The best STARTune figures bring anime characters to life through compact, perspective-driven dioramas rather than simple static poses. With only three officially listed releases so far, each priced at ¥8,250 including Japanese tax, choosing the right figure depends on scene design, character appeal, and display impact. This ranking identifies which figure offers the strongest overall composition, the best environmental backdrop, and the most rewarding addition to a growing collection.
Scheduled for release between December 2026 and February 2027, the current lineup gives collectors three distinct ways to enter the new roughly 1/10-scale series. Monkey D. Luffy leads with the most distinctive scene, while Naruto Uzumaki offers a richer environmental display, and Son Goku brings focused character appeal. The result is a clear shortlist for gift-givers, newcomers, and fans deciding which STARTune release deserves the shelf space and price.
Key Takeaways
- Monkey D. Luffy, Setting Out for the New World, is the best overall STARTune figure, offering the most distinctive perspective-driven composition and strongest centerpiece appeal at ¥8,250.
- Naruto Uzumaki, The Will to Hokage, delivers the best environmental diorama, with layered village-inspired scenery and immersive storytelling for dedicated Naruto displays.
- Son Goku, Let the Battle Begin, is the most accessible choice for Dragon Ball fans, gift buyers, and newcomers who want a recognizable character-focused battle scene.
- All three figures are static, approximately 1/10-scale PVC and ABS collectibles priced at ¥8,250, with releases scheduled from December 2026 through February 2027; character preference, shelf space, and scene design should guide the final choice.
STARTune Buying Criteria And Comparison
Sculpt quality should come first when comparing the best STARTune figures. Each release depends on a strong static pose and accurate character likeness rather than articulation. Diorama composition is equally important, with layered effects, perspective, and environmental details helping each figure feel like a complete scene instead of a character standing on a basic base. Character popularity, display size, and release timing also matter for collectors building a themed shelf, especially with releases scheduled between December 2026 and February 2027. At the shared ¥8,250 Japanese retail price, the strongest value comes from the figure that delivers the most distinctive composition and visual presence for its intended display.
| Figure | Best use case | Approx. size | Japan release | Key visual feature | Construction | Standard retail availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monkey D. Luffy, Setting Out for the New World | Best overall scene and most distinctive composition | Approx. 250 mm | December 2026 | Dynamic Luffy pose with a sweeping, perspective-driven adventure backdrop | PVC and ABS | Regular retail release, with preorder availability varying by store |
| Naruto Uzumaki, The Will to Hokage | Best environmental diorama and Naruto display | Approx. 240 mm | January 2027 | Layered village-inspired scenery that gives the character a strong sense of place | PVC and ABS | Regular retail release, with preorder availability varying by store |
| Son Goku, STARTune | Best choice for a first Dragon Ball entry or mixed-series shelf | Approx. 220 mm | February 2027 | Recognizable Goku action pose supported by energetic effects and a compact battle scene | PVC and ABS | Regular retail release, with preorder availability varying by store |
Luffy is the best buy for collectors who want an immediately impressive centerpiece. Its approximately 250 mm height and expansive composition give the ¥8,250 price strong support. Naruto is the better choice for buyers who value environmental storytelling, while Goku offers the clearest entry point for Dragon Ball fans and adds variety to a mixed-series shelf. All three use PVC and ABS and are intended as roughly 1/10-scale display pieces, so the decision should come down to character preference, available shelf space, and release timing. For a single purchase, Luffy earns the strongest overall recommendation, but Naruto and Goku remain worthwhile when their visual themes suit the collector’s display.
Luffy Setting Out For The New World
Monkey D. Luffy, Setting Out for the New World, stands out as the best overall STARTune figure for collectors who want a centerpiece with an immediately distinctive look. Its approximately 250 mm height gives the piece a strong display presence, while the perspective-driven composition creates the impression of Luffy moving through an expansive scene rather than simply standing on a base. The unusual angle and layered environmental design make it especially eye-catching from across a shelf, giving it more visual personality than a straightforward character portrait. Scheduled for release in December 2026, it also provides a compelling entry point for shoppers exploring this new statue-style collection.
Its greatest strengths are the unusual scene design and the sense of movement created by the composition, even though the figure itself uses a static pose. That fixed presentation may feel less dynamic to collectors who prefer articulated figures or action poses, and the roughly 250 mm scale can require more shelf space than expected. The broad composition is part of its appeal, but collectors should measure their display area carefully before purchasing. Overall, Luffy is the best choice for collectors who want the most visually unique STARTune centerpiece and can give it enough room to make its perspective work.
Naruto The Will To Hokage
Naruto Uzumaki, The Will to Hokage, is the best environmental diorama in the opening STARTune lineup for collectors who want a figure with a strong sense of place. Its surrounding setting reflects Naruto’s journey from an overlooked ninja to someone determined to earn the Hokage title, giving the display more narrative weight than a character-only pose. At approximately 240 mm tall, it should make a noticeable impact on a shelf without requiring the space of a larger statue. With a January 2027 release, it is also an appealing early purchase for fans building a focused anime display.
The detailed setting is the figure’s greatest strength, adding atmosphere and visual storytelling from multiple viewing angles. Naruto remains the clear focal point, but the environmental elements communicate his ambition and make the piece feel like a captured scene rather than a simple standing figure. Its strong Naruto display appeal makes it especially attractive to fans who want a centerpiece with emotional context. The trade-off is a more character-specific theme, which may not blend as easily with varied collections. Its compact diorama format also offers less versatility outside Naruto-focused shelves.
