Collecting high-end Japanese figures requires balancing sculpt accuracy, articulation range, and release types. Bandai’s SH Figuarts Ultraman line stands as the premier option for fans of the classic tokusatsu franchise. These figures deliver show-accurate proportions and dynamic posing options that cheaper lines miss entirely.
Understanding how this line operates helps you avoid overpaying on the secondary market or buying bootlegs. Let's break down everything you need to know about building a collection of these figures, from articulation engineering to spotting common variants.
Understanding the SH Figuarts Ultraman Line
Bandai's Tamashii Nations division launched the SH Figuarts brand with a focus on simple style and heroic action. For the Ultraman franchise, this means translating complex suit designs from live-action television into roughly 150mm (6-inch) scale plastic collectibles.
Unlike static statues, these pieces feature advanced joint engineering hidden beneath soft PVC sections or clever cutlines. You get exceptional poseability without sacrificing the silhouette of the suit actor inside the costume.
Standard Releases Versus Shinkocchou Seihou Editions
If you look through catalog listings, you will notice two distinct tiers of Ultraman figures:
- Standard Releases: These focus on modern characters from recent series like Ultraman Z or Ultraman Blazar. They use modern digital modeling to capture precise suit shapes with solid paint application and standard accessories.
- Shinkocchou Seihou Editions: This premium subset re-engineers classic Showa or Heisei heroes—like Ultraman or Ultraman Tiga—using skeletal-based modeling. Sculptors map out the actual human skeletal structure underneath the suit first, ensuring the proportions look indistinguishable from the vintage television episodes.
Articulation Engineering and Posing Mechanics
The primary appeal of these collectibles is movement. Most standard releases feature between 35 and 40 points of articulation.
Shoulder armor often uses floating butterfly joints or sliding panels so you can raise the arms overhead without blocking the torso sculpt. Torso articulation typically relies on a multi-segment ball joint system that lets the figure crunch forward or arch backward for flying poses.
Hips use drop-down mechanisms on many modern releases. Pulling the thigh downward opens up clearance around the pelvis, letting you achieve deep crouching stances or high flying kicks that rigid figures can't manage.
Essential Accessories and Effect Parts
A collectible is only as good as its display potential. Bandai packs these figures with specific gear to recreate signature television moments:
- Interchangeable Hands: Expect four to seven pairs of hands, including relaxed palms, martial arts chops, and specialized hands for beam attacks.
- Beam Effect Pieces: Standard releases often include translucent plastic parts that attach to the wrists or color timers, such as the Specium Ray or Ultra Slash.
- Color Timers: Most boxes include a swappable blue timer and a red warning timer so you can display the hero mid-battle.
For special anniversary releases, Bandai ups the ante with miniature Jet Beetle vehicles, display stands, and comprehensive effect part sets.
Avoiding Bootlegs and Managing Secondary Market Purchases
Because these figures carry premium price tags—typically ranging from 7,000 to 15,000 yen at retail—bootlegs circulate widely on auction sites. Counterfeit figures usually feature muddy paint applications, loose joints that sag under their own weight, and plastic that smells heavily of chemical solvents.
Always buy from trusted hobby retailers or check seller feedback carefully on secondary platforms. Look for the official silver or gold Tamashii Nations quality sticker on the box corner, which verifies authentic import distribution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What scale are SH Figuarts Ultraman figures?
Most figures stand roughly 150mm tall, which places them in a true 1/12 scale. They scale well with other lines like Figma or Marvel Legends depending on the character proportions.
Do these figures require assembly?
No. They arrive fully painted and assembled inside collector-friendly window boxes. You only need to snap on optional hands or effect pieces out of the box.
Why do some figures cost significantly more than others?
Retail releases produced in large batches remain affordable. Premium items released exclusively through the Tamashii Web Shop or limited convention events command higher aftermarket prices due to restricted supply.
Can old joint loosen over time?
Yes, heavy handling can wear down ball joints. A tiny drop of clear nail polish applied to the peg and left to dry creates extra friction and tightens loose limbs safely.
