Bluefin Kicks-Off Hunting Season This October with the Release of Monster Hunter S.H MonsterArts Creatures Throughout U.S.

Nargacuga to Be Released in October with Bonus Miniature Hunter Figure (First Release Only), Which Will Be Followed by the Rathalos in November;
Pre-Orders Now Open at Select Online Retailers.

Anaheim, CA – June 17, 2020. Monster Hunter legendary apex predators Nargacuga and Rathalos will hit U.S. shores this fall from S.H. MonsterArts with today's announcement from BANDAI NAMCO Group company BANDAI NAMCO Collectibles LLC (Bluefin), the leading distributor of Japanese toys, collectibles, novelty and hobby products in North America. These two action figures are the result of a new partnership between BANDAI's Tamashii Nations and CAPCOM, announced earlier this year, to bring characters from the Monster Hunter game franchise into the S.H. MonsterArts action figure series. Both the Nargacuga and Rathalos action figures will be released in the U.S. later this year, in October and November respectively, and are available now for pre-order from online retailers Amazon, Big Bad Toy Store, Sure Thing Toys and Eknight Media and your local retailer.

As its name implies, the Monster Hunter franchise is dominated by monsters and of these, the large winged Flying Wyverns make-up a majority of the monsters in the series. The first character in the S.H. MonsterArts x Monster Hunter figure series and scheduled for release this October is the four-legged Nargacuga covered in jet black fur and known for its agility and explosive bursts of speed. Nargacuga made his franchise debut in 2008's “Monster Hunter Freedom Unite.” Following a month later with a November release is the second character in the S.H. MonsterArts x Monster Hunter figure series Rathalos. Rathalos has achieved Monster Hunter icon status – having appeared in every game and spin-off of the franchise. Nicknamed the “King of the Skies,” Rathalos is known for his expansive wings, venomous claws and fiery breath. Nargacuga and Rathalos are both first generation Flying Wyverns and very recognizable to fans of the franchise.

S.H. MonsterArts is renowned for the character accuracy, fine detail and pose-ability of its monster action figures. The S.H. MonsterArts x Monster Hunter figure series not only stays true to this reputation but also achieves two “firsts” for S.H. MonsterArts – as the first non-movie monsters and the first quadruped action figure. To faithfully and accurately transform Nargacuga and Rathalos from 2D characters into S.H. MonsterArts action figures, Tamashii Nations worked closely with Monster Hunter game series art director Kaname Fujioka from concept to completion. The end result is incredibly detailed and moveable figures that can be transformed and posed by fans to bring both Nargacuga and Rathalos to life in recreated moments from the game series.

“We're thrilled to bring this exciting new collaboration between Tamashii Nations and CAPCOM to the U.S.,” said Steve Fujimora, CEO of Bluefin. “Fans of Monster Hunter and S.H. MonsterArts alike will definitely want to add these stunningly detailed and highly poseable action figures to their collections.”

Nargacuga­

MSRP: $80 USD

U.S. Release: October 2020

Product highlights:

Length: ~11.8 inches
Materials: ABS, PVC
Numerous points of articulation
Optional head and tail part to create anger mode
Optional two-piece severed tail
Optional wing extensions
First Release Bonus: Monochromatic miniature hunter figure
Custom display stand to simulate game play

Available for pre-order online at Amazon, Big Bad Toy Store, Sure Thing Toys and Eknight Media.

Hi-res images of Nargacuga available here. Credit images to Bluefin/Tamashii Nations.

Rathalos “King of the Skies”

MSRP: $128 USD

U.S. Release: November 2020

Product highlights:

Length: ~13 inches
Wingspan: ~11.8 inches (closed); ~15.7 inches (open)
Materials: ABS, PVC
Numerous points of articulation
Two sets of wings (open and closed)
Optional flame breath effect
Exclusive figure stand to display open or closed wings

Available for pre-order online at Amazon, Big Bad Toy Store, Sure Thing Toys and Eknight Media.

Capture your own copies of the Monster Hunter S.H. MonsterArts Nargacuga­ and Rathalos action figures today.

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About Monster Hunter

Monster Hunter is a hugely popular game franchise of fantasy-themed role-playing games developed and published by CAPCOM. The first game (and franchise namesake) was launched on the PlayStation 2 in early 2004 in Japan. Now 16 years, four sequels and numerous spinoffs and expansions later, the game series has sold an estimated 63 million units worldwide, making it the second best-selling game series ever for CAPCOM.

About S.H. MonsterArts

Launched in November 2011, S.H. MonsterArts is an action figure series focused exclusively on monster characters offering collectors the same standard of quality, character accuracy, fine detail and pose-ability of S.H. Figuarts from BANDAI's Tamashii Nations. Until today, S.H. MonsterArts' character line-up showcased famous movie kaijus – most notably Godzilla. With this new collaboration with Monster Hunters, S.H. MonsterArts' portfolio will now include not only its first video game character but also its first quadruped character.

About BANDAI NAMCO Collectibles (Bluefin)

Founded in 2002 by CEO Steve Fujimura, Bluefin established itself over the nearly two decades that followed as the leading master and channel distributor of Japanese toys, collectibles, novelty and hobby products in North America. In 2019, it was acquired by BANDAI NAMCO Group and became BANDAI NAMCO Collectibles (“BNC”). With the capabilities and resources to now offer the full range of wholesale and channel distribution services and support, BNC has achieved dramatic and continuous growth in retail distribution by providing both direct and indirect customers with outstanding service and fulfillment reinforced by year-round, multi-faceted marketing campaigns that engage fans and build their online communities. As BNC's consumer-facing brand, Bluefin currently distributes BANDAI's Tamashii Nations, Hobby and Shokugan lines throughout the U.S. alongside products from Storm Collectibles, Mr. Hobby, GSI Creos, SEN-TI-NEL and Flame Toys; in addition to serving as North American consumer products and retail development partner for Studio Ghibli. For more information, visit bluefinbrands.com.