S.H. Figuarts expands with Wolverine and Kaiser Belial while retro and nostalgia-driven lines echo through collectors' circuits.
This week delivers notable updates from S.H. Figuarts, known for their detailed and highly posable figures, with new additions catering to both Marvel and Ultraman enthusiasts. Meanwhile, a mix of retro-inspired releases keeps nostalgia at the forefront for collectors.
S.H. Figuarts Expands its Marvel and Ultraman Range
Bandai Tamashii Nations continues to build on its S.H. Figuarts line with the launch of the S.H. Figuarts Wolverine (Gamerverse) (My Shiny Toy Robots). With a release date of June 2026, the Wolverine figure is part of their revamped Marvel Gamerverse range. The choice of Wolverine reflects his storied presence across Capcom’s 2D fighting games, making him a fan-favorite and an obvious addition.
Joining Wolverine is the S.H. Figuarts Kaiser Belial, representing the “Revenge of Belial” from the Ultraman series (My Shiny Toy Robots). This figure features the “Belial Mantle,” reinforcing the figure’s unique aesthetic despite sharing molds and articulation schemes with earlier Belial releases. Both of these releases underscore Bandai’s strategy of leveraging recognizable characters from popular franchises to attract dedicated collectors.
Retro Releases Echo Nostalgia
Elsewhere in the collector’s sphere, a shift towards nostalgic and retro designs is evident. The Power of the Force 2 C-3PO figure case, a storage solution for a growing collection of Star Wars figures, reiterates the ongoing appeal of 1990s nostalgia and Kenner’s classic designs (Super-Duper Toy Box). With features like lighted eyes, this case not only offers functionality but taps into the collector’s market yearning for retro aesthetic.
In a similarly nostalgic vein, Boss Fight Studio brings Conan and Red Sonja into the mix (Super-Duper Toy Box). These releases cater to vintage heroic fantasy enthusiasts, fusing contemporary articulation and detail with classic narratives.
Overall, this blend of retro appeal and franchise tie-ins is evident across the board, demonstrating how the industry taps both nostalgia and modernized collectibles to sustain enthusiasm among adult collectors. Although some items, such as the Warriors of the Galaxy Spikes & Ygg remain indistinct (Super-Duper Toy Box), the broader trend of balancing new IP with familiar classics is likely to persist.
