Many of the mecha from the Neon Genesis Evangelion franchise debuted in the original anime, meaning they’ve been not only recognizable but also iconic since the 1990s. That’s not quite the case for another giant robot in the series, although its more recent status hasn’t prevented it from receiving an exciting new collectible.
The Evangelion: New Theatrical Edition Evangelion Model Type-08a ROBO-DOU action figure is based on the mech from the Evangelion reboot movies, as it was piloted by a brand-new character. Featuring extensive articulation and weapon options, it also represents a first in the ROBO-DOU lineup. Arriving early next year, fans can pre-order theirs now to secure one of the most overlooked mecha in the franchise.
Mari’s EVA Returns in New Threezero Evangelion Action Figure
Created by Threezero, the Evangelion: New Theatrical Edition Evangelion Model Type-08a is based on Mari Makinami‘s EVA unit from the Rebuild of Evangelion anime films. Made from a die-cast internal frame, it has nearly 50 points of articulation and stands at almost 10 inches in height.
Featuring a multi-layered paint color scheme, it showcases both the pink colors of the mech and its robotic details, amplifying the slender physique. This form — which also boasts a unique, almost alien head design compared to the other EVA mechs — allows it to be posed in a variety of ways, easily recreating action sequences from the anime movies. Of course, it wouldn’t be complete without a litany of accessories, some of which are completely fresh and made specifically for this mold.
The Type-08a comes with general Evangelion gear, including a Pallet Rifle, Progressive Knife, Umbilical Cable and two interchangeable Entry Plugs. The additional accessories are a handgun, a handgun Firing Effect, a Pallet Rifle Firing Effect and the iconic Super Long Distance Rifle.
In fact, the addition of effects parts is a first for the ROBO-DOU toys, which is especially interesting given that it’s for the Type-08a and not a more mainstream mecha such as the EVA Unit-01 mech. There are also five pairs of interchangeable hands and a stand, making it even easier to pose and showcase the collectible.
Unfortunately, it will be a while before fans of the franchise can add it to their collection. The Evangelion: New Theatrical Edition Evangelion Model Type-08a will be released sometime in January 2027, with an exact release date yet to be confirmed. Nevertheless, fans can pre-order the toy now from websites such as Entertainment Earth, where it’s being sold for $175.99.
This will also be a notable anniversary for the franchise and the design itself, as it comes 15 years after the release of Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo. This was the third of the Rebuild of Evangelion reboot films, released in 2012, which retold and eventually altered the story of the original Neon Genesis Evangelion. The movie’s predecessor, 2009’s Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance, served as the introduction to Mari Makinami, who wasn’t ever seen in the classic version of the anime’s story.
- Release Date
-
November 17, 2012
- Runtime
-
96 minutes
- Director
-
Hideaki Anno, Kazuya Tsurumaki, Mahiro Maeda, Masayuki
- Writers
-
Hideaki Anno
- Producers
-
Toshimichi Otsuki
-
Megumi Ogata
Shinji Ikari (voice)
-
Yuko Miyamura
Asuka Shikinami Langley (voice)
-
Akira Ishida
Kaworu Nagisa (voice)
-
Megumi Hayashibara
Rei Ayanami (voice)
