The 30th Anniversary: What's New
The EVANGELION:30 anniversary event kicked off with a major exhibition at Yokohama Arena (February 21–23, 2026), featuring exclusive merchandise, stage events, and reveals. But the real prize for collectors is the figure lineup that Bandai's Tamashii Nations has rolled out:
SH Figuarts Shinji Ikari (Plug Suit)
Shipping: November 2026
India estimate: ₹6,500–₹10,000
The first SH Figuarts of Shinji himself — in his iconic plug suit from the Rebuild of Evangelion films. This is significant because while EVA Unit figures have been plentiful, articulated pilot figures at this quality level have been rare. Comes with four interchangeable facial expressions and multiple hand options for recreating various scenes. The expression range captures everything from Shinji's characteristic hesitation to his moments of resolve.
SH Figuarts Rei Ayanami (Rebuild Ver.)
Shipping: November 2026 (re-release)
India estimate: ₹6,500–₹10,000
Rei in her Evangelion 3.0 plug suit. This is a re-release timed for the anniversary — if you missed the original run, this is your chance. Rei figures are consistently the best-selling EVA character merchandise globally.
SH Figuarts Asuka Shikinami Langley (Re-release)
Shipping: November 2026
India estimate: ₹6,500–₹10,000
Asuka's Rebuild design getting a fresh production run. The three pilots together — Shinji, Rei, Asuka — make a complete display set for roughly ₹20,000–₹30,000 total. That's exceptional value for a trio of premium articulated figures from the most iconic anime franchise ever.
METAL BUILD EVA TEST TYPE-01 30th
Released: November 2025
India estimate: ₹35,000–₹55,000
The METAL BUILD line is Bandai's ultra-premium tier — die-cast metal construction, advanced articulation, and engineering that makes regular action figures feel like toys by comparison. The 30th anniversary EVA-01 with the Spear of Gaius is the crown jewel of the anniversary lineup. This is a museum-quality piece that weighs significantly more than plastic figures thanks to the metal components. If you can find one at or near retail, it's the single most impressive EVA figure available.
Ichibansho Shinji Ikari (30th Anniversary Ver.)
Status: Available
India estimate: ₹3,500–₹6,000
Bandai Spirits' Ichibansho line offers a more affordable static figure option. The 30th anniversary version features Shinji in a commemorative design. Good quality for the price — a solid entry point for EVA collecting.
The Complete EVA Figure Landscape for Indian Collectors
Beyond the 30th anniversary releases, here's every major EVA figure line and what you'll pay in India:
Budget Tier: ₹2,500–₹6,000
- Banpresto Prize Figures — Various Rei, Asuka, and Mari figures in the EXQ and Vibration Stars lines. ₹2,500–₹5,000. The easiest entry point.
- Q Posket Evangelion — Chibi-style figures of the main cast. ₹2,000–₹4,000. Cute but divisive — the chibi style doesn't suit every EVA fan's taste given the series' darker themes.
- Ichibansho — Mid-range static figures. ₹3,500–₹6,000. Better detail than Banpresto, still affordable.
Mid Tier: ₹5,500–₹12,000
- Nendoroid — Shinji, Rei, Asuka, and Kaworu all have Nendoroids. The chibi format works surprisingly well for EVA — the expressions range from comedy to melancholy, capturing the show's tonal range. ₹5,500–₹8,500.
- SH Figuarts (Pilots) — The new 30th anniversary wave. ₹6,500–₹10,000. Best articulated pilot figures available.
- Figma — Max Factory's articulated line has covered Rebuild Shinji, Rei, and Asuka. Excellent articulation and accessories. ₹7,000–₹12,000. Some older releases command secondary market premiums.
Premium Tier: ₹10,000–₹25,000
- THE ROBOT SPIRITS (Bandai) — Articulated EVA Unit figures. EVA-01, EVA-02, and variants. These are the standard for poseable mecha figures of the Evangelions themselves. ₹8,000–₹15,000.
- Revoltech — Kaiyodo's hyper-articulated EVA Units. Known for extreme poses and dynamic display. ₹8,000–₹14,000.
- Scale Figures (1/7, 1/8) — Kotobukiya and others produce stunning static Rei and Asuka figures. ₹12,000–₹25,000.
Ultra Premium: ₹25,000+
- METAL BUILD — Die-cast EVA Units. The pinnacle. ₹35,000–₹55,000. Worth it if EVA is your primary franchise.
- DYNACTION — Bandai's large-format (40cm+) articulated EVA Units. ₹20,000–₹40,000.
- Premium Scale Statues — From studios like Prime 1 Studio. These are ₹50,000–₹1,50,000+ and are display case centrepieces.
Pilot vs Unit: Two Ways to Collect EVA
EVA collecting splits into two distinct approaches, and most collectors eventually pick a lane:
Character/Pilot collectors focus on Shinji, Rei, Asuka, Mari, and Kaworu. Nendoroids, Figma, SH Figuarts, and scale figures are the primary formats. Display tends toward smaller, character-driven shelves. The 30th anniversary SH Figuarts wave is perfect for this approach — three pilots, uniform scale, excellent detail.
Mecha/Unit collectors focus on EVA-01, EVA-02, and the various production models and mass-production types. ROBOT SPIRITS, Revoltech, METAL BUILD, and DYNACTION are the formats. Display requires more space but creates dramatic impact. The METAL BUILD EVA-01 30th is the grail here.
The best EVA shelves combine both — a row of pilot figures in front of their corresponding Unit figures. It's expensive but visually stunning.
Why EVA Figures Hold Value
Evangelion figures have one of the strongest secondary markets in anime collecting, for several reasons: the franchise never truly goes out of style (there's always new fans discovering it), production runs are often limited (especially anniversary and event pieces), the character designs are iconic and timeless, and the collector base spans generations (original 1995 fans through Rebuild movie fans).
For Indian collectors, this means EVA figures bought at retail today are unlikely to lose value. The 30th anniversary pieces in particular carry the prestige of a milestone event — these will be the versions collectors reference for years.
Where to Buy EVA Figures in India
- SH Figuarts (30th Anniversary) — Pre-order from AmiAmi or HobbyLink Japan. The November 2026 shipping window gives you time to plan.
- Banpresto/Ichibansho — Available through Indian retailers like Nerd Arena, Fatcat Collectibles, and Superhero Toystore. Most affordable and easiest to source domestically.
- METAL BUILD — Tamashii Web Shop (Japan) or secondary market via Mandarake, StockX. These are not stocked by Indian retailers — import is the only path.
- Older Nendoroid/Figma — AmiAmi pre-owned section and Solaris Japan. Prices vary based on availability.
The Bottom Line
Thirty years in, Evangelion remains the franchise that defines anime collecting. The 30th anniversary has produced the best entry point in years — the SH Figuarts pilot trio at ₹6,500–₹10,000 each is exceptional value, and the METAL BUILD EVA-01 is a once-in-a-generation collector's piece. Whether you've been watching since 1995 or just finished the Rebuild films last month, 2026 is the year to start (or complete) your EVA shelf.
For more premium figure line coverage, read our MAFEX vs SH Figuarts vs Figma comparison. Follow OneFigures Spotlight for all figure news.
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