BE@RBRICK
BASICS
Have you always been fascinated by the world of Be@rbrick? Or are you new to this world of art toy collecting? Here’s the lowdown on all the quintessential Be@rbrick specifications that you and every Be@rbrick enthusiast should know about such as the sizes, materials and some of the top extravagant models.
Text: SARAH TAN
Feb 11, 2022
SIZES
The first Be@rbrick size was named 100%. The collectors’ toys now come in various sizes from 100% to 1000%, the latter being the most coveted.
Apart from these, there are some collections featuring Be@rbricks of different shapes and sizes which fall under the “Other” category.
Photo: Hypebeast. Be@rbrick Sizes
• 50%, 35mm: These normally come in the form of keychains e.g. Be@rbrick Medicom Daruma Keychain Gold.
Photo: StockX. Be@rbrick Medicom Daruma Keychain Gold
• 70%, 50mm: The 70% was first introduced in 2006 amongst other products. Since then, many have used this format as a lucky charm. As a result, MediCom Toy has manufactured 70% Be@rbricks with auspicious and personalized tags. Be@rbrick x Yoda Keychain and Be@rbrick x Chewbacca Keychain were made in celebration of the 30th anniversary of Star Wars in Japan in 2008.
Photo: Scarce & Co. Be@rbrick Yoda and Chewbacca Keychains
• 100%, 70mm: Available in blind boxes, these are the most common and classic format. The release of Daruma - Gold Metallic 100% Size Be@rbrick (Tokyo Skytree Exclusive) was to celebrate the 7th anniversary of Medicom Toy’s flagship store in Tokyo Skytree Town, Soramachi.
Photo: mindzai. Daruma Gold Metallic 100% Be@rbrick
• 200%, 145mm: Made of die-cast metal and weighing 400g, this is a relatively newer format and are only released in the “Chogokin” series. The OriginalFake Medicom Toy Chogokin Be@rbricks is giving Be@rbrick a run for its money! It introduced the overexposed toy to the popular line of OriginalFake chomper-inspired Be@rbrick. The collectible toy with an interesting cartoon design has made it a hit.
Photo: OriginalFake Medicom Toy Chogokin Be@rbrick
• 400%, 280mm: Most collectors buy Be@rbricks in 400% form which is the second most common format.
Photo: StockX. KAWS Be@rbrick Dissected 400%
• 1000%, 700mm: The 1000% is the largest regular Be@rbricks size, mostly collectible statue pieces.
Photo: StockX. Be@rbrick Van Gogh Museum Self Portrait 1000%
BEYOND 1000%
Ever seen the world’s tallest Be@brick? A stunning 5.6m Be@rbrick 8000% was showcased outside Raffles City from 12 November to 26 December 2021. The shopping mall had also displayed the all-new Raffles City Be@rbrick Candy Cane 2000%, a partnership between Medicom Toy and Action City.
Photos: ActionCity
Dying to get your hands on a highly desirable piece? An official Be@rbrick store by Action City has opened at Marina Bay Sands, a must-see tourist attraction. It showcases an exciting range of Be@rbrick and other Medicom Toy creations. Upon its incorporation in 2000, ActionCity secured the sole distributorship rights for Hot Toys and BE@RBRICK by Medicom Toy, and collaborations with big brands including Disney, POP MART and tokidoki.
MATERIALS USED
Be@rbricks are mostly made of hard plastic, but different series has experimented with different materials including metal and wood.
Photo: StockX. Be@rbrick Emotionally Unavailable Red Heart 1000%
Photo: StockX. Be@rbrick Karimoku Horizon 1000%
Photo: Goxip. Be@rbrick x Steven Harrington x Action City x Royal Selangor Metal 400%
BUYING BE@RBRICKS
Thinking of starting your very own Be@rbrick collection? please proceed with caution and always check the source and verify the authenticity of the purchase.
