Bandai continues to engage collectors with new releases in both the Kamen Rider and Marvel Gamerverse figure lines.
In the realm of high-quality action figures, Bandai Tamashii Nations has made notable additions to its S.H. Figuarts lineup, appealing to longtime fans and collectors. The latest release spotlights Wolverine from the Marvel Gamerverse, as well as a continuation of its revered Shinkocchou Seihou series with Kamen Rider 2/Hayato Ichimonji.
Bandai Tamashii Nations S.H. Figuarts Wolverine
The S.H. Figuarts Wolverine (Gamerverse) is the third installment in Bandai’s Marvel Gamerverse series, which aims to capture the spirit of characters featured in classic Capcom fighting games. This version of Wolverine is a nod to his appearances across numerous titles such as Marvel vs Capcom and X-Men vs Street Fighter. According to My Shiny Toy Robots, Bandai’s new iteration of Wolverine brings a comic-inspired aesthetic, intentional in appealing to both fans of the games and the broader Marvel universe. The retail price is reported to be 9,900 yen, following the pricing structure set by preceding releases.
S.H. Figuarts Shinkocchou Seihou Kamen Rider
In a similar vein, the release of S.H. Figuarts -Shinkocchou Seihou- Kamen Rider 2 continues to cater to enthusiasts of the Kamen Rider franchise. Revealed not long after its predecessor, Kamen Rider 1, this figure marks a further exploration into the 2008 film Kamen Rider: The Next. As detailed by My Shiny Toy Robots, this release signifies Bandai’s commitment to bringing even the lesser-known adaptations of Kamen Rider to a collector’s market eager for comprehensive representation.
HIYA Challenges Bandai in the Kaiju Arena
Meanwhile, Bandai is facing competition from China-based company HIYA, which has been steadily gaining traction in the market for high-end kaiju figures, according to My Shiny Toy Robots. HIYA’s handling of Kong from Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire has impressed many practitioners of the kaiju fandom. Their Exquisite Basic Series Kong comes in a B.E.A.S.T. Glove version, detailing what collectors can expect in terms of quality and articulation, continuing to spur debate among enthusiasts regarding the merits of each company’s offerings.
While Bandai’s established lines continue to deliver on fan expectations, it will be interesting to see how they respond to increasingly visible competition. The landscape for articulated figures appears ripe for further innovation and rivalry, promising a dynamic year ahead for collectors.
