2023 Bishoujo Figures Pre-Orders Part 1 – Ahri, Makima, Power, Yuzuki Choco, Komi, Raphtalia, Nijima Makoto, Ryza and More

The start of the year is looking good with a lot of good figures going up for preorder. Again, I would really appreciate it if you can use my affiliate links when preordering figures. They’re the red buttons that you can find throughout the article.

So, let’s get started.

League of Legends – Ahri – 1/7 – Star Guardian (Good Smile Arts Shanghai, Good Smile Company)

We got another Ahri figure incoming and of course, you can expect that Riot will keep dishing out the Ahri figures. Riot is in love with Ahri seeing as she has too many skins in the game already. This one is based on the Star Guardian skin which is League’s take on magical girls. They have an actual backstory on this. Now that I think about it, a Star Guardian anime would be pretty lit.

First thing first. This is a great-looking figure. It is extremely detailed. It looks grand and can make for a great centerpiece in your display. And since this is being made by GSC, you can expect that the quality will be superb. I just wish her tails had more fluff. Have you seen the KDA Ahri figure by APEX? That one had massive tails. In fact, the tails are very heavy. I’ll try to get my review for the Ahri figure by APEX soon.

Should you preorder this? It is a bit pricey but considering the level of detail, it’s a steal. Go ahead and preorder her.

Chainsaw Man – Makima – B-style – 1/4 – Bunny Ver. (FREEing)

The Chainsaw Man anime was underwhelming for all the hype that it got. I’m sure it will get better. Still, I can still say the anime was a good watch.

Now that we’re getting figures of Makima, I just wish she had some more character development in the first season. I consider character development as fuel for deciding on preordering figures but that didn’t happen yet. I’m curious because I saw some people hyping her as the “ultimate waifu” but I didn’t get that vibe at all. So far, all she’s been is a big tease. So maybe it happens later on.

This bunny figure is just okay. I think the facial expression could be better. It’s quite pricey so I don’t really get how FREEing can charge that much for this level of detail. If anything, a bigger figure is easier to work with. If you argue that it’s the raw materials, PVC plastic is actually dirt cheap.

Should you preorder this? Why even ask? You’ve made up your mind already.

Chainsaw Man – Power – B-style – 1/4 – Bunny Ver. (FREEing)

This! This is much better compared to Makima (above). Power has a more dynamic pose and a better facial expression. It’s like you can actually hear her talking. Also, red bunny suits are special. I’ve said this many times in the past.

Should you preorder this? Go for it. If you had to choose between Makima and Power, go with Power.

Chainsaw Man – Power – 1/7 (Amakuni, AmiAmi)

This might be one of the better Power figures that went up for preorder. The price is steep though. Amakuni exclusives all seem to be going for around ¥27k. This is on the high end of my preferred pricing for 1/7 scales. Around ¥15k would be the sweet spot where I wouldn’t have to worry too much even as the Japanese Yen starts to rebound. Analysts have been predicting that the Japanese Yen will go up in value in 2023. Just imagine how much your ¥30k and ¥40k preorders will be worth then. If you can, go and pay for your preorders now while the Yen is still down.

As for the figure, the pose looks really good and it oozes that Power attitude. On top of that, Amakuni does not disappoint in terms of quality. It’s just the pricing that’s the issue.

On another note, the Power figure by Kotobukiya should also be something to watch out for. Knowing Kotobukiya, this might be cheaper by a huge margin.

Should you preorder this? Amakuni does not disappoint so if you think the price is right, then go and preorder.

Komi-san wa Komyushou Desu. – Komi Shouko – B-style – 1/4 – Bunny Ver. (FREEing)

So the first scale figure of Komi just happens to be a 1/4 scale bunny. Not too crazy about the anime. It is a decent watch. This figure however looks really good. The pose and her eyes look stunning. The price however is on the steep end.

If the price is beyond the budget, it might be more worthwhile to wait for her other scale figure in a uniform. This is one being created by Wave.

Should you preorder this? It’s a great-looking figure so go for it if you think the price is justified.

