How to Collect Anime

If you love anime, there's no need to keep it trapped inside your television. A universe of fabulous anime collectibles awaits!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• anime cels
• storage space
• display space
• gashapon
• prop replicas
• anime toys

1. Accumulate anime videos and DVDs. There's nothing more impressive to anime lovers than a well-stocked video library.

2. Buy original artwork hand-drawn by your favorite anime artists. Conventions like Anime Expo and Otakon are a great place to find it.

3. Collect cels - the hand-painted transparencies used to create individual frames during the anime production process. Try specialty shops, on-line auctions, art dealers and anime conventions.

4. Display anime prints, wall scrolls and sculptures if original artwork is beyond your budget. They aren't investment-grade, but they're still beautiful.

5. Buy yourself all the anime toys you were deprived of as a child. Action figures, models, robots, games - the variety is endless. If you have money to burn, get into vintage toys.

6. Grab a handful of anime gashapon if your storage space is limited. Also known as candy, trading or capsule toys, these "blind box" miniatures form sets arranged around a theme.

7. Outfit yourself with some snazzy prop replicas. Can your cosplay costume really be complete without Alucard's 13mm Jackal or Kaneda's pill jacket?

8. Round out your collection with general anime-themed merchandise, like those Cowboy Bebop salt shakers and Love Hina shower curtains you've had your eye on. A functional anime collectible earns its keep.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy what you love. Even if it doesn't appreciate in value, you'll be able to enjoy it.
• You'll have more fun with your collection if you have room to display your favorite items in all their glory. Having adequate storage for items not on display will keep them from being damaged.
• Focusing your collection will help avoid plastic avalanches and burn-out.
• Watch out for fakes, especially when dealing with expensive original artwork and anime cels. Buy from reputable dealers who stand behind their products.
• Don't expect your collection to pay for your children's education. Mass-produced items are especially poor investments.