Sold out premium metal Evangelion figures to be re-released with new upgrades
In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Evangelion series, BANDAI SPIRITS has announced a series of sold out figures will be re-released.
The METAL BUILD Evangelion figures, first released back in 2019, will be re-released with additional and upgraded parts.
First up will be the re-release of the “METAL BUILD Evangelion Unit-01,” which will include the formidable “Spear of Gaius” weapon and a new display base.
The “Neon Genesis Evangelion” series first premiered as an anime television show in October 1995 and left a huge mark on Japanese animation and global pop culture.
Created by Hideaki Anno and produced by Gainax (and later Studio Khara for the “Rebuild” films), the Evangelion series is celebrated for its deconstruction of the mecha genre, psychological themes and often cryptic narrative.
The franchise has spawned numerous films, manga, video games, and a vast array of merchandise, maintaining a dedicated fanbase worldwide.
The 30th anniversary in 2025 marks a significant milestone, with various events and product releases planned to commemorate its enduring legacy.
Some of the products released have included collaborations with FILA, Umaibo and custom suits from Japanese retailer DIFFERENCE.
The METAL BUILD series from BANDAI SPIRITS is known for its premium quality, utilizing die-cast metal parts to provide both weight and durability, alongside intricate detailing and superior articulation.
The original “METAL BUILD Evangelion Unit-01”, released in February 2019, was a highly successful and critically acclaimed figure, quickly becoming a collector’s item due to its exquisite design and imposing presence.
This 30th anniversary re-release builds upon that foundation with exciting new additions.
Standing approximately 220mm (about 8.6 inches) tall, the figure is constructed from ABS, PVC, and die-cast metal.
The core body and existing weaponry, such as the progressive knife, Magoroku Exterminator Sword, counter sword, pallet rifle, and handgun, remain consistent with the original 2019 release.
The new inclusions for this 30th-anniversary edition are:
- The “Spear of Gaius”
This newly sculpted weapon measures an impressive 370mm (over 14.5 inches) in length, making it a visually striking accessory.
The Spear of Gaius is a key weapon introduced in “Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time”, the final film in the “Rebuild of Evangelion” series.
Unlike the Spears of Longinus and Cassius, which have alien origins, the Spear of Gaius is depicted as a “Spear of Humanity’s Will,” created by Misato Katsuragi and Ritsuko Akagi from salvaged materials.
It plays a crucial role in the film’s climax, allowing Shinji Ikari to initiate a “new beginning” and reshape reality.
- A special pedestal featuring the anniversary logo in holographic foil
This custom display base adds a commemorative touch, highlighting the figure’s status as a special 30th-anniversary product.
- New wrist parts and joint parts
Additional left and right wrist parts are included specifically for holding the Spear of Gaius, ensuring a secure and dynamic grip.
Joint parts for floating display are also provided, allowing for more versatile posing options.
Additional Evangelion 30th Anniversary METAL BUILD re-releases have also been announced including Unit 02 and Unit 00.
Both will see similar upgrades for the re-release, with full details to be confirmed soon.
BANDAI SPIRITS have confirmed that the full slate of METAL BUILD Evangelion re-releases will be as follows:
- “Evangelion Unit 02 30th with the Spear of Cassius”
- “Evangelion Unit 00/Unit 00 (modified) 30th with the Spear of Longinus”
- “Three Spears Set” featuring all three Evangelion Units
It has also been revealed that two new S.H.Figuarts figures of Rei Ayanami and Shikinami Asuka Langley will be released later this year.
The “METAL BUILD Evangelion Unit-01 30th with the Spear of Gaius” will be available for 35,200 yen (approx. $241 USD / £177 GBP) and is scheduled for release in November 2025. Pre-orders are set to open on July 1st.
In addition to the METAL BUILD updates, BANDAI SPIRITS will also re-release the “ROBOT Spirits Evangelion Unit 01 + Spear of Cassius (Renewal Color Edition)”.
This figure was originally released in November 2021 within the ROBOT Spirits line, which focuses on highly articulated, detailed action figures.
The “Spear of Cassius” is a counterpart to the “Spear of Longinus” and featured prominently in the “Rebuild of Evangelion” films.
This “ROBOT Spirits Evangelion Unit 01 + Lance of Cassius (Renewal Color Edition)” re-release will be priced at 9,900 yen (approx. $67.96 USD / £149.90 GBP)
Both Evangelion Unit 01 figures are being sold via hobby stores and specialist retailers and will be available for pre-order from July 1st with an expected release in November 2025.
Source: Official X Account
© BANDAI SPIRITS, Khara
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