Chainsaw Man – Makima – ARTFX J – 1/8 (Kotobukiya)

I think there is room for improvement here but it is a decent figure. Kotobukiya usually does good quality so I’m confident this will turn out fine. The unique base is a big plus. Also, you can’t ignore the fact that this is pretty cheap. It’s actually a steal. It’s a shame though that this is only a 1/8 scale. A 1/7 scale would have been much better.

Orders from the Kotobukiya store come with an exclusive faceplate.

Should you preorder this? Yes.

Hololive – Yuzuki Choco – 1/7 (Kotobukiya)

Busty YouTuber demon from Hololive gets a figure from Kotobukiya. This ticks a lot of boxes: demon (horns, tail and wings), YouTuber, big boobs, doctor, teacher, tights, garter belt, stilettos, tights, tattoo, lace. I’ve been mulling over preordering this one for a while and I’ve just decided to get it. For some reason, I think she’ll look good side-by-side with Lilith. The price is also on the reasonable end but I’m not sure I can say the same for the exclusive version with the extra face plate.

Should you preorder this? I recommend preordering this. I did.

Kaguya-sama wa Kokurasetai: First Kiss wa Owaranai – Hayasaka Ai – B-style – 1/4 – Bunny Ver. (FREEing)

People have been saying her proportions seem off. I think she looks just fine. To the naysayers, it’s probably just the awkward angle of the photo. I looked at the other angles and she seems alright.

Should you preorder this? Sure, why not.

Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari Season 2 – Raphtalia – 1/7 – Katana no Yuusha (Kotobukiya)

It’s much pricier than what we’re used to with a Kotobukiya figure but still cheaper in comparison with other recent preorders. I already have the other Raphtalia figure by Kotobukiya and have the swimsuit figure on preorder. I also have her Nendoroid. Do I need another Raphtalia figure? I really like the pose on this one and this is currently the only Katana hero figure.

Should you preorder this? If you want her, go for it. Kotobukiya creates excellent quality and I’m mostly just second-guessing because I already have plenty of Raphtalia figures.

Shin Ikki Tousen – Kan’u Unchou – B-style – 1/4 – Bunny Ver., 2nd (FREEing)

It’s crazy how, in this day and age, we are still getting new figures from Ikki Tousen. As expected for something from Ikki Tousen, it will be lewd. This is however not cast-off. You can probably do a force cast off but it’s not going to be pretty. Besides, are you really going to destroy a figure worth over ¥40,000 just to see PVC tiddies? Only men of culture would do that.

The image below also shows Shimei Ryoumou.

Should you preorder this? If you are a man of culture, yes.

Shin Ikki Tousen – Ryomou Shimei – B-style – 1/4 – Bunny Ver., 2nd (FREEing)

This is the problem with bunny figures that show their behinds. You also see the seam lines on the fishnet stockings which isn’t a pretty sight. Real fishnet stockings have the same seam lines so from a realism standpoint, it’s fine. As someone admiring anime figures, I’d rather it be hidden.

Should you preorder this? Did you preorder Kan’u Unchou above? If yes, then preorder this one as well.

Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu – Rem – KDcolle – 1/7 – Elegant Beauty Ver. (AniMester, Good Smile Company, Kadokawa)

More Rem incoming. Why am I not surprised? This actually looks really good but it is being manufactured by Kadokawa which usually is of very good quality. On the flip side, it is also a company that has recently earned the ire of, not only mine but of many other collectors for its exorbitant pricing model. This figure of Rem (and Emilia below) sadly falls in the same category of overpriced figures.

Should you preorder this? If you really must have her, then get her. Or find a cheaper Rem figure in the aftermarket. There are literally hundreds to choose from.

Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu – Emilia – KDcolle – 1/7 – Elegant Beauty Ver. (AniMester, Good Smile Company, Kadokawa)

The case of the missing slipper? Emilia does a Cinderella. Someone pointed out that Emilia is missing her left slipper and it is nowhere in sight. Also, this might be the most seductive face I’ve seen in any Emilia figure. Still, the price is something to sneer at. Emilia has more details than the Rem figure above which also nets her a higher price tag.

