With the exploding popularity of Sonny Angels, the market has unfortunately seen a rise in counterfeits. For a collector, nothing is more heartbreaking than unboxing what you thought was a rare find, only to discover it's a knock-off.
Whether you're buying from a third-party reseller, a local marketplace, or a suspicious online shop, knowing how to spot a fake is an essential skill. We've combined expert advice and community wisdom to bring you the ultimate guide to verifying your Sonny Angel.
1. The Packaging: Your First Clue
Before you even open the box, the packaging can tell you a lot. Authentic Sonny Angels (standard series) come in hexagonal blind boxes sealed with tight, clear plastic wrap.
- The Box Shape: Standard series are hexagonal. Beware of rectangular boxes unless you are buying a specific limited series known to have them (or very old vintage stock pre-2010).
- Print Quality: Authentic boxes have crisp, high-resolution images and text. Fakes often have blurry, washed-out colors or typos. Look for the official "Dreams" logo on the side.
- The Foil Bag: Inside the box, a real Sonny Angel is sealed in an opaque, branded foil bag. If your figure comes in a clear plastic bag or a plain unbranded wrapper, it is almost certainly a fake.
2. The Material: Matte vs. Glossy
This is often the easiest giveaway. Genuine Sonny Angels are made of high-quality PVC with a smooth, matte finish. They feel sturdy and solid in your hand.
The Fake Look: Counterfeits often use cheaper plastic that looks shiny, glossy, or oily. They may feel lighter, flimsier, or "squishy" compared to the solid feel of a real Angel.
3. Paint Job & Facial Features
Dreams Inc. prides itself on quality control. While minor manufacturing flaws can happen, real Sonny Angels generally have:
- The Eyes: Defined, well-spaced, and looking in the same direction. Fake figures often have "wonky" eyes or pupils that are crooked.
- The Blush: Authentic Angels have that signature soft, natural pink blush on their cheeks. Fakes may have harsh, dark, or misplaced blush circles.
- The Wings: Check the back! Real wings are sharply sculpted with a smooth texture. Fakes often have rough edges, messy seams, or look glued on haphazardly.
4. The Foot Stamp: The Ultimate Proof
If you have the figure in hand, check the soles of the feet. This is one of the most reliable checks.
Real Sonny Angels will have:
- Foot 1: Sonny Angel © Dreams (plus the year of the series mold)
- Foot 2: Made in China
Many counterfeits skip this detail entirely, leaving the feet blank. Note that the year stamped is often the year the mold was made, not necessarily the release year of that specific series.
5. "Unrefined" is Not Fake!
New collectors often get confused by older figures. In 2018, Sonny Angel updated their molds (the "Refined" series).
Figures made before 2018 are called "Unrefined." They have slightly different body proportions, chubbier faces, and wider eyes. Do not mistake an Unrefined figure for a fake! These are actually vintage treasures. As long as they pass the quality and foot stamp tests, they are likely genuine older releases.
Quick Authenticity Checklist
- ✓ Packaging: Hexagonal box, tight wrap, opaque foil bag.
- ✓ Skin: Matte finish, not shiny.
- ✓ Feet: Stamped with "Dreams" copyright and "Made in China".
- ✓ Source: Bought from an official retailer or trusted reseller.