Now available from Bluefin and Tamashii Nations is the S.H. Figuarts Ultraman A-Type Figure. This version of Ultraman is based on the original suit, which appeared in the first 13 episodes of the original 1966 television series. In the series, a member of the Science Patrol is given the extraordinary ability to grow to a massive hero, so he can protect Earth from the giant monsters attacking it. The original suit, before being refined, was more asymmetrical, and featured much more texture. Bandai looked to capture that style here for the special release. Ultraman includes multiple sets of interchangeable hands, swap out blue and red color timers and a right hand with a Specium Beam effect.
Bluefin sent over the figure for us to check out. After the jump you can find my photos and thoughts on the figure.
S.H. Figuarts Ultraman A-Type Figure by Tamashii Nations
Pros
- Excellent articulation
- Accurate sculpted details
- Nice assortment of interchangeable hands
- Easy to swap out pieces
- Strong joints
Cons
- The joint cuts interrupt the smooth style of the Ultraman suit
Overall
Ultraman is packed in the familiar SH Figuarts window box. The packaging is small, with dynamic design and a large display window to show off the figure and accessories. The back features a few photos of Ultraman and some details on the figures features. Inside, Ultraman and his accessories sit on a plastic tray. A small lid overlay keeps the pieces in place. The figure includes a total of five sets of interchangeable hands, a Specium Beam Effect, and swap out red and blue color timers.
I’ve only seen a handful of episodes of the original series years ago. I’ve always been fond of the designs throughout the years and jumped at the chance to check out a figure based on the original show. The figure looks to be a really nice representation of the original suit. The head sculpt is handled especially well. The design has that soft, hand modeled look that the original mask had, right down to the asymmetrical features and even the tiny black dots in the bottom of the eye pieces. The suit itself looks mostly spot on, as they smoothed out the details a bit, making it look more refined and less like a rubbery suit. The color timer in the center of the chest can be swapped out to display him with a red or blue orb. There’s a decent variety of interchangeable hands here, each looking different enough to feel like they add to the release. You have clenched fists, straight palms (for the Specium Beam), gripping hands and more. The hands themselves pop off easily enough, but sit firmly on the wrist joint once attached. The right hand with the Specium Beam Effect is surprisingly light weight, and the piece can be held in place with no issues.
There’s a ton of articulation here, with the joints all having a great range of motion. Double jointed knees and elbows are only the start. The feet have cuts to bend at the toes, there’s multiple spots on the shoulders and hips and a versatile neck design that allows for multiple points of movement. The only real complaint I’d have is that the highly visible joints and thick edges on the cuts really break up the smooth look of the suit. It’s a trade off for sure, as these decisions allow collectors to really get the exact poses they want.
This wound up being a fun figure to shoot. It’s got plenty of movement, solid joints, great balance and easy to swap out pieces. If you’re a fan of the Ultraman franchise, and would like to have a figure based on the 1st suit, then this is absolutely worth picking up. Check out some select photos below and the full gallery after that.
CompaniesTamashii Nations
CharactersUltraman
Scale6 Inch
Sub-LineSH Figuarts