Review: My Hero Academia – Katsuki Bakugo (S.H.Figuarts)
By Nolan P. Smith
Editor | Pastrami Nation
My Hero Academia continues to dominate the world of anime and manga, and fans have been treated to some spectacular figures over the years. One line that consistently delivers is the S.H.Figuarts series from Bandai/Tamashii Nations—and their rendition of Katsuki Bakugo, the explosive hero-in-training, might just be one of the best yet.
First Impressions
Right out of the box, Bakugo radiates explosive energy. Nicknamed “The Great Explosion Murder God” (yes, he gave himself that title), Bakugo’s aggressive personality and flashy Quirk are captured beautifully in this compact yet powerful figure.
The figure feels premium from the start—solid construction, excellent detailing, and an unmistakable presence that demands a spot at the front of any My Hero Academia shelf.
Sculpt & Paint
The sculpting on this figure is absolutely top-notch. Every sharp edge, armor plate, and detail on Bakugo’s hero costume is anime-accurate—from his grenade-shaped gauntlets to his spiked hair and intense scowl.
The paint apps are clean and vibrant, with no visible smudges or misprints. The fiery orange, military green, and jet black color palette pops with dynamic flair, bringing Bakugo’s explosive personality to life.
Articulation & Poseability
S.H.Figuarts figures are known for their high articulation, and this Bakugo figure is no exception. He’s engineered with excellent joint range, allowing for a wide variety of dynamic poses—from mid-air blasts to full-on combat stances.
The articulation is smooth and doesn’t feel fragile, which is especially important for a figure with such dramatic design elements. He’s also surprisingly balanced, even in more extreme poses.
Accessories & Effects
This release is packed with goodies that elevate it to another level:
- Interchangeable faceplates (angry, smirking, gritted teeth)
- Swappable hair pieces for added expression
- Multiple sets of hands for varied gestures and poses
- Explosion effects – which look fantastic and attach with ease
The explosion effects in particular are a standout. They’re lightweight, well-sculpted, and bring tons of energy to your display or photoshoot. The faceplates swap out easily, and there’s a lot of personality to play with depending on the scene you’re recreating.
Final Thoughts
This is easily one of the best Katsuki Bakugo figures available in any scale. It hits all the right marks—strong articulation, faithful sculpt, great paint, and fun accessories. If you’re a collector of My Hero Academia figures or a fan of the S.H.Figuarts line in general, this is an absolute must-have.
Now if Bandai could just give us an All Might or even Knuckleduster from My Hero Academia: Vigilantes, we’d be in true Plus Ultra territory.
Rating: 4.5 Pastrami Nations out of 5
A fiery, faithful, and fun release from S.H.Figuarts. Bakugo fans—this one’s for you.