The world of One Piece figure collecting is hotter than a Red-Hot Iron Ball, and as of December 17, 2025, the demand for Monkey D. Luffy collectibles is skyrocketing, primarily driven by the explosive popularity of his Gear 5 "Nika" form. With new releases from major brands like Bandai Spirits and Megahouse being announced well into 2026, collectors must stay updated to secure the most coveted pieces, from affordable prize figures to jaw-dropping, life-sized resin statues.
Whether you are a veteran collector of the high-detail Portrait of Pirates (P.O.P.) line or a newcomer looking for the best entry point with an Ichibansho or S.H.Figuarts model, this guide breaks down the newest releases, the most expensive grails, and essential tips to ensure your Straw Hat Pirates collection is authentic and complete. The current landscape is dominated by Wano Arc and Gear 5 figures, making now the perfect time to invest in the future King of the Pirates.
Monkey D. Luffy: The King of the Pirates in Plastic and Resin
Monkey D. Luffy, the captain of the Straw Hat Pirates and the main protagonist of the One Piece saga, is one of the most widely collected anime characters globally. His figures span a massive range of price points, scales, and articulation types, reflecting his journey from a young boy in East Blue to the Fifth Emperor of the Sea.
- Full Name: Monkey D. Luffy
- Epithet: Straw Hat Luffy, Fifth Emperor of the Sea
- Affiliation: Straw Hat Pirates (Captain), Grand Fleet (Leader)
- Devil Fruit: Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika (Mythical Zoan)
- Key Forms for Figures: Base Form (Post-Timeskip/New World), Gear Second, Gear Third, Gear Fourth (Boundman, Snakeman, Tankman), and the highly sought-after Gear 5 (Nika) form.
- Primary Figure Series: Portrait of Pirates (P.O.P.), FiguartsZERO, S.H.Figuarts, Ichibansho, King of Artist, and various high-end resin statues.
The latest figure trends are heavily influenced by the climax of the Wano Arc and the introduction of the Gear 5 transformation, which has led to a flood of new, highly detailed, and often limited-edition figures.
The Newest & Hottest Luffy Figure Releases of 2025-2026
The collecting scene is currently focused on pre-orders and new releases that showcase Luffy's most powerful and dynamic moments. Securing these figures early is critical, as secondary market prices often inflate rapidly, especially for limited runs.
1. The Gear 5 Phenomenon: King of Artist & LookUp Figures
The Gear 5 form, representing the "Warrior of Liberation," is the undisputed champion of new releases. Several lines are capitalizing on the hype, offering a range of sizes and prices:
- King of Artist - Monkey D. Luffy Gear 5, III (Bandai Spirits): This line is known for its excellent sculpt quality for a prize figure price point. The latest Gear 5 iteration is a must-buy for budget-conscious collectors, with pre-orders scheduled for release in late 2025.
- LookUp Figure - Monkey D. Luffy Gear 5 (Re-release): The popular LookUp series, known for its adorable, sitting figures with movable heads, is re-releasing its Gear 5 Luffy. The original pre-order closed in late 2024 for a May 2025 release, and a 2026 re-release has been announced, making it a highly anticipated collectible for fans of the Nika form's playful aesthetic.
- World Collectible Figure Premium - Luffy Gear5 Special: This is a premium version of the small, stylized WCF line, often featuring a diorama base, with pre-orders set for December 2025.
2. The "One Piece LUFFY's" Blind Box Series
For collectors who enjoy the thrill of the chase, the "One Piece LUFFY's" blind box figure series from Bandai is a fresh and unique offering. Announced in late 2024 and scheduled for an August 2025 release, this series focuses on different aspects and costumes of Luffy throughout his journey in a small, stylized format. Blind boxes are a great way to acquire a variety of unique, smaller figures.
