Fans of Attack on Titan can bug out with the franchise's latest -- and strangest -- form of merchandise.
Released as part of the "Independent Study Series" or "Independent Research Series," these new Attack on Titan-themed beetle model kits combine the popular anime series with realistic replicas of insects. The Survey Corps variants of these toys represent rhinoceros beetles (available in beige and white) and stag beetles (white and red). Likewise, there are also beetle models for the gigantic villainous Titans, with the Pure Titans represented by stags and rhino beetles. Conversely, the Colossal Titan has a Hercules Beetle model kit, which opens its wings to reveal a disturbingly fleshy color scheme underneath.
These Attack on Titan beetles are set to be released in December 2023, with the Hercules Beetle costing 5,500 yen (around US$37) and the other models coming in at 4.950 yen (around US$34). All the models can open up their wings, adding an extra sense of biological playability. While their color schemes are of course far from realistic, the other anatomical details make these the perfect edutainment play pieces. Other figures in the Independent Study Series have similarly been styled on different Japanese media franchises, including Neon Genesis Evangelion, Ultraman and the fellow insect-themed series Kamen Rider.
Attack on Titan was created by Hajime Isayama, with the original manga running from 2009 to 2021. Centered on Eren Yeager, the series is a post-apocalyptic epic in which the remnants of humanity fight against gigantic, muscular humanoids known as Titans. Opposing these Titans is the Survey Corps, which Yeager joins. The Titans are depicted with various body styles and varieties, as showcased by the Independent Study Series model kits.
While the idea of merchandised beetles may seem strange, beetles and insect-collecting in general as a hobby is fairly popular in Japan, and beetles show up frequently in Japanese media, especially productions geared toward children. One example is Kōchū Ōja Mushiking, an arcade collectible card game that has seen tens of thousands of tournaments held. Likewise, bug collecting was also a big inspiration for franchises such as Pokémon. Conversely, model kits are another popular pastime among consumers of all ages, as seen in the continued popularity of Gundam plastic model kits, or Gunpla.
The Attack on Titan anime has driven the popularity of the manga even higher, with the adaptation continuing years after the manga completed its publication. Currently, the show is in the final throes of its fourth and final season. Titled The Final Chapters, the last TV special is scheduled to air in Japan on Nov. 5, 2023. The series can be streamed on Sling TV, Funimation, Hulu and Crunchyroll.
Source: Animeanime.jp
