Blastoise is the towering, cannon-wielding final evolution of Squirtle, a Pokémon whose very name evokes nostalgia for countless fans who spent their childhoods navigating the pixelated waters of Kanto. Whether you were a Red or Blue version loyalist, Blastoise always stood as a symbol of raw power and aquatic dominance. Now, Bandai’s S.H. Figuarts has reimagined this iconic Pokémon in its “Arts Remix” line, delivering a collectible that promises to shell out both nostalgia and modern craftsmanship in equal measure.
The S.H. Figuarts Blastoise (Arts Remix) is more than just a reissue; it’s a love letter to fans of the original D-Arts Blastoise figure, with noticeable upgrades in sculpting and paint application. Standing at approximately 3.9 inches tall, this figure captures the essence of Blastoise’s robust and tank-like physique while adding subtle refinements that elevate it to premium collectible status. The inclusion of multiple display options, high-quality materials, and thoughtful design choices makes this figure feel like it was crafted by people who get it. It’s not just about selling nostalgia; it’s about celebrating it.
The new sculpting is particularly impressive when you examine the details on Blastoise’s shell—its ridges and grooves are rendered with a level of precision that would make even Professor Oak proud. The updated paint job introduces richer blues and more nuanced shading, giving the figure a lifelike quality that feels ripped straight out of the anime or your childhood Game Boy screen. While not articulated, the shell’s cannon hatches are sculpted as separate pieces with slight gaps around their edges. This gives the illusion that they could open or close—a clever touch even if it’s purely aesthetic.
No Blastoise figure would be complete without its signature water cannons, and Bandai doesn’t disappoint here. The Arts Remix version includes water effect parts that attach seamlessly to the cannons, creating dynamic action poses that look like they’ve been plucked straight from an Elite Four showdown. These effects aren’t just static pieces; they’re crafted with translucent materials that beautifully capture and refract light, giving Blastoise’s attacks an almost aquatic luminescence. Compared to the original D-Arts release, which featured off-white translucent effects, this update feels more dynamic and true to the character’s elemental nature.
The twin water cannons are more than just functional—they’re sculptural marvels. Each cannon features subtle panel lines and indentations near the base, suggesting mechanical joints or retractable mechanisms (even though they don’t actually retract). The inside of each cannon barrel features carefully sculpted spiral grooves, just like real rifling. This intricate detail, often hidden from casual view, demonstrates Bandai’s dedication to recreating every aspect of the design with complete accuracy.
The interior of the cannon barrels are sculpted with spiral-like grooves, mimicking rifling—a feature rarely visible unless you’re inspecting closely. This level of detail underscores Bandai’s commitment to accuracy.
The S.H. Figuarts Blastoise (Arts Remix) is more than just a reissue—it’s a thoughtful update that addresses some of the shortcomings of its predecessor while retaining everything fans loved about it.
The packaging for this release features full-color artwork as opposed to the greyscale design used in the D-Arts version. While seemingly minor, this change reflects Bandai’s commitment to making each Arts Remix figure feel fresh and distinct.
While much of the sculpt remains faithful to the D-Arts version, there are subtle improvements worth noting:
• The feet now feature three claws instead of two for added design accuracy.
• The inside of Blastoise’s mouth has been updated to include six teeth (two upper and four lower), enhancing its ferocious look.
• The default head sculpt has been slightly adjusted to give Blastoise a sideward glance rather than a straightforward stare—an understated tweak that adds personality.
One point of contention among fans is the lack of retractable cannons or movable shell hatches—features that could have added even more playability and realism to this figure. And unlike its predecessor, this version does not include the Pokéball Tamashii Stage display base.
Blastoise’s hinged jaw isn’t just functional—it’s cleverly integrated into the sculpt so as not to disrupt its overall aesthetic. When closed, the seam lines are nearly invisible, blending seamlessly into its face. This is an impressive feat given how many action figures struggle with integrating moving parts like this without compromising appearance. The teeth themselves are individually defined, with slight asymmetry that avoids an overly “perfect” or artificial look. The inside of the mouth includes a textured tongue and subtle ridges along the roof—details that might only be noticed by those who swap out heads frequently.
For a character as bulky as Blastoise, articulation can often be a challenge. Yet Bandai has managed to engineer a figure that balances its hefty design with surprising poseability. The joints are cleverly concealed within the sculpt, allowing for fluid movement without compromising aesthetics. The legs and arms offer enough range to strike intimidating battle stances or casual “surveying-the-battlefield” poses. Meanwhile, the cannons can be adjusted independently—a feature that feels like a nod to those moments in the anime where Blastoise strategically angles its firepower.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of its articulation points and functionality:
Head and Neck:
Ball-jointed head allows for a decent range of movement, including slight tilting and rotation.
Hinged lower jaw adds dynamic posing options, such as open-mouth battle stances or neutral expressions.
Neck section is also ball-jointed, enabling subtle forward, backward, and side-to-side motion.
Arms:
Ball-jointed shoulders provide circular motion but are somewhat restricted by the figure’s wide torso.
Swivel-hinge elbows allow for bending and rotation, enhancing poseability for attack or defensive stances.
Swivel wrists with articulated claws offer additional flexibility for hand positioning.
Legs:
Ball-jointed hips provide limited forward and backward movement due to the stubby design of Blastoise’s legs.
Ball-jointed feet allow for slight tilting and rotation, aiding in stability and dynamic posing.
Articulated claws on the feet add subtle adjustments to ground contact points for balance.
Cannons:
Mounted on ball joints, the water cannons can rotate in a circular range of motion.
While they can pivot slightly upward or sideways, they cannot tilt downward significantly, limiting certain action poses.
The Arts Remix Blastoise boasts a paint job that is both vibrant and refined, capturing the essence of the character with remarkable accuracy. The figure’s primary blue body is rendered in a rich, matte finish that avoids the plasticky sheen often seen in lower-tier collectibles. The use of gradients to add depth to Blastoise’s design is striking. The blue tones on its body subtly transition from darker shades near the joints and edges to lighter hues on flatter surfaces, creating a sense of dimensionality that mimics how light would naturally fall on its armored form. This technique is particularly noticeable around the arms and legs, where the shading accentuates the figure’s muscular, tank-like build.
The shell—Blastoise’s iconic feature—is another highlight. Its earthy brown tones are complemented by darker washes applied to the grooves and ridges, giving it a weathered, battle-worn appearance. The cream-colored underside of the shell is equally well-executed, with soft gradients that prevent it from looking flat or overly simplistic.
Bandai Tamashii Nations has done an exceptional job ensuring clean paint lines across the figure. The white accents on Blastoise’s claws and teeth are crisp and free from bleeding. Similarly, the black outlines around its eyes are sharp and precise, capturing Blastoise’s determined expression without any smudging or overspray.
The S.H. Figuarts Blastoise (Arts Remix) isn’t just another collectible—it’s an experience. From its impeccable sculpting and dynamic accessories to its articulation and fan-centric design choices, this figure feels like an evolution in itself—a fitting tribute to one of Pokémon’s most beloved starters. For those who missed out on the original D-Arts release or simply want an upgraded version of their favorite Gen 1 starter evolution, this is your chance to own a piece of Pokémon history.
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