Puella Magi Madoka Magica, or more simply known as Madoka Magica, is a 12 episode anime series that originally ran from January – April 2011. The series was distributed in North America by Aniplex and has maintained a positive reception among anime fans with an 8.4/10 rating on MyAnimeList.
In this list, we’re going to rank Madoka Magica figures of two fan-favorite protagonists: Madoka Kaname and Homura Akemi. We’ll be reviewing 11 officially licensed figures from the anime series and movies, but only one Madoka Magica figure can be ranked as the best!
Homura Akemi Timeshift Version
Originally released November 2014, this figure is labeled the “Timeshift version”, and we can see her using her time travel powers as she carries the limp body of Kyubey in her left hand and a handgun in her right hand. The gun has to be inserted between her fingers, and she comes with two interchangeable left hands; one holding Kyubey, and the other loose. This Homura is actually a 1/7 scale figure, unlike the rest of the Good Smile Company, Stronger, and FREEing lines, which are all 1/8 scale. This makes her slightly taller than the others, but her colors and sculpt fit in well with the other Madoka Magica figures that are currently available; however, she’s also striking enough to be displayed on her own.
She was released with a MSRP of ¥9,258 ($80 USD). Since she was a limited-exclusive release her aftermarket price has doubled, but it is still quite reasonable considering most quality 1/7 scales sell for this price point.
Nendoroid Homura Akemi School Uniform Version
Nendoroid Homura Akemi is back, this time wearing her school uniform! She comes complete with three different expressions, a bag for school and her handkerchief. She even comes with a separate lower body part that allows you to display her sitting down.
She also comes with an extra fringe part that is wearing Madoka’s ribbon, a bow and arrow, and wings and new arm parts that let you recreate the pose from one of the series’ famous key visuals. You can combine this Nendoroid with the standard Puella Magi Nendoroid of Homura to enjoy more variety than ever before.
This Nendoroid is one of the only figures that features Homura wearing her school uniform, which is why it’s earned a spot on our list.
The Homura figure released in February of 2012 for a MSRP of ¥3,667 ($33 USD), with her aftermarket hovering in the $70-80 range.
Homura Akemi Rabbit Ears Version (B-style)
From the popular film Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie: Rebellion comes a big size figure of Homura Akemi. She has been recreated in a mature original one-piece dress with matching rabbit ears.
Homura’s cute blushing expression and dynamic pose have been brought to life by sculptor Hiroshi in extraordinary detail.
She has a tentative release date of 12/2021 at a MSRP of ¥30,800 ($270 USD).
Homura’s lavender-purple color along with Madoka’s pink pastel palette complement each other very well. Not to mention the beautiful sculpt by Hiroshi makes this figure absolutely worth pre-ordering (especially since, just like Madoka, her price is bound to rise).
Madoka Kaname Rabbit Ears Version (B-style)
Another figure based off the Rebellion Movie, Madoka has been recreated in an adorable original one-piece dress with matching rabbit ears.
Madoka’s gentle expression and dynamic pose have been brought to life by sculptor Hiroshi in extraordinary detail. The soft color palette of white and pink accentuates her femininity especially with her flowing white dress.
Originally released in March of 2021 – for a retail price of ¥30,800 $($270) – this Madoka quickly became a hit with fans. The ¼ size is a refreshing change of pace, and it allows Madoka fans to really appreciate the amount of craftsmanship that went into this figure.
Homura Akemi & Madoka Kaname (Amakuni)
Brought to us by Amakuni/Hobby Japan, Homura Akemi & Madoka Kaname – from Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie – are looking at each other, sitting shoulder to shoulder, and wearing white dresses. Ribbon, dress, soul gem ring with super precise details, and two smiles perfectly as one sums up this Madoka Magica figure pair.
Originally released in March 2017, the duo had a retail price of ¥15,000 ($132 USD). Since it was released as a limited exclusive, the price has risen exponentially. This figure now hovers around the 40k yen ($390 USD).
Madoka Kaname – Kyubey Figure
The pose is based on a famous key visual from the anime series, which features Madoka in a vibrant and dynamic pose wearing a huge smile.
The ever cute Kyubey is also hanging from her arm – it’s a complete figure set that shows off all of Madoka’s charms, and is bound to please any fans of the series.
This Madoka made it on our list because it’s not only a beautiful and simple figure, but also for its inclusion of Kyubey. Surprisingly, there aren’t many Madoka figures on the market involving him in the design.
