Subscription boxes are popping up all over the place lately, but one reached out to me that I actually got really excited for. Fanipack (Fan + Anime + Pack) is a fairly new subscription service that specializes in anime merchandise. Each month the folks at Fanipack will choose around four different series to base the box around. One or two items from each franchise will make its way into the box, with each box containing 4-6 items on average, depending on the total cost. Speaking of, each Fanipack retails for $29 shipped. Given the usual markup on anime goods at places like Hot Topic, FYE, or specialty shops, the price is a pretty solid value for what you end up getting. Considering Fanipack just started a few months ago, there’s only room to grow as well. If you’re a fan of anime with a wide spectrum of interests, Fanipack is definitely worth checking out.
Fanipack also has two Premium Boxes. Premium Boxes ship out TWO times a month, and are specifically themed. One box, for $40 is filled entirely with Sailor Moon goodies. Another box, for $45 is titled Game Box, and features items from Sword Art Online, Accel World, and No Game No Life. These boxes will be available until they are sold out.
Subscribe to Fanipack here!
Contents of January 2015’s pack, as well as my unboxing video are after the jump.
January, 2015’s Fanipack
—
• Fairy Tail – Happy Plush Pencil Case
• Durarara! – Playing Cards
• Sailor Moon – Wristband
• Hetalia – America Button
• Hetalia – Cast Postcard
I was skeptical on accepting the offer given my knowledge of anime was pretty limited, but I thought that would actually be one of the most fun things about doing the box. People get to see cool product, I get to look like an idiot. It’s a win-win really. This month features product from Fairy Tail, Durarara!, Sailor Moon, and Hetalia. Of said shows I’ve only seen bits of Hetalia and Sailor Moon, though I’ve heard of the other two shows quite a bit. The Sailor Moon wristband is pretty nice. My girlfriend bought me a Power Rangers one, so this one will go straight to her, since she’s a fan of the show. The Fairy Tail pencil case caught me off guard because I thought it was a plush. Turns out it wasn’t. Well sorta. Anyway, this is Happy, a character from the show that I find really adorable. Apparently so does my girlfriend. The Durarara! playing cards would be neater to me if I have seen the show, but you can never have too many decks of cards. The special face cards and suit symbols are definitely unique and cool. Finally the Hetalia button and postcard are simple, but again, it made my girlfriend freak out, so that’s good I guess. Overall, the box is very simple, with not much product, but given the average cost of these things, I’m certainly satisfied. I really like the concept they are going for with these boxes. It’s pretty exciting and a wonderful gateway into new shows.
As with any of these subscription services, they aren’t for everyone. But if you’re a fan of anime, I can totally recommend giving this a go. They pick around four anime every month, so the chances of hitting a series you enjoy is pretty high. Fanipack is great at announcing which anime will be included in the next box, so you have plenty of time to decide if you want to join or cancel during that particular month. While you don’t get nearly as much goods compared to other services, the fact that the items are usually marked-up anime merchandise, it becomes worth it in the long run. I can also see this service being a great gateway for people into checking out more anime they might not check out otherwise. If it interests you, I’d certainly give it a shot. Thanks Fanipack!
Shuki, also known as CollectorShuki (previously ShukuenShinobi in the days of old) was a YouTube Toy Reviewer with a love for all things Pokemon, Digimon, Transformers, Power Rangers, Tokusatsu, and more. YouTube became a toilet place and she has since retired...or has she? View all posts by Shuki
CollectorShuki.com