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Posable figures occupy a strange niche in the figure collecting world. For some, they’re the ultimate expression of versatility. They are dynamic, customizable and perfect for photography or display experimentation. For others, they’re a compromise. Visible joints breaking the sculpt, articulation limiting elegance and trying to find the best pose can feel more like a chore than a feature. But when done right, posable figures offer something static statues can’t: life. They invite interaction, storytelling and a sense of motion frozen in plastic. For those who enjoy getting creative with dioramas, setting up specific scenes and their camera is also their best friend, posable figures offer so much more than scales.

In this space, two rising Chinese manufacturers, Snail Shell and Hasuki, are making serious waves. Each has been carving out a piece of the market pie by catering to underserved collector wants.

Snail Shell burst onto the scene in 2019 with a clear mission: to create highly detailed, posable 1/12 scale figures that blend anime aesthetics with sci-fi and fantasy flair. Snail Shell figures mainly focus on original characters with elaborate costumes, animal motifs and a distinct techno-bishoujo vibe. Despite being in business for only a few years, their figures have been highly praised for their smooth articulation, expressive faceplates and high-end sculpting that posable figures often lacked.

Hasuki arrived on the scene a few years later. They, on the other hand, lean into a more grounded, familiar aesthetic. They add elements of tactical military or urban fashion and seamlessly blend them into their fantasy world. Hasuki focuses on bringing realism and modular accessories to fine tune the look you are going for. They cater to collectors who want posability without sacrificing a sense of fidelity.

Both companies provide products that have a good range of motion but also have decently well hidden joints, preserving silhouette and anatomy. Their design philosophies are unique and fill a hole depending on preference. With Snail Shell you get a more stylized design with exaggerated, expressive characters, glossy finishes and metallic accents.

Hasuki gives figures that resemble anime characters reimagined through a tactical and/or streetwear filter. Matte finishes and subdued palettes emphasize texture and realism over vibrancy. The designs are subtle but rich in detail, appealing to collectors who prefer understated cool over flashy fantasy.

Let’s compare two upcoming releases to see an example of these differences. From Snail Shell we have Kitsunebi Senki Honoka.

From Hasuki we have NTW-20.

Both come with a mix of optional parts that can be swapped allowing for more freedom in display options. These accessories are very detailed and have the same attention given to them even though there is the chance you may never use them.

Honoka is an anthropomorphic fox girl with a futuristic military overhaul. The drones she commands are meant to be more than just a simple display accessory.

They come in handy in a pinch offering a tactical retreat.

Or they can enhance Honoka’s vision.

Going beyond plastic, Honoka gets a fur tail, very rare for these types of figures.

Similarly, NTW-20 has fabric clothing. This eliminates the need for specific parts required for some poses that hard plastic cannot accommodate. Hasuki makes different outfit sets that can be purchased separately and uses the cloth based clothing as a unique marketing point.

There is no trade-off with receiving the fabric outfits. The additional accessories are just as detailed and the sculpt for NTW-20’s hair is on point.

The paintwork and expressions given with the face parts are an excellent addition. The light blush looks cute and is a softer look.

Honoka and NTW-20 are both designed with a clear bishoujo aesthetic. The level of detail and sculpt of their body is on par with premium products. Honoka is a bit more bold and revealing.

But NTW-20’s exposed midriff is equally as enticing.

With posable figures, the most important factor is articulation. Common issues include easily broken and stiff/limited movement in joints. Finding the right balance of flexibility to allow truly dynamic and creative scenes with enough rigidity to hold a position is a tough feat with a very narrow margin for error.

Snail Shell and Hasuki still walk the tightrope with room to improve but each are sufficiently well constructed. Their range of movement is on par, if not better than some competitors but still need to be handled with some care.

figma by Max Factory remains one of the industry standards for posable figures. They are affordable, consistent and backed by a massive library of licensed IPs. They’re great for casual collectors and fans of specific franchises, but their designs often play it safe. Articulation is solid, but the tendency is for them to be functional rather than premium.

Snail Shell and Hasuki, by contrast, are boutique brands. They don’t rely on IP recognition, they build worlds through design. Snail Shell pushes the boundaries of stylization and sculpt integrity, while Hasuki refines realism and modularity. They’re expensive, yes, but they offer a collector experience that feels curated, intentional, and emotionally resonant.

Thank you for reading!