Also, it sucks that Ram gets snubbed again.

Should you preorder this? It’s on the expensive end but it’s a good-looking figure. If you think the price is reasonable, go for it.

Eiyuu Densetsu: Hajimari no Kiseki – Renne Bright – 1/8 (Kotobukiya)

My friend has forever been egging me to play the Trails series but I have yet to get into it. If I did start playing, I would probably be gushing about all these Trails figures from Kotobukiya. If you’re a fan of the game, just get them all.

Should you preorder this? Yes. It’s pretty much your only option if you want any figure from the Trails series.

Eiyuu Densetsu: Sen no Kiseki II – Altina Orion – 1/7 – Black Rabbit Special Duty Suit Ver. (Ques Q)

Another one from the Trails series. I really like this one. It has a sci-fi vibe going. I really should play these games soon.

Should you preorder this? It’s a little pricey but you can expect good quality with Ques Q. You also have the option of grabbing her other figure in the aftermarket which is made by Kotobukiya. They are roughly the same price as of this writing.

Persona 5 – Johanna – Niijima Makoto – 1/8 – Kaitou ver. with Johanna (Amakuni, Hobby Japan)

I would have really loved to get this being a big Persona fan. Plus, I don’t yet have any figure on a motorcycle. But the price is just too much for me. The aftermarket after her first release was also through the roof. It’s a good-looking figure made by a top-tier company. You can display her with or without her mask. Amakuni’s pricing however has been unbearable as of late.

Should you preorder this? If you can afford her without breaking the bank, go ahead and preorder.

Arknights – Amiya – 1/7 – The Song of Long Voyage Ver. (APEX)

I’m guessing this is based on an in-game skin for the game’s anniversary because this is the same theme that Azur Lane does for its anniversary celebrations. Formal wear looks good on Amiya by the way. The black theme looks elegant and the price also seems fair. APEX is a great manufacturer to boot. This is looking to be the best Amiya figure thus far though there aren’t really a lot of choices.

Additional info from the comments: Those AK figures don’t come from the game itself. Amiya’s dress is from a concept art for a real life concert (Ambience Synesthesia) and Nian and Ch’en’s outfits (below) are completely originally done by GSC it seems.

Should you preorder this? Sure if you’re an Arknights fan.

Arknights – Ch’en – 1/7 – Spring Festival VER. (Good Smile Arts Shanghai, Good Smile Company)

The next two figures are also from Arknights which I’m assuming are skins from a Lunar New Year event. Both of them look good. Ch’en especially is looking really cute. I am not looking to add any Arknights figures to my collection since I have long stopped playing the game.

Should you preorder this? Good quality for a fair price. So, yes. Get her.

Arknights – Nian – 1/7 – Spring Festival VER. (Good Smile Arts Shanghai, Good Smile Company)

Nian was not yet released when I was playing Arknights. I do still play Azur Lane and I get Hakuryu vibes from this skin.

If you like this, then you can never go wrong with Good Smile Company.

Should you preorder this? And yes again.

Original – HaneAme Dog Pet Girlfriend – 1/6 (Good Smile Company)

I was quite surprised upon finding out that this figure is based on a real person — an erotic cosplayer. I don’t really follow the cosplayer scene and only really know a few by name. But you can find more information on HaneAme’s Twitter here (NSFW).

The figure, on the other hand, looks great. I wouldn’t have guessed it was based on a real person. The facial expressions look alluring. The lingerie and tail both look very detailed. Also, she’s a 1/6 scale. Standing at 30 cm., she’s pretty huge and you can get her for a fair price.

This opens up a lot of potential for future figures. I think, pretty soon, we can expect to see figures based on cosplays or even figures of popular idols.

Should you preorder this? It’s pretty much a steal at this price point. If you like it and want to support the cosplayer, go preorder.

Non – B-style – Anubis – 1/4 – Bunny Ver. (FREEing)

Didn’t think a bunny figure could look this pretty. The gold bunny outfit and her chocolate skin is a match made in heaven. I know bunny figures by FREEing don’t normally have a lot of accessories so this is a nice touch. This however comes at a high price tag.

