Shin Kamen Rider's Kumo Aug S.H.Figuarts Figure Sparks Fan Frenzy and Speculation

A new merchandise rollout for the film "Shin Kamen Rider" is generating significant buzz on social media. In particular, Bandai Spirits' Collectors Division has announced the commercialization of the popular kaijin (monster) "Kumo Aug" from the movie as part of their "S.H.Figuarts" action figure series. The figure is now on display, starting today, at the "GRAND HEROES CROSSOVER FES."

This announcement has been met with numerous enthusiastic reactions on X (formerly Twitter), including comments like "I've been waiting for this! 🕷️," "So happy, finally," and "Thrilled about Kumo Aug! I'm buying it!" Many fans highly praise Kumo Aug's distinctive design, with remarks such as "I love the enemy designs in Shin Kamen Rider," "Kumo Aug's design is truly excellent," and "It's incredibly cool!" Some even expressed their long-held anticipation, stating, "This is the one I wanted most for an S.H.Figuarts release from Shin Kamen Rider!"

Conversely, with approximately three years having passed since the film's release, some opinions suggest the timing is too late, with comments like "Too slow" and "The hype is over." However, there are also many who welcome this surprise, with voices noting, "Shin Kamen Rider is starting to be re-evaluated," and "I thought they wouldn't release any more merchandise!" The sudden release of new products has also sparked speculation and anticipation for future developments, with questions like "Are they planning something?" and "They've suddenly started commercializing a lot of things."

Beyond Kumo Aug, there's also considerable interest in "S.H.Figuarts MASKED RIDER No.2," and mentions of previously sold related merchandise such as Blu-rays and acrylic stands. Fans are also expressing strong desires for further character releases in the S.H.Figuarts series, with requests like "Please make Hachi Aug too" and "I want Ruriko and K," demonstrating the enduring popularity and affection for the film.

The release of the Kumo Aug figure is expected not only to reignite enthusiasm for "Shin Kamen Rider" but also to provide an opportunity for the film's unique qualities and the appeal of its kaijin designs to be re-evaluated. Attention is now focused on future merchandise developments and other movements surrounding the work.

The context

"Shin Kamen Rider" is a 2023 Japanese superhero film written and directed by Hideaki Anno, known for "Neon Genesis Evangelion," "Shin Godzilla," and "Shin Ultraman." It serves as a modern re-imagining of the original 1971 "Kamen Rider" television series, retaining its core themes while updating the aesthetics and narrative for a contemporary audience. It is part of the "Shin Japan Heroes Universe" crossover project.

S.H.Figuarts is a popular line of highly detailed and articulated action figures produced by Bandai Spirits, primarily targeting adult collectors. The series is renowned for its accurate sculpts, premium paint applications, and wide range of articulation, allowing for dynamic posing. Figures from popular anime, manga, and tokusatsu (special effects) franchises like Kamen Rider are frequently released.

Kumo Aug (Spider Aug) is one of the key kaijin (monsters or villains) featured in "Shin Kamen Rider." Like many characters in the film, Kumo Aug is a reimagined version of a classic villain from the original 1971 series, the Spider Man Kaijin. Its distinctive design and role in the film have made it a fan favorite, leading to strong demand for a figure. Other characters mentioned, such as Masked Rider No. 2, Hachi Aug (Bee Aug), Ruriko, and K, are also prominent figures from the movie, whose potential S.H.Figuarts releases are eagerly anticipated by fans.