REVIEW SHFiguarts Ultraman Zero Beyond: Ultraman New Generation Stars ver., Bandai

17 Mar, 2025

This is review of Bandai action figure Tokusatsu SHFiguarts Ultraman Zero Beyond (Ultraman New Generation Stars Ver.) from Ultraman Geed series.

Bandai Action Figure Tokusatsu SHFiguarts Ultraman Zero Beyond (Ultraman New Generation Stars Ver.) Review

The SHFiguarts Ultraman Zero Beyond (Ultraman New Generation Stars Ver.) is here! As part of the New Generation Stars lineup, this figure shares its sculpt with previous releases while bringing a fresh take on the classic 2018 model. Let's dive into the details of this figure and see how it holds up today.

Sculpt & Design

The overall body design remains consistent with past releases in the New Generation Stars Ver. series. Despite being originally released in 2018, the sculpt still holds up well, with only minor differences, such as a slightly larger head. The proportions remain faithful to the character, ensuring an accurate and imposing presence.

Head & Facial Features

As an evolved form of Zero, introduced in Ultraman Geed, this version boasts an upgraded design from the standard Ultraman Zero. The eyes and forehead crystal are crafted with clear parts, adding an extra layer of realism. The Zero Sluggers are finely detailed, maintaining a sharp and sleek appearance, while the meticulous paintwork enhances the figure’s aesthetics.

Articulation & Poseability

This figure retains the articulation style of previous New Generation Stars Ver. releases, including Ultraman Zero and Ultraman Geed. While it may not match the latest figures in terms of movement range, it still allows for dynamic action poses:

Shoulder Armor: Connected via ball joints, blending seamlessly with the torso.
Arms & Legs: Well-proportioned, with no major articulation issues.
Neck & Waist: Offer smooth rotation, enabling fluid battle stances.
Joints: Sturdy enough for one-legged stances and high-action poses.

Accessories & Effects

One of the standout features of this release is the Wide Beyond Shot effect part, a brand-new sculpt that boasts intricate detailing and vibrant paintwork. Compared to the 2018 edition, which included the Zero Twin Sword and a punch effect, this version opts solely for the beam effect. While the absence of the Twin Sword is a downside, the new effect part compensates with its impressive visual appeal.

Comparisons with Other Figures

Ultraman Zero (New Generation Stars Ver.) & Ultimate Shining Zero: The larger head on Zero Beyond is noticeable compared to these figures.
Ultraman Geed (New Generation Stars Ver.): Released around the same time, featuring a similar articulation system.
Older Releases: The color scheme has been redefined for better screen accuracy, making subtle changes to the original palette.

Action Poses & Display Options

This figure shines when posed in battle-ready stances:

Martial Arts Poses: Well-executed thanks to flexible neck and waist joints.
Wide Beyond Shot: A visually stunning effect part that enhances display options.
Dynamic Scenes: Borrowing accessories from other figures allows for creative setups, such as Twin Giga Break using Zero Twin Sword from another figure.

Summary

The SHFiguarts Ultraman Zero Beyond (Ultraman New Generation Stars Ver.) successfully modernizes a beloved design while staying true to its roots. While some articulation points feel slightly dated, the excellent sculpt, solid proportions, and high-quality effect parts make this a worthy addition to any Ultraman collection.

Pros:

Faithful sculpt with excellent detailing
Clear parts for eyes and forehead crystal
Sturdy joints for stable posing
Beautifully crafted Wide Beyond Shot effect part

Cons:

Shoulders and hip articulation feel slightly outdated
No Zero Twin Sword included

For longtime Ultraman Zero fans or collectors who missed out on the original 2018 release, this New Generation Stars Ver. is a fantastic opportunity to add Zero Beyond to your collection. With upcoming releases like Belial, Ginga, and Victory, the future of Ultraman SHFiguarts looks brighter than ever!