In today’s society, collecting has become a common hobby for many individuals, encompassing everything from clothes and shoes to artworks and cars. Figurines, in particular, hold a special place in a collector’s heart.

Among such, one entity has emerged as a standout presence in the last decade or two: BE@RBRICK.

Debuted in 2001, BE@RBRICK is a figurine franchise created by the Japanese toymaker MEDICOM TOY. Originally conceived to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the teddy bear, it was envisioned as a “digital teddy bear”, combining the aesthetic of the animal and KUBRICK, another figurine series launched by MEDICOM TOY in 2000.

What Sets It Apart From Other Figurines?

BE@RBRICK’s most distinctive feature lies in its block body build and character designs achieved through printing, eliminating the need for additional external parts.

This innovative approach, led by company CEO Tatsuhiko “Ryu” Akashi, streamlines production, removing the requirement for intricate design rendering and enabling rapid mass-production.

Variations

BE@RBRICKs are primarily classified into a total of 11 themes:

Theme	Description
Basic	Minimalistic designs featuring a logo on the chest
Jellybean	Vibrant designs featuring a variety of colors
Pattern	Patterned designs including checkered or stripes
Flag	Country flag motifs
Horror	Horror-themed character designs
SF	Sci-Fi-themed character designs
Hero	Superheroes-inspired designs
Cute	Character collaborations, such as Doraemon, Peko-chan, etc.
Animal	Animal-inspired designs
Artist	Artist collaboration models
Secret	Designs found in blind boxes

Each BE@RBRICK model may be available in various sizes, categorized by percentage, as shown in the image below.

Image via FROM JAPAN blog

Additionally, while the majority of BE@RBRICKs are constructed using plastic materials, certain models may feature unique finishes such as cotton, as well as special treatments including see-through, metallic, or glow-in-the-dark elements.

Now that we have a better basic understanding of what BE@RBRICK is, you might wonder why it’s so widely appreciated and sought after globally. Well, there are mainly two factors contributing to its popularity:

1. Collaborations
2. Resale value

There’s no doubt that MEDICOM TOY’s collaborative efforts have been instrumental in elevating the franchise’s status to where it is now. Through partnerships with movie characters, renowned artists, and fashion brands, BE@RBRICK has garnered widespread attention among the public, transcending age and gender.

Examples include joint releases with KAWS, CHANEL, Doraemon, Star Wars, and numerous others.

This often leads to a surge in value for these special models, given their limited quantity and availability upon release. As a result, enthusiasts frequently turn to resale platforms in search of their coveted models, which typically command a significant asking price.

We’re talking about figures ranging from hundreds to even hundreds of thousands for a single figurine.

Transcending beyond its nostalgic appeal, BE@RBRICKs are now seen by many as a form of investment due to the high potential profits. However, there are still individuals who appreciate them purely for what they are.

So, for those new to the franchise, you are competing with not one but two groups of enthusiasts.

Image via Everything Swim Bike and Run and the Occasional Life Encounters

On the flip side, alongside their widespread popularity, BE@RBRICKs are now widely available across the globe—except for limited-edition models—through various lifestyle and fashion retailers, including SNKRDUNK.

With that said, to give you a head start in the world of BE@RBRICK, we have compiled a list of coveted and recommended models available on the SNKRDUNK App, accessible within a few clicks.

Without further ado, let’s dive into the list below:

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There you have it—some of our top BE@RBRICK picks! Many more remain unmentioned, so head over to the SNKRDUNK App to check them out now!

For the latest releases, breaking news, and exclusive interviews, stay tuned to the SNKRDUNK Magazine and @snkrdunk on Instagram. Don’t forget to use our welcome code from the banner below before making your first purchase on the app. Additionally, if you would like a brick-and-stone experience, visit our stores in Singapore and Japan!

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