Super7 ULTIMATES! vs Figuarts: Which Premium Action Figure Line Wins?

Premium action figures come in many flavors, but two lines consistently dominate collector conversations: Super7 ULTIMATES! and Bandai's Figuarts (formerly S.H. Figuarts). Both offer high-quality figures with distinct philosophies, and choosing between them can be tough. In this comparison, we break down design, articulation, scale, accessories, and value to help you decide which line deserves a spot on your shelf.

Super7 ULTIMATES! celebrates retro aesthetics with modern engineering, while Figuarts prioritizes anime-accurate likenesses and dynamic posing. Each has its strengths, and your preference often comes down to what you value most: nostalgic charm or screen-perfect realism. Let's dive into the details.

Design Philosophy: Retro Charm vs. Anime Realism

Super7 ULTIMATES! takes inspiration from the original toys and cartoons of the 80s and 90s. The line often features exaggerated proportions, bold paint apps, and a slightly chunky silhouette that feels like a love letter to vintage action figures. For example, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles ULTIMATES! - Michelangelo [Mutagen Ooze Glow] (Pre-Order Exclusive) captures the character's classic look with a glowing twist, appealing to fans of the original animated series.

Figuarts, on the other hand, is known for its meticulous attention to detail, especially for anime and tokusatsu characters. The sculpts are slimmer, more proportionate, and often include multiple face plates to replicate iconic expressions. This realism is perfect for collectors who want their figures to look like they stepped straight off the screen.

• Super7 ULTIMATES! leans into retro toy aesthetics with bold colors and stylized sculpts.
• Figuarts focuses on anime-accurate likenesses with multiple interchangeable faces.

Articulation and Poseability: Dynamic vs. Sturdy

When it comes to articulation, Figuarts typically offers a wider range of motion, especially in the shoulders, hips, and ankles. This makes them ideal for dynamic action poses and dramatic displays. The joints are often tighter and more refined, allowing for precise positioning without loosening over time.

Super7 ULTIMATES! figures usually have fewer points of articulation, but they are built for durability. The joints are sturdier and can hold heavy accessories without sagging. While you might not achieve the same level of contortion as with Figuarts, the figures feel solid and are less prone to breakage. This makes them great for play or for collectors who prefer a more classic feel.

• Figuarts excels in dynamic posing with a wide range of motion.
• Super7 ULTIMATES! offers sturdy joints that hold poses well, ideal for display.

Scale and Display: Consistency vs. Variety

Figuarts figures are mostly in the 6-inch scale, making them easy to mix with other lines like Marvel Legends or Star Wars Black Series. They also maintain a consistent scale within their own sub-lines, so your favorite anime characters will look great together on a shelf.

Super7 ULTIMATES! also uses a 7-inch scale, which is slightly larger. This gives the figures more presence and allows for more detail in the sculpt. However, it means they might not blend seamlessly with other 6-inch collections. That said, if you're building a dedicated Super7 shelf, the larger scale is a plus, especially for characters like Godzilla or the Universal Monsters.

• Figuarts: 6-inch scale, consistent with many other lines.
• Super7 ULTIMATES!: 7-inch scale, larger presence and more detail.

Accessories and Extras: What's in the Box?

Accessories can make or break a figure's value. Figuarts often includes a generous number of hands, faces, and sometimes effect parts, allowing you to recreate iconic scenes. For example, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Ultimates! - Baxter Stockman Glow-in-the-Dark (SDCC 2020) comes with a variety of accessories, but Figuarts typically offers even more interchangeable parts.

Super7 ULTIMATES! also provides a solid accessory count, including alternate heads, hands, and sometimes display stands. However, they tend to focus on the essentials rather than overwhelming you with options. This can be a plus for collectors who prefer a more curated experience.

• Figuarts: more interchangeable parts for maximum customization.
• Super7 ULTIMATES!: essential accessories with a focus on quality over quantity.

Price and Value: Which Line Gives You More Bang for Your Buck?

Price is a major factor in any collection. Figuarts figures typically retail between $60 and $80, depending on the character and exclusivity. Super7 ULTIMATES! figures usually fall in the $55 to $70 range, making them slightly more affordable on average. However, exclusive variants like the TMNT Michelangelo Mutagen Ooze Glow can cost more due to limited availability.

When you consider the accessories and articulation, Figuarts often offers more value per dollar. But if you prioritize durability and retro appeal, Super7 ULTIMATES! is a strong contender. It's also worth noting that Super7 frequently releases glow-in-the-dark variants, which add unique display options without a significant price hike.

• Figuarts: $60-$80, more accessories and articulation.
• Super7 ULTIMATES!: $55-$70, retro charm and sturdy build.

Fan Favorites: Which Characters Shine?

Both lines have their iconic releases. Figuarts has a massive catalog of anime, Kamen Rider, and Super Sentai characters, so fans of those genres will find plenty to love. Super7 ULTIMATES! covers a broader range of pop culture, including TMNT, Godzilla, and even Peanuts. For example, the Toho FUN! FUN! - Godzilla 2001 (Charging) is a fun addition for Godzilla fans, while the Peanuts ReAction Figures - Snoopy Sleeping (Flocked) offers a softer, more whimsical option.

If you're a fan of retro cartoons and movies, Super7 ULTIMATES! is likely your best bet. If you prefer modern anime and tokusatsu, Figuarts is the way to go. Ultimately, it comes down to your personal taste and the characters you love.

• Super7 ULTIMATES!: TMNT, Godzilla, Universal Monsters, and more.
• Figuarts: Anime, Kamen Rider, Super Sentai, and other Japanese franchises.

Both Super7 ULTIMATES! and Figuarts are excellent premium lines, but they cater to different collector preferences. If you value retro aesthetics, sturdy builds, and a wide range of pop culture icons, Super7 ULTIMATES! is your winner. If you prioritize anime accuracy, dynamic posing, and a vast accessory array, Figuarts takes the crown. For many collectors, owning both is the ultimate solution. To start your Super7 ULTIMATES! collection, check out the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles ULTIMATES! - Michelangelo [Mutagen Ooze Glow] (Pre-Order Exclusive) and see why this line is a fan favorite.