A new figurine of Kyojuro Rengoku from Demon Slayer: Kimestu no Yaiba depicts the Flame Hashira in the midst of a deadly battle and ready to burn his opponent to ash, but the real killing blow may come from its price tag.
Created by The Good Smile Company, the 1/4 scale figurine retails for an impressive $2,969.99. According to the description, "Kyojuro's wounds on his abdomen and face sustained while locked in a life or death struggle, his combat-worn haori coat and Demon Slayer Corps uniform have been faithfully preserved in figure form." Its crowning glory is "an enormous flame effect part over 70cm (27.56 inches) in height on a special base, making for an incredible recreation of a memorable scene." The Good Smile Company is also selling a version of the figurine without the flame effect that retails for $362.99.
The original Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba manga series by Koyoharu Gotouge was published in Shueisha's Weekly Shōnen Jump from February 2016 to May 2020, producing a total of 23 volumes worth of story. The anime adaptation by studio Ufotable (Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works, God Eater) and director Haruo Sotozaki (Tales of Zestriria the X, Tales of Symphonia: The Animation) premiered April 6, 2019, and is currently ongoing.
The story follows protagonist Tanjiro Kamado, a kindhearted and intelligent boy who lives in the mountains with his family. However, when his parents are slaughtered by demons and his sister, Nezuko, is transformed into one, his entire life changes. He strives to become a demon slayer, while also protecting his sister.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba has an immense, passionate fan following, which even includes Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The franchise is a merchandising juggernaut, with other recent Demon Slayer products beyond The Good Smile Company's Rengoku figurine including clothing brand Crunchyroll Loves' limited edition hoodies and Takara Tomy Arts' sushi train. ANA airlines even has a Demon Slayer jetliner for pan-Pacific flights.
Moreover, fans are also avid producers of Demon Slayer content. Artist Wizyakuza created 3D digital paintings of the Rengoku and the Twelve Kizuki demon Akaza, and Ambassador and Consul General of Japan in New York Kanji Yamanouchi released a cover of the anime's iconic theme song, "Gurenge."
Preorders for both versions of the new Rengoku figurine are available through March 2, 2022, and shipments are expected to begin as early as February 2022. Currently, only the first season of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is available on Netflix; however, Seasons 1 and 2 are available to watch on Funimation, Hulu and Crunchyroll.
Source: The Good Smile Company [1] [2]
