toku-action-figure-news

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Notice of blog closure

Many followers will likely have noticed by now that this blog has not been active for the past couple weeks; despite multiple new announcements such as SHODO Megaranger, Nendoroid Shin Kamen Rider and SHF Ultraman Blazar; to say nothing of how inconsistent it’s been for quite a bit now. The reason for this is that after having contemplated it for a few months now, I am deciding to cease posting to this blog.

I started this sideblog a few years ago as a passion project. I had previously been part of a news team on another toy-focused website and missed the experience of delivering that news; I thought that this community lacked an organised method of news for toylines people were interested in; and I personally was genuinely interested in many of the lines I was posting about for all the good they were doing. But now a lot of that interest is gone -- SO-DO has scaled back dramatically from the almost-weekly blog updates on a monthly line to something that we’re lucky to see a non-Premium Bandai release from at all, SO-DO CHRONICLE has scaled back, SHODO-O has been consolidated into SHODO-XX leading to half the output of a previously astonishingly good anthology line, there’s so many suits in Reiwa Kamen Rider to cover that it’s now more of a guessing game of what major forms and characters won’t be covered by SHF, Figure-Rise Standard has almost completed its Heisei 20... it’s all resulted in the hobby becoming far, far less exciting with a heavily scaled back sense of scope, and half the news items I would usually report here are now just so frustrating that I don’t feel like bothering. Basically every recent Premium Bandai SO-DO release I relented to cover, for instance; and even beyond recent trends it feels like more often than not there’s some catch to a new release.

I’m still interested in all of these lines, don’t get me wrong! But the point is a lot has happened lately to ensure that the excitement and passion I had for running this blog simply isn’t there anymore, and I feel that’s about as good a time as any to stop. I’ll leave everything up, but I don’t expect I’ll return to this blog at any point as I never intended to run it forever. Regardless, I have mostly had a good time keeping this up for as long as I did; and I thank my followers for their support, I’m glad I was able to be of help! It’s been good :)

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US Pre-orders announced for S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider Drive Type: Tridoron and Shinkocchou Seihou Kamen Rider Kuuga Rising Pegasus

Shortly after their Japanese releases were announced, Team Rider have revealed that the latest S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider releases - the 15th anniversary re-release of Drive Type: Tridoron Tire Kamimazerl set and Shinkocchou Seihou Kuuga Rising Pegasus - are to see releases on Premium Bandai USA.

These announcements are notable for a couple of reasons -- for one, up until now the only Premium Bandai USA releases for S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider were limited to those from Geats, Black Sun and Shin Kamen Rider. With these, this seemingly demonstrates every Premium Bandai release for S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider will be brought over to America. Additionally, Type: Tridoron's release in Japan is exclusive to lottery sales; but the Premium Bandai USA version is simply a normal purchase, making it far easier to obtain.

S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider Drive Type: Tridoron Tire Kamimazerl set (SHF 15th Anniversary Version) and Shinkocchou Seihou Kamen Rider Kuuga Rising Pegasus Form release on Premium Bandai USA in January 2024 for $98.00 and $75.00 each, with pre-orders to begin June 23rd 12AM PDT.

#SH Figuarts #Shinkkochou Seihou #Kamen Rider #Kamen Rider Kuuga #Kamen Rider Drive

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S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider Drive Type: Tridoron Tire Kakimazerl SHF 15th Anniversary Ver. re-release details announced

While Horobi had been announced as the winner of the Kamen Rider edition of S.H. Figuarts' 15th anniversary re-release poll, a special second re-release for the franchise was announced as gratitude for the sheer amount of voters: S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider Drive Type: Tridoron Tire Kakimazerl set. This release of the 16th Heisei Rider's final form was one of two versions of it one could order in 2017; with this one featuring a very high accessory count to recreate the series' gimmick.

This figure's accessories include:-

A special 15th anniversary pedestal, the one thing aside from the boxart new to this release

An alternate head representing Krim Steinbelt's control of the system

The Formula Cannon

An alternate Attack 1-2-3 Tire

An alternate People Saver Tire, with accompanying Justice Cage and Cure Quicker weapons

An alternate Kouji Genbar Tire, with accompanying Rumble Smasher and 10 Ton Weight weapons

S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider Drive Type: Tridoron Tire Kakimazerl SHF 15th Anniversary Ver. releases as a Premium Bandai exclusive in Decmber 2023 for 9,900 Yen; with pre-orders to begin June 23rd 16:00 JST. However, this re-release is to be exclusive to lottery sales only; and hence may prove hard to get.

