The Straw Hat flag flies higher than ever before. Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece is not merely a manga or an anime; it is a global cultural juggernaut, a multi-generational epic that has captured the hearts of millions. This monumental success has created a parallel world of collecting, where the grand adventures on the page and screen are immortalized in stunningly detailed PVC and ABS. For fans, collecting these figures is more than a hobby—it’s a way to own a piece of the legend, to build a crew of their own, and to display the very spirit of the Grand Line.
While the seas of One Piece are vast and its cast of characters immense, the modern collecting world is undeniably dominated by a “Mount Rushmore” of fan-favorites: the future Pirate King, Monkey D. Luffy; his indomitable right hand, Roronoa Zoro; the cunning Surgeon of Death, Trafalgar D. Water Law; and the eternally beloved brother, Portgas D. Ace. The demand for high-quality figures of these four icons is insatiable.
Navigating this exciting world can be as daunting as charting an unknown sea. Three major fleets rule these waters: the premium, grail-tier Portrait Of Pirates (P.O.P) by MegaHouse; the dynamic, effects-driven FiguartsZERO by Tamashii Nations; and the accessible, high-quality prize figures from Bandai Spirits Ichiban Kuji. This is your definitive log pose. Whether you’re a rookie collector making your first purchase or a seasoned captain hunting for your next great treasure, this guide will help you navigate the top lines and find the definitive figures of the series’ most legendary characters.
The Icons of the New Era: Why These Four Characters Reign Supreme
What makes these four pirates the most sought-after figures in a series with thousands of characters? Each one offers a unique combination of narrative weight and spectacular visual potential.
- Monkey D. Luffy: As the series protagonist, Luffy’s appeal is obvious, but it’s his incredible transformations that make him a collector’s dream. From the crimson-hued dynamism of Gear 2 to the muscular might of Gear 4 (Boundman and Snakeman), and now, the utterly transcendent, reality-bending freedom of his Gear 5 form, each transformation is a major event that manufacturers are eager to capture. Luffy’s figures are pure energy, embodying the boundless joy and power of the future Pirate King.
- Roronoa Zoro: The epitome of “cool.” Zoro’s Three-Sword Style (Santoryu) is visually spectacular, offering sculptors a chance to create figures crackling with power and menace. His attack poses, from the demonic aura of Ashura to the swirling tempest of his Dragon Twister, are prime material for dramatic, centerpiece-worthy figures. A Zoro figure on the shelf is a statement of strength and unwavering loyalty.
- Trafalgar D. Water Law: Law offers a different brand of cool—calculated, cunning, and stylish. His Ope Ope no Mi Devil Fruit is one of the most creative in the series, and while its effects are difficult to sculpt, his signature poses within his “Room” or holding his cursed sword Kikoku are iconic. His unique design, tattoos, and calm demeanor make his figures stand out in any collection.
- Portgas D. Ace: A testament to masterful character writing, Ace’s popularity has only grown since his tragic death at Marineford. His legacy is eternal, and so is the desire for his figures. His Mera Mera no Mi powers provide the perfect excuse for manufacturers to go wild with magnificent, translucent flame effects, making his figures some of the most visually stunning and emotionally resonant pieces a fan can own.
Charting the Course: Navigating the Top Figure Lines
Each major figure line offers a different experience in terms of style, scale, and price. Understanding their philosophies is key to finding the right fit for your collection.
