FIGUARTSZERO
FiguartsZERO is a line of non-articulated static figures created by Bandai Spirits in November 2010 as a fixed-pose companion to the S.H.Figuarts series. Emphasizing zero points of articulation, the line focuses on dynamic battle sculpts, detailed anatomical modeling, and translucent resin effect parts across major anime, manga, and pop culture franchises.
Cronologia
Panoramica
FiguartsZERO (フィギュアーツZERO) is a flagship collectible statue line produced by Bandai Spirits (formerly Bandai / Tamashii Nations). Launched in November 2010, the line was created to serve as a fixed-pose counterpart to Bandai's renowned S.H.Figuarts articulated figure series.
The name "ZERO" specifically denotes zero points of articulation, redirecting the design focus entirely away from joint poseability to static visual perfection.
Positioned as high-quality display pieces at an accessible price point compared to full-scale resin statues, FiguartsZERO figures are scaled in proportion to S.H.Figuarts (~1/12 scale), measuring between 14 cm and over 30 cm depending on dynamic pose structures and dynamic effect pieces. By eliminating articulation seams, sculptors capture intricate anatomical details, subtle clothing folds, and sweeping combat motions. A core hallmark of the line is its integrated translucent resin effect parts—recreating elemental attacks such as fire, water dragons, Haki bursts, energy blasts, and lightning directly on the figure stand. The line includes standard retail releases, web exclusives, and specialized sub-lines catering to diverse collector preferences.
Storia
FiguartsZERO made its official debut in November 2010 with an initial wave of figures based on Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece, featuring core characters Monkey D. Luffy, Shanks, and Marshall D. Teach. Following its success, Bandai expanded the franchise portfolio between 2011 and 2014 to encompass major Shonen Jump and anime properties, including Dragon Ball Z, Naruto Shippuden, Bleach, Persona 4, and Sailor Moon.
Over the following decade, the line evolved through specialized sub-lines. In 2012, Bandai launched the Artist Special series in collaboration with animal sculptor Toshio Asakuma. This was followed in 2014 by FiguartsZERO EX, catering to high-tier, larger-scale transformations (~25–30 cm).
In 2016, Bandai introduced FiguartsZERO chouette, offering decorative display pieces designed for aesthetic, fairytale-inspired displays. The year 2017 marked a major expansion with EXTRA BATTLE (featuring high-action battle scenes with translucent effects) and Kizuna Relation (featuring modular connecting bases). In recent years, the line expanded into modern mega-hits like Demon Slayer and Jujutsu Kaisen, alongside next-generation sub-lines such as STARTune, Touche Métallique, and the Naruto 72 Series running through 2027.
I PEZZI DI FIGUARTSZERO
Caratteristiche
* **Zero Points of Articulation:** Completely static fixed-pose sculpts designed to eliminate joint seams and structural breaks. * **Proportional ~1/12 Scale:** Sized in proportion to Bandai's S.H.Figuarts line, ranging from 14 cm to over 30 cm in height including effect parts. * **Translucent Resin Effects:** Intricate effect parts built directly into figure bases to represent fire, water, lightning, energy blasts, and aura bursts.
* **Dynamic Action Sculpting:** Captures mid-battle climaxes, swinging weapons, flowing garments, and expressive facial details. * **Advanced Modeling Tech ("COOL STYLE"):** Proprietary modeling technology used in the EXTRA BATTLE series to replicate cinematic anime battle scenes. * **Modular Connecting Bases:** Sub-lines like Kizuna Relation incorporate interlocking bases that join separate figures into unified battle dioramas. * **Specialized Materials and Finishes:** Uses high-grade PVC, ABS, translucent resins, metallic paint highlights, and hybrid real metallic plating (Touche Métallique).
