go directly for a favorite model?

At Susume, we often see customers choosing their very first figure. Here are some simple tips to avoid mistakes and, most importantly, find a piece you'll truly enjoy displaying.

1. Start with a Universe That Truly Speaks to You

The most important thing isn't to choose the rarest or most expensive figure. It's to choose a figure related to a universe you truly love.

If One Piece has been with you for years, a figure of Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, or Chopper will inevitably hold special value. If your first big anime crush was Dragon Ball, Naruto, Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, or My Hero Academia, starting with one of these universes is often a good idea.

A first figure is rarely a completely rational purchase. It's often a character, a scene, an energy, or a memory that you want to keep close.

2. Choose a Character You Really Want to Display

A figure isn't just stored in a drawer. It's placed on a shelf, a desk, a bookcase, or in a display case. It's part of the decor, but also a bit of your fan story.

Before buying, ask yourself a simple question: will I still enjoy seeing this character in several months?

If the answer is yes, you're probably on the right track. A character who has left a mark on you will always have more impact than a figure chosen simply because it's popular.

For a first figure, main characters often remain safe bets: Luffy, Goku, Naruto, Tanjiro, Gojo, Deku, Pikachu, Vegeta, Zoro, Itachi, or Nezuko. But if your favorite character is more secondary, it's sometimes even better: your collection will reflect you more.

3. Don't Just Look at the Height: Think About the Overall Presence

The indicated size of a figure can sometimes be misleading. A figure advertised at 9 cm might appear more imposing than a 16 cm figure, depending on the character's pose, base, effects, or position.

A character sitting, crouching, leaning, or in the middle of an attack will not give the same impression as a character standing tall and straight. Two figures can therefore have different heights on paper, but a similar presence once displayed.

For a first figure, don't focus solely on the number of centimeters. Instead, try to imagine the effect it will have once placed on a shelf, desk, or in a display case.

A small figure with a beautiful pose can sometimes catch the eye more than a larger but simpler figure. Conversely, some large pieces have a real presence and immediately become the centerpiece of the collection.

In general, figures between 15 and 25 cm are very practical for beginners. But the most important thing remains the overall presence: the pose, the character's attitude, the details, and the crush you feel when you see it.

4. Set a Budget Without Pressure

There are manga figures for almost every budget. You don't need to start with a very expensive piece to enjoy yourself.

• Less than €20: mini figures, small pieces, blind boxes, or Funko Pops depending on the license.
• Between €25 and €40: a very good budget for a first real manga figure.
• Between €40 and €70: larger, more detailed, or slightly more elaborate figures.
• More than €70: premium figures, collector's items, or more imposing models.

To start, a budget around €30 to €40 is often an excellent compromise. You can already find very beautiful figures without feeling like you're taking a big risk.

The right budget is primarily the one that allows you to buy with pleasure, without regrets afterwards.

5. Standard Figure or Premium Figure: What to Choose to Start?

A standard figure is often the best choice for a first piece. It's accessible, easy to display, and allows you to discover the joy of collecting without necessarily investing a large budget.

A premium figure, on the other hand, generally offers more details, a more impressive pose, a better finish, or a larger size. It can be magnificent, but it's not a requirement to start.

If you have a real crush on a premium piece and the budget allows, why not. But if you hesitate, simply start with a figure you truly like. A collection is built little by little.

6. Check That the Figure Is Official

When you're starting out, you can quickly be tempted by very low prices found online. The problem is that in the world of manga figures, counterfeits exist.

An official figure generally offers better paint quality, a cleaner finish, a more carefully designed box, and respects the original license. For a first figure, this is important: you want to have a good memory of your purchase, not be disappointed when opening the box.

To avoid unpleasant surprises, opt for a specialized store with official products, clearly indicated brands, and someone able to advise you if you have any doubts.

7. Consider Where You Will Display It

Before buying, think about where the figure will live. On a desk, a piece that is too imposing can quickly become a hindrance. On a shelf, the available height matters a lot. In a display case, you can afford larger models or several figures from the same license.

The character's position also plays a huge role. A figure with a large sword, attack effects, wings, a cape, or an elaborate base can have a much stronger presence than it appears.

A little tip: if you feel like you might buy more later, keep a little space reserved. A first figure rarely leads to a collection of just one piece.

8. If It's a Gift, Go for a Safe Bet

Giving a manga figure as a gift is an excellent idea, but you should avoid choosing completely at random.

The easiest way is to know at least one license the person likes. If they are a fan of One Piece, Dragon Ball, Naruto, Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, Pokémon, or My Hero Academia, you already have a good direction.

If you don't know their favorite character, choose a main or very popular character instead. And if you have any doubts, ask for advice in a store: it's often the best way to avoid a duplicate or a character they might not like as much.

9. Mistakes to Avoid for a First Figure

To get off to a good start, especially avoid these few pitfalls:

• Buying solely because the price is very low.
• Choosing a figure based only on the indicated number of centimeters.
• Picking a character you only moderately like just because they are popular.
• Not checking if the figure is official.
• Forgetting that the pose and overall presence completely change the effect of a figure.

A good first figure should above all make you want to look at it. Price, size, and rarity matter, but a "coup de cœur" (love at first sight) remains the best starting point.

Conclusion: Choose a Figure That Tells You Something

A first manga figure is not just an object you place on a shelf. It's often a character who has left a mark on you, your first anime, a scene that gave you chills, a hero who accompanied you for a long time, or a current favorite that you want to keep close.

Therefore, there is no universal perfect choice. The right figure is the one that makes you smile when you see it. The one you want to display. The one that reminds you why you love this universe.

Whether it's a figure of Luffy, Goku, Naruto, Tanjiro, Gojo, Pikachu, or a lesser-known but important character to you, the best start to a collection is the one that reflects you.

At Susume, we offer manga and anime figures for all profiles: first figure, gift, crush, collection by license, or more premium pieces.

Want to find your first figure? Discover our available figures online or visit our store in Marcinelle to see them in person, compare styles, and choose the one that truly speaks to you.