Good Smile Company is expanding its Pop Up Parade L-size lineup with a fresh pair of Rebuild of Evangelion Beach Queens figures, giving collectors a new reason to watch their display shelves. The upcoming Asuka Shikinami Langley and Rei Ayanami swimsuit variants stand roughly nine inches tall, placing them firmly in the premium scale category while remaining accessible through the brand’s standard L-size pricing structure. Priced at ¥8,800 in Japan and $57.99 in the United States, these static figures represent entirely new sculpts distinct from the Beach Queens releases that arrived in 2025.
New Beach Queens Asuka and Rei Figures Reach the L-Size Standard
Both figures belong to the Pop Up Parade L-size series, which Good Smile Company positions as a middle ground between standard prize figures and high-end scaled collectibles. The L-size designation guarantees a height of approximately 220mm, or just under nine inches, offering collectors a substantial presence without the price tag typically associated with figures of that scale. The Asuka figure depicts the character in a red bikini, while Rei appears in a white one-piece swimsuit, each standing in a straightforward pose facing the viewer. Neither figure includes additional parts or interchangeable components, and their poses do not interact with one another, meaning they function equally well as standalone displays or as a thematic pair.
These are not reissues or updates of earlier releases. Good Smile Company has confirmed that both figures are entirely new variants, separate from the previous Pop Up Parade L-size Beach Queens Asuka and Rei figures that launched globally in 2025. That distinction matters for collectors who already own the earlier versions, as the new sculpts offer a different visual interpretation rather than a simple color variation or repackage.
Pricing, Release Windows, and Regional Differences
The Japanese release is scheduled for January 2027, with each figure priced at ¥8,800 before tax. The worldwide launch follows in the second quarter of 2027, with a US retail price of $57.99 per figure. Good Smile Company has not announced a bundle option that would allow customers to purchase both figures together at a discount, so collectors will need to secure each one individually. Pre-orders opened shortly after the announcement and are scheduled to close on August 26, 2026, giving interested buyers roughly two and a half months to place their orders through authorized retailers in Japan and internationally.
The price point places these figures competitively within the L-size category. At $57.99, they undercut many imported scaled figures while still delivering the larger format that collectors in the US and Europe often seek. The yen-based pricing of ¥8,800 also positions them as a mid-range option in the domestic Japanese market, where Pop Up Parade figures have built a strong reputation for value.
How the New Figures Compare to Earlier Evangelion Beach Queens Releases
The Beach Queens line has a long history with Evangelion, stretching back over a decade. Good Smile Company originally produced 1/10 scale Beach Queens figures of Asuka and Rei in 2016, which became popular among collectors for their detailed swimsuit sculpts and compact size. Those earlier figures were smaller, at roughly 160mm, and followed a different design philosophy that emphasized interchangeability and poseability within a standardized beach theme.
The shift to the Pop Up Parade L-size format in 2025 marked a significant change in direction. The 2025 L-size figures offered larger proportions and a more modern sculpting approach, and the new 2027 variants continue that trajectory. Where the 2016 figures leaned into the playful, diorama-friendly aesthetic of the Beach Queens brand, the L-size versions adopt a more straightforward display-oriented approach, with static poses and no extra parts. This reflects a broader trend in the figure industry toward larger, more visually impactful static figures that require less handling and maintenance.
Collectors who missed the 2025 releases or who want a different look for their display will find the 2027 figures a natural complement. The red bikini for Asuka and the white one-piece for Rei offer a cleaner, more summery aesthetic compared to some of the more elaborate costume designs that have appeared in the Evangelion figure market over the years.
What Makes the Pop Up Parade L-Size Line Distinctive
Good Smile Company launched the Pop Up Parade line as a way to deliver high-quality figures at a lower price point by streamlining production and limiting articulation. The L-size sub-line expanded that concept to larger scales, typically around 220mm to 250mm, without abandoning the brand’s core value proposition of affordability and consistent quality. The L-size figures use simplified construction methods that reduce manufacturing costs, allowing the company to offer figures that would traditionally retail for $80 to $120 at half that price.
The trade-off comes in the form of reduced complexity. L-size figures typically lack the elaborate base designs, interchangeable parts, and intricate paint applications found on higher-end scales. For the Beach Queens Asuka and Rei, that means a clean, single-piece base and a static pose that emphasizes the character’s silhouette and swimsuit design rather than dynamic action. For many collectors, particularly those focused on character representation and display coherence, this trade-off is more than acceptable.