And heck, I just found out that this is actually based on a cosplay by Non. This confirms we have already entered the realm of cosplayer figures. This is actually a good thing for the cosplayer community as it becomes another means of earning a living from something that you love doing.

Should you preorder this? The figure looks good even if you don’t know the cosplayer. If you can afford it, go for it.

Azur Lane – Shoukaku – 1/4 – Sororal Wings (Mimeyoi, Tokyo Figure)

Shoukaku finally opens for preorder. This comes months after her sister Zuikaku opened for preorder. As someone who does not collect 1/4 scales, I am heartbroken. I would have definitely preordered them if they were 1/8, 1/7 or 1/6 scales.

Should you preorder this? If you can afford her, go for it by all means.

Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu – Rem – F:Nex – 1/7 – Wa Bunny (FuRyu)

The Rem cult will live forever. Still, this outfit got me all kind of confused. Combining different costumes seems to be a trend with some figures lately. I remember last month there was a Rias figure that is a wedding version, kimono version and swimsuit version combined into one. It’s a hot mess. This time around, it’s Rem donning a kimono and bunny outfit in one. It’s just weird.

Another concern is that it is being made by FuRyu which is known to have some quality issues. FuRyu was great when it was a prize figure manufacturer. But for scale figures, they just suck.

Should you preorder this? It’s a mish-mash of costumes. Go for it if you like it but be warned, FuRyu does not deliver the best quality.

Dungeon ni Deai o Motomeru no wa Machigatteiru Darou ka IV – Hestia – F:Nex – 1/7 – Shiromuku (FuRyu)

I just have to say this sucks for all collectors still looking to buy a good figure of Hestia for a decent price. The price on all her figures is through the roof. But some of them are still cheaper than this Hestia figure by FuRyu. Don’t enable this kind of pricing model. Heck. FuRyu doesn’t even deliver good quality. To have the gall to offer such absurd pricing just reeks of greed.

Should you preorder this? No. Don’t become an enabler of capitalist price gouging. You can still find figures of Hestia cheaper than this in the aftermarket.

To LOVEru Darkness – Konjiki no Yami – 1/6 (Goo Goo Dept., Union Creative International Ltd)

They say simple is good. But that isn’t always the case especially when you’re talking of anime figures. This figure is atrocious in terms of price to value ratio. Union Creative creates bad quality. They deliver good photos on their prototypes but the finished product is always the same flat paint finish with plenty of rough sculpts.

In this particular figure, just look at those gaping holes in the parts where her arms touch her dress. It’s not supposed to be like that especially at this ridiculous price point.

Should you preorder this? No. Just go look for a different figure of Yami in the aftermarket.

To LOVEru Darkness – Yuuki Mikan – 1/6 (Goo Goo Dept., Union Creative International Ltd)

Same ridiculous price point as Yami (above). This one even looks more like a prize figure.

Should you preorder this? No. If you really want a Mikan figure, just search the aftermarket. Or maybe wait for this one.

To LOVEru Darkness – Momo Belia Deviluke – 1/6 (Goo Goo Dept., Union Creative International Ltd)

Just the same for this one. Extremely overpriced for something that looks like a price figure. Also, check the seams on the part where her arms touch her breasts. Same issue with the Yami figure above.

Should you preorder this? Again, no. Just look in the aftermarket.

Eiga Gotoubun no Hanayome – Nakano Itsuki – Shibuya Scramble Figure – 1/7 – Floral Dress Ver. (eStream)

So now, eStream is looking like a more viable preorder as it seems like they haven’t increased their prices compared to companies like FuRyu and Kadokawa which employ price gouging. Just imagine what the prices of their figures will be when the value of the Yen goes up.

In any case, it looks like eStream will be making figures of the five girls. Itsuki is up first and we also already have some info on Yotsuba. Also, it seems eStream has learned from the errors of their ways and they now actually package their figures properly so they will no longer arrive broken.

Should you preorder this? Can you commit to buying all the figures that will come out in this set? If yes, then it should be fine.