| Feature | Portrait Of Pirates (P.O.P) | FiguartsZERO | Bandai Spirits Ichiban Kuji |
| Manufacturer | MegaHouse | Bandai (Tamashii Nations) | Bandai Spirits |
| Philosophy | Premium, high-end “definitive” scale figures. | Capturing dynamic moments and attacks with effects. | High-quality prize figures won via lottery. |
| Typical Scale | 1/8 Scale (but varies greatly) | Non-Scale (approx. 6-12 inches) | Non-Scale (approx. 7-10 inches) |
| Price Point (New) | High ($$$$) | Mid-High ($$-$$$) | Low-Mid ($-$$) |
| Best For… | Discerning collectors seeking a centerpiece “grail.” | Fans who want action, dioramas, and visual spectacle. | Collectors seeking amazing quality at an affordable price. |
Portrait Of Pirates (P.O.P) by MegaHouse: The Premium Standard
For over two decades, MegaHouse’s Portrait Of Pirates line has been the undisputed king of One Piece figures. P.O.P is not just a product line; it’s the benchmark for quality, detail, and ambition. These are not toys; they are premium-scale statues designed to be the definitive representation of a character.
The pinnacle of the P.O.P line is the “MAXIMUM” series. These are massive, exquisitely detailed, and dynamically sculpted masterpieces that represent the absolute zenith of the hobby. Owning a P.O.P MAXIMUM figure is a collector’s ultimate goal.
Iconic P.O.P Figures:
- Monkey D. Luffy: The P.O.P “MAXIMUM” Gear 4 Snakeman is a legend. It’s a sprawling, impossibly dynamic figure that perfectly captures the speed and power of the form. More recently, the announcement of the Gear 5 “Gigant” Luffy has sent shockwaves through the community, promising to be one of the largest and most ambitious figures ever made.
- Roronoa Zoro: The P.O.P “MAXIMUM” Roronoa Zoro Ver. Ashura is a breathtaking work of art. Capturing his nine-sword demonic form, this piece is a symphony of motion, with intricate sculpting and a menacing presence that dominates any shelf. The Warriors Alliance “Zoro-juro” is another standout, perfectly rendering his Wano samurai aesthetic.
- Trafalgar Law: The P.O.P Warriors Alliance Trafalgar Law is considered by many to be his definitive figure. It captures his Wano appearance with a relaxed yet commanding pose, exquisite detail on his coat and sword, and a flawless head sculpt.
- Portgas D. Ace: The P.O.P “MAXIMUM” Portgas D. Ace 15th Anniversary figure is a grail piece. It features a shirtless Ace surrounded by a maelstrom of sculpted flames, a perfect tribute to his power and legacy.
FiguartsZERO by Tamashii Nations: The Diorama Dream
Where P.O.P aims for definitive statues, FiguartsZERO aims to capture a single, explosive moment straight from the anime. This line, from Bandai’s collector division Tamashii Nations, is renowned for its use of dynamic poses and, most importantly, spectacular translucent effect parts.
The standout series within this line is “Extra Battle.” These figures are designed with pure visual impact in mind, often featuring characters in the midst of their most powerful attacks, surrounded by energy, smoke, or flames. They are perfect for collectors who want their display to feel like a frozen frame of epic action.
Iconic FiguartsZERO Figures:
- Monkey D. Luffy: The FiguartsZERO “Extra Battle” Gear 4 Lion Bazooka is a classic, depicting Luffy coiled with energy. The true star, however, is the “Extra Battle” Monkey D. Luffy – Gear 5 Gigant – figure. It’s a massive, joyous depiction of Gear 5, with Luffy’s giant fist smashing into the ground, surrounded by stylized smoke clouds.
- Roronoa Zoro: The “Extra Battle” Roronoa Zoro (Zoro-juro) Bloody Battle Ver. is a fantastic piece, showing a bloodied but determined Zoro mid-strike, complete with aura effects. The line excels at capturing the energy of his sword techniques.
- Trafalgar Law: Law’s “Extra Battle” figure from the Punk Hazard arc cleverly incorporates his Ope Ope no Mi powers, showing him mid-teleport with slicing effects. More recent Wano versions capture him in dynamic battle stances against Kaido.
- Portgas D. Ace: The FiguartsZERO Portgas D. Ace -Whitebeard Pirates 2nd Division Commander- is a fiery masterpiece. It’s an incredible inferno of translucent orange and yellow plastics that perfectly encapsulates the sheer power of the Mera Mera no Mi.
