S.H.Figuarts – SON GOKU -A SAIYAN RAISED ON EARTH-

Description

The S.H.Figuarts Son Goku -A Saiyan Raised on Earth- is arguably the most essential figure in the entire Dragon Ball collecting world. Released by Bandai Tamashii Nations, it serves as the definitive “Base Form” Goku and is frequently used as the baseline for the entire 1/12 scale line.

Here is a detailed breakdown of the legendary warrior and his corresponding action figure.

🥋 The Character: Son Goku (Kakarot)

This specific iteration represents Goku in his iconic “Base Form,” capturing his look throughout the majority of Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Super.

• The Origin: Born on Planet Vegeta as “Kakarot,” he was sent to Earth to conquer it.¹ However, a bump to the head as a child erased his Saiyan bloodlust, turning him into a kind-hearted boy who eventually became Earth’s greatest protector.

• The Philosophy: Goku doesn’t fight out of a desire for power or glory; he fights for the pure joy of the challenge and to protect his friends. He is the ultimate “martial arts purist.”

• The Look: He wears the classic Turtle School Gi (Kame-sen’nin), characterized by its vibrant orange color, dark blue undershirt, matching blue sash, and boots.

⚙️ Product Features: S.H.Figuarts Edition

This figure is famous for using the “2.0” Body Mold, which revolutionized the line with better proportions and seamless articulation.

1. Sculpt and Paint

• Anime Accuracy: The sculpt perfectly mirrors the art style of the Dragon Ball Z “Cell Saga” and Dragon Ball Super. The orange of the gi is vibrant, and the blue accents are deep and matte.

• Matte Finish: Bandai used a specific plastic finish to ensure the figure doesn’t look “shiny” or “toy-like” under photography lights.

• Clean Symbols: This version specifically does not feature the “Go” or “Kai” kanji on the back, making it a “neutral” Goku that fits into almost any saga.

2. Premium Articulation

As part of the S.H.Figuarts line, the movement is designed to mimic human (and superhuman) martial arts:

• Butterfly Shoulders: Allows Goku to pull his arms deep across his chest to recreate the Kamehameha charging pose.

• Ab-Crunch: A multi-segmented torso allows for deep bending, perfect for mid-air flight poses or crunching after taking a “stomach punch.”

• Double-Jointed Limbs: The elbows and knees fold almost 180 degrees.

• Toe Hinge: Essential for dynamic “running” or “powering up” stances where the feet are angled.

3. Accessories (The “Standard” Loadout)

This figure is considered a “Best Selection” item, meaning it provides high quality at a lower price point by focusing on the most essential accessories:

• Faceplates (4 Total): 1. Neutral: Calm and ready.2. Smirking: His signature “I’m excited to fight you” look.

  3. Gritting Teeth: For struggling or taking damage.

  4. Yelling: For the final “Thrust” of a Kamehameha or powering up.

• Interchangeable Hands: Includes fists, open palms, “chopping” martial arts hands, and the classic Instant Transmission finger-pose hands.

📊 Technical Specifications

💡 Why Collectors Love This Figure

Unlike the “Super Saiyan” or “Ultra Instinct” variants, the “Saiyan Raised on Earth” version is the “blank canvas” of Goku. It is often the first figure a collector buys because:

1. The Price: It is often released as an “entry-level” figure (typically around $35 USD).

2. Versatility: You can swap the heads with almost any other S.H.Figuarts Goku (like putting a Super Saiyan Blue head on this body).

3. Iconography: It represents the character in his most pure, recognizable form.

Son Goku (born Kakarot) is the central protagonist of the Dragon Ball series. He is a member of the Saiyan race, a group of warriors from Planet Vegeta, though he was raised on Earth and identifies as its protector.

According to the available information, here is a detailed description of the character:

1. Origin and Background

• Saiyan Roots: Goku was sent to Earth as an infant with the initial mission to conquer it. However, a head injury shortly after his arrival altered his personality, erasing his aggressive Saiyan nature and making him a kind-hearted, cheerful boy.

• Upbringing: He was found and adopted by Grandpa Gohan, who trained him in martial arts and gave him the name “Son Goku.” Following Gohan’s passing, Goku lived in isolation until he met a girl named Bulma, beginning his journey to find the Dragon Balls and see the world.

2. Physical Appearance

• Signature Style: Goku is most recognizable for his dark, unkempt, and spiky black hair, which never changes length due to his Saiyan biology.

• Phisique: Throughout the series, his build evolves from a “doughy” child to a lean, muscular adult.

• Attire: He primarily wears the Turtle School Gi (a vibrant orange martial arts uniform) with a dark blue undershirt, matching sash, and weighted boots. As a child, he also possessed a monkey-like tail, which was later permanently removed to prevent his “Great Ape” transformation.

3. Personality and Philosophy

• Pure Heart: Goku is famously pure-hearted, a trait that allows him to ride the Flying Nimbus (a magical cloud) and resist many forms of evil manipulation.

• Love for Challenge: His primary motivation is the pursuit of strength. He does not fight for glory or titles; he fights to test his limits against powerful opponents. He often views a worthy enemy as a “treasure” because they push him to grow.

• Merciful Nature: Despite being a fierce warrior, Goku often shows extreme mercy, choosing to spare villains like Vegeta or Frieza in the hope that they might change their ways or provide a better challenge in the future.

4. Powers and Iconic Techniques

Goku’s power comes from his mastery of Ki (life energy) and his genius-level combat intuition.

• Kamehameha: His signature move, a blue energy wave unleashed from the palms, learned almost instantly from Master Roshi.

• Spirit Bomb (Genki Dama): A massive energy orb gathered from the life forces of nature and living beings.

• Instant Transmission: A teleportation technique that allows him to move anywhere in the universe instantly by sensing a Ki signature.

• Kaio-ken: A technique that multiplies his physical stats and Ki power at the cost of immense strain on his body.

5. Key Transformations

As a Saiyan, Goku can access legendary forms that multiply his power exponentially:

• Super Saiyan (1, 2, 3): These forms turn his hair gold and eyes green, drastically increasing his strength and speed.

• Super Saiyan God / Blue: Divine forms that utilize “God Ki,” giving him red or blue hair respectively.

• Ultra Instinct: His most advanced state, where his body moves and reacts automatically without the need for conscious thought, characterized by silver hair and a celestial aura.