Let’s be real for a second. Most anime figures based on "VRMMO" series look kinda cheap. You know the ones—static poses, flat paint jobs, and that weirdly shiny plastic that makes a $200 collectible look like a prize from a claw machine. But then Shangri-La Frontier exploded onto the scene, and suddenly, every Shangri La Frontier figure hitting the market seems to be trying to outdo the last one. It makes sense, though. When your protagonist spends 90% of his time running around in nothing but bird-head mask and some blue gym shorts, the sculptors have to get the muscle definition and the "bird" textures exactly right or the whole thing falls apart.
I’ve spent way too much time looking at the engineering behind these releases. From the high-end S.H.Figuarts to the more budget-friendly Pop Up Parade lines, there is a weirdly specific level of detail being poured into Sunraku and his buddies. It’s not just about the character; it’s about capturing that chaotic, "trash-game hunter" energy that makes the series so addictive.
Why a Shangri La Frontier Figure Is Harder to Make Than You Think
You’d think Sunraku would be easy to sculpt. He’s basically a shirtless guy in a mask. Simple, right? Wrong.
The complexity of a Shangri La Frontier figure usually lies in the textures. Take the "Sunraku" mask, for instance. It isn't just a flat blue bird head. In the anime and manga, that mask has a specific matte finish with slight indentations for the eyes that need to look menacing but also slightly ridiculous. If the manufacturer messes up the proportions of the beak, the whole figure loses its "soul." It just looks like a mascot costume gone wrong.
Then you have the Scars of the Lycaon. Those red marks across his torso aren't just painted on in the high-quality versions. They’re often slightly recessed or finished with a different gloss to simulate the "curse" effect from the game. It’s that kind of nuance that separates a desk toy from a centerpiece.
The Breakdown of the Major Releases
If you’re hunting for a Shangri La Frontier figure, you basically have three tiers to choose from.
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First, you’ve got the S.H.Figuarts by Bandai Spirits. This is for the people who want to recreate the fight against Wezaemon the Tombguard on their bookshelf. The articulation is insane. Because Sunraku is an agile, acrobatic fighter, a stiff statue doesn't really do him justice. The Figuarts version allows for those deep lunges and mid-air slashes. Honestly, the way they handled the joint masking on his bare skin is impressive. Usually, joints on shirtless characters look like broken doll limbs, but they managed to keep the anatomy relatively fluid here.
Next up is the Pop Up Parade L series. Good Smile Company figured out that people wanted something bigger than a standard 7-inch figure but didn't want to pay $300. These are "static" statues. No moving parts. But the sheer scale of the Sunraku or Oikatzo figures in this line is imposing. They usually capture a specific "hero pose" that looks great under LED lighting. The paint gradients on the Dual Blades (the Vorpal Choppers) are usually the highlight here. They have that slightly weathered, "I’ve been grinding for ten hours" look.
Finally, you have the "Prize" figures. Brands like Banpresto handle these. They’re affordable. They’re accessible. Are they perfect? No. You’ll probably see some seam lines on the shoulders. The paint might bleed a little near the waistband of the shorts. But for $25? They capture the silhouette perfectly.
The Oikatzo and Penceregon Factor
We can't just talk about Sunraku. A true Shangri La Frontier figure collection needs the whole squad.
Oikatzo (Kei) is a personal favorite because his character design is so sleek. In the game, he plays a female monk, which translates to a figure with very clean, flowing lines and intricate martial arts posing. Manufacturers often struggle with the balance of Oikatzo’s figures because of the high kicks—they need a sturdy base so the thing doesn't tip over after six months on your shelf.
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And then there's Penceregon. Arthur Penceregon is the "fashionista" of the group, which means her figures are a nightmare of armor plates, capes, and gold trim. If you're looking at a Penceregon figure, check the "gold" paint. Is it "mustard yellow" or does it actually have a metallic sheen? The better figures use a vacuum-metallization process or at least a high-quality mica flake paint to give her that legendary-tier gear glow.
Spotting the Fakes and Quality Drops
Look, the market is flooded. When a series gets popular, the bootlegs follow. If you see a Shangri La Frontier figure on a random site for $15 and it’s supposed to be the 10-inch scale version, run.
- The Mask Check: On cheap knockoffs, Sunraku’s eyes are often misaligned. He’ll look cross-eyed or like the paint was applied with a thumb.
- The Box Art: Authentic Japanese releases have specific holographic stickers (usually from Kodansha or the production committee). No sticker, no buy.
- Weight: High-end PVC and ABS plastics have a certain heft. Bootlegs feel like hollow Easter eggs.
Why the Wezaemon Figures are the Gold Standard
If you really want to see what a Shangri La Frontier figure can be, look at the specialized statues of the "Seven Colossi." Specifically, Wezaemon the Tombguard.
These are rare and usually expensive. Wezaemon is a massive, undead samurai in mechanical armor. The level of "weathering" required—simulating rusted metal, tattered cloth, and glowing blue ethereal energy—is a masterclass in toy engineering. Some of the hobbyist garage kits (limited run models) for Wezaemon are basically museum pieces. They use translucent resins for the "ghostly" parts of his armor, allowing light to pass through and create a natural glow.
How to Display Your Collection
Don't just shove these in a dark corner. Because many of these characters use "light" effects or have distinct silhouettes, backlighting is your best friend.
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- Use a cool-white LED for Sunraku to make the blue mask pop.
- For Penceregon, a warmer yellow light brings out the gold in her armor.
- Keep them out of direct sunlight. Seriously. PVC will "sweat" (the plasticizers leak out) and become sticky if they get too hot or sit in UV rays for too long.
The appeal of a Shangri La Frontier figure is that it represents the "grind." Every time you look at that bird-headed guy on your desk, you’re reminded of the struggle against RNG, the perfect parries, and the absolute joy of a game that is actually fun to play.
Making the Most of Your Purchase
If you're just starting, don't go for the most expensive piece first. Start with a Pop Up Parade Sunraku. It gives you the best "bang for your buck" in terms of sculpt quality and size. It’s a solid entry point that doesn't feel like a cheap toy but won't require a payment plan.
Check the secondary markets like Mandarake or AmiAmi’s pre-owned section. You can often find "Box Damaged" items where the figure is pristine but the cardboard is slightly dented. It’s the easiest way to save 30% on a high-tier Shangri La Frontier figure.
Once you have the figure, take a second to actually look at the "hidden" details. Most manufacturers hide small Easter eggs on the underside of the weapons or inside the mask's eye slits. It’s that level of appreciation for the source material that makes these specific figures worth the shelf space.
Actionable Next Steps for Collectors:
- Verify the Manufacturer: Before clicking "buy," ensure the brand is listed as Bandai Spirits, Good Smile Company, or Max Factory to guarantee quality.
- Check the Scale: Many Shangri-La Frontier figures are non-scale, meaning they might not line up perfectly in height with your other 1/7 or 1/8 scale anime statues.
- Monitor Pre-order Windows: High-demand characters like Sunraku in his "Tombguard" variant sell out months before release; use sites like MFC (MyFigureCollection) to track release dates.
- Invest in Dust-Proof Cases: The intricate feathers on the bird mask and the sharp edges of the Vorpal Choppers are dust magnets that are notoriously difficult to clean without breaking small parts.