Kotobukiya’s New Joey Wheeler Statue Comes with Chin Meme Bonus Parts
Kotobukiya has provided a first look at the painted prototype for the upcoming “ARTFX J Joey Wheeler -Fierce Duelists-” scale figure.
The reveal was made during the company’s current product exhibition in Akihabara, where the manufacturer showcased the character from the anime Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters in a combat-ready stance.
The figure depicts Joey, known as Katsuya Jonouchi in Japan, equipped with a Duel Disk on his left arm.
The sculpt is designed to be displayed as a standalone piece or in conjunction with a previously announced Red-Eyes Black Dragon figure to recreate a battle scene.
The base and posing are consistent with other statues in the “Fierce Duelists” sub-line, which focuses on high-fidelity recreations of characters during the series’ pivotal tournament arcs.
While the standard version of the figure focuses on a traditional heroic expression, Kotobukiya has confirmed an incentive for customers who purchase the item through their official stores.
The manufacturer has revealed that an exclusive “Perfect Jonouchi Reproduction Set” will be included as a bonus for orders placed directly through Kotobukiya shops.
This set contains an interchangeable head part that recreates a specific scene from the anime where the character returns to health, pulling an expression that has colloquially become known among fans as the “Perfect Jonouchi,” or “Creepy Chin,” face.
The part features an exaggeratedly jutting jawline, perfectly recreating the facial expression that has now become an iconic meme.
Kotobukiya has not yet provided a confirmed release window or a retail price for the “ARTFX J Joey Wheeler -Fierce Duelists-” figure.
The painted sample remains on display for public viewing at the Kotobukiya Collection event at the Akihabara UDX venue in Tokyo, allowing prospective buyers to examine the statue in person.
Price information and the opening date for pre-orders are expected to be announced by the manufacturer in the coming months.
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