Introduction
If you’re into collectibles and toys - especially from Japan - then Bearbrick should be no stranger to you. Today’s article will be for anyone who’s just getting into Bearbrick, those who want to upgrade their collection, and even those who are just coming across these iconic collectibles for the first time. Regardless, there is a thing or two to learn. We’ll be covering what Bearbrick is, why you should buy Bearbrick, How to buy Bearbrick online, and the top Bearbricks for collectors. Let’s get right into it!
What Is Bearbrick?
First thing we’ll be covering is what Bearbrick is. In short - Bearbrick is a collectible toy designed by the Japanese company Medicom Toy Inc. Bearbrick first hit the scene in 2001, and it’s been history ever since. The best way to describe a Bearbrick is that it’s a bear-shaped figure with a cartoonish aesthetic to it. It has a head, torso, arms, hands, legs, and feet. They come in different sizes - all the way up to their 1000% (70cm) model! Although a toy by formal definition, culturally Bearbrick is seen as a piece of art.
What makes Bearbrick so unique and such a sought out collectible is the fact that each Bearbrick is different. There are many different collaborations with artists, pop culture icons, companies, etc. For example - if you are into superheroes you can very easily find a Bearbrick for Spiderman.
But why buy a Bearbrick to begin with? Keep reading into the next section to find out what exactly makes Bearbrick such a sought out collectible among supporters of many different industries.
Why Buy Bearbrick?
You’re probably wondering “how does this toy bear figure get so popular and become such a collectible?”. Good question! There are several reasons people get their hands on Bearbrick. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or someone else as a gift, here are some reasons to buy Bearbrick:
Art and Design: As mentioned previously, although Bearbrick is seen as a toy in formal context, culturally they are seen as art pieces. The appreciation for their design and collaborations with artists such as Steven Harrington make them an even bigger reason to collect them for their art and design
Pop Culture Icons: Also as mentioned previously, fans of different industries love Bearbrick. Whether you are into fashion, anime, music, superheroes, or anything else related to pop culture, there is almost certainly a Bearbrick for you!
Rarity and Value: Much like other collectibles such as trading cards, Bearbrick also holds rarity and value. Did you know that the Bearbrick collab with Chanel (yes, the fashion brand) only had 1000 Bearbricks produced - with people buying and selling them for up to 30,000 GBP (almost 5.8mil Yen)! The most expensive Bearbrick is the Qiu Tu 1000% Bearbrick, the Bearbrick collaboration with artist Yue Minjun. This Bearbrick comes in at $157,000 USD (23mil Yen). Talk about value!
Streetwear and Fashion Influence: Bearbrick is also huge in streetwear culture. Many streetwear fashion brands like BAPE have done collaborations with Bearbrick, and SUPREME has also used Bearbrick as a canvas. This is on top of other designer brands collaborating with Bearbrick such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel just to name a couple.
Now that you know the few of the many reasons people buy Bearbrick, how exactly do you get your hands on a Bearbrick online that you really want?
Shop Bearbrick Directly From Japan
How To Buy Bearbrick Online
Now that we’ve covered what Bearbrick is and why to buy Bearbrick, how do you buy Bearbrick online? Luckily, you have a few reliable options to choose from.
The first one is right here on Zen Market. We have all kinds of different Bearbricks and in different sizes, too. You can shop by character, model, limited editions, size, etc. Merits of proxJDirectItems Shopping include reliable sourcing, and access to Japan-Only releases. Demerits include long shipping times (especially depending on where you are in the world) and additional fees. If the merits are worth it for you - which is is for many people - then we highly recommend you. Click HERE to visit our Bearbrick page and find one for yourself!
Another option includes buying them right from Medicom Toy’s official website. This is a great option for someone who is buying for the first time and would like to buy a reliable figure at retail. Merits for buying from the official store include guaranteed authenticity as it is directly from the source, and warranty as well for those who value it. Demerits include high demand, low stock, meaning grabbing the latest Bearbrick could be a challenge. International shipping can also be limited depending on where you are in the world. But regardless, buying from the official store remains a fantastic, reliable option!
Lastly, there are online websites and resellers such as Stockx, Ebay, Grailed, etc. When buying off resellers however, be sure to verify the authenticity of the seller to make sure you are getting your money’s worth and an authentic/original Bearbrick. Merits of buying from resellers include being able to get your hands on sold-out items, and a potential for negotiating price. The obvious demerits include the risk of receiving something inauthentic and in general getting scammed. As we already mentioned, do your research and only buy from reputable sources!
Shop Bearbrick Directly From Japan
Top Bearbricks For Collectors
Source: gq.com
Are you a current collector, or someone just trying to get into collecting Bearbrick? Let’s dive into some of the top Bearbricks for collectors!
Source: ofour.com
The first Bearbrick we will suggest is the Andy Worhol x Bearbrick collab. Andy Worhol is a pop art legend, and these pieces are meant to blend pop art and collectible culture. Perfect for those who appreciate art and design, as well as collectibles.
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Nike SB x Medicom Toy Bearbrick
Source: mindzai.com
The next Bearbrick we suggest is Nike SB x Bearbrick. As mentioned earlier, no matter what you are into - there is a Bearbrick for you! If you are someone who is into Nike and athletics in general, you won’t want to skip out on this one.
We can’t have this section without suggesting the Bape x Bearbrick collab. As mentioned, Bearbrick is a MASSIVE staple in streetwear and fashion. If you’re into streetwear, this is a must-have in your Bearbrick Collection
Last but not least, we have the Star Wars x Bearbrick collab. Star Wars is one of the biggest franchises in the world, and grabbing a Bearbrick of a Star Wars character is a super popular choice, especially among fans of the Franchise!
Conclusion
That wraps it up for today’s article! We hope you found it enjoyable, and if you need help to either begin or upgrade your Bearbrick collecting journey, click HERE to see what we have in store for you!
Also Read: HOW TO FIND AUTHENTIC BEARBRICKS
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