Anyone who has researched or shown an interest inDragon Ballaction figures over the years will have likely encountered the name S.H. Figuarts.The company has earned a fantastic reputation for releasing excellent figuresbased on many different IPs. Its figures are known for being incredibly detailed and heavily resembling the characters they’re based on.
A litany of different Dragon Ball characters has inspired S.H. Figuarts figures. Heroes and villains from Dragon Ball,Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT,Dragon Ball Super, and even the Dragon Ball movies have been made into figures. Yet, they aren’t all easy to get your hands on. Out of those currently available, though, these are the standouts.
Best Dragon Ball S.H. Figuarts Action Figures
S.H. Figuarts - Dragon Ball Z - Cell First Form
Keep Him Away From Any Android 17 Or 18 Figures You Have
Before he became a smooth-talking warrior, Cell was a monstrous creature, as shown in this figure. In classic first form Cell fashion, he looks like some sort of bug with his wings, strange mouth, and tail. Also, he is sporting two different shades of green. He comes with different face, head, hands, and tail options.
Cell is one of the most recognizable Dragon Ball villains. However, when it comes to things likeDragon Ball Funko Popsor Plushes, you only usually see the character in his Perfect Form. So, it’s nice that S.H. Figuarts made a first form Cell figure.
It heavily resembles the character, as he looks very bug-like and horrifying, which is on-brand for the rogue. The colors are spot on, too, from the different shades of green on his skin to the blue joints. The tail is a little strange-looking, as the joints that connect it together create little lines.
S.H. Figuarts - Dragon Ball Z - Bardock
A Typical Saiyan Father
Goku’s father, Bardock, might not appear much in Dragon Ball, but he makes enough of an impression to get this wonderful figure. He’s wearing the character’s signature dark blue and green Saiyan armor, along with his red leg warmers, gloves, and headband. He also comes with alternate faces and hands, as well as a scouter and ball of energy.
Since he looks so much like his son, Goku, people always look extra closely at a Bardock figure to see if the manufacturers have used any parts from previous Goku ones. This isn’t the case here, as this Bardock is completely original.
More importantly, he looks great and heavily resembles the character, mainly due to the accurate-looking head sculpts. The accessories are good, too. It’s great that the scouter can be attached or removed at any time. Plus, the ball of energy looks excellent in his hand.
S.H. Figuarts - Dragon Ball Z - Super Saiyan Trunks - Infinite Latent Super Power
Dressed Like His Dad
After coming out of the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, Trunks donned Saiyan armor like his father. This figure is based on that version of Trunks. The suit he’s wearing is blue, while the armor is white and gold. His hair is also gold, as are his eyebrows on all three faces. He also comes with three sets of hands and some crossed arms.
Trunks' Saiyan armor might not be his most iconic or famous outfit, but it’s still a good look. It certainly looks fantastic on this figure. Sometimes figure manufacturers make the blue suit look a bit too dark, but it’s nice and bright on this Trunks, as it should be.
Speaking of color, the figure’s hair is more golden than yellow, which some may not appreciate. What everyone can appreciate about this figure, though, is the price tag, which is below what you usually have to pay for an S.H. Figuarts figure. And despite costing less, the figure is of the usual standard in quality.
S.H. Figuarts - Dragon Ball Z - Legendary Super Saiyan Goku
The Original Character To Use The Term “Legendary Super Saiyan”
The Super Saiyan form first appeared during Goku’s battle with Frieza, which is the exact moment this figure is based on. As such, he has golden hair, and his signature GI is ripped to shreds. All that’s left of his outfit is his orange pants with holes in them. The figure comes with extra hands, faces, and hairstyles. There’s also a Kamehameha energy ball that you can put in his hands.
Naturally, many ofthe best Dragon Ball figuresare based on Goku, so it takes a lot for one to stand out. Yet, this Goku figure manages to do so mainly because it’s an excellent re-creation of the character when he transformed into a Super Saiyan for the first time. It heavily resembles him in the face and outfit—or what’s left of the outfit.
The most impressive part, though, is the body. When Goku first transforms, his body gets much bulkier than usual, but that isn’t always noticeable in action figures. However, the designers of this one have certainly paid attention to his increased mass. After all, just look at the figure’s shoulders and chest.
S.H.Figuarts - Dragon Ball Z - Krillin - Earth’s Strongest Man
Thankfully, He’s Carrying Some Senzu Beans
This Krillin figure is dressed in his orange GI with a blue undershirt, his classic boots, and blue wristbands. He comes with several face and hand options, along with a circle of energy that represents the destructo disc technique that he’s known for.
The S.H. Figuarts Krillin figure is pretty much everything a Krillin fan could want. The manufacturers have done a wonderful job at re-creating his iconic Android and Cell saga outfit.
In those sagas, he had several moments where he feared for his life. So, it’s nice to see a terrified Krillin as one of the alternate faces. All of his faces look amazing and exactly like the character you see on screen. Plus, the character’s lack of hair means you can really see his expressions, which isn’t always the case with figures that have bangs.
S.H. Figuarts - Dragon Ball GT - Son Goku GT
Probably The Shortest Figure In Your Dragon Ball Collection
A child version of Goku wearing a blue and yellow GI can only mean one thing: this is a GT figure. Along with the outfit, he’s got a white belt and black shoes. He’s also smaller than the average figure, standing around 5" tall. As for accessories, he comes with a Kamehameha energy blast and alternate faces, hands, and hairstyles.
Turning Goku into a child and giving him a blue and yellow GI in Dragon Ball GT was a bit odd. Yet, it was good for figure manufacturers, as it gave them another possible look for the popular character. All these years later, S.H. Figuarts has taken advantage of it with this exceptional figure.
Not only does it look exactly like little Goku in his face and outfit, but the designers nailed the scale of the figure. He wouldn’t really be ‘Kid Goku’ if he was similar in size to the adults in the S.H. Figuarts Dragon Ball line. If you look at him next to other figures, you can see that he’s exactly the size he’s supposed to be.
FAQ
Who Makes The Best Dragon Ball Figures?
There is a reason why this guide is about S.H. Figuarts action figures, as they generally make the best Dragon Ball ones. There are some decent and cheaper competitors out there, but few showcase the same eye for detail as S.H. Figuarts.
What Is The Rarest Dragon Ball Figure?
The rarest Dragon Ball figure is Full Action Pose Yardrat Goku. It’s Goku in the fancy outfit he acquired on Yardrat. Very few were made or given out, so much so that, at one point, people believed the figure to be a myth.
