Forging the Star of Ultra: A Deep Dive into Bandai Spirits S.H. Figuarts Ultraman Suit Taro (The Animation)

There are heroes that inspire us, and then there are heroes whose very silhouette sparks a primal sense of awe and justice. For decades, the Ultra Series has delivered both, evolving from the classic giant of light to the sleek, armored vision of ULTRAMAN (the manga and Netflix anime). Among that new generation of powered suits, one name burns brighter than most: Ultraman Suit Taro.

Now, Bandai Spirits – the undisputed king of high-action collectibles – brings this fiery warrior to life in their premier S.H. Figuarts line. And this is not just another release. This is a celebration of sculpting mastery, poseable perfection, and an unparalleled value that extends beyond the figure itself.

If you are a collector, an Ultraman devotee, or simply someone who appreciates the pinnacle of action figure engineering, clear a space on your shelf. The Ultraman Suit Taro (The Animation) has arrived, and it is extraordinary.

From the Pages of Anime to the Palm of Your Hand

Standing at approximately 6.29 inches (160mm) tall, this figure hits the S.H. Figuarts standard size – the “goldilocks” scale for adult collectors. Large enough to display every intricate detail, yet compact enough to army-build alongside your existing SHF Ultraman lineup.

But size is meaningless without substance. And substance is where this figure explodes off the shelf.

Overseen by the Masters at Tsuburaya Productions’ LSS Sculpting Division

Here’s what separates an average figure from a collector’s centerpiece: the eyes that designed the original suit. The LSS (Light Sculpture Studio) sculpting division at Tsuburaya Productions – the very team responsible for bringing the on-screen Ultraman Suit Taro to life – directly supervised the sculpting of this action figure.

What does that mean for you?

  • Screen-accurate proportions: Every plate of armor, every vent, every angle of the helmet matches the digital models used in the ULTRAMAN anime. No “artistic interpretation” that misses the mark.
  • Authentic textures: The subtle differences between matte armor panels, metallic edges, and softer under-suit materials are faithfully reproduced in miniature.
  • The “Taro” presence: Ultraman Suit Taro is bulkier, more aggressive, and radiates a flame-like intensity compared to the original Ultraman Suit. The LSS team ensured that this figure captures that brawler’s spirit.

When you hold this figure, you’re not holding a toy. You’re holding a miniature piece of the animation production itself.

Articulation Engineered for Dynamic Action

S.H. Figuarts is renowned for its hidden articulation – joints that bend and twist in human-like ways without destroying the aesthetic. The Ultraman Suit Taro continues this legacy with a range of motion that would make a gymnast jealous.

Key articulation points include:

  • Deep shoulder joints allowing for full cross-arm poses (perfect for the “Specium Ray” stance)
  • Double-jointed elbows and knees for sharp, natural bends
  • Ball-jointed hips with drop-down mechanism for wide, stable kicking poses
  • Ankle rockers that keep the figure grounded even in dynamic action poses
  • A multi-axis neck joint that lets Taro look up toward the sky (or down at defeated kaiju)

Whether you want him charging forward with flame effects, braced for a punch, or striking the iconic Ultra Sign, the figure moves exactly as you imagine. No stiffness, no awkward gaps – just fluid, expressive posing.

What’s in the Box? A Firework of Accessories

Empty-handed figures are sad figures. Bandai Spirits knows this. That’s why the Ultraman Suit Taro arrives with a wealth of accessories that multiply its play and display value.

Included in the Set (Main Body & Standard Parts)

1. The Main Body – Already discussed, but worth repeating: a sculpted masterpiece with premium paint application (no sloppy edges, no faded gradients).

2. Optional Hands – 3 Left / 4 Right
That’s seven total hand options, giving you incredible expressive range:

  • Fists for battle stances
  • Open palms for energy attacks
  • Chops for hand-to-hand combat
  • Gripping hands for holding accessories (if you have other SHF weapons)
  • Relaxed hands for neutral standing poses

With four right-hand options, you have fine-tuned control over his primary action hand – essential for right-handed collectors who display dynamic attacks.

3. Optional Color Timer
Every Ultraman fan knows the tension of the blinking color timer. This figure includes an optional color timer part (presumably red or blinking-effect painted) that you can swap in to represent Taro at low energy or mid-battle desperation. Perfect for recreating those “final second” scenes.