#SH Figuarts #Kamen Rider #Kamen Rider Drive

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S.H. Figuarts Shinkocchou Seihou Kamen Rider Kuuga Rising Pegasus Form announced

Closing in on the completion of all the character's forms in the series, Tamashii Nations have tonight announced yet another release for Shinkocchou Seihou's renewal S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider Kuuga line: Rising Pegasus, the advanced super form version of his green sharpshooter form.

With more gold plated parts complementing the black and green colour scheme, Rising Pegasus includes the Rising Pegasus Bowgun; which features a rod that can be pulled back to recreate scenes from the show.

S.H. Figuarts Shinkocchou Seihou Kamen Rider Kuuga Rising Pegasus Form releases as a Premium Bandai exclusive in December 2023 for 8,250 Yen; with pre-orders to begin July 23rd 16:00 JST.

#SH Figuarts #Shinkkochou Seihou #Kamen Rider #Kamen Rider Kuuga

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SHODO-XX Kamen Rider 5 announced -- Gaim, Horobi, #2, Necrom, Kazari, Eternal Red Flare

With the latest SHODO-XX wave due to come out by the end of the month, the official Bandai Candy Toy blog has revealed SHODO-XX 5; the next wave after it. However, with it comes the news that the SHODO-O line of villains and rivals is to be cancelled; with its usual lineup rolled into the one SHODO-XX line. It remains to be seen whether or not more SHODO-XX waves will release per year to make up the same amount of releases.

With this, XX 5 has shaped up to be a very diverse anthology with each figure representing a different show. Starting things off is Kamen Rider Gaim in his base Orange Arms form. Marking both the first Gaim figure in SHODO and the advent of all main riders before Zi-O having been made in the line, Gaim features metallic orange paint and especially high painted detail on the head. He comes with a Musuo Saber, but the accessory box also outfits him with his signature Daidaimaru sword; which can be combined with the Musuo Saber into its Naginata mode.

Next up, Zero-One's representation in the line continues with Kamen Rider Horobi, the leader of the Metsuboujinrai riders. An entirely new mold, Horobi comes with hands to wield his signature Attache Arrow bow -- this weapon is included in the box in its normal and suitcase forms; as is the Attache Calibur for the few times he used it.

Kamen Rider #2 is to join Kamen Rider #1 from the previous wave in his bright 'new' colouration that debuted late into the original show, with red gloves and boots alongside a green head. The accessory box outfits #2 with an alternate windswept muffler for action poses.

Kamen Rider Necrom is the next figure included in the wave, rounding out all three of Ghost's in-series Riders. With a sharp black and white design with green paint picking out details on the helmet and coat, Necrom is provided by the accessory box with both forms of the Gan Gun Catcher weapon he received late in the series.

Kamen Rider Eternal Red Flare marks the fifth and final Kamen Rider in the wave. A very briefly-seen variant of Eternal with red flames rather than blue and no cape used by a Foundation X member in his movie, this at last completes all movie-exclusive Kamen Riders from W.

For the truly last figure in the wave, Kamen Rider OOO's coverage continues with Kazari as the next Greeed. While only alternate hands are included as accessories, this is an extremely highly-detailed figure owing to the suit design featuring many greebles.

SHODO-XX Kamen Rider 5 releases at general retail in October 2023 for 720 Yen per box.

#SHODO #Kamen Rider #Kamen Rider 1971 #Kamen Rider W #Kamen Rider OOO #Kamen Rider Gaim #Kamen Rider Ghost #Kamen Rider Zero One

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Ultra Action Figure Ultraman Blazar announced

Following an appearance at a Bandai toy fair, it has been announced that Ultra Action Figure is of course to release Ultraman Blazar in his main and only form shown so far.

Featuring a lot of painted details to capture Blazar's unorthodox design, the figure also comes with a spear to recreate the character's "Spiral Ballad" finisher as shown in trailers.

Ultra Action Figure Ultraman Blazar releases at general retail for 2,530 Yen on July 8th, the same day the show starts airing.

#Ultra Action Figure #Ultraman #Ultraman Blazar

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S.H. Figuarts Ultraman Tregear (SHF 15th Anniversary ver) release details announced

As June has now rolled around, Tamashii Nations have released full details on the S.H. Figuarts Ultraman figure voted on to be re-released as part of the S.H. Figuarts 15th Anniversary celebrations -- Ultraman Tregear, the primary antagonist of Ultraman Taiga.

As expected from the initial re-issue details, Tregear is molded and painted exactly as the original release and comes with all the same accessories - many alternate hands for his expressive poses, an effect part for his signature Trera Ultigeyser finisher, and an effect part for Taiga's Strium Blaster finisher - but also comes with a special pedestal emblazoned with the S.H. Figuarts 15th Anniversary logo; much like the previously-announced Horobi.

