REVIEW SHFiguarts Ultraman Arc, Bandai Spirit

14 Sep, 2024

This is review of Bandai tokusatsu action figure review of SHFiguarts Ultraman Arc from Ultraman Arc series.

Bandai tokusatsu action figure review of SHFiguarts Ultraman Arc

The Ultraman Arc figure from the SHFiguarts line stays true to the recent Ultraman designs, with proportions and form almost identical to the on-screen portrayal. Its simplistic color scheme, with fewer colors than other recent Ultraman figures, is accurately replicated, bringing out the essence of the character.

Head Sculpt

The figure features a unique and angular eye shape, along with the distinctive Arc Stone on the forehead. The head crest, which has a hollow design, adds to its individualistic look, all of which are captured flawlessly. The eyes are made from clear parts, while the forehead and side areas are painted blue. The paint application is precise, and the overall texture is impressive.

Body Structure

While the body width and thickness are fairly standard, the figure retains a muscular look, complete with sculpted abs. The Color Timer on the chest is diamond-shaped, similar to Ultraman Trigger, but the coloring is much more straightforward compared to other Ultraman figures.

Arms and Legs

The figure's upper arms are slightly muscular, but the rest of the limbs have a more standard length and thickness. The paintwork, like other figures in the series, is immaculate and neatly applied.

Articulation and Movement

The Ultraman Arc figure has excellent articulation, with the neck and waist capable of wide, swinging movements. The shoulders can lift quite high, and the elbows and knees bend deeply. The hips use a pull-out joint system, allowing for a wide range of forward, backward, and sideward motion. The figure’s neck joints, similar to Ultraman Blazar, have a special pull-out structure, making it possible to look straight upward.

Accessories

Unlike many other figures in the series, this one doesn’t come with a wide range of effect parts, likely due to its lower price. However, it does include the usual red Color Timer for swapping.

Arc Eye Sword

The Arc Eye Sword is the only weapon accessory included with the figure. The blade and part of the hilt are made from clear parts, and the details are meticulously crafted.

Comparison with Other Figures

When compared to Ultraman Decker and Ultraman Blazar, the Ultraman Arc figure feels much simpler. While Blazar stands out with its unique design, Arc takes a more streamlined approach.

Posability and Balance

As expected, the figure's articulation is excellent. It can hold various action poses, such as kicking or punching, and it can balance well even on one leg. Thanks to the strong joints, it also performs stable stances like the famous "finalizing" Arc pose. The figure's flexibility allows it to wield the Arc Eye Sword with both hands, delivering powerful slashes.

Summary

The SHFiguarts Ultraman Arc lives up to the high standards set by recent Ultraman figures. Its proportions and overall appearance are faithful to the on-screen character, while the simple yet effective color scheme adds a sleek and striking look. Despite a lack of additional effects, the figure’s reduced price makes it a great option for collectors. The articulation is top-notch, ensuring that dynamic poses are easy to achieve. With upcoming releases of the Solis Armor and Luna Armor, fans can look forward to expanding their Ultraman Arc collection soon.