Figure statistics – Taking stock of the PVC passion
Responding to aurabolt's call for more graphs and further inspired by moyism's breathtaking figure stock-take, here's a rundown of some figures to keep tab of my swiftly-spiralling-out-of-control plastic obsession. First some finanical numbers. 2006 saw the initiation of 14 PVC beauties into my bishoujo harem at the cost of about S$867. As of Aug 2007, I have acquired 12 figures at the expense of S$835. Based on current preorders, I'd finish the year with 18 figures at the projected price of S$1314 which is a good 50% more than last years figure expenditure.
Of course this can mostly be attributed to bursting my figure quota but surely the rising cost of figures played a role. (As shown by plot above, we see how the two lines begin to deviate in the month of Nov 2006). A figure used to be an affordable 4200 yen (especially for Kotobukiya and Megahouse items) that climbed steadily with the big 3 (Alter, Goodsmile Coy and MaxFac) raising their prices from 4800 yen to 6800 yen (for 1/8 figures that is). Of course the added cost is well reimbursed by resulting greater sculpts but my wallet still feels the pinch. Even Kotobukiya who has kept to their pricing stable for the last couple of years have recently raised their fees. Shining Wind heroines, Xecty and Clalaclan, are due for release at 6090 yen each. I fear for year 3 of my figure passion.
Another interesting statistic I would like to track figurewise is the representation of the various PVC makers in my collection. Honestly, I'm not surprised to find Kotobukiya-sculpts the majority. Granted, their finishing and painting may occasionally have consistent issues. However, in terms of sculpt, they are not inferior to the big 3 and seem to have the financial muscle for obtaining licenses for sculpting better known/loved characters. Anyhow, below is the pictorial breakdown of the figures according to their manufacturers.
Alter (5)
Goodsmile Company (4)
Kotobukiya (11)
Max Factory (5)
Enterbrain (1), Eyescream (1), Lilics (1), HobbyJapan (1), Megahouse (2) and ToyWorks (1)
And so I have learnt today that I may have to sell my kidney if I want to go into my 3rd year of figure collecting come 2008. I guess it's not too early to be looking for a buyer. Heck, I may have to sell both my corneas if I plan on following Zyl's gouf-steps to raid Akiba. Meanwhile the daily refresh on amiami continues.... 
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August 15th, 2007 - 14:37
I wonder if it’ll be worth me doing a monthly record of the figures I buy. Though it’d be better if I have it all done at the end of the year so I can see a grand total of my burning passion. Still, having reached over 20 figures, I’m surprised you don’t have a display cabinet. I bought one when I reached 25.
August 15th, 2007 - 16:15
I fear if I ever do a graph like yours Stripey… and for the record, at least from March til the end of 2006, I bought at least 27 figures. Looking through my records, I was more varied as I bought more TFs/gashas back then. Now a days… orz
August 15th, 2007 - 17:43
Has MaxFac upped their quality in general or is this just a burst for their Haruhi series? IMHO Haruhi, Yuki, Mikuru, Ryoko all look much better than Aisia or The Leaning Tower of Kotori.
August 15th, 2007 - 19:36
How do I do a buy, sell or short?
The medium of exchange should be the figurines of course
Thanks for the graph on makers, it’ll be good reference.
August 15th, 2007 - 23:34
Adun: Ahh yes, I REALLY need a display cabinet and have been looking out for one for about 2 years already XD The problem is I’m extremely picky and none of those I’ve seen are satisfactory. I’m seriously contemplating asking my contractor to custom build something for these PVC beauties.
moyism: Heh if you have the time, taking stock of your purchases is a great way to prune future spendings.
I know this exercise did that for me. I for one would love to see your graphs…surely awe-inspiring 
Zyl: Oops, it’s just my poor photography haha! Kotori and Aisia’s thumbs were taken by my ancient digital cam XD But it’s true that the standard of figures have been rising all through these years, not only for MaxFac but the rest of the big 4 too (Alter, Koto and GSC) Oh and praise Utamaru that Kotori doesn’t lean anymore
crimson: Few figures are good for monetary investments though those that are would fetch excellent returns. The secondary market for figures in Sg seems pretty weak or I’ve yet to discover the true nest of these traders (am trying to sell a couple of figures myself) So what’s it going to take to make you buy your first figure?
August 16th, 2007 - 00:30
I only have 4 1/8 scale figures, with 4 more on the way. Perhaps I’ll do something like this by the time I get to 15-20 of them.
August 16th, 2007 - 06:35
I myself adhere to a strict no-figures policy. I have never bought or owned a figure unless you count three stuffed toys: one a gift from a friend, and two as prizes for second place in a random art contest. If I bought figures like you I would break my bank account. I fail at sculpture too, so I can’t make my own figures. Then again, if I didn’t have to buy art supplies, I might be able to afford figures.
Is it just me, or are there no Kanon figures in your collection?
August 16th, 2007 - 21:01
lol, i dunno stripey, but the shadows of earlier years – my patlabor and other models getting brutalised in the house cleaning process – remains. Meantime, I’ll just admire your galleries
August 17th, 2007 - 03:08
Figures are a way of live for the otaku. It cannot be helped ^^;
August 17th, 2007 - 20:19
Zeroblade: Looking forward to your report
It’d be wise, like Adun mentioned, to plan for a display cabinet too. 
sixten: I think my love for Kanon has become a stumbling block for getting Kanon figures
The fanboy in me think the existing Kanon sculpts are unworthy of their 2D beauty (it’s just me really) XD Currently I have my eye on Max Factory’s upcoming Sawatari Makoto. Hope she’ll become the first Kanon haremette in my collection 
And of course I’m still awaiting eagerly for that Shiori figure debut.
crimson: Somehow I conjure the image of “a gouf arm here and a gundam leg there” when reading your comment XD No worries! You just need a display cabinet with a lock to safely store away your PVC love and still admire them! Detolf at Ikea is going for $79 now
(cannot be locked though this model)
Danny Choo: Haha! I’m beginning to think it’s a sure way to financial grave too XD But I guess I’ll do down a happy man
August 21st, 2007 - 06:33
Wow, this is a scary thought. o_o I only have 4 1/8 figures as well, with Death-sensei and either KOSMOS or Sol Valkyr to be added to my harem by the end of this year.
Thinking of your collection, though, that’s a lot. o_o; I like your figures though, they all look nice!
August 21st, 2007 - 09:43
Death sensei would be a great addition to your harem
Alter’s KosMos is fabulous too. Gah! That’s just too many good figures this year XD
August 22nd, 2007 - 22:29
Uguu~ Sorry for not dropping by earlier for a comment when you went out of your way to bring back the lovely graphs for my sake. *aura nii-nii is touched*
Too bad I can’t say much on the actual content as I haven’t gotten into figurines. This might still probably make a nice reference guide for which manufacturers are recommend once I do join in with collecting figurines. Just need to wait until I get my own card when going off to college in like a month. Been eyeing Ryoko for a long time so that’ll probably be the first I’ll attempt to get. I do have a bunch of mecha model’s and two by Kotobukiya at that, but they probably don’t count. ^^;;
Anyway, damn these are hawt. Umm, I mean the figurines, not the graph. Honest. *cough*
August 23rd, 2007 - 03:08
Glad to have you back w us aura-nii
The profile of makers in my collection’s pretty biased actually since Kotobukiya seem to know where to press the button wrt to my moe zokusei XD And Ryoko’s a great figure to start with! Hoping you join this slippery path… I mean glorious route to being a harem-master soon 