Figma

Introduction

Figma (Japanese: フィグマ, Hepburn: Figuma) is a Japanese line of highly articulated action figures produced by Good Smile Company and their partner company Max Factory. Launched in 2008, Figma figures are known for their balance of detailed sculpting, realistic proportions (compared to super deformed figures like Nendoroids), extensive poseability through numerous points of articulation, and a wide array of interchangeable parts and accessories. The line covers a broad spectrum of characters from popular anime, manga, video games, and other media. Figmas are primarily designed for collectors who wish to display characters in dynamic poses and recreate scenes from their source material.

History

The Figma line originated from a collaboration between Good Smile Company and Max Factory, a company founded by veteran modeler and sculptor Max Watanabe. Max Factory was already known for its garage kits and scale figures. The concept for Figma was to create a standardized series of poseable action figures that were easy to collect and offered a high degree of articulation and detail at a reasonable price point.

The first Figma figure, Figma SP001, was a limited release bundled with the PlayStation 2 game *Fate/tiger colosseum* in January 2008. The standalone retail line officially began shortly after with the release of Figma 001, Shiina Amatsuka. The line quickly gained popularity, becoming a major product pillar for both Good Smile Company and Max Factory. Its consistent quality, articulation system, and extensive character selection from popular franchises solidified its place in the market for poseable anime figures.

Characteristics and Design

Figma figures are defined by their emphasis on poseability and detailed, character-accurate sculpts:

• Articulation: Figmas feature numerous points of articulation using a standardized joint system (often referred to as "Figma joints"). These joints are designed to be smooth yet hold poses securely, allowing for a wide range of dynamic and subtle movements without significantly disrupting the figure's silhouette.
• Standard Size: Most standard Figma figures are approximately 13-15 centimeters (approx. 5-6 inches) tall, making them roughly comparable in size to many other action figure lines.
• Accurate Sculpting: Unlike the stylized chibi look of Nendoroids, Figmas aim to reproduce character designs with more accurate proportions and details relative to their original appearance.
• Interchangeable Parts: Figures come with multiple face plates displaying different expressions, a variety of interchangeable hand parts for holding accessories or different gestures, and character-specific accessories and props.
• Poseable Stand: Almost every Figma includes an articulated stand (typically clear plastic) that plugs into a port on the figure's back. This stand provides support for dynamic aerial or balancing poses.

Disadvantages

Potential drawbacks associated with Figma figures include:

• Cost: While generally less expensive than high-end static scale figures, individual Figma figures can still represent a significant investment, especially for collectors building a large collection or seeking limited/exclusive releases.
• Fragility of Small Parts/Joints: Due to the emphasis on articulation and inclusion of numerous small accessories and hand parts, some components, particularly thin joint pegs, can be prone to breakage if mishandled or stressed.
• Joint Quality Variation: Although designed with a standard system, the stiffness or looseness of joints can sometimes vary between figures or even individual joints on the same figure, occasionally impacting posing stability.
• Risk of Bootlegs: Like other popular figure lines from major Japanese manufacturers, Figma figures are frequently counterfeited. Unofficial "bootleg" versions are common and typically feature lower plastic quality, poor paintwork, loose or fragile joints, and inaccurate sculpts. Purchasing from reputable sources is crucial to avoid fakes.