5 Must Have Tomoe Mami Figures

So, you have just on the cusp of beginning your Mami figure collection but, do not know where to start? Fortunately, unlike other characters such as Hatsune Miku or Saber, Mami does not have an over saturation of figures. Not yet, at least. Unfortunately, there are close to a hundred different Mami figures made over the course of the series' 5 year history. Even with all the handy resources online such as, the ever useful MFC, getting what truly matters can often be very tricky. With that in mind, I present you this guide on the "5 Must Have Tomoe Mami Figures"!

1. Nendoroid No. 379 Tomoe Mami: School Uniform Version

Now, you are going to have to be very specific about this. Good Smile Company made two Nendoroid Mami(s), the Magical Girl (No. 183) and the School Uniform Version (No. 379) with a third (Maiko Version) coming soon. But, of the two released thus far, the No. 379 is a particular must-have for any Mami collection. Released in February 2014 as part of a Wonder Festival 2014 Winter Exclusive, School Uniform Mami was eventually released on GSC's online shop for a mere 11 day pre-order period. Ever since then, no more has ever been made making the price of a mint one constantly go up. Not to mention, this Nendoroid Mami practically set the trend for Bebe to accompany Mami in every figure form and this awesome tradition has been going on ever since. Mandarake still sells pre-owned and slightly box-damaged ones for a reasonable price but, an unopened and undamaged one will set you back quite a bit. In fact, I am even planning to get my second one soon.

2. Good Smile Company 1/8 Tomoe Mami

In terms of rarity, this Mami figure does not rank very highly. A good condition one can be found on the re-sellers markets for close to half the price and 3 years since its release, stocks are still easily found. Nevertheless, this is one of the most accomplished scale figure of Mami thus far. Everything about is perfect to a tee with the upcoming GSC scale figure Mami also looking to emulate that same formula. Coupled with her two muskets, Mami gains incredible presence and easily become the centerpiece of any collection display. Highly recommended!

3. Aniplex Tomoe Mami Maiko Version

The most beautiful and elegant Mami figure. Period. Notoriously difficult to pre-order with a 12,000 Yen asking price, the Maiko Version was initially only available as a Aniplex+ Web Exclusive. Since then, extra copies have been rare and few in the open market. Any which pop up on re-sellers market quickly get snatched up regardless of the price and condition. More recently, Maiko Mami has started to resurface in exhibitions. Most notably at Aniplex's booth in the recent Wonder Festival Winter 2016. But, never for sale. A striking rare beauty, this is one figure I have not dared to unbox ever since I got her last year.

4. Aniplex Tomoe Mami Bath Towel Version

I will not go into too much detail about this figure, you can read more on that in my lengthy review. Take it as what you will, fan-service or not, this is one really rare figure. Occasionally appearing in the re-sellers market, it is not long before someone quickly snatches her away. As the days go by, she becomes increasingly rarer. Prices are still fairly reasonable now but, it is only a matter of time before they sky-rocket.

5. RAH #672 Tomoe Mami School Uniform Version

Now if there was any Mami figure that you could with quantifiable values consider as rare, it would be Medicom/Good Smile Company/Max Factory's RAH #672 Tomoe Mami. Released during Wonder Festival Summer 2014 and limited to only 800 pieces, this is about as rare as it gets for Mami figures. Even now, I still have not gotten one albeit eyeing one for the longest time already. Just like me, I do not recommend you wait too long if you do intend to get her as the quantities available remaining online are in the handful. For a more detailed look at this immaculate doll/figure hybrid, check out my wishlist.

So, there you go, that has been my Top 5 picks of the Must-Have Mami Figures for any collector thinking of adding Tomoe Mami to their figure collection. Of course this does not mean the other Mami figures available are no good! In fact, they are actually really splendid too especially the new Madogatari ones. I just thought it would be a good idea to share some of my thoughts on what the most valuable Mami figures there are in the market and provide a few pointers for interested collectors. If you have any questions, feel free to ask away in the comments section below. I would love to hear what you think. Until the next time, thank you so much for reading and have yourself a wonderful day ahead!