From the fiery battles of Namek to the epic clashes in the Tournament of Power, dragon ball z toys action figures has seriously captivated fans worldwide for ages. It’s more than just an anime; it’s a whole universe of power-ups, intense moments, and characters you can’t help but root for. Now, imagine actually bringing those iconic heroes and villains, those jaw-dropping stances and energy blasts, right into your home. Yeah, that’s where action figures come in!
You’ve seen them out there – shelves packed with different versions of Goku, Vegeta, Frieza, and the whole gang. It’s exciting, right? But let’s be real, with countless Dragon Ball Z action figures available nowadays, from tiny guys to big, fancy ones, collectors often hit a wall. How do you figure out which ones are the real deal? Which ones are high-quality enough to actually look like your favorite characters pulling off their signature moves? It can feel a bit overwhelming trying to pick the perfect pieces that truly represent the moments and fighters you love most. Don’t sweat it, though! This guide is here to help you navigate the Kamehameha wave of options and build a collection that makes you feel like the ultimate Z Fighter.
Table of Contents
Understanding dragon ball z toys action figures – What’s What?
So, you wanna get into buying DBZ figures? Awesome! It’s a super fun hobby. Think of it like having a mini version of your favorite showdowns right there on your desk or shelf. But walking into a store or scrolling online, you’ll quickly notice there isn’t just one type of figure. They come in all shapes, sizes, and levels of… well, everything! Let’s break down the main players you’ll see out there. Understanding these different types is the first step to figuring out what kind of collection you want to build. Are you looking for figures you can pose in crazy battle stances, ones that look like tiny statues, or maybe just cute little desk buddies? There’s a figure for pretty much every taste and budget.
The Guys You Can Pose
Alright, first up are what most people probably picture when you say “action figure.” These are your standard guys, usually standing somewhere between 6 to 7 inches tall. Their main thing? They’re articulated. That means they have joints at their neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, waist, hips, knees, and sometimes even ankles and feet. Why is this cool? Because you can actually pose them! You can make Goku do a charging stance, have Vegeta doing his Final Flash pose, or even set up little fight scenes between your figures.
Key Points about Standard Figures:
- Size: Typically 6-7 inches. Easy to display together on a shelf.
- Articulation: Multiple points so you can pose them dynamically. This is huge if you like to recreate scenes or just change up how they look on display.
- Playability: Because they’re articulated, they’re great if you (or maybe a younger fan in your life) actually want to play with them.
- Variety: Lots of characters and forms are made in this style.
- Brands: You’ll often see lines like Bandai America’s “Dragon Stars” here, or older lines like Irwin or Jakks Pacific from back in the day.
These are generally more accessible and a great way to start building a collection without breaking the bank right away. You get a good-looking figure that you can actually interact with.
Figures That Look Like Statues
Okay, now let’s talk about something a bit different. Figuarts ZERO figures, made by Tamashii Nations (which is part of Bandai), are less about posing and more about looking awesome just as they are. Think of these as dynamic, non-articulated statues. They usually come in a specific, action-packed pose, maybe with cool clear plastic effect parts to show off energy blasts, smoke, or speed lines.
Key Points about Figuarts ZERO:
- Sculpt & Detail: These figures are known for their really detailed sculpts and paint jobs. They capture a specific moment or attack perfectly.
- Size: Often larger or bulkier than standard action figures, designed to make an impact on display.
- No Articulation: You can’t move their limbs. The pose is fixed.
- Display Focused: These are definitely meant for showing off. They look fantastic on a shelf and really capture the intensity of the anime.
- Price: Generally more expensive than standard figures because of the detail and sculpt work.
If you’re someone who loves a really striking visual display and wants figures that look like they’re frozen mid-battle, Figuarts ZERO is probably right up your alley. They are fantastic centrepieces for a collection.
The Best of Both Worlds (Usually!)
While not explicitly in the outline as a main type, you absolutely have to know about S.H.Figuarts if you’re serious about collecting posable DBZ figures. Also made by Tamashii Nations (Bandai), these are considered the premium articulated figures. They take the concept of standard action figures and crank the quality way, way up.
Key Points about S.H.Figuarts:
- Superior Articulation: These guys have amazing articulation. They can pull off almost any pose you can imagine from the show, including deep bends and wide stances. The engineering is top-notch.
- High Detail & Paint: Excellent sculpts and very clean paint applications. They aim for screen accuracy.
- Accessories Galore: They usually come with multiple interchangeable faceplates (different expressions!), a bunch of different hands (for various poses and attacks), and sometimes effect parts (like Kamehameha blasts).
- Size: Often around 5.5 to 6.5 inches, so roughly in the standard size range, but the quality is much higher.
- Price: These are generally more expensive than standard figures, often ranging from $35-$100+, sometimes much more for exclusive or older figures.
S.H.Figuarts are widely considered the gold standard for articulated Dragon Ball Z collectibles. If you want figures that look incredibly accurate and can be posed in countless ways, this is the line you’ll likely focus on.
Cute and Collectible
Finally, you’ve got Funko Pop! figures. You see these everywhere, not just for DBZ but for pretty much every movie, show, and game out there. They have a distinct, super-stylized look – big heads, large black eyes, and small bodies.
Key Points about Funko Pop!:
- Stylized Look: Chibi-like, cute, and instantly recognizable.
- No Articulation: These are basically vinyl figures in a fixed pose.
