BANKAI! The first time Ichigo Kurosaki uttered those words and the ensuing fight with Kuchiki Byakuya are the moments this author will never forget. Even after having watched countless anime, and witnessed countless memorable moments, that fight still remains as epic as ever. The Bleach anime ended in 2012 and now the manga is also slowly coming to an end. As the ending of one of the "big three" (the other two being Naruto and One Piece) is a significant moment we thought that now is the best time to bring you some of the best and most sought after Bleach figures that have come out over the franchise’s long run.
5. Megahouse G.E.M. Series - BLEACH: Ichigo Kurosaki Figure
It is only fair that Bleach’s main protagonist take our opening spot. This Ichigo Kurosaki figure is a part of Megahouse’s G.E.M line. It was released in September 2011, and is a completely pre-painted PVC figure. This figure is sculpted by Arai Kyousuke, and shows Ichigo in his Bankai form. His clothes flutter in the wind, and he holds his zanpakuto, whose chain is captured mid-motion. To own this 22 cm (8.58 in) tall figure, you will need around 12,900 yen (around 116 US dollars).
4. Megahouse Excellent Model Bleach Yoruichi Shihoin Figure
On our next spot we have again a figure from Megahouse but this time we have a figure that is a part of their Excellent Model line. Megahouse released this Yoruichi Shihoin figure way back in May 2006 but just looking at this figure we can see why it has remained so popular. This is a completely pre-painted PVC figure that is 19 cm (7.48 in) tall. The painting is very precise, and the colors match nicely and are faithful to the anime. This Yoruichi figure is very slender and easy on the eyes. She also comes with a removable jacket that’s very easy to detach or attach. Yoruichi also comes with a purple stand that excellently supports her. This figure can go for up to about 43,000 yen (about 385 US dollars) but on the secondary market you can find it for up to 16,100 yen (around 145 US dollars).
3. Alpha x Omega Bleach Tia Harribel Figure
Our third spot belongs to one of the most popular villains from Bleach, Tier Harribel. This Harribel figure was manufactured by Alpha x Omega and sculpted by Tanaka Touji. It was released in August 2011. This is a completely pre-painted PVC figure that is 25 cm (9.75 in) tall. Tanaka-san decided to show Harribel in a dynamic pose which is full of energy and anticipation. The clothing look very realistic and it shows where the wind is blowing from based on the flow of the fabric. Her hair is extremely detailed, with her ponytails moving in the same direction as her clothes. Her body is extremely accurate to the anime, and even with her mask she looks amazing. A standout feature of this figure is certainly Harribel’s zanpakuto. It is translucent, and boasts organic-looking effects along with a highly detailed hilt. With this Harribel figure you will get a closed collar torso and a head without her mask. On the Western market you can find this figure for about 31,100 yen (around 280 US dollars) or you can check the secondary market where you can find it imported from Japan for about 17,800 yen (about 160 US dollars)
2. Megahouse Action Figure Collection Plus BLEACH: Rangiku Matsumoto Figure
Taking our number two spot is none other than the lovely Rangiku Matsumoto. The Lieutenant of the 10th Division gets a highly articulated figure from Megahouse as a part of their Action Figure Plus line. This figure was released way back in late October 2007, and it is a PVC/ABS figure. The figure is fully poseable and it also comes with real fabric clothing. With this figure you will get two sets of clothing; a Shinigami clothing set, and a School Uniform set. Both of them are faithful to the manga and anime. She also comes with her zanpakuto Haineko which can be drawn from the scabbard. To hold her drawn zanpakuto, you will get a special hand attachment. She also comes with a removable necklace. The figure is 28 cm (10.92 in) tall. On [the secondary market] this figure can be yours for about 25,000 yen (around 227 US dollar) as opposed to 72,100 yen (around 655 US dollars) on the western markets.
1. Alpha x Omega Bleach Neliel Figure
As our favorite figure on this list, the top spot belongs to Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck from Alpha x Omega which is a joint effort by Alter and Megahouse. This amazing 23 cm (8.97 in) tall figure was released in February 2010. The sculptor of this Nel figure is Mirano, and he did an excellent job. He chose to represent Neliel as she was shown in the manga instead of anime. The difference in the two versions are her breasts, which are more exposed in the manga version. The figure also possesses a dynamic feel produced by her long hair and clothing which flow with the wind. The figure is also highly detailed, which can be seen on Nel’s hollow mask and the nicely done ripped clothing which has some of the nicest shading we have seen in a while. A lot of attention was also given to her sword, which is superbly painted. Nel's Espada number is painted on her back, as it was in both manga and anime. This figure of Neliel as she is ready to fight is made completely from PVC. She also comes with a green base. This figure can go up to 93,300 yen (about 847 US dollars) on the Western market, but on the secondary market you can find it for about 30,750 yen (279 US dollars).
And so we have come to another end of our Five Figure Fridays and we hope that these figure will somewhat help with the impending end of Bleach. Until next Friday, enjoy!