4. Flame Effect Parts
Taro’s elemental affinity is fire. And these flame effects are spectacular. Translucent orange and yellow plastic sculpted to look like roaring infernos. Attach them to his fists, feet, or back to simulate:

  • Burning punches
  • Flame kicks
  • Jet-propelled charges
  • Explosive aura states

Unlike generic flame pieces, these are designed specifically for Taro’s body proportions, snapping onto his limbs without blocking joints.

5. Ultra Badge
The iconic symbol of the Ultra Garrison. This tiny accessory is a marvel of precision molding – a badge you can place on his chest or display alongside him. It’s the kind of detail that makes die-hard fans smile.

The Bonus That Changes Everything: ULTRAMAN -the Animation- Parts

This is where the value proposition becomes undeniable. Included as a bonus with Ultraman Suit Taro are parts specifically designed for the separately sold ULTRAMAN -the Animation- figure (the original powered suit worn by Shinjiro Hayata).

Bonus contents:

  • Ultra Slash Effect Parts (Left & Right) – Those iconic, boomerang-like energy cutting discs that the original Ultraman Suit uses. Now you can equip your existing ULTRAMAN figure with these translucent, razor-sharp effects.
  • One Set of Optional Hands for ULTRAMAN -the Animation- – Additional hand poses tailored for the original suit, allowing you to better display it holding or throwing the Ultra Slash effects.

Why This Bonus is Genius

Most “bonus parts” feel like afterthoughts – a tiny gun or an alternate head that you’ll never use. But Bandai Spirits has created a connective tissue between two figures. If you already own the standard S.H. Figuarts ULTRAMAN (The Animation), buying Taro essentially gives you a paid upgrade for that older figure. If you don’t own it yet, this bonus is a compelling reason to hunt one down.

Imagine your display:

  • Ultraman Suit charging forward, Ultra Slash discs spinning from both hands.
  • Ultraman Suit Taro behind him, engulfed in flame effects.
  • Together, they face down a kaiju (sold separately, but we can dream).

That’s not just collecting. That’s storytelling.

The Bandai Namco Warning Label: Your Seal of Authenticity

In a world flooded with knockoffs and “third-party” imitations, authenticity matters. Collectors have been burned by bootleg figures with misshapen heads, brittle plastic, and toxic paint.

Every genuine Bandai Spirits S.H. Figuarts product now includes a Bandai Namco warning label on the product box. This label is not just a sticker – it’s a guarantee.

What it certifies:

  • Officially licensed product from Bandai Spirits (a subsidiary of Bandai Namco)
  • Manufactured to original specifications using safe, high-quality materials
  • Eligible for after-sale support (where applicable)
  • Correct paint, sculpting, and articulation

When you see that label, you can buy with confidence. You’re not gambling on a “too good to be true” deal from an unverified seller. You’re investing in a genuine collector’s item that will hold its value and its quality for years.

Who Is This Figure For?

Let’s be specific. This is not a children’s toy (though a responsible older kid would love it). The S.H. Figuarts line is aimed at adult collectors – people who appreciate:

  • Anime accuracy: You’ve watched ULTRAMAN on Netflix. You noticed the way Taro’s armor flares at the shoulders. You’ll notice that this figure gets it right.
  • Poseability: You don’t just stand figures on a shelf. You repose them weekly. You create battle dioramas. You photograph them for social media. This figure rewards that effort.
  • Accessory completeness: You hate when a figure comes with only two fists and a blank stare. Taro comes ready to play.
  • Cross-line compatibility: You already own other SHF Ultraman suits – Ace, Seven, the original. Taro fits right in, sharing the same scale and joint engineering.

And for the completionist – the collector who needs every Ultra Brother represented in their collection – Taro is non-negotiable. He’s the sixth Ultra Brother, the son of Father of Ultra, the fiery heart of the team. Your lineup is incomplete without him.

Display and Photography Potential

Let’s talk about the shelf presence. Ultraman Suit Taro’s color scheme is dominated by red and silver (with gold accents), making him instantly recognizable even from across the room. Unlike the more muted original suit, Taro pops.

Photography tips:

  • Backlighting: The flame effects look incredible when lit from behind. Use a smartphone light or desk lamp to make the translucent plastic glow.
  • Low-angle shots: Place the figure on a raised platform and shoot upward. The bulky shoulders and determined helmet will look truly heroic.
  • Action sequences: Use the Color Timer (low energy) alongside the flame effects to depict a “desperate final attack” scene.

