There's always one silver lining to Hikōnin Sentai Akibaranger finishing - it's a sign that the latest onslaught of new Super Sentai S.H. Figuarts is incoming! Much like last year, season 2 of Akibaranger has already announced a veritable selection of both official and unofficial heroes for collectors from the end of June and beyond. To kick things off Akiba Red is back with a brand new figure, representing the Super Akiba Red mode he gains in fourth episode of the second season. Continuing the theme started with the season one Akibaranger  figures, Super Akiba Red's packaging is delightfully garish in all of its rainbow glory. The layout is a little different with the new season two logo adorning the front, and the "unofficial" stamp on the window has been replaced with some red Japanese text (although I have no idea what it says). I really like the lengths Bandai go to to make the Akiba packing look good...even the silver backing card on the inside h...

Akibaranger was a series that wasn't subtle about a lot of things, but one of the first ones that comes to mind is product placement and merchandising. In a series where the cast were frequently seen in a room filled to the brim with Super Sentai figures, mecha and roleplay items, its no surprise that Bandai also had plans to milk the show as far as merchandise was concerned. Not only that, but the show also included several commercial bumpers for the products, and even a gag in the last episode about promotion of two Tamashii web exclusive Figuarts for characters that didn't even appear in the show (Deka Blue and Black Condor). Well now that the show has finished, it's time for the figures to start rolling out. The first to be released is none other than Nobuo Akagi aka Akiba Red, with Blue to follow in July and then Yellow in August. Malshina and a Shatieek have also been seen, however their release details have yet to be announced. The box is a bright displa...