Bearbrick has been around for over two decades, but its story is more interesting than most collectors realize. Here is how a simple building-block-shaped bear became one of the most collected art toys on the planet.

2001: The First Bearbrick

Medicom Toy, a Japanese collectible company, released the first Bearbrick in 2001. The shape was deliberately simple and neutral, a jointed bear figure with a blank surface, so it could act as a canvas for artists and brands rather than a finished character in its own right.

Growth Through Collaboration

What set Bearbrick apart from other designer toys was Medicom’s willingness to collaborate widely. Fashion houses, artists, and entertainment brands all put their own spin on the same base shape. That is how you end up with pieces like the Coco Chanel Bearbrick 1000% sitting in the same collecting world as pop-culture figures.

The Rise of Chrome and Anniversary Editions

As the line matured, Medicom began marking milestones with special finishes. The 20th Anniversary 1st Model Chrome Bearbrick 1000% is a good example: a tribute to the very first design, reissued in a reflective chrome finish decades later.

Where Bearbrick Stands Today

Today, Bearbrick spans thousands of releases across the wider Medicom Bearbrick lineup, from pocket-sized 100% figures to towering 1000% display pieces. If you are new to the hobby, our complete beginner’s guide to Bearbrick is a good place to start before browsing the full Bearbrick category.