Atelier Ryza 2 ~Ushinawareta Denshou to Himitsu no Yousei~ – Reisalin Stout – 1/6 – High Summer Formal Ver. (Good Smile Company)

Good Smile Company is another reason why FuRyu’s price gouging won’t fly. GSC is still able to offer quality figures like this one at a fair price.

Ryza is looking bright and cheery as usual. The black formal dress is a nice option to have since all her other figures are of her traditional outfits or swimsuits/lingerie.

Should you preorder this? Hell yeah.

Transformers – Bumble – Bishoujo Statue – 1/7 (Kotobukiya)

Who would’ve imagined Transformers being girls? Only the bright minds behind Kotobukiya. First, we saw Prime and Megatron. And now we get Bumble Bee. Pretty sure the next one would be Starscream.

Most comments love the design but still, there are a few naysayers. You can’t please everyone. Personally, I like it. A cheery and sprightful-looking lass is just what you’d envision Bumble Bee would be.

Should you preorder this? If this resonates with you, go ahead and preorder. Kotobukiya is always good in my book and the price is on the low end too.

Girls’ Frontline – Suomi KP-31 – Korvatunturi Pixie Ver. – 1/7 (Hobby Max)

I’m not a fan of this damaged version concept. I always feel bad after seeing them and it triggers this “must protect” mentality. I am also not a fan of the troubled look she is projecting. I get that some collectors can relate to this especially if they are big fans of the game but personally, I prefer figures that project positive or neutral emotions. It’s totally fine if you like this figure though just as long as you don’t condone violence against women. It’s actually a good-looking figure that is only hindered by its steep price tag.

Should you preorder this? It has a steep price tag but if you’re fine with that, go ahead.

ARMS NOTE – Long Range JoshiKosei – 1/7 (Amakuni, AmiAmi)

“ARMS NOTE” is an original work of Ryosuke Fukai (深井涼介) who draws portraits of girls equipped with various weapons. The artwork is great. I would say the figure looks great too although the pose is a little too lewd for my tastes. Amakuni is an excellent manufacturer but I’m not sure that price point will fly.

Should you preorder this? It’s pretty expensive for an original character. I wouldn’t preorder it but if money is not an object, go ahead.

Original – Aya – 1/6 (Hobby Sakura)

This figure caught my attention because of its realism. It’s a simple t-shirt but the sculpt on the clothes looks great. No boob pockets/boob socks. It looks so realistic that I think she actually looks a little sweaty from doing all that cheerleading. Overall, I think this is a figure that will be worth your money which is something I rarely say of OC figures. Also, her price is on the cheap end.

Hobby Sakura is still a new company but its first release was well-received by collectors. We can safely say the quality is good.

Should you preorder this? Yes.

Original – Rasetsu Hime -Saki- – 1/5 (Inbina, Tokyo Figure)

This is an original character by Asanagi. Her price is on the extremely high end for a 1/5 scale. This comes in two versions, the standard version and the M-version which has a more elaborate base, an alternative face plate and a sake saucer. Both versions are cast-off.

There’s not much I can say about Inbina as the manufacturer. They only have one figure released from last year and have not seen many complaints about the quality.

Should you preorder this? If you got to have her at all costs, go for it. She’s really expensive so this is not the kind of stuff you buy on impulse.

Original Character – Kazekaoru – 1/6 (Lovely)

The next two figures are from the company called Lovely. Both figures are sexy. They look great but they also come with a high price tag. They only have 3 figures on preorder and none have yet to be released so we can’t be certain of the quality.

If you have to ask, yes. You can see it.

Should you preorder this? Quality is a gamble so preorder at your own risk.

Original Character – Bunny Girl Lume – 1/6 (Lovely)

This is Lovely’s most expensive figure thus far and it is a full cast-off. Their first two figures are also lewd but don’t have any cast-off parts.

Should you preorder this? Quality is a gamble so preorder at your own risk.

