New Evangelion Pop Up Parade L Beach Queens Asuka and Rei Swimsuit Figures Unveiled

Decades after director Hideaki Anno first introduced the world to the psychological depths of Tokyo-3, the cultural footprint of Neon Genesis Evangelion remains as indelible as ever. The franchise's enduring popularity is sustained not only by its cinematic masterpieces but also by an incredibly active global merchandising ecosystem. In the latest nod to the series' iconic cast, a brand-new pair of Rebuild of Evangelion Beach Queens swimsuit figures featuring the beloved pilot duo, Asuka Shikinami Langley and Rei Ayanami, has been officially announced. These upcoming releases, part of the larger-format Pop Up Parade L-size series, promise to bring a classic summer aesthetic to collectors' shelves with entirely fresh sculpts.

Quick summary

• Good Smile Company is releasing newly sculpted "Beach Queens" swimsuit figures of Asuka Shikinami Langley and Rei Ayanami under the Pop Up Parade L-size line, standing approximately nine inches (220mm) tall.
• The figures will retail individually for ￥8,800 in Japan and $57.99 in the United States, with no combined bundle option available for purchase.
• Pre-orders are scheduled to close on August 26, 2026, ahead of a January 2027 release in Japan and a subsequent Q2 2027 rollout for international markets.

Why it matters

For the anime figure collecting community, the Pop Up Parade L-size line represents an increasingly important market segment. Historically, collectors had to choose between highly affordable but lower-detail "prize figures" or premium, scaled figures that often cost upwards of $150 to $300. By offering nine-inch figures at the $58 price point, manufacturers are targeting a sweet spot of affordability and display presence. Furthermore, the persistent demand for Evangelion merchandise—even years after the cinematic tetralogy concluded with Thrice Upon a Time—demonstrates the massive, multi-generational staying power of these characters. These figures are not just toys; they are highly sought-after display pieces that maintain the financial viability of legacy anime franchises.

Background

The "Beach Queens" moniker carries historical weight within the anime figure hobby. Originally popularized in the late 2000s and 2010s as a prolific line of 1/10 scale figures by the manufacturer Wave, the concept of placing popular anime heroines in stylish swimwear has become a staple of character merchandising. Over the years, both Asuka and Rei have seen numerous swimsuit iterations, including a set of 1/10 scale variants released in 2016 and a previous pair of Pop Up Parade L-size figures that hit the market in August 2025.

What makes this new 2027 release significant is that they are entirely fresh sculpts, distinct from the 2025 versions. These figures are specifically based on their designs from the Rebuild of Evangelion theatrical films. While the original 1995 television series depicted the characters in stark, often tragic circumstances, the Rebuild films modernized their aesthetics, a transition that continues to influence contemporary figure manufacturing. Today, fans can stream the original television series on Netflix, while the Rebuild of Evangelion movies remain accessible on Amazon Prime Video.

A Closer Look: Design and Specifications

Though designed as a matching pair, the new Asuka and Rei figures are sold individually and possess entirely independent poses. There are no interlocking bases or physical interactions between the two, allowing collectors the freedom to display them together or completely apart. Both are static, non-articulated PVC figures that do not include alternative face plates or swappable limbs, focusing instead on sculpt fidelity and clean paint applications.

Asuka Shikinami Langley is depicted in her signature fiery red bikini, a direct nod to her vibrant personality and the color scheme of her Eva Unit-02. She stands confidently, looking directly at the viewer. In contrast, Rei Ayanami is sculpted in a minimalist white one-piece swimsuit, reflecting her quiet, introspective demeanor and the sterile, clinical environment associated with her character's origins in the series. Both figures stand on simple, unobtrusive bases designed to highlight the character sculpts themselves.

Qnews24h insight

The release strategy for these figures highlights a growing trend in the manufacturing pipeline of high-end collectibles: exceptionally long lead times. With pre-orders closing in August 2026 and the product not shipping globally until mid-2027, manufacturers are operating on a strict made-to-order model to mitigate the risks of overproduction. By locking in production numbers nearly a year in advance, companies like Good Smile can ensure profitability in a highly competitive market.

Additionally, the decision to forego a discounted bundle option suggests that the manufacturer is highly confident in the dual-purchase power of the Evangelion brand. Historically, collectors rarely buy just one of the pilot duo; the dynamic contrast between Asuka's red aesthetic and Rei's blue-and-white theme practically demands that they be displayed side-by-side. By selling them strictly as individual units, the release maximizes revenue while catering to a dedicated fan base that views the two characters as complementary halves of the same cultural phenomenon.

FAQ

When will the new Evangelion Beach Queens figures be released?

The figures are scheduled to launch in Japan in January 2027, with the worldwide and North American release following in the second quarter (Q2) of 2027.

How much do the figures cost, and is there a bundle?

Each figure is priced at ￥8,800 in Japan and $57.99 in the United States. There is no bundle option available, meaning collectors wishing to own both will need to purchase them individually.

What are the dimensions of these figures?

As part of the Pop Up Parade L-size line, both figures stand approximately 9 inches tall (roughly 220mm), making them larger than standard Pop Up Parade releases.

When do pre-orders close for these items?

The pre-order window for both the Asuka and Rei figures is scheduled to officially close on August 26, 2026.

Sources

• Siliconera: New Evangelion Beach Queens Asuka and Rei Swimsuit Figures Are Almost 9” Tall