The world of collecting anime figures is incredibly exciting, but with the rise in popularity of anime culture in Croatia, the number of copies (so-called bootleg figures) on the market has also increased. For any true fan, there is nothing worse than shelling out money for a favorite character from One Piece, Naruto or Jujutsu Kaisen, only to realize they got a bad and illegal copy.

As the leading anime shop in Croatia, at Dabas we are faced with questions from customers every day: “How can I be sure that this figure is original?”. That’s why we’ve created this detailed guide to help you protect your collection and invest only in authentic, licensed products from brands like Bandai, Banpresto, and Good Smile Company.

Why is the authenticity of anime figures important?

Buying original anime figures is not only a matter of pride and aesthetics, but also of supporting the authors who create your favorite manga and anime series. The original figures go through strict quality control. This means that the colors are accurate, the joints are solid, and the details on the face and clothing are true to the original character design. On the other hand, copies often use toxic materials, have an unpleasant plastic smell, are poorly colored and quickly lose stability.

The main signs by which you can recognize the original figure

1. Official sticker and hologram (Toei, Kodansha, Shueisha)

This is the first and easiest way to check. Most Japanese manufacturers put a specific glossy sticker on the box with a hologram or logo of the production company (eg the distinctive cat from Toei Animation for One Piece and Dragon Ball). If the box doesn’t have any label or it’s blurry and poorly printed, there’s a good chance it’s a copy.

2. Box quality and branding

Original collectible figures come in high quality boxes with clear print, copyright (copyright symbol ©) and brand logo (eg Bandai, Tamashii Nations, MegaHouse). Copies often have boxes without any manufacturer logos, the text is blurry, and the cardboard is thin and bends easily.

3. A price that sounds too good to be true

If a Scale figure that normally costs 150 euros costs 25 euros on an unverified advertisement, that is a clear sign of alarm. Original anime figures come at a price due to licensing, production and import costs. Smart shopping means choosing trusted domestic stores that guarantee legitimacy.

Popular brands of figures that you can find on Dabas.hr

When you buy from us, you can be 100% sure of authenticity and quality. Here are some of the most popular categories that collectors love:

• FiguartsZERO and S.H.Figuarts (Bandai): Known for incredible dynamic attack effects and superb articulation.
• Banpresto and Ichibansho: Perfect price-quality ratio, ideal for filling shelves with your favorite characters without emptying your wallet.
• Funko POP! figures: For those who like a recognizable stylized look. From standard to rare CHASE and Special Edition releases, these figures make the perfect gift for any geek.

How to safely build your anime collection?

Avoid dubious sites with overpriced goods from China and always check store reviews. If you want to see the figures live, feel the atmosphere and talk to the team that shares your passion, visit our Dabas Anime Shop in Westgate City (Entrance 1) or explore the complete offer on our new web shop. Your collection deserves only the best and only originals!