Naruto Uzumaki, The Will to Hokage, is worth considering for shoppers who value immersion over broad compatibility in an accessible statue-style line. It may not be the easiest STARTune piece to place among unrelated characters, but its detailed setting gives it a distinctive identity and makes the purchase feel more meaningful than a basic character portrait. Collectors seeking the most immersive anime-inspired display should choose this figure, particularly if Naruto’s perseverance and rise toward becoming Hokage are central to their collection.
Goku Let The Battle Begin
Son Goku, Let the Battle Begin, is the best value and most accessible entry point in the STARTune range for Dragon Ball collectors. At approximately 220 mm tall, this February 2027 release has enough presence to anchor a shelf without demanding the space of a much larger statue. Its instantly recognizable character and battle-focused presentation make it especially appealing to fans who enjoy Goku’s classic action scenes. The nostalgic pose also gives the figure broad gift appeal, whether it is being bought for a longtime fan or someone starting a collection.
The main drawback is that Goku’s composition feels less distinctive than Luffy’s, and collectors who already own several Goku statues may find some overlap in their display. Even so, the familiar hero, accessible scale, and straightforward battle theme make it easy to recommend at the line’s entry-level price. It offers a clear connection to Dragon Ball’s enduring appeal while introducing new buyers to STARTune’s static, diorama-style format. For Dragon Ball fans and first-time STARTune buyers, this is the figure to buy.
Why Luffy Leads the STARTune Lineup
For shoppers comparing the best STARTune figures, Monkey D. Luffy, Setting Out for the New World, is the best overall choice. Its distinctive composition combines Luffy with a compact, perspective-driven scene, giving the display strong character appeal without feeling ordinary or overcrowded. It suits collectors who want one standout piece and has an approximate 250 mm height that makes it substantial on a shelf. With a December 2026 release, it is also the earliest option among the three.
Naruto Uzumaki, The Will to Hokage, is the strongest environmental diorama, using its surrounding setting to create a more immersive display. It is the natural choice for Naruto fans who value atmosphere and scene design as much as the character sculpt, although its roughly 240 mm footprint should be considered before ordering. Goku is the safest choice for Dragon Ball fans and gift buyers because the character has broad appeal and the figure offers an accessible entry point into the STARTune statue-style range. Its February 2027 release means the longest wait, but it remains an easy recommendation for anyone building a collection around Dragon Ball.
All three STARTune figures cost the same ¥8,250 in Japan, including tax, so price does not determine the winner. The final decision should depend mainly on character preference, the type of scene each collector wants to display, available shelf space, and willingness to wait for the December 2026, January 2027, or February 2027 release. Luffy is the best all-round purchase, Naruto is ideal for a more detailed environmental display, and Goku is the most dependable gift or franchise-first choice. This clear distinction makes the line approachable for new collectors while giving established fans a reason to choose the scene that best fits their collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best STARTune figures currently available to pre-order?
The current STARTune lineup includes three officially listed figures, each priced at ¥8,250 including Japanese tax. Monkey D. Luffy is the strongest overall choice for distinctive scene design, while Naruto Uzumaki stands out for its detailed environmental backdrop. Son Goku offers a more character-focused display for collectors who prioritize familiarity and action appeal.
2. Which STARTune figure offers the best overall value?
Monkey D. Luffy offers the best overall value because its perspective-driven diorama creates the most distinctive visual presentation at the shared ¥8,250 price. Its scene design gives the figure strong shelf presence without relying on articulation or a basic character pose. It is an especially appealing starting point for newcomers to the series.
3. Which STARTune figure has the best environmental backdrop?
Naruto Uzumaki has the strongest environmental display, with layered scenery and backdrop details that make the figure feel like a complete moment rather than a character standing alone. This makes it a good choice for collectors who value depth, atmosphere, and an immersive diorama composition.
4. What should collectors look for when choosing a STARTune figure?
Collectors should compare sculpt quality, character likeness, pose clarity, and the way the base and environmental effects work together. Display size, character popularity, release timing, and shelf compatibility also matter. Since all three figures share the same approximate 1/10 scale and retail price, composition and visual impact should guide the final decision.
5. Are STARTune figures articulated?
STARTune figures are designed as static collectibles rather than articulated action figures. Their appeal comes from the sculpted pose, perspective, layered effects, and environmental scene built into each diorama. Buyers should choose the release that delivers the strongest fixed display instead of expecting poseable parts.
6. How large are the STARTune figures?
The series is designed at approximately 1/10 scale, giving each figure a compact footprint compared with larger premium statues. Exact dimensions can vary by character and diorama construction, so collectors should check the listed measurements before planning a shelf or display case. The scene elements may require more space than the character alone.
7. When will the current STARTune figures be released?
The currently listed releases are scheduled between December 2026 and February 2027. Their close release timing makes it possible to build a coordinated STARTune display over a short period. Buyers should confirm the exact release month and retailer availability before placing an order, since schedules can change.
8. Are STARTune figures a good choice for gifts or new collectors?
STARTune figures are well suited to gifts and first-time collectors because the lineup has a consistent scale, shared pricing, and recognizable anime characters. Luffy is the safest general recommendation for broad display appeal, while Naruto is better for someone who prefers detailed environmental scenes. Goku suits fans who want a focused character presentation and a classic Dragon Ball display.
