Ultraman's 60th anniversary triggers a wave of collectibles and content, alongside notable S.H. Figuarts releases.
The Ultraman franchise is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, which has prompted a flurry of activity both in collectibles and new media content. Bandai Tamashii Nations has been at the forefront of this excitement with the release of various S.H. Figuarts action figures, pulling inspiration from all eras of Ultraman, as well as the cinematic aspects of the franchise.
S.H. Figuarts Ultraman Releases
Among the latest offerings is the S.H. Figuarts Kaiser Belial, linked to the 2010 film Ultraman Zero: The Revenge of Belial. This coincides with Bandai’s strategy of exploring lesser-touched movie cameos within the franchise. As reported by My Shiny Toy Robots, this Kaiser Belial action figure continues the trend of integrating Ultraman’s cinematic legacy into the collectible lineup, complementing both reissues and original figures from various epochs, including the Showa and New Generation eras.
Anniversary Special from Tsuburaya Productions
On the media side of things, Tsuburaya Productions has released a new special titled Ultraman Zero Cosmo Rise: Rise! Heroes of Light!, accessible on the official Ultraman YouTube channel. This special, created by Junichiro Ashiki and Koichi Sakamoto, aims to celebrate the anniversary by introducing fans to Zero’s new Cosmo Rise form. According to a detailed review on My Shiny Toy Robots, while there is no massive crossover event like Shin Ultraman planned, this special provides a satisfying tribute to long-time followers of the series.
One Piece Gets the Diorama Treatment
In non-Ultraman news, Bandai released the S.H. Figuarts Party Set -The Straw Hat Crew-, catering to fans of One Piece. Released in May 2026, this set is designed to enhance diorama possibilities for fans, addressing critiques about the line’s limited accessory options. Covering this development, My Shiny Toy Robots highlights how the Party Set allows collectors to animate the Straw Hat Crew’s celebrations aboard the Going Merry. While not a direct tie to any anniversary, this release signals Bandai’s responsiveness to fan desires in the always-competitive action figure landscape.