Diorama ideas:

  • Pair with Tamashii Nations’ Stage Act stands (sold separately) for flying poses.
  • Combine with building destruction backdrops (print your own or use third-party options).
  • Fight against any 6-inch scale kaiju – SHF MonsterArts Godzilla is a classic opponent.

Comparison to Other Ultraman Suit Figures

How does Taro stack up against his brethren?

FeatureUltraman Suit (Original)Ultraman Suit AceUltraman Suit Taro
Height~6.3”~6.3”~6.3”
Main ColorsSilver/RedSilver/Blue/RedRed/Silver/Gold
Signature EffectUltra SlashGuillotineFlame attacks
Bonus PartsNone (early release)NoneUltra Slash + hands for original
Sculpt SupervisionLSSLSSLSS

Taro is the most accessory-rich of the standard Ultraman Suit releases so far. The inclusion of bonus parts for another figure is unprecedented in this sub-line, making him a must-buy for anyone who already owns – or plans to own – the original ULTRAMAN suit.

Where to Buy and Pricing Considerations

As an officially licensed Bandai Spirits product, Ultraman Suit Taro is available through:

  • Premium Bandai (often exclusive or limited distribution)
  • Specialty anime/import retailers (BigBadToyStore, AmiAmi, HLJ)
  • Amazon (be sure to verify the Bandai Namco warning label)
  • Local comic and collectible shops that carry import figures

Expected price range: S.H. Figuarts figures typically retail between $60-$90 USD, with exclusives or bonus-packed versions leaning toward the higher end. Given the extensive accessories and bonus parts, expect Taro to be at the premium side – but still far cheaper than custom commissions or resin kits.

Preorder advice: S.H. Figuarts Ultraman figures have a history of selling out quickly and appreciating in value on the aftermarket. If you see Taro available at retail price, do not hesitate. Waiting for a discount often means paying double to a reseller later.

Caring for Your S.H. Figuarts Figure

To keep Ultraman Suit Taro in pristine condition:

  1. Handle with clean, dry hands – Oils and dirt will degrade paint over time.
  2. Support the joints when posing – Never force a joint; rotate gently.
  3. Store effect parts separately – Translucent plastics can scratch against painted surfaces.
  4. Keep out of direct sunlight – Red and silver paints can fade or yellow.
  5. Use a soft brush for dusting – Compressed air also works well.

Final Verdict: A Burning Must-Have

The Bandai Spirits S.H. Figuarts Ultraman Suit Taro (The Animation) is not just another action figure. It is a love letter to ULTRAMAN fans, a showcase of Bandai’s engineering excellence, and a surprisingly generous package that rewards both new and existing collectors.

Pros:

  • Supervised by Tsuburaya’s LSS division – perfect screen accuracy.
  • Exceptional articulation for dynamic posing.
  • Flame effects and alternate color timer add immediate display value.
  • Bonus parts for ULTRAMAN (The Animation) figure are genuinely useful.
  • Official Bandai Namco label guarantees authenticity.

Cons:

  • Bonus parts require a separately sold figure to be fully utilized (but that’s also an incentive, not a flaw).
  • Premium pricing may deter casual buyers (but serious collectors know quality costs).
  • Wig and boots not included – wait, wrong script. (Smile.)

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Where Does Your Ultra Journey Go From Here?

You’ve built your collection. You’ve rewatched the anime. You’ve explained to non-fans why “a guy in a red suit” matters. Now it’s time to add the fiery star of the Ultra Brothers.

Ultraman Suit Taro represents more than a character. He represents persistence, blazing spirit, and the courage to stand against darkness even when your color timer is blinking red. That same spirit lives in every collector who hunts for that perfect figure, who poses and repozes until the image in their mind becomes reality on the shelf.

Preorder now. Open the box. Feel the weight of officially licensed quality. And let the flame effects roar.

Ultraman Suit Taro – available exclusively where premium collectibles are sold. Look for the Bandai Namco warning label. Your shelf will thank you.


Product Summary:

  • Series: S.H. Figuarts
  • Character: Ultraman Suit Taro (The Animation)
  • Height: Approx. 6.29 inches (160mm)
  • Sculpt Supervision: Tsuburaya Productions LSS division
  • Set Contents: Main body, 3 left + 4 right optional hands, optional color timer, flame effect parts, Ultra Badge
  • Bonus Parts (for ULTRAMAN -the Animation- figure): Ultra Slash effect parts (L/R), one set of optional hands
  • Authentication: Bandai Namco warning label on box

Sold separately: ULTRAMAN -the Animation- figure, display stands, kaiju, and your own sense of awe.

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