The line has also expanded beyond Evangelion to include characters from Fate/stay Night, Persona, and various other anime and game series, building a broad catalog that allows collectors to assemble themed displays across multiple franchises. The Beach Queens sub-brand within Pop Up Parade specifically targets summer and swimsuit aesthetics, making these figures a natural fit for seasonal displays or collections centered on casual character depictions.
Pre-Order Details and What Collectors Should Know
Pre-orders for both figures close on August 26, 2026, a deadline that applies to both Japanese domestic and international orders. Good Smile Company typically does not guarantee post-deadline availability, and while some retailers may carry limited stock after release, the safest strategy for collectors is to secure pre-orders early. The US market will see figures distributed through Good Smile US and partner retailers, with the Q2 2027 window suggesting a release between April and June of that year.
Import considerations may affect pricing for buyers outside Japan and the US. Collectors in Europe, Australia, and other regions should factor in shipping costs, import duties, and regional retailer markups when budgeting. The ¥8,800 Japanese retail price translates to roughly $58 at current exchange rates, but actual street prices through import shops and proxy services may vary significantly.
It is also worth noting that these figures are licensed products from the Rebuild of Evangelion film series, not the original television series. Character designs reflect the updated aesthetic of the Rebuild movies, which means slightly different costume details and facial proportions compared to the 1990s anime. For collectors who prefer the original series designs, older Beach Queens variants or third-party figures may be more appropriate.
What Questions Do Collectors Typically Ask About These Figures
Collectors evaluating these figures often ask how they compare in quality to other L-size releases. The answer is that Good Smile Company maintains a consistent standard across the Pop Up Parade line, with clean paint application, solid construction, and good surface detail for the price point. These figures will not match the precision of a ¥15,000 or ¥20,000 scaled figure, but they deliver excellent value for their $58 price tag.
Another common question is whether the figures can be displayed together as a set despite having non-interacting poses. Yes, they are designed visually to complement each other as a matching pair, sharing the same base style, scale, and thematic direction. Collectors who display them side by side will find they create a cohesive scene simply through their consistent design language.
Regarding articulation and durability, these are static PVC figures with no movable joints. The lack of articulation eliminates the risk of loose joints or broken pegs over time, making them suitable for long-term display without maintenance. The PVC material is standard for the industry and should not discolor or degrade under normal indoor conditions.
The pre-order window closing in late August 2026 means there is ample time for collectors to make decisions, but the limited production runs typical of Pop Up Parade L-size figures suggest that waiting too long could result in missed availability. Good Smile Company does not always reissue L-size figures, so securing a pre-order is the most reliable path to ownership.
Broader Implications for the Evangelion Figure Market
The consistent release of new Evangelion figures across multiple scales and price points reflects the franchise’s enduring commercial power more than two decades after its original broadcast. The Rebuild films have sustained interest among both longtime fans and a new generation of viewers, and streaming availability on Netflix and Amazon has kept the series accessible to global audiences. Good Smile Company’s strategy of releasing multiple variants within the same line—new Asuka and Rei figures roughly every 18 months—indicates strong and steady demand for these specific characters in swimsuit formats.
That demand supports a broader ecosystem of collectibles that includes Nendoroids, Figmas, scaled figures, and prize figures, each targeting a different segment of the collector market. The Beach Queens L-size figures occupy a specific niche: larger than standard prize figures, more affordable than high-end scales, and focused on a casual, seasonal aesthetic that appeals to collectors who want display pieces without the complexity of articulated figures or diorama setups.
Looking ahead, it seems likely that Good Smile Company will continue to release new Beach Queens variants for other Evangelion characters, possibly including Mari Makinami or Kaworu Nagisa, if sales data supports the expansion. The success of the 2025 and 2027 Asuka and Rei figures will inform those decisions, and collectors should watch pre-order performance as an indicator of future lineup direction.
For now, the new Beach Queens Asuka and Rei figures offer a straightforward, well-priced entry point into the L-size format for Evangelion fans who missed earlier releases or want a fresh look for their shelves. With pre-orders open through August 2026 and release dates set for early to mid 2027, there is time to plan, but not so much time that procrastination is advisable. The figures represent a continuation of a proven formula, and for collectors who appreciate the combination of scale, price, and character fidelity, they are likely to be a rewarding addition.
