A good way to know if an anime franchise hit it big is if its characters get their own Nendoroid figures. Created by the Japanese toymakers Good Smile Company (GSC) in 2006, these cute figurines are well-known for their high quality, articulation, and assortment of interchangeable parts and faces.
Nendoroids are insanely popular, especially when it comes to the famous characters. Because of this, some are more expensive than expected, while others are almost impossible to find. Based on current Amazon listings and some extra digging, these collectibles may be quite a costly investment but they’ll definitely excite any serious Nendoroid collector upon acquisition.
10 Jotaro Kujo – $241.08
Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure exploded in popularity thanks to its awesomely over-the-top third season Stardust Crusaders, which starred Jotaro Kujo. While Jotaro having an expensive Nendoroid isn’t too surprising, his not being the most expensive Jojo Nendoroid kind of is (more on that later).
Jotaro’s Nendoroid doesn’t come with Star Platinum, but it does have props that recreate the Stand’s powers. Additionally, Jotaro’s iconic hat comes in two forms: the standard one and another with a lowered brim. Purchasing Jotaro from the GSC website garners buyers a free special Jojo stand that Jotaro can be placed on.
9 Makoto Niijima (Phantom Thief Version) – $272.31
In 2016, Persona 5 took the world by storm and immediately became a worldwide favorite. Fans quickly chose a Phantom Thief as their favorite, with Makoto becoming one of the most popular ones. In everyday life, Makoto is the powerless student council president, but in the Metaverse, she becomes Queen, who can enact justice in ways she can’t as a student.
Makoto’s Nendoroid comes with three face plates with different expressions but since her Phantom Thief mask can be detached, the number of face combinations is basically doubled. She also has her gun and brass knuckles, allowing users to recreate her Persona-summoning attacks and poses.
8 Koishi Komeiji – $300
Touhou Project (or just Touhou) is a self-made scrolling bullet hell shooter that stars a bevy of girls, and the only one of that massive roster to make it to this list is Koishi Komeiji. First appearing in Touhou Chireiden ~ Subterranean Animism, Koishi was born with the ability to read minds using her Third Eye.
Koishi comes with the usual switchable faces plus her third eye, which can be posed in different ways. Those who preorder a Koishi Nendoroid from the GSC online shop will get a free original poster of her, illustrated by Touhou fan and contributor ideolo.
7 Noriaki Kakyoin – $316.25
The one Stardust Crusader character who beat Jotaro in terms of price tag and popularity is, unsurprisingly, Noriaki Kakyoin. In the Jojo fandom, Kakyoin achieved cult popularity thanks to his amazing tongue skills and his tragic redemption arc, which only cemented fan love for him.
Kakyoin’s Nendoroid comes with special effects props that allow users to recreate fight scenes, but his Stand Hierophant Green doesn’t. Hierophant Green doesn’t have a Nendoroid figure, so Jojo wans will have to resort to buying a separate action figure if they want to complete Kakyoin’s form. Additionally, those who buy Kakyoin from GSC’s website will get a free handshaking hand part.
6 Elise – $369.32
Hailing from Fire Emblem Fates is Elise, the youngest child of the Nohrian royal family and the only Fire Emblem character to fetch a steep Nendoroid price. A Troubadour by trade, Elise is the one party member players would want for a good healing and support boost.
Besides her signature stave and some accompanying magical effects, Elise comes with her trusted steed that users can mount her on. The horse is also brown, which is the breed unique to Elise in the game.
5 Levi Ackerman – $423.55
Despite starting out as a supporting character and one of Eren’s officers, Levi Ackerman quickly became the dark horse of Attack on Titan when it came to popularity polls and fandom. Levi isn’t the only Survey Corps member to have his own Nendoroid, but he’s currently the priciest one and most difficult to find.
Besides the standard changing faces, Levi comes with detachable Vertical Maneuvering Equipment and Survey Corps cloak, plus smoke effects for the dual bladed gear. As suggested by GSC itself, the Levi Nendoroid can be posed in such a way that he kicks a handcuffed Eren during the latter’s trial for being a Titan Shifter.
4 Zero Two – $557.77
Zero Two doesn’t just hold the honor of being the only Darling in the FranXX character on this list, she’s also the most expensive. For comparison’s sake, her only completion is Ichigo, who comes in at a measly $75. As of now, the only way to get a Zero Two Nendoroid is to have it imported from Japan.
For those wondering if Zero Two is really worth the hefty price tag (plus shipping), fear not. Her promotional text excitedly promises that she not only comes with a removable uniform, but with bacon props that allow users to recreate that “iconic” (GSC’s emphasis) scene of her eating it after drowning the meat in syrup.
3 Jumbo Hatsune Miku (Metallic Version) – $670.37 & Above
To celebrate its 15th anniversary and the Nendoroid brand’s 10th while also collaborating with Crypton Future Media and the bank Sumitomo Mitsui, GSC put out a special line of gargantuan Hatsune Miku Nendoroids. The only way to get one was to win a raffle for one of the 50 exclusive figures. To get a raffle ticket, you’d have to spend ¥70,000 at the least on a Miku Master Card.
As its name implies, this Miku is enormous by Nendoroid standards. Regular Nendoroids never go beyond 4 inches in height, but this Miku towers at nearly 10 inches. Not only is this Miku incredibly rare and expensive on a second-hand purchase, it’s also taller than most action figures.
2 Armored Huke MK2 – $1,130.04
To raise funds for the relief efforts following the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, Mobauc and Niwango set up an auction. GSC contributed by putting some Nendoroids on the block, with the noteworthy set being a signed Puchitto Rock Shooter Cheerful Version (above; right) and Armored Huke MK2 (above; left) from renowned artist Huke of Black Rock Shooter and Steins;Gate fame.
Unlike the cheerleading Puchitto who had a limited run where all proceeds went to the donation drive, the Armored Huke MK2 is the only one of its kind. The exclusive figure racked up a ¥118,000 price tag, making it the most expensive Nendoroid GSC ever sold. The Armored Huke MK2 is also based on Huke’s costume when he appeared in a WonFes event.
1 Hatsune Miku (GSC Version) – Price Unknown
The rarest Nendoroid of them all is undoubtedly the legendary GSC version of Hatsune Miku, who’s decked out in the company’s signature orange color scheme. While there are countless Miku Nendoroids and figurines in the market, what makes this one special is that, reportedly, there’s only one in existence.
The GSC Miku was created for the top prize of the WonHobby 2009 photo contest, where participants compete to see who gave their Nendoroid the best photoshoot. To date, neither GSC or the Miku's elusive owner put the figure for sale, making its price indeterminable. If someone were to estimate its price range, though, it would probably cost a small fortune and a mortgage at the very least.