Raphtalia The Rising of the Shield - Figures
The popularity of the manga series “The Rising of the Shield” which is a dark fantasy genre adapted from the novels written by Aneko Yusagi has resulted in a growing number of merchandise and figurines reflecting the storyline. Arguably the most popular of these are the high-quality figurines made of the characters from the series. While hero Naofumi has been depicted in a number of these pieces, his demi-human, half-tanuki, heroine companion Raphtalia often steals the show in both popularity and sales. As a result, the majority of pieces from The Rising of the Shield merchandise which are currently produced are of her. From early 2020, a number of scale figurines were scheduled to be released of her.
The Rising of the Shield Hero 1/7 Scale Figure
Enjoying an increasing fan-base, Raphtalia was made into a scale figure in April 2020. Sacrificing none of her inherent cuteness, she is depicted with her complete armor and weaponry that she has been known for. A lot of effort has been made to capture minute details in many aspects, such as in her tail and ears, and put together into a three dimensional scale figurine. Even her orange “balloon” is included at the base.
There are two different swords included which are interchangeable and allow a degree of display customization. One is her “Illusion Sword” and the other is her “Magic Sword”. Both of which have been manufactured with high attention to detail.
- Release Date: April 2020
- Manufacturer: Kotobukiya
- Specifications: Painted, Non-articulated 1/7 scale figure with base
- Height: 235 mm / 9.3” (including stand)
- Sculptor: Koei Matsunaga
- Material: PVC (phthalate-free), ABS
The Rising of the Shield Hero Raphtalia: Hot Spring Ver. 1/7 Scale Figure
Departing from the usual combat themed figure, the design this time makes use of Raphtalia’s feminine shine in an attractive collectible. Taken straight from a hot spring scene from the first run of the popular anime series, the figure shows her stretching after soaking in the bath. Looking relaxed and refreshed she kneels after having dried off. She is adorned with no weapon or signs of possessing any battle arms, making the mood of the piece light and happy.
This piece continues to maintain a high level of quality and detail that fans have come to expect from previous releases. It has been partially hand painted and the selection of vivid color blends attracts attention. Although there are no customizable or interchangeable accessories included with this scale figure and there is no base included, impressions from fans have been overwhelmingly enthusiastic.
- Release Date: March 2020
- Manufacturer: Chara-Ani
- Specifications: Painted, Non-articulated 1/7 scale figure ABS & PVC
- Height: 170 mm / 6.7”
The Rising of the Shield Hero Raphtalia & Filo: Filolial Ver. Non-Scale Figure
Although the number of Raphtalia figurines continues to grow, pieces of her together with her furry monster-bird friend Filo are still relatively low in comparison. Making use of a soft vinyl material to give the figure a distinctive look, Filo stands behind a lounging and relaxed Raphtalia who is wearing a short casual dress. It is a further addition to the non-battle themed Rising of the Shield collectible pieces which heavily focus on her.
This piece is partially hand-painted and comes equipped with a stand and also incorporates a high level of sculpting and painting techniques. There are no customizable or interchangeable accessories included.
- Release Date: March 2020
- Manufacturer: B-Full (Pulchra)
- Specifications: Painted, Non-articulated, non-scale
- Height: 180mm / 7.1”
- Sculptor: Kenzo & Matsuwo (Moineau)
- Material: PMMA (PVC-L) & soft vinyl figure
The Rising of the Shield Hero Raphtalia: Childhood Ver. 1/7 Scale Figure
Returning to work on another Raphtalia sculpted masterpiece, Kenzo and Wasari create a balance between her childhood innocence and the darkness that surrounds her in the world she lives in. Looking even more youthful than usual, this figure shows an earlier stage of her life. She leans playfully on her orange “balloon” while there is a reminder that all is not so sweet as she has her sword plunged into a large evil-looking mushroom which is beneath her on a decorative base. She lifts her rear foot in happiness as her bushy tanuki tail sways behind her and her long hair drapes over her right side.
This piece is hand painted and maintains the high standards of painting and sculpting found in earlier pieces.
- Manufacturer: B-Full (Pulchra)
- Specifications: Painted, Non-articulated, 1/7 Scale PVC & ABS figure with base
- Height: 182mm / 7.2”
- Sculptor: Kenzo & Matsuwo (Moineau)
About Raphtalia
Raphtalia is a half-human, half-tanuki (demi-human) with humble roots. Originally raised in a peaceful village during childhood, it was soon destroyed while she was still very young. She was traumatized by the death of her parents after watching them drown in the ocean. All adults in her village were murdered and Raphtalia along with the other children were sold into slavery. The main hero of the story, Naofumi then buys her to try to rescue her and from then on Raphtalia is grateful to him and pledges to always follow him. The two form a strong bond and she rapidly develops into a true hero of her own as a result. She later travels to other worlds becoming the “Katana Hero ''and later even becomes the Heavenly Empress of Q’ten Lo after overthrowing the previous emperor.
Her figures generally focused on her warrior / hero side in the beginning, depicting her with either her illusion and/or magic sword posed for combat. She is almost never formidable in figure form, but always looks nothing less than cute. More recent pieces being manufactured have focused a bit less on her battle poses but instead emphasize her sexiness in a variety of centerfold-like poses.
Links
The Rising of the Shield Hero 1/7 Scale Figure
The Rising of the Shield Hero Raphtalia: Hot Spring Ver. 1/7 Scale Figure
The Rising of the Shield Hero Raphtalia & Filo: Filolial Ver. Non-Scale Figure
The Rising of the Shield Hero Raphtalia: Childhood Ver. 1/7 Scale Figure
The Rising of the Shield Label
Raphtalia Label