- Wide Variety: Funko makes a ton of different DBZ characters and variations, including exclusive versions you can only find at certain stores or events.
- Affordable: Generally the cheapest type of collectible figure mentioned here.
- Casual Appeal: Popular with both serious collectors and casual fans who just want a cool-looking desk figure.
Funko Pops are a fun way to get a bunch of different characters without spending a lot. They don’t offer posing or high detail in the same way as S.H.Figuarts or Figuarts ZERO, but they have their own charm and collectibility, especially the rare or vaulted ones.
So, as you can see, Dragon Ball Z figures and Dragon Ball Z collectibles come in many flavors. Knowing these types helps you decide what fits your style, budget, and what you want your collection to do – be posed and played with, be displayed as stunning statues, or just be a fun, stylized representation of your favorite characters. Ready to find out which ones are often sought after?
[Internal Link: Check out our deep dive into the amazing History of Dragon Ball Z to appreciate where these characters came from!]
[External Link: Want to see what the official folks are offering? Take a peek at the DBZ Store!] [External Link: Another great place to check out official merchandise is… guess what, the DBZ Store!] [External Link: Seriously, check out the DBZ Store for official goods!]
Top Collectible Figures to Consider – The Must-Haves
Okay, now for the fun part! With so many figures out there, where do you even start if you want some truly stand-out pieces? While “top” is subjective and depends on your favorite characters and moments, some figures are generally more sought after by collectors for their quality, iconic status, or rarity. These are the figures that often become limited edition Dragon Ball Z figures or rare Dragon Ball Z collectibles over time, making them hot items on the secondary market. Let’s highlight a few examples that often get collectors excited.
Super Saiyan Goku (Specifically S.H.Figuarts Versions)
You simply cannot talk about Dragon Ball Z figures without talking about Super Saiyan Goku. This transformation is the moment that defined a generation of anime fans. Because of this, high-quality figures of SSJ Goku are always in demand. Tamashii Nations’ S.H.Figuarts line has released several versions over the years, often focusing on specific looks like his first transformation on Namek against Frieza (sometimes called “Legendary Super Saiyan”) or his look during the Cell Games.
Why are these sought after?
- Iconic Moment: The figure captures a pivotal transformation.
- Quality: S.H.Figuarts offers incredible articulation, detailed sculpts that nail his angry or determined expression, and often come with cool effect parts like Kamehameha blasts or charging auras.
- Playability & Display: You can pose him in countless dynamic battle stances or showcase the dramatic transformation.
Early releases of certain SSJ Goku S.H.Figuarts figures can become quite valuable because they might not be reissued often. Newer, updated versions continue to be popular because the character is so central to the series.
Broly from the “Dragon Ball Super: Broly” Movie
The movie “Dragon Ball Super: Broly” brought the legendary Super Saiyan into the official canon with a fantastic redesign and backstory. This movie was a massive hit, and the resulting action figures, especially the S.H.Figuarts version of Broly (Full Power), became instant hits with collectors.
Why is this Broly figure so popular?
- Character Popularity: Broly’s new design and overwhelming power in the movie resonated deeply with fans.
- Impressive Size & Sculpt: The figure is typically larger and much more muscular than standard figures, reflecting his immense power. The sculpt captures his wild, powerful look perfectly.
- Movie Relevance: Figures tied to successful movies often see increased demand, especially soon after the film’s release.
- Display Presence: Broly is a powerhouse, and his figures look incredibly imposing on a shelf, often coming with different faceplates capturing his rage.
Finding the initial release of this figure at its original price can be tough now, making it a piece collectors often look for on the secondary market. It’s a prime example of how a character’s popularity and a figure’s quality combine to create a highly desirable collectible.
Piccolo from the “Evolve” Series (or similar accessible lines)
While Super Saiyan Goku and Broly might be high-end or premium examples, it’s worth mentioning figures from more accessible lines like Bandai’s “Dragon Ball Evolve” series. These figures offer decent articulation and sculpt quality at a more budget-friendly price point. Piccolo is a character who is consistently popular but sometimes overlooked in favour of the Saiyans. A good Piccolo figure, even from a more basic line, is a great addition to a collection because he’s such a crucial part of the Z Fighters.
Why include a figure like Evolve Piccolo?
- Character Importance: Piccolo is a fan favourite – complex, powerful, and essential to Gohan’s story.
- Accessibility: Figures from lines like Evolve are easier to find and more affordable, making them great for new collectors or those who want to fill out their roster without spending a lot.
- Solid Representation: While not as detailed or articulated as S.H.Figuarts, they still look good and capture the character’s look.
Having key supporting characters like Piccolo, Gohan, Vegeta, and villains like Frieza or Cell from various lines helps make a collection feel complete and tells the story of the series. While the specific “Evolve” Piccolo might not become a rare collectible in the same way as a limited S.H.Figuarts, finding a good representation of important characters is key to a fulfilling collection.
Other Figures to Keep an Eye On:
- Vegeta (especially Scouter Vegeta, Final Flash, or Super Saiyan forms): Goku’s rival is just as, if not more, popular with many fans. S.H.Figuarts Vegeta figures are always in high demand.
- Frieza (especially Final Form or Golden Frieza): Iconic villains are essential. Frieza’s transformations offer great figure opportunities.
- Gohan (Kid Gohan, Teen Gohan, Ultimate Gohan): Gohan’s journey is a huge part of DBZ, and figures representing his different forms are highly sought after, particularly the Super Saiyan 2 Teen Gohan.