anime-insights
Upcoming Release Dates for New Chainsaw Man Action Figures
Table of Contents
The world of anime collectibles is buzzing with anticipation. Chainsaw Man, the dark fantasy series that exploded in popularity after its anime adaptation, is set to receive a new wave of meticulously crafted action figures. For both dedicated collectors and newcomers charmed by Denji’s chaotic energy, the upcoming release calendar is packed with must-have items. This guide breaks down the release dates, highlights the features that make these figures stand out, and offers practical advice for securing your favorite characters before they vanish from pre-orders.
Why This New Wave of Chainsaw Man Figures Matters
Chainsaw Man isn't just another shonen hit. Tatsuki Fujimoto’s brutal, emotional storytelling created a dedicated fanbase that demands high-quality merchandise. Early action figure releases from companies like S.H. Figuarts and Figma set a high bar, often selling out within minutes. This upcoming batch reflects a maturing market where manufacturers are responding to collector feedback. They are pushing articulation schemes further, improving paint applications, and including accessories that capture iconic manga panels. The figures listed in this article come from multiple manufacturers, including Bandai Spirits, Good Smile Company, and Kotobukiya, each bringing their unique sculpting philosophy to the table. Understanding these release dates gives you an edge in a market where aftermarket prices often double or triple within weeks of a sold-out launch.
Confirmed Release Dates and Where to Order
Retailers like AmiAmi, HobbyLink Japan, and the Good Smile Company official site often open pre-orders months in advance. Here is the current timeline for the most anticipated figures. Note that these dates refer to Japanese release windows; international retailers may ship 2-4 weeks later depending on distribution.
- Denji (Chainsaw Man) – S.H. Figuarts: August 15, 2024. This figure has been delayed twice to perfect the head sculpt and the metallic paint on the chainsaw blades. It includes interchangeable arms, a posable tongue, and a "transformation" effect part.
- Pochita – Nendoroid: September 1, 2024. The adorable chainsaw dog gets the chibi treatment. Despite its small size, it boasts full articulation and an opening mouth gimmick that reveals his iconic pull cord.
- Makima – Figma: October 10, 2024. Good Smile Company’s Figma line emphasizes smooth, natural posing. This release captures Makima’s eerie calmness with multiple hand parts, her signature coat, and a pointing finger hand for recreating the "bang" scene.
- Power – Pop Up Parade: November 5, 2024. Standing approximately 17-18 cm tall, this is a static, affordable prize figure with a dynamic battle pose. It’s the best entry point for new collectors, though it lacks articulation.
Sneak Peek: Early 2025 Releases
Beyond the immediate horizon, production pipelines already hint at additional figures. A Aki Hayakawa S.H. Figuarts is rumored for January 2025, featuring his sword and the Fox Devil summoning effect. The Angel Devil is also in early sculpting stages at Kotobukiya for a spring 2025 debut. While not yet available for pre-order, bookmarking manufacturer newsletters now is a smart move.
Deep Dive: Figure-by-Figure Breakdown
Denji in Chainsaw Mode – S.H. Figuarts
Bandai’s S.H. Figuarts line is known for its precision engineering, and this Denji figure is no exception. The figure stands about 6 inches tall and includes a revolutionary articulation system in the neck and torso to accommodate hunched, feral stances without gaps. The metallic finish on the head and arm blades uses a multi-layer lacquer to mimic real blood-spattered machinery. Accessories include:
- Two exchangeable heads (neutral with articulated jaw, shouting with extended tongue)
- Three pairs of optional hands (closed fists, gripping hands, spread fingers)
- Detachable chainsaw blades from both arms and the head, with a non-articulated "retracted" mode
- Transformation effect parts (smoky clear plastic that pegs into the chains)
- A miniature Pochita accessory that can sit on the shoulder
Early reviews from import test samples praise the figure’s weight and balance. The die-cast feet are a subtle but critical addition, preventing shelf-diving during extreme poses. Pre-orders opened at approximately ¥9,800, and some retailers like BigBadToyStore already report waitlist status. If you missed the initial window, monitor restocks during the actual release week; canceled orders often return to stock temporarily.
Pochita – Nendoroid
Good Smile Company’s Nendoroid line reinterprets characters as cute, bobble-headed figures with a unique joint system. Pochita (#1992 in the catalog) captures the heart of the chainsaw devil in just 10 cm. The figure comes with three face plates: a standard happy expression, a determined "battle" face with gritted teeth, and a sleeping face. The tail is articulated via a wire frame, and the chainsaw ripcord on the chest actually spins, though it is not removable.
Special mention must be made of the bonus pre-order item: a miniature "Denji’s heart" display stand, which plugs into Pochita’s back. This adorable callback to the series’ core emotional moment has driven massive interest. The original listing on Good Smile’s info page shows that the figure will also be available at physical stores like Animate and Yodobashi Camera in Japan. International fans should use proxy services if direct allocation sells out.
Makima – Figma
The Figma Makima is a triumph of subtlety. Unlike Denji’s flashy bloodshed, Makima’s power lies in her stillness, and the figure conveys that masterfully. The plastic coat is made from a flexible PVC blend that allows it to flow without restricting leg movement. The standard hand parts include a set of intricate, interlocking fingers for a "command" gesture, and an optional head with glowing ringed eyes created via translucent inserts and pad-printing.
This release includes a uniquely designed articulated figure stand with a posable arm, allowing display of floating poses that simulate her levitation. The manufacturer has confirmed a running change in the paint application for the hair, moving from a flat orange to a deeper auburn with subtle highlighting. For display alongside other figures, the scale is 1/12, making her slightly shorter than the Figuarts Denji. Fans looking to recreate the Public Safety office scene will appreciate the included chair accessory, a first for this character’s releases.