S.H. Figuarts Ultraman Tregear (S.H. Figuarts 15th Anniversary Version) releases as a Premium Bandai exclusive in November 2023 for 8,250 Yen; with pre-orders to begin June 9th 16:00 JST.

#SH Figuarts #Ultraman #Ultraman Taiga

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S.H. Figuarts Absolute Diavolo announced

With the Ultraman Regulos miniseries in full swing, Tamashii Nations have tonight announced that the titular Ultra is to see his rival released in S.H. Figuarts form -- Absolute Diavolo, the secondary antagonist of Ultra Galaxy Fight: The Destined Crossroad.

Sporting the same shiny gold paint as the previously-released Absolute Tartarus, Absolute Diavolo is a heavily-detailed figure that features many alternate hands for different martial arts poses; as well as others like a pointing finger to re-create Ultra Galaxy Fight scenes. As a bonus part, an alternate hand holding Diavolo's Absolute Heart is included; which can be used by Tartarus.

S.H. Figuarts Absolute Diavolo releases as a Premium Bandai exclusive in November 2023 for 9,350 Yen; with pre-orders to begin June 9th 16:00 JST.

#SH Figuarts #Ultraman #Ultraman Regulos

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SO-DO Kamen Rider Geats returns with ID6 -- Gazer, Glare2, Jyamato Rider, Option Parts

Having been in the unusual situation of being without a retail release since March, the official Bandai Candy Toy blog has announced that SO-DO Kamen Rider Geats is to return with a sixth wave due in August; covering much of the major characters that have appeared in the months since.

Starting the wave off are the remaining users of the vision driver -- Kamen Riders Gazer and Glare2. Naturally very similar to the Glare from ID5 they are recoloured from, Gazer also comes with an alternate visor sticker to recreate its new appearance in Geats' 37th episode.

Next up, the mook Jyamato Rider is to see inclusion in the line; with its signature armour on both the top and the bottom. Interchangeable with the rest of the line's form change gimmick, this figure also features bonus parts -- both a cape and a helmet for Kamen Rider Buffa are included to fully recreate his appearance in the show following his 'death' in the show. Alternate eye stickers are also included for Buffa's Zombie Jyamato form.

Buffa continues to get attention in the wave, as the next figure is a second release of Command; this time with Buffa's unique helmet for it. Otherwise identical to the previous release (including having parts and stickers for the Cannon mode that Buffa did not use), this release also uniquely includes a sticker for Buffa's cracked ID core.

The final figure in the wave is another Entry form -- this one for Kamen Rider Letter. However, like other Entry form releases, this one includes multiple helmets: for Kamen Riders Keilow, Nadge-Sparrow and Lopo. Alternate eye stickers are included to allow each Rider to accurately use any form in the line.

The wave layout is not done there, however -- two accessory boxes are also included. The first one is specific to the Powered Builder form featured last wave; including that form's Gigant Blaster and Gigant Hammer weapons (along with hands to wield them), special versions of the belt and buckles to accurately represent their use, and an alternate chest and shoulder for the form's 'Gigant Almighty' technique with fully articulated arms. The second accessory box contains parts for Glare without his GM head attachments, plus a GM head for a brainwashed rider; extra Raging Sword and Command Buckle accessories for their different uses; and the Armed Propellor, Claw, Chain Array and Drill weapons.

SO-DO Kamen Rider Geats ID6 releases at general retail in August 2023 for 590 Yen per box.

#SODO #Kamen Rider #Kamen Rider Geats

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YU-DO Kingohger Cockpit announced

With the YU-DO candy toy line having very recently released its first Kingohger wave at stores last month, a new companion piece has been revealed for the team: the cockpit of their mecha, King Ohger.

With the set featuring all five versions of it (with eyes and pipes coloured to match their respective Kingohger), these highly-articulated pieces also happen to have no stickers; with the silver and ranger colours being completely painted. Each cockpit has a pair of fists/sword-holding hands, and splayed hands; following what their Kingohgers have.

The YU-DO Kingohger Cockpit set releases as a Premium Bandai exclusive in October 2023 for 10,000 Yen; with pre-orders open now.

#YUDO #Super Sentai #Kingohger

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Ultra Action Figure Zetton and Gomora from Ultraman announced

Having previously released an Alien Baltan into the line, the Ultra Action Figure series of affordable, poseable 6' Ultraman figures has announced two new popular Kaiju for its many Ultras to fight -- Zetton and Gomora of the original 1966 Ultraman series.

Being simplified monster suits, Zetton and Gomora feature lower levels of articulation than usual - 14 points for Zetton and 7 for Gomora - but nonetheless are capable of many different action poses, with plastic colouring and paint details making them look the part. For accessories, Zetton comes with Spacium Beam and Ultra Slash effect parts for the previously-released Ultraman; while Gomora features a removeable tail, replicating its defeat in its first appearance.

