What is Bearbrick?
Bearbrick is a brand of bear-shaped collectible figures made by the Japanese company MediCom Toy. Developed with the highly original concept of ‘making a teddy bear with a digital image’, the first Bearbrick was available in May of 2001, and it has since become a sought-after collectible line of merchandise for collectors. Its cute and cartoony bear design comes from MediCom Toy’s earlier Kubrick toy brand. Keep reading on for an overview of the sizes and designs available with Bearbrick, along with some select collaborative models that any fan would love to have!
A Variety of Different Sizes are Available!
One of the most notable features of the Bearbrick toy line is the number of different sizes and designs that they come in, which gives a great amount of choice to those who might want to go for a different kind of toy.
The Bearbrick sizes are referred to with a percentage, with which dedicated fans can easily figure out the corresponding size and value. A ‘100% Bearbrick’ (7 cm size) is considered to be the standard size. The figure sizes can be radically different, as seen in the picture to the left. Here is a quick guide to available sizes:
- 50% Bearbrick: 3.5 cm size
- 70% Bearbrick: 5 cm size
- 100% Bearbrick: 7 cm size
- 150% ‘Bearbrick Light’: 10.5 cm size recent model with key chain
- 200% Superalloyed Bearbrick: 14.5 cm size, collaboration with famous Japanese brand of robot action figure toys
- 400% Bearbrick: 28 cm size, usually sold standalone, not in box set
- 1000% Bearbrick: 70 cm size, usually sold standalone, not in box set
The 400% Bearbrick and 1000% Bearbrick sizes are usually what the serious collectors go for, but there are Bearbrick models available for any need! For example, there is also a ‘BB Bearbrick’ model for kids that does not have detachable parts like other models would. Take a look and see which size works best for you!
Limited Edition and Collaborative Bearbrick Designs
When it comes to the world of Bearbrick collectors, what is especially popular are the collaborative models. These are Bearbricks with special designs produced together with anyone from fashion brands, visual artists or other famous designers. There are also exclusive models released in coordination in Japanese product launches that later become highly sought after, especially by fans outside of Japan. Some well-known names that have contributed their designs to Bearbricks include KAWS, FaZe Clan, Supreme and A Bathing Ape.
Popular Bearbrick Models
Here are just a few examples of some Bearbricks whose designs have become popular among fans:
Bearbrick x A Bathing Ape Model
A Bathing Ape, also referred to as Bape, is a Japanese fashion brand with loyal fans worldwide. You can feel the impact of their striking and modern designs, even in this small 7 cm Bearbrick 100% model.
Bearbrick x KAWS Model
This model, officially known as the ‘BE@RBRICK KAWS Companion a-nation 1000%’, came about from a collaborative effort between Bearbrick and KAWS. KAWS is a world-renowned street artist, and his signature design of having X’s for eyes on his art can be seen in this high quality Bearbrick model as well!
Bearbrick x Daft Punk Model
These 70 cm 1000% Bearbricks are the result of a collaboration between Bearbrick and the famous French electronic music act Daft Punk. Daft Punk collaborates with Bearbrick every year, but this 2012 model is especially popular and has become shockingly expensive.
Have you found a Bearbrick model that speaks to you yet? With dozens of amazing designs in a number of different sizes, there is definitely a Bearbrick out there that could become anything from your next pocket lucky charm to your next larger-sized decorative figure. Check out Buyee to see how you can buy the most exclusive models that normally never leave Japanese shopping sites, even from overseas!