Power – Pop Up Parade
Pop Up Parade figures are designed as accessible, large-format display pieces, and Power is an energetic addition to the line. While lacking articulation, the sculpt captures her mid-battle mania with extensive sculpted motion lines and a blood-splattered weapon arm. The horned headpiece is removable, and the paintwork on her blazer includes a pearlescent finish to mimic the anime’s lighting. Priced at approximately ¥4,800, this figure is considerably more budget-friendly than articulated rivals and is expected to be widely available through North American distributors like Crunchyroll Store and Entertainment Earth.
Navigating Pre-Orders and Avoiding Scalpers
The Chainsaw Man figure market is aggressive. Limited production runs and high global demand create a scalper-heavy environment. Use these tactics:
- Authorized retailers first: Stick to sites like AmiAmi, HLJ, and manufacturer direct shops. They cap quantities per customer and list items at MSRP.
- Payment timing: Many Japanese stores do not charge until the item is ready to ship, but some US stores charge immediately. Factor this into your budget.
- Combined shipping: If you’re ordering multiple items with close release dates, use a retailer that offers private warehouse consolidation, such as HLJ, to save on international shipping fees.
- Aftermarket patience: If you miss a pre-order, do not immediately pay double on eBay. Prices often dip a month after release when initial demand settles, then slowly climb. The exception is limited+exclusive variants.
Exclusive Variants and Where to Find Them
Several figures in this release wave have exclusive variants tied to specific retailers or events:
- Denji (Bloody Ver.): A Tokyo Otaku Mode exclusive featuring heavy blood splatter paint deco and an additional screaming face plate. Only 3,000 units produced.
- Pochita (Metallic Color): A Wonder Festival 2024 Summer exclusive. The body is cast in a shiny metallic plastic, and it comes in a special window box. Show exclusives often see very limited online sale lotteries afterward.
- Makima (Casual Wear): A Hobby Stock exclusive with an alternate outfit sculpt (white shirt, black pants), no coat, and a cup of coffee accessory. Pre-orders for this variant closed in 2 hours.
Tracking these exclusives requires following manufacturer social media accounts and signing up for newsletters. Often, a second production batch is announced if demand significantly exceeded supply, but never rely on this possibility for popular characters.
Display and Maintenance Advice
Once your figures arrive, proper care preserves their long-term value and aesthetic appeal. For articulated figures, always gently flex joints before attempting extreme poses; tight joints can snap if forced. Use an air blower or soft makeup brush weekly to remove dust from fine details like Power’s sculpted motion lines. Avoid direct sunlight, which yellows white plastics and fades paint, particularly on Makima’s translucent eyes. Finally, consider acrylic display cases with built-in LED strips; many collectors find that side lighting from below creates the most dramatic shadows for Chainsaw Man’s gritty aesthetic.
Comparing the Manufacturers
Choosing between SHF, Figma, and Nendoroid can be daunting. The table-like list below summarizes the core differences for this specific lineup:
- S.H. Figuarts (Bandai): Sharpest mechanical details, die-cast parts for stability, more aggressive joint design. Best for battle poses and dynamic displays.
- Figma (Good Smile): Softer, rounded sculpting with a focus on silhouette. Joints are less obtrusive. Best for “standing” poses and recreating anime key visuals.
- Nendoroid: Chibi style with swappable expressions. Emphasizes playfulness and shelf presence in small spaces. Not for realistic body posing.
- Pop Up Parade: Budget, non-articulated. Large scale, great paint, but you commit to one pose. Excellent as supporting display pieces or for fans who prefer statue-like figures.
Investment Potential and Aftermarket Trends
Action figures can be speculative assets. Historical data from Chainsaw Man releases shows that Figma Denji (first release) went from an MSRP of ¥9,800 to an aftermarket average of ¥22,000 within a year. Pochita Nendoroid re-releases rarely happen, so the initial run could triple in value. Meanwhile, Pop Up Parade figures tend to remain stable due to wider production. If you’re collecting for enjoyment, buy what you love. If you see one or two as potential future trade items, prioritize store exclusives and limited variants. Keep all packaging and accessories; a complete box often commands 30-40% higher resale value than a loose figure.
What to Expect on Launch Day
The shipping process from Japan typically begins at midnight JST on the release date. International customers may experience a 1-3 day processing delay. Once your figure ships, you’ll receive an email with tracking. Customs fees vary by country. For US collectors, orders under $800 generally pass without import duties, but always check your local regulations. Couriers like DHL and FedEx are faster but more likely to enforce customs fees, while EMS and registered airmail are slower but smoother for small parcels.
Staying Updated on Changes
Release dates in the figure industry move frequently. A one-month delay is common, especially for detailed paint jobs like Denji’s. Bookmark the official product pages on Tamashii Web for S.H. Figuarts and the Anime News Network merchandise section for aggregated news. Many collectors run Discord servers with instant restock alerts. Joining a community like the r/AnimeFigures subreddit can also provide real-time availability updates and unboxing impressions.
The next few months promise a thrilling expansion of your Chainsaw Man collection. Whether you’re after the high-impact engineering of S.H. Figuarts or the charming presence of a Nendoroid, planning your purchases around these release dates ensures you don’t miss the figures that matter. Prepare your display shelves, set those calendar reminders, and get ready to add a little chainsaw-fueled chaos to your home.