Wave & Serie
* **2010:** Standard Line Debut (Launched with One Piece figures including Luffy, Shanks, and Blackbeard) * **2011–2014:** Shonen & Anime Expansion Wave (Added Dragon Ball Z, Naruto Shippuden, Bleach, Persona 4, Sailor Moon, Fate/Zero, Gintama, Macross Frontier) * **2012–2014:** FiguartsZERO Artist Special Sub-Line (Collaboration with sculptor Toshio Asakuma reimagining characters as animals) * **2014–2016:** FiguartsZERO EX Sub-Line (Large-scale ~25–30 cm figures focused on major character transformations) * **2016–Present:** FiguartsZERO chouette Sub-Line (Fairytale-inspired, decorative diorama figures targeting elegant displays) * **2017–Present:** FiguartsZERO EXTRA BATTLE / Chougekisen Sub-Line (High-action battle scenes utilizing translucent effect parts) * **2017–Present:** FiguartsZERO Kizuna Relation / Touchou Sub-Line (Modular diorama figures with interlocking bases) * **2017–Present:** EXTRA BATTLE SPECTACLE Sub-Line (Top-tier larger scale figures featuring lighting-responsive effect parts) * **2020–2023:** Modern Anime Surge Wave (Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man, Spy x Family, Hell's Paradise, Berserk) * **2025–2026+:** FiguartsZERO [STARTune] Sub-Line (Flagship starter centerpieces capturing core character silhouettes) * **2025–2026+:** FiguartsZERO Touche Métallique Sub-Line (Figures featuring real metallic plating finishes) * **2026+:** FiguartsZERO Naruto 72 Series (Special figure releases recreating Masashi Kishimoto's manga volume covers)
Pezzi Iconici
* **FiguartsZERO Artist Special Series:** Rare 15th-anniversary collaboration with Toshio Asakuma reimagining One Piece characters as sculpted animals, such as Whitebeard as a bison. * **FiguartsZERO EX Super Saiyan 3 Son Goku:** High-tier 2014–2016 EX sub-line statue standing 25–30 cm tall with dense hair and muscle sculpts. * **FiguartsZERO EXTRA BATTLE Monkey D. Luffy -Gear 5 Gigant-:** Massive dynamic battle statue capturing Luffy's Gear 5 form surrounded by translucent smoke and energy effects.
* **FiguartsZERO Kizuna Relation Naruto & Sasuke (Valley of the End):** Paired modular figures with interlocking bases designed to form a complete battle diorama. * **FiguartsZERO chouette Princess Serenity:** An elegant, decorative fairytale display statue crafted under the female-focused chouette sub-line. * **FiguartsZERO EXTRA BATTLE Kaido King of Beasts:** Imposing EXTRA BATTLE centerpiece featuring massive scale and multi-layered translucent Haki effect parts. * **FiguartsZERO Touche Métallique Gemini Saga:** Released in 2025 featuring innovative hybrid paintwork with real metallic plating for Saint Seiya armor aesthetics.
Collezionismo
FiguartsZERO occupies a distinct niche in the figure market, serving as an ideal mid-tier alternative between standard prize figures and expensive, high-end resin statues. Collectors favor the line for its official Bandai Spirits craftsmanship, space-efficient ~1/12 scale proportions, and dramatic translucent effect bases that elevate standard shelf displays. Because figures are non-articulated, they maintain sculpt integrity without joint lines, appealing to collectors who prefer pristine anatomical aesthetics over poseability.
From a market perspective, standard retail releases remain widely accessible, while limited distribution channels significantly influence secondary market value. Figures categorized as Web Exclusives (Premium Bandai releases) or physical event exclusives consistently command premium prices after production runs end. Discontinued sub-lines like the short-lived Artist Special series—which ended in 2014 before all planned figures were produced—and the FiguartsZERO EX line stand as true grails among collectors due to their limited supply and unique conceptual designs. Furthermore, modular lines like Kizuna Relation encourage multi-figure collecting by allowing paired characters to connect into unified battle dioramas.
Curiosità
* The name "FiguartsZERO" was created directly as a counter-concept to S.H.Figuarts, where "ZERO" explicitly indicates zero points of articulation. * In the Artist Special sub-line, sculptor Toshio Asakuma reimagined One Piece characters as animals, depicting Luffy as a chimpanzee, Zoro as a tiger, Nami as a cat, and Whitebeard as a bison.
* The sub-line name "chouette" is taken from the French word for "sweet" or "lovely," reflecting its decorative fairytale diorama aesthetic. * Figures in the EXTRA BATTLE SPECTACLE series feature dynamic effect parts made with vibrant colors that change depending on lighting and viewing position. * The Kizuna Relation series incorporates modular bases that physically lock together so separate figure purchases form a single connected scene.
