The Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles Tamashii Nations “Ignite Your Soul” panel was an exciting panel full of passionate fans excited for what’s next from the Tamashii Nations brand. As a collector myself, I too want to know what’s coming up, and with this being their second panel they’ve done this year, I think they have the message that their fanbase is growing across the board in the collector’s space. Hosted by Jacki Jing, the panelist conisted of Tamashii Nations U.S. brand manager Issei Yoshida as well as Tamashii Nations R&D representatives Atsuhiko Suzaki, Kazuya Okamoto and Hikari Miyamae. they quickly went into Gundam releases, focusing on METAL ROBOT SPIRITS figures.
The first major reveal was the METAL ROBOT SPIRITS Infinite Justice Gundam (SEED FREEDOM ZERO Version). The new version updates the previously released Infinite Justice figure to match its appearance in Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM ZERO with a new head sculpt, more die-cast components, and updated weapons. Suzaki said the team paid particular attention to reproducing Infinite Justice’s signature red coloring. Although previous versions were well received, he said the new sculpting, weapons, and screen-specific markings were intended to give existing collectors a meaningful reason to revisit the mobile suit.
A new line called Absolute Act was announced, starting with Strike Freedom Gundam as the first release in March of 2027. At around 185 mm, or a little over seven inches, the figure is closer to METAL BUILD scale than the smaller Gundam Universe line. It was revealed that the figure uses what they are calling the ABSOLUTE ACTION SYSTEM in its neck, shoulders, and waist, along with specialized hip and waist mechanisms intended to increase its range of movement. Its new way of construction is also meant to make collectors feel more comfortable handling and posing it. I’d love to hold it one day to see how this feels in comparison to other Gundam Universe figures or even METAL BUILD.
(These are press photos. I didn’t find this on the show floor)
When unveiling the S.H.Figuarts figure for Kira Yamato Orb Union Pilot Suit Version from Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny, voice actor Matt Hill came out to live-read the character for the audience, who were very excited. This got even crazier when Sam Vincent, the English voice of Athrun Zala, subsequently joined Hill for a brief recreation of an exchange between Athrun and Kira. This might be the best announcement of an action figure (that has a cockpit to sit him in as well) I’ve ever seen at a comic convention.
Next, the panel moved to the Naruto franchise, with Kazuya Okamoto presenting a new S.H.Figuarts Naruto Uzumaki from Naruto Shippuden. The development team created new sculpting for Naruto’s hair and facial expressions to better reproduce his appearance in the series. Only a shouting expression was shown during the panel, but Okamoto said the other faces were receiving the same level of attention. This didn’t quite excite me, as I have the previous version that this didn’t look too different from.
The big reveal was a fully articulated Kurama, the nine-tailed fox from the series. It’s quite impressive as each tail is also articulated. The panelists said this is the largest articulated S.H. Figuarts when compared with Shenlong and Porunga from Dragon Ball. During the panel, fans asked if this could lead to more of the Tailed Beasts or Ten Tails getting figures, with Okamoto responding with no confirmation, replying only that fans should look forward to future developments.
They then moved to My Hero Academia and showed off that the Number 2 hero Endeavor is entering the S.H. Figuarts line. They stated that the fans’ support of the MHA line and continuing to request Endeavor led them to make this figure. The figure is huge in comparison to a lot of the other MHA figures, and the translucent plastic fire effects look fantastic. They showed a great picture of Endeavor and Todoroki versus Dabi referencing the fight from the last arc of the series.
The big reveal for me was the announcement of Edward Newgate (Whitebeard) – Marineford – in the One Piece subline. They’ve been making figures from this story arc over the last few years, and getting another of the Yonko should make any One Piece and S.H. Figuarts fan happy. After recently debuting Akainu/Sakazuki, this was one of the few figures that got me the most excited to see on the show floor. They ended the panel with a tease of Rika from Jujutsu Kaisen, which got some audible gasps, and of the convention exclusives that were for sale during the convention.
Later on during the convention, I spoke with Cavender about the continuing Marvel GamerVerse line of S.H. Figuarts. They had the previously released Cyclops, Spider-Man, and Wolverine, along with Psylocke and a first for many fans: Venom. These figures are made to look like the characters as they appeared in the Capcom 2D fighting games from the ‘90s. Cavender told me their goal is to capture as much of the version of the characters that they can with accessories that allow you to recreate their moves from the games. The display had a tease for their next character, Captain America, which he said we should be very happy with.
Stay tuned to The Beat for more news from NYCC ’26.
