Series: Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT
Company: Bandai
Release: 2006~2008
Size: +/- 11.5 cm
Main distribution: Japan / USA
These detