Bearbrick Kaws

Everything You Need to Know About Collecting These Coveted Art Toys

What is a Bearbrick Kaws figure?

A Bearbrick Kaws figure is a collectible vinyl toy that is a collaboration between the iconic urban vinyl toy Bearbrick and the acclaimed contemporary artist Kaws. Kaws, whose real name is Brian Donnelly, is known for his Companion character with X-ed out eyes and cartoonish skull and bones. The Bearbrick Kaws figures feature the Kaws aesthetic and designs on the classic Bearbrick toy, which is modeled after a standing bear. Some of the most popular versions feature Kaws’ signature Companion character wearing his own clothes printed all over the bear’s body.

Where can I buy Bearbrick Kaws figures?

There are a few options for buying Bearbrick Kaws figures, but they can be difficult to find in stock:

• Online retailers – Some specialty retailers like HYPEBEAST or StockX carry Bearbrick Kaws figures, but they often sell out quickly and stock is limited.
• Resell platforms – Bearbrick Kaws have a thriving resale market on sites like eBay and Grailed where collectors resell rare and sold out figures.
• Art toy stores – Select designer toy stores may carry Bearbrick Kaws either in-store or online, but supply is very limited.
• KawsOne online shop – Limited stock of Kaws Bearbricks are sometimes available on the artist’s own web store.
• Raffles/launches – Occasionally Kaws releases new Bearbrick figures via raffles that allow you to enter for a chance to buy.

How much do Bearbrick Kaws figures cost?

The retail price for a Bearbrick Kaws figure can range between $150 on the low end to $600+ on the high end for very rare limited editions. On the secondary market, the resale value for coveted Bearbrick Kaws releases can be in the thousands.

Are Bearbrick Kaws figures limited edition?

Yes, all authentic Kaws Bearbricks are limited edition meaning they are produced in finite numbers and will not be reproduced once sold out at retail. Most standard Kaws Bearbricks are limited to edition sizes of 500 or 1000 pieces. Rare special editions can be as few as 70, 35 or even 5 pieces!

What sizes are available for Bearbrick Kaws figures?

The most common Bearbrick Kaws figures are available in the 100% size which stands around 7 inches tall. There are also larger 400% versions around 28 inches tall, as well as smaller keychain sizes like 25% and 50%. The 100% size and 400% sizes are the most prevalent and sought after by collectors.

How do I authenticate a Bearbrick Kaws figure?

To ensure you are buying a real licensed Kaws Bearbrick and not a counterfeit, you’ll want to look for these signs of authenticity:

• High quality vinyl construction and seamless joins between limbs/head
• Accurate colors and details that match official product photos
• Licensing stamps on the foot or head from Medicom Toy who produces Bearbricks
• Certificates of authenticity from Medicom Toy
• Intact original packaging and tags from Medicom

What materials are used in Bearbrick Kaws figures?

Authentic Bearbrick Kaws figures are constructed from high quality vinyl similar to other designer toys on the market. The vinyl is durable yet flexible, and the paint applications for detailing Kaws’ signature designs are vibrant and accurately applied. The highest level of craftsmanship goes into a Medicom Toy Bearbrick product.

What are the most popular Bearbrick Kaws designs?

Some of the most in demand Bearbrick Kaws figures that fetch high resale prices include:

• Companion BFF Set – Features rainbow color Companions
• Astro Boy – Kaws rendition of the manga character
• Kaws Chum – Blue and red colorway
• Kaws ABC – Sesame Street mashup
• Flayed – Figure with exposed skeletal face
• Kaws Blush – Pink panther mashup

Can I find Bearbrick Kaws figures in local stores?

It is very difficult to find Bearbrick Kaws figures at retail in regular toy stores, even in large markets like New York City or Tokyo. Your best bet is searching at specialized designer toy boutiques or galleries, but stock will be extremely limited.

Are there any upcoming releases for Bearbrick Kaws figures?

Kaws usually keeps upcoming Bearbrick collaborations under wraps, but you can expect new limited edition figures to release at some of the following events:

• Art fairs like Design Miami
• Kaws museum retrospectives
• Comic-Con events
• Hypefest – Medicom Toy convention
• Dover Street Market collaborations

Follow Kaws on social media for potential leaks and announcements for new Bearbricks!

How do I care for and maintain my Bearbrick Kaws figure?

Caring for your Kaws Bearbrick comes down to a few common sense guidelines:

• Keep the figure in box when not displaying it to prevent dust build up and damage
• Display out of direct sunlight to prevent vinyl fading
• Handle gently to avoid paint chipping or scuffs
• Do not get wet or place in humidity
• Wipe clean with soft cloth only if needed

What is the history behind Bearbrick Kaws collaborations?

The first Bearbrick Kaws figure was released in 2002 at the peak of the urban vinyl toy craze. Medicom Toy actually reached out to Kaws to incorporate his signature character in their new Bearbrick platform. The 400% Kaws Companion Bearbrick became an instant grail. Since then, Medicom and Kaws have partnered on dozens of unique Bearbrick designs over the past 20 years.

Are Bearbrick Kaws figures a good investment?

Rare and limited Bearbricks like the Kaws original releases have proven to appreciate greatly in value, with some reselling for 10-20X their retail price. However, not all Bearbricks go up in value, and the market is volatile, so you should buy first as a fan of Kaws. Viewing them purely as an investment is risky.

How can I display my Bearbrick Kaws figure?

Bearbricks are designed with a flat base making them easy to display. Some collection display ideas include:

• On a bookshelf
• Encased in a glass cabinet
• Mounted on the wall in acrylic box display
• Grouped together with lighting
• Placed as a desk or work area accent

Get creative and show off your rare Kaws Bearbrick however fits your space!

What artists have collaborated with Bearbrick besides Kaws?

Bearbrick is like a blank canvas that has attracted many major artists for their own limited edition variations. Some other big names that have worked on Bearbricks include:

• Supreme
• Jean-Michel Basquiat
• Keith Haring
• sacai
• COMME des GARÇONS
• mastermind JAPAN

The list goes on and on with over 2000 Bearbrick figures released to date!

Are there any fake Bearbrick Kaws figures on the market?

Yes, unfortunately the popularity of Bearbrick Kaws has led to counterfeit replicas being produced. These fake Bearbricks will display poor vinyl quality, sloppy paint application, and inaccurate details when compared to the real products from Medicom.

How do I spot a counterfeit Bearbrick Kaws figure?

Here are some tells that a Kaws Bearbrick is fake:

• No Medicom licensing stamps anywhere on the figure
• Loose joints or bad seam lines
• Colors look noticeably off from official images
• No edition size marked anywhere
• No original packaging or authenticity certificate
• Very low auction pricing that seems too good to be true

When in doubt, ask the seller for clear close-up photos of all markings, tags and packaging for legit checks before purchasing.

What is the resale value of Bearbrick Kaws figures?

Popular Bearbrick Kaws releases like the OG Companions or Astro Boy can resell for $5000-$10,000+ these days. Even basic Kaws Bearbricks start around $600-$1000 resale for standard 100% figures.

Limited edition collaborations of under 50 pieces can auction even higher from $15,000 to north of $50,000+!

Are there any online communities for Bearbrick Kaws collectors?

Bearbrick and Kaws have very devoted followings, so collectors congregate in certain groups and forums. Some good online communities include:

• Facebook groups like Bearbrick Grail Collectors
• Subreddits like r/bearbrick and r/kaws
• Discord groups like Bearbrick Collectors Club
• Forums like Bearbrick.com and Kawsclub.com

These are great places to buy/sell, get market info, show off collections, and link with fellow Kaws and Bearbrick enthusiasts.

Can I customize my Bearbrick Kaws figure?

It is generally frowned upon and risky to customize or alter an authentic Kaws Bearbrick. Doing so can greatly hurt the resale value. However, you could commission a custom painter to create a unique Bearbrick for you in Kaws style rather than modifying an existing collectible figure.

So there you have it – everything you need to know about collecting the incredible crossover art toy that is Bearbrick Kaws! They remain some of the most in-demand figures on the secondary market, so study up before you try to cop your own piece of Kaws Bearbrick history!