With the announcement of their Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Spider-Man Noir & Spider-Ham set, Tamashii Nations once again beckons collectors and aficionados into the Spider-Verse with an offering that marries form, function, and undeniable fan service. Let’s web-sling into the details, lore, and the collective buzz surrounding this tantalizing upcoming release.
This figure arrives amid a resurgence of interest in noir aesthetics, fueled by the upcoming Spider-Noir live-action series starring Cage himself. This convergence of media underscores Spider-Man Noir’s growing cult appeal-a character who, despite his grim origins, continues to captivate through a blend of melancholy, dry wit, and relentless pursuit of justice.
First appearing in Spider-Man: Noir #1 (2009) by David Hine, Fabrice Sapolsky, and Carmine Di Giandomenico, Spider-Man Noir, originating from a 1930s alternate universe, is a brooding, trench coat-clad vigilante whose world is rendered in stark black and white, evoking the ambiance of classic detective films. When Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse dropped in 2018, the character—voiced with winking bravado by Nicolas Cage—was a breakout star, stealing scenes with deadpan quips like, “Sometimes I let matches burn down to my fingertips just to feel something, anything.” His appearance in Across the Spider-Verse is brief but impactful, underscoring the character’s growing cult appeal.
Spider-Ham, on the other hand, is a comedic foil-a cartoon pig version of Spider-Man who brings levity and slapstick humor. His origins trace back to the 1980s Marvel comics as Peter Porker, and his inclusion in the Spider-Verse films is a nod to fans who appreciate the zany, absurdist side of Spider-Man lore.
Based on promotional images and early reveals, the S.H.Figuarts Spider-Man Noir figure is a sculptural marvel—perhaps one of their most stylized Spider entries yet. Unlike their comic-accurate Spider-Gwen or animated Spider-Man (Miles Morales and Peter B. Parker), Noir’s design embraces heavy shadow play, deep wrinkles in the fabric sculpt, and a semi-matte finish that seems to absorb light rather than reflect it. The meticulous detailing-the gleam of the goggles, the textured Kevlar suit, the subtle weathering-speaks to a world where every scratch and crease tells a story of battles fought in darkened streets and moral twilight.
Key paintwork highlights include:
- Subtle dust effects on the trenchcoat hem (a callback to his 1930s gritty street-fighting roots)
- Weathered textures on the gloves and boots
- A semi-metallic goggle lens finish that captures the light eerily
The figure reportedly stands around 6 inches tall, standard for the line, but packed with dynamic articulation points that allow for nuanced posing.
Early reports from collectors with review samples suggest the articulation is par excellence. The use of butterfly shoulder joints, drop-down hips, and a double ball peg neck joint means Noir can achieve that elusive “hat brim tipping” pose, which, let’s be honest, is half the appeal. One ingenious feature lies in the trenchcoat. S.H.Figuarts has incorporated a hybrid design of segmented plastic and internal wire armatures, allowing it to drape naturally while still being posable for dramatic flair. Whether you’re recreating his rooftop brooding from Across the Spider-Verse or inventing new pulp adventures, this figure seems built for expressive, cinematic poses.
Compared to Marvel Legends’ previous Spider-Man Noir offerings (both the Into the Spider-Verse version and the comic-accurate wave figure), S.H.Figuarts is playing in an entirely different league.
Where Hasbro’s figures lean into simplicity and affordability, S.H.Figuarts is carving out a niche for collectors who expect:
- More precise scaling and proportion
- Superior articulation and stability
- Exquisite paint fidelity
The figure includes ten interchangeable hands, each meticulously sculpted to express a range of gestures-from clenched fists ready for combat, to open palms poised for web-slinging, and the delicate grip needed to hold his signature matchstick. This variety empowers collectors to capture the nuanced physicality of Spider-Man Noir, whether he’s brooding in contemplation or springing into action. Notably, the inclusion of a hand specifically designed to hold the matchstick is a thoughtful nod to the character’s iconic quip, enabling a faithful recreation of that haunting moment. Three distinct web effect pieces accompany the figure, each crafted from translucent plastic with a subtle gradient that mimics the ethereal quality of Spider-Man’s webbing in motion. These effects can be attached to the hands or posed dynamically around the figure, allowing for an array of action sequences-from mid-swing acrobatics to defensive stances.
Spider-Ham’s figure contrasts sharply with Noir’s, embracing the exaggerated, cartoonish style of his source material. The figure comes with multiple interchangeable parts, including an alternate head, various arm pieces, and a hammer accessory that references his slapstick combat style. The use of vibrant colors and expressive sculpting captures the character’s comedic energy perfectly. This figure’s design allows for a range of humorous and exaggerated poses, making it ideal for collectors who enjoy playful displays or photography.
Scouring forums like Fwoosh, Reddit’s r/ActionFigures, and Tamashii Nations fan groups, early sentiments are overwhelmingly positive but not without a few caveats. Here’s a digest of prevailing thoughts:
Pros:
- Faithfulness to the animation style of Across the Spider-Verse
- Exceptionally dynamic cape design
- The “two-for-one” bonus of Spider-Ham
- Potential for expressive noir storytelling setups
Cons:
- Lack of Spider-Ham articulation (some had hoped for minimal posability)
- Potential fragility of wire cape over time (a perennial concern)
- Steep pricing amid a glut of Spider-Verse merchandise this year
In short: “an essential for Spider-Verse completionists; a luxury for casual collectors.”
S.H.Figuarts is renowned for its superior articulation, and Spider-Man Noir is no exception. Despite the inherent challenge posed by the trench coat, the figure boasts multiple points of articulation-ball-jointed neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, and ankles-that enable a wide array of dynamic poses.
In an era saturated with superhero figures, the S.H.Figuarts Spider-Man Noir stands apart not just for craftsmanship but for its narrative resonance. It is a collectible that demands engagement, rewarding those who appreciate the layered storytelling behind the mask. The figure’s articulation and cloth coat allow for dynamic posing that echoes the character’s cinematic movements, while the accessory suite enriches the storytelling potential, from web-slinging action to the iconic moment of fingertip-burning existentialism.