Originally released in January 2012 with a re-release in October 2013, this figure had a MSRP of ¥8,171 ($71 USD). It hovers around $90 in the aftermarket and is the most affordable figure on our list.
Devil Homura PVC (2012 Version)
From Stronger/Aniplex and based off Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie : Rebellion comes a Devil Homura as an ANIPLEX+ exclusive! All the delicate details of her design have been carefully reproduced under Stronger’s skillful assistance.
This is the #1 Homura figure on our list since it’s such a revered classic by Madoka fans.
The design gives Homura the illusion that she’s levitating, which was very well executed. The figure boasts a gorgeous purple and black color scheme along with a spectacular base. One of the main issues this figure had was leaning problems, but some collectors cleverly devised ways to fix it. Unfortunately, because of this defect, her market value hasn’t increased; she released for a retail price of ¥15,000 ($132 USD) and hovers around $220 in the aftermarket.
Ultimate Madoka (Aniplex, Stronger)
From Aniplex and Stronger comes this breathtaking Ultimate Madoka 1/8 scale figure as she appears in Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie: Rebellion.
Sculpted by Katsuyoshi Miyajima, she has an eye-catching liveliness and sense of movement, as well as an extremely ornate outfit complete with layered, draped sleeves, heels with transparent wings, and pure white gloves. Underneath her voluminous, ruffled dress – completed with careful, realistic shading – is a beautiful painted galaxy that shimmers with a pretty contrast. Her semi-transparent long baby-pink hair and towering wings add extra dimension. Discreetly attached to a clear base, she looks as if she is jumping for joy.
Released about 6 years after the Ultimate Madoka by Good Smile Company, this Madoka comes with an improved base to support her after the first one had some reported leaning problems. Everything about this figure is phenomenal, and it’s ranked a VERY close second behind Good Smile Company’s version.
Although there has been no official announcement, fans are remaining hopeful that there will be a re-release in 2022 with the new Madoka Magica movie being released. Otherwise, expect some high market prices for her as she rarely sells below $400.
Kaname Madoka – Maiko Version
The colorful outfit designed in the image of Kyoto has been faithfully captured in figure form as Madoka walks though some Autumn leaves with her Japanese-style umbrella held open behind her. The details on her hair accessories and the beautiful pattern on her kimono have all been carefully sculpted in a cute, playful pose for fans to enjoy.
Originally released September 2013 with a re-release in October 2015 for a MSRP of ¥9333 (about $80), this Madoka figure ranks at number 3 on our list. Overall, it’s very hard to find any cons to this figure. The face sculpt is fantastic and her outfit boasts such a gorgeous palette of colors. The parasol as well is the cherry on top to complete the look. She is still relatively fairly priced in the aftermarket hovering around $150.
Devil Homura (2018 Version)
From Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie: Rebellion comes an Aniplex+ figure of Devil Homura in 1/8 scale! With her raven black wings unfurled impressively behind her and the hint of a mischievous smile on her face, Homura has been sculpted to perfection just as she appears in artwork by original character designer Ume Aoki. At 15.8” tall, her dynamic design expresses every tiny detail, from her floating pose to her swirling dark purple hair and even the flowing, frayed ends of her skirt. Released alongside Madoka, this version is much improved from its predecessor.
As you have probably noticed, there were modifications implemented in this design to prevent the previous leaning issue. A support pole was introduced to anchor her which allowed it to be much more sturdy, rather than basing the main support structure on the side.
Unfortunately there are no immediate plans to re-release her along with Madoka since it was a limited exclusive, so the only option at the moment is the aftermarket. This Homura currently sits around the $400-$550 range and it the most valuable Madoka Magica figure on this list.
Ultimate Madoka (Good Smile Company)
This Madoka was originally released in 2012 for a MSRP of ¥15,505 ($135 USD) and is different from the Ultimate Madoka figure distributed by Stronger.
From the last episode of the hit anime series Puella Magi Madoka Magica, comes a 1/8th scale figure of Ultimate Madoka – the form Madoka took once her wish was granted and she became a Puella Magi.
Her long flowing hair, the deep space confined within her dress, her transparent wings and even her bow that looks like a budding flower – every part of Ultimate Madoka has been carefully sculpted to faithfully reproduce the original from the series.
Having such an iconic representation of what many madoka fans remember as the pinnacle of madoka magica, this figure takes number 1 spot due to its status as a certified classic.