Original – Panda-chan – China Dress (Union Creative International Ltd)

If you are buying any figure at this price point, you have to be sure it’d be worth it. The thing with Union Creative is that the final product is never worth the money you paid for it. What you really get is just an oversized and overpriced prize figure. It’s great that they’re working with independent artists and helping them to earn a living with their artwork, but as consumers, we also have to get value for our money and this is not something you can get with their figures.

Should you preorder this? Not really.

Kumo Desu ga, Nani ka? – Ariel – 1/7 (Union Creative International Ltd)

This one just looks like an utter waste of money. I’ve seen many prize figures that look much better.

Should you preorder this? Nope. If you want a figure of the Demon Lord, just get the one by Amakuni.

Kyokou Suiri – Iwanaga Kotoko – 1/7 (Bell Fine)

The colors are dull. The facial expression is lifeless. Didn’t really expect much from Bell Fine. They try too hard to be mediocre.

Should you preorder this? Get her Phat Company figure instead. I think even her Kotobukiya figure looks better than this.

Muse Dash – Marija – 1/8 – Maid Ver. (APEX)

The game is dirt cheap on Steam and it is apparently loads of fun. It has an Overwhelmingly Positive review score and it is on sale (as of this writing) for less than a dollar.

I always have high hopes for APEX figures but I’m not so sure about this one. The paint looks flat though I wouldn’t be surprised if they did this purposefully to match the game aesthetic. Also, it is only a 1/8 scale so she’ll be a tad small if you’re more used to 1/7 scales. Price-wise, she’s plenty cheap.

Should you preorder this? She’s pretty cheap and is made by a good company, so go get her if you want to.

Punishing: Gray Raven – Liv – 1/7 – Woven Wings of Promised Daybreak Ver. (APEX)

I’m saying it again. Any figure with wings is special. That might just be my personal taste. I don’t play the game but this figure looks like a steal at ¥20k especially since it’s APEX doing it.

Should you preorder this? Yes, highly recommended.

A-Z: – [E] – 1/7 (Myethos)

Do I like this figure? I can’t really say since I am not familiar with the source and the image is so dang small. Close-up pictures do actually show good workmanship on the figure. What I am sure of is that Myethos is an excellent manufacturer that I would gladly throw money at if I see a good prototype.

Should you preorder this? If you like it, Myethos figures are good.

Original – Skytube – Nekoyanagi Momo – 1/6 – Ver.2 (Alphamax)

I think it’s been a while since I’ve seen a new figure from Alphamax. The Skytube line is one of the best when it comes to lewd figures. This is based on an original character by Misaki Kurehito who is well-known for his work in Saekano.

The figure looks really nice and it’s a cast-off too.

Should you preorder this? The figure is on the expensive side but it’s okay to splurge a little with a quality figure from Alphamax.

Original – Alvina-chan – 1/7 – Uniform Ver. (MaxCute)

This one caught my eye. It’s sexy but something seemed off with her face. Upon closer inspection, it seems like they painted her eyebrows on her bangs. I don’t know if this is lazy or genius but it looks like they stayed true to the original art.

What worries me though is that this is from a new company that somehow sounds like Max Factory. Their website MaxCute-Factory.com is a dead link as of this writing. You can find them on Twitter though.

Should you preorder this? Preorder if you want though you should manage your expectations as this is a new company.

Original – Baniga-chan – 1/6 – Bunny-sauce (MaxCute)

Another figure from MaxCute so same issue as the one above. The figure looks good though any figure with legs spread open and crotch exposed is too lewd for my collection. Still, the sculpt looks really nice, especially the tone on her legs. Also, tights.

Should you preorder this? This is from a new company so quality is not guaranteed. Manage your expectations if preordering.

Original – Ushi Musume ～Cosplay First Challenge～ – 1/6 (Daiki Kougyou)

If you know Daiki Kougyou, you’ll know right away that this is a cast-off. Despite that, this is probably one of those cast-offs that look better when not cast off. Though from the people I know that actually collect hentai figures, very few actually display their hentai figures cast off.

Should you preorder this? If the bovine theme resonates with you, then why not. I think the Uzaki-mom figure might also resonate with you.