Product Line / ULTRA-ACT ✕ S.H.Figuarts
Scale & Class / Non-Scale Collectible Figure
Manufacturer / Bandai Spirits / Tamashii Nations
Release Date / 2015
Appearances / ULTRAMAN
The ULTRAMAN anime on Netflix (as of this writing) is based off the manga which is an alternate sequel directly following the original and ignoring all other series. Instead of other Ultra Heroes making their way to Earth, our protagonists fight in powered suits. And yes, many have made the comparison between this version of Ultraman and Iron Man because of thematic similarities. I was surprised Tamashii Nations decided to release figures of these suits despite having only the manga at that time. Good thing they did though as these are really great designs coming from Eiichi Shimizu and Tomohiro Shimoguchi (Linebarrels of Iron).
While released under the ULTRA-ACT ✕ S.H.Figuarts banner, this is still a standard Tamashii Nations release considering articulation and details. Sticking with the original design, the figure comes mostly in silver with red accents to break up the monotony. The figure would have benefited some panel lining too as the dull silver can drown some of the sculpted details. Articulation is also as expected though there are limitations in the neck and torso sections. To replicate the Specium Ray attack pose, a replacement chest part is included that allows for more inward arm movement. Other additional parts and accessories include replacement forearm parts for deploying the Specium Blades and Specium Ray, as well as effect parts for the latter.
