BANDAI SPIRITS’ TAMASHII NATIONS collectibles division unveiled two new prototypes from its popular S.H.Figuarts action figure line at TAMASHII NATION 2026: “Kamen Rider 1 Manga Version” and “Cyclone Manga Version”, both based on the original "Kamen Rider" manga. Neither prototype has been confirmed for production at this time.
Shortly after the live-action "Kamen Rider" series premiered in 1971, creator Shotaro Ishinomori began serializing his manga version of the story. Both incarnations follow protagonist Takeshi Hongo, who is transformed into a grasshopper-like cyborg by the evil organization Shocker before escaping and becoming the heroic Kamen Rider. However, the manga takes a more grounded and somber approach, delving into the sorrow and inner turmoil of cyborgs, the many sides of Shocker, and pointed criticism of contemporary society. Director Hideaki Anno drew heavily from the original manga when creating the 2023 film "Shin Kamen Rider."
The newly displayed “S.H.Figuarts Kamen Rider 1 Manga Version” and “S.H.Figuarts Cyclone Manga Version” prototypes feature entirely new sculpts designed to capture Ishinomori’s original artwork. Both pieces sport vivid colors that differ from their live-action counterparts, along with gradient paint applications that recreate the look of the artist’s brushwork. The “Manga Version” name pays tribute to Ishinomori’s Manga Declaration, in which he replaced the conventional Japanese spelling of manga with a coined form representing all things and the medium’s limitless creative possibilities.
S.H.Figuarts Kamen Rider 1 Manga Version
S.H.Figuarts Cyclone Manga Version
Prototype Display
(C) Ishimori Production Inc. and Toei Company, Ltd.
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