3. The Unexpected Collaboration: ONE PIECE × NBA
One of the most unique and recent announcements is the official "ONE PIECE × NBA" collaboration. Bandai Spirits is launching a line of crossover figures, including the MASTER STARS PIECE THE MONKEY.D.LUFFY, which depicts Luffy in an NBA-themed outfit, likely performing a slam dunk. The first wave is slated for an exclusive early purchase in December 2025 at the ONE PIECE BASE SHOP in Shinjuku, Tokyo, before a wider release. This crossover is a strong example of a limited-edition, high-demand collector's item.
The Ultimate Grails: Most Expensive & Rare Luffy Collectibles
While most collectors focus on PVC figures from lines like FiguartsZERO or the articulated S.H.Figuarts, the truly high-end market is dominated by limited-edition statues and custom resin pieces. These items represent the pinnacle of One Piece collecting, often commanding prices in the thousands of dollars.
The $200,000 Solid Gold Luffy Statue
The absolute rarest and most expensive piece of official Luffy merchandise is the solid gold Monkey D. Luffy statue created to celebrate the One Piece 20th anniversary. This limited-edition figure was available for order and is valued at approximately $200,000, making it a mythical grail that few collectors will ever see, let alone own.
Life Size GK Resin Statues
For the serious enthusiast with deep pockets and a large display space, 1/1 Life Size GK (Garage Kit) Resin Statues are the ultimate acquisition. These figures stand over 6 feet tall, often depicting Luffy in his most iconic poses or forms. High-end studios like LX Studio have produced limited-run, life-sized Monkey D. Luffy resin statues, with a 1/1 scale model estimated for a Q1 2025 release. These are extremely limited (sometimes only 99 pieces worldwide) and require a significant investment, often pre-ordering for several thousand dollars.
Portrait of Pirates (P.O.P.) & Limited Releases
Megahouse's Portrait of Pirates (P.O.P.) line remains the gold standard for high-quality, non-articulated PVC figures. While not as expensive as resin, certain limited-run P.O.P. figures, especially those from the early years or exclusive variants, are incredibly rare on the secondary market. Many experienced collectors recommend starting with the P.O.P. line due to its consistent quality and detail.
Essential Collector's Guide: Spotting Bootlegs and Best Practices
The popularity of Monkey D. Luffy figures, especially new releases like Gear 5 and popular articulated lines like S.H.Figuarts, has led to a massive influx of counterfeit or "bootleg" products. Protecting your investment and ensuring you get an authentic collectible is crucial.
How to Spot a Fake Luffy Figure
Bootlegs are often sold at suspiciously low prices on unverified online marketplaces. Use these tips to ensure you are buying an authentic piece:
- Check the Packaging: Authentic figures, especially from Bandai, Banpresto, and Megahouse, will arrive in high-quality, branded packaging with official Toei Animation or manufacturer seals/stickers. Figures arriving in unbranded, plain cardboard, or poor-quality boxes are a major red flag.
- Examine Paint and Sculpt Quality: Bootlegs often have blurry paint lines, poor color matching (especially on the skin tone or the iconic straw hat), and loose-fitting joints (common in S.H.Figuarts fakes).
- Verify the Source: Always buy from reputable, authorized retailers (e.g., Sideshow Collectibles, BigBadToyStore, AmiAmi, or official manufacturer stores). If a deal seems too good to be true, it likely is a fake.
Top Collector Tips for New World Figures
When starting your collection, consider these best practices:
- Start with a Main Line: Begin with an affordable, quality line like Bandai Spirits Ichibansho or Banpresto's King of Artist to get a feel for the scale and quality you prefer.
- Prioritize Display: Invest in proper shelving or display cases. For Funko Pop! collectors, hard stack protectors are essential to maintain the box's condition, which is vital for resale value.
- Mix and Match: Don't be afraid to mix different lines. A large-scale Portrait of Pirates statue of Luffy can look fantastic next to smaller, stylized World Collectible Figures (WCF) of his crewmates.
The journey to collect the best Monkey D. Luffy figures is an adventure in itself, mirroring the Grand Line voyage. By staying informed about the newest releases—especially the high-demand Gear 5 figures and exclusive collaborations—and following smart collecting practices, you can build a collection worthy of the future Pirate King.
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