Ultra Action Figure Zetton releases on June 3rd 2023 for 3,520 Yen; while Gomora releases on June 17th 2023 for 3,850 Yen. Both figures of course release at general retail.

#Ultra Action Figure #Ultraman #Ultraman 1966

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S.H. Figuarts Ultraman Taro, Leo, Ace and Zoffy re-issues now available

With a re-issue of Ultraseven due out soon for his 55th anniversary, Bandai have announced that some fellow Ultra Brothers are to join him -- Zoffy, Ace, Taro and Leo are all to be re-released.

Following their exact specifications from their original releases, these highly-detailed and articulated figures feature many accessories including beam effects, weapons, optional bracelets and characterful alternate hands.

S.H. Figuarts Zoffy, Ultraman Ace, Ultraman Taro and Ultraman Leo re-release at general retail in September 2023 for 6,050 Yen each; with pre-orders now open on multiple websites such as HLJ and AmiAmi.

#SH Figuarts #Ultraman #Ultraman 1966 #Ultraman Ace #Ultraman Taro #Ultraman Leo

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S.H. Figuarts Kuwagata Ohger announced

Following the trend of the previous two years, Tamashii Nations have announced on their ongoing tour that the next Super Sentai series to join the S.H. Figuarts line is the currently-airing Ohsama Sentai Kingohger; with the main character and Red Ranger of the series Kuwagata Ohger.

Featuring high levels of detailing to capture elements of the visor, chest emblem and undersuit; Kuwagata Ohger features a soft plastic cape and an OhgerCalibur for an accessory, alongside four alternate pairs of hands. The figure features a high degree of articulation for the self-proclaimed king of evil to reproduce his many expressive taunts and swordfighting techniques.

S.H. Figuarts Kuwagata Ohger releases at general retail in October 2023 for 7,150 Yen; with pre-orders to begin on June 1st.

#SH Figuarts #Super Sentai #Kingohger

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S.H. Figuarts Ultraman Decker Dynamic Type and Strong Type revealed

As part of the currently ongoing Tamashii Tour, Bandai have shown off prototypes of Ultraman Decker's Strong Type and Dynamic Type forms; the last couple of forms needed for last year's Ultra to have full completion in the line. No release details are available yet, but are likely to come in the next few months.

#SH Figuarts #Ultraman #Ultraman Decker

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S.H. Figuarts Takeshi Hongou (Shin Kamen Rider) announced for release

As part of the currently ongoing Tamashii Nations Tour event, Bandai have announced for release a previously-teased addition to their S.H. Figuarts Shin Kamen Rider line: the main character Takeshi Hongou.

Using digital modelling to faithfully capture actor Sosuke Ikematsu's likeness, the figure is in fact a deluxe re-release of Kamen Rider #1 from earlier this year with Hongou's head. As a result the figure also features Rider #1's helmet as an alternate head, alongside the half-mask helmet that can be held as an accessory. Most notable however is that in contrast to the plastic scarf of the previous release, this scarf is red fabric with wires for a much larger range of movement; like many recent Shinkocchou Seihou Showa Rider releases.

S.H. Figuarts Takeshi Hongou (Shin Kamen Rider) releases as a Premium Bandai exclusive for 8,800 Yen in December 2023, with pre-orders having already begun.

#SH Figuarts #Kamen Rider #Shin Kamen Rider

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S.H. Figuarts Ultraman Trigger Truth announced as Store exclusive

Continuing the line of S.H. Figuarts Ultraman Trigger products, Tamashii have tonight announced a release of the New Generation Tiga's extra final form: Trigger Truth, the fusion of Trigger with Trigger Dark's powers.

Heavily using the previously-released Multi Type mold with detailed black lining, Trigger Truth includes for accessories four alternate pairs of hands, an alternate red colour timer and a True Zeperion Beam effect part.

S.H. Figuarts Ultraman Trigger Truth releases in June 2023 for 7,150 Yen; as a special limited exclusive in-store at Tamashii Nations Store Tokyo.

#SH Figuarts #Ultraman #Ultraman Trigger

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S.H. Figuarts Ultra Leo Mantle announced for release

Finally following up its appearance at Tamashii Nations last year, Bandai have announced that the Ultra Leo Mantle is to see a release.

Similar to the all-red mantle worn by the Ultra Brothers, Leo's mantle is a fabric cloak with wires allowing for a vast variety of poses. The release accurately recreates the unique appearance of Leo's mantle; a silver cloak with red on the underside and adorned by two golden pauldrons.

The S.H. Figuarts Ultra Leo Mantle releases as a Premium Bandai exclusive in November 2023 for 3,520 Yen; with pre-orders having already begun.

#SH Figuarts #Ultraman #Ultraman Leo