Bandai Spirits Ichiban Kuji: The Thrill of the Chase
Ichiban Kuji, meaning “Number One Lottery,” is one of the most exciting and accessible avenues for high-quality figure collecting. These figures are not sold directly but are offered as prizes in a lottery system in Japan (and increasingly, internationally). You buy a ticket and are guaranteed to win a prize, with the top-tier prizes (A, B, C prizes, etc.) being large-scale figures.
Don’t let the “prize” label fool you; the quality of modern Ichiban Kuji figures is astronomical, often rivaling or even surpassing that of standard retail figures that cost twice as much. For collectors in the Philippines, these are often available at specialty hobby shops or through the vibrant secondary market on social media.
A special feature of the Kuji is the “Last One” Prize, awarded to the person who buys the very last ticket in a set. This is often a variant (metallic paint, different color) of one of the main prize figures and is highly coveted.
Iconic Ichiban Kuji Figures:
- Monkey D. Luffy: The recent Ichiban Kuji sets have delivered some of the best Gear 5 Luffy figures on the market, period. Figures from sets like “Warriors of the Fierce King” or “Beyond the Level” are masterfully sculpted, capturing the cartoonish joy and overwhelming power of his Awakened form. They are often the most affordable way to get a truly impressive Gear 5 statue.
- Roronoa Zoro: Kuji sets focused on the Wano arc have been a goldmine for Zoro fans. Figures often depict him in his iconic poses like his “Three-Sword Style: Purgatory Onigiri”, with a level of detail and size that is astounding for the price point.
- Trafalgar Law: Law is a frequent high-tier prize in Ichiban Kuji. Figures from sets like “Best of Omnibus” showcase him with a commanding presence and quality that makes them a fantastic alternative to the much more expensive P.O.P releases.
- Portgas D. Ace: Ace is a perennial favorite in Kuji sets. The “Emotional Stories” lottery featured a beautiful figure of Ace protecting a young Luffy, a piece celebrated for its narrative and emotional weight.
A Collector’s Compass: Tips for Aspiring Pirates
- Where to Buy in your location: For new releases, pre-ordering is key. Keep an eye on local retailers like Datablitz, Toys”R”Us, and specialty hobby shops such as Aniporium or Big Boys Toy Store. For direct importing, sites like AmiAmi and HobbyLink Japan are the standard. The secondary market is booming in local Facebook collector groups, where you can find great deals on Kuji figures and older P.O.P releases.
- Beware of Bootlegs: The popularity of these four characters makes them prime targets for counterfeiters. If a price seems too good to be true, it is. Look for poor paint quality, flimsy boxes, and a lack of official logos (Bandai, MegaHouse, Toei Animation sticker). Always buy from reputable sources.
- Budget Your Berries:
- Starting Out ($40 – $85): Ichiban Kuji is your best friend. The quality-to-price ratio is unmatched.
- Mid-Range Collector ($90 – $180): FiguartsZERO offers incredible visual impact for your money.
- High-End Hunter ($200+): This is P.O.P territory. Save up for that one “MAXIMUM” grail that will be the undisputed king of your collection.
Assembling Your Ultimate Crew
The world of One Piece figure collecting is as boundless and exciting as the Grand Line itself. Whether you are drawn to the museum-quality prestige of a P.O.P MAXIMUM, the explosive action of a FiguartsZERO Extra Battle, or the accessible brilliance of an Ichiban Kuji prize, there has never been a better time to be a fan.
Luffy, Zoro, Law, and Ace represent the pinnacle of modern character design and narrative appeal, and the figures they inspire are a testament to that legacy. This is more than just collecting plastic; it’s about curating a gallery of your favorite moments and characters. It’s about building your own crew, one treasured piece at a time, and creating a display that proudly declares your love for the greatest pirate story ever told. The treasure is out there!