Asuka’s Final Evangelion Unit-02 Form Is Officially Returning in 2027
Image by Charlotte DavisKotobukiya is bringing back its imposing 1/400 scale model kit of Evangelion New Unit-02 Alpha that recreates Asuka Shikinami Langley’s heavily modified Eva as it appears in Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time.
The “Evangelion Production Model New Unit-02 Alpha” was originally released in April 2023, with the newly announced production run giving collectors another opportunity to build one of the most mechanically distinctive versions of Unit-02.
New Unit-02 Alpha represents the final major rebuild of Asuka’s Eva, combining the surviving portions of Unit-02 with machinery derived from the JA-02 before being deployed alongside Mari’s Unit-08 Gamma during the final stages of the Rebuild story.
Its bulky mechanical lower body, oversized backpack, and exposed machinery give it a dramatically different appearance from the cleaner silhouette traditionally associated with Evangelion Unit-02.
The new production run follows several other recent releases focused on Asuka’s Eva, including Takara Tomy’s newly revealed Transformers x Evangelion Unit-02 crossover figure and RADIO EVA’s limited-edition Seiko watch inspired by the machine’s red color scheme.
Kotobukiya’s kit stands approximately 21.8 cm tall when assembled and uses a multicolor construction with selected parts pre-painted, allowing the finished model to closely resemble its appearance in the movie without requiring a complete paint job.
Its construction combines CAD-designed joints with sculpted exterior detailing, while the finished model retains enough articulation to recreate the New Unit-02 Alpha’s heavily armed combat poses despite its substantial backpack and mechanical additions.
The included weapons consist of its large three-barrel Gatling gun and Naginata, both of which can be held using dedicated weapon hands.
Two versions of the Stop Signal Plug are also provided alongside an interchangeable waist section that allows the device to be mounted to the Eva, recreating its attempt to stop Evangelion Unit-13 during the movie’s climactic battle.
Additional replacement parts allow the rear equipment to be removed, while the kit includes multiple interchangeable hands covering fists, open hands, and different weapon-holding poses.
Builders who also own Kotobukiya’s separately sold Evangelion Unit-08 Gamma can have New Unit-02 Alpha hold the larger weapons included with that kit, allowing the pair’s weapon-sharing scenes from the movie to be recreated.
An interchangeable lower-body part also adds compatibility with Kotobukiya’s separately sold M.S.G New Flying Base for airborne and more dynamic displays.
Evangelion’s 30th anniversary celebrations have stretched far beyond individual merchandise releases, with the huge three-day “EVANGELION:30+; 30th ANNIVERSARY OF EVANGELION” festival taking over Yokohama Arena in February 2026.
The event included exhibitions, live performances, and a completely new 13-minute animated short starring Asuka, before closing with the surprise announcement of a new Evangelion anime project from Studio Khara and CloverWorks involving NieR creator Yoko Taro.
Bandai has also recently launched a new Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone Ichiban Kuji, headlined by an enormous 49 cm MEGAVIGNETTE Unit-01 figure recreating Operation Yashima alongside figures of Rei Ayanami, Misato Katsuragi, Pen Pen and the Sixth Angel.
Image by Charlotte DavisOther anniversary collectibles have included premium 1/4 scale Rei and Asuka figures created by F:NEX and historic Japanese doll maker Yoshitoku, with both characters dressed in genuine fabric kimonos, as well as updated METAL BUILD releases of Unit-01, Unit-00 and Unit-02 packaged with new anniversary accessories including the franchise’s signature Spears.
Pre-orders for the “1/400 Evangelion Production Model New Unit-02 Alpha” are currently open through established hobby goods retailers such as HobbyLink Japan.
The kit is priced at ¥13,200 (approx. $85 USD / £63 GBP) and is scheduled for release in April 2027.
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