Massive Two-Foot Tall Shin Ultraman Figure Unveiled

PLEX, a subsidiary of Bandai Namco, announced a new Ultra Big Shin Ultraman figure scheduled to hit shelves in Japan in February 2022. The Soft Vinyl figure will stand at about 60 centimeters (about 24 inches) tall and will retail for ¥35,200 (about $310). 2021 marks the 55th anniversary of the Ultraman franchise, which initially premiered in 1966. Formally announced in August 2019, the upcoming Shin Ultraman film directed by Neon Genesis Evangelion creator Hideaki Anno was initially due to release in 2021 to coincide with the series’ anniversary. The film has since been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, no release date has been specified. Directed by Shinji Higuchi, it will star Takumi Saitoh as Ultraman, as well as Masami Nagasawa and Hidetoshi Nishijima in major roles. See pictures of the massive Shin Ultraman figure below:

  The design for this particular incarnation of Ultraman was sketched by Hideaki Anno in 2018. The concept was based on an Ultraman painting created by Tohl Narita in 1983, and Anno captured the likeness of Bin Furuya, the hero’s first suit actor in the 1966 TV series. During Anno’s time as a film student, he directed an Ultraman fan film titled Return of Ultraman. The Ultra Big Shin Ultraman Figure is scheduled to be released in February 2022 for ¥35,200 (about $310). It is currently available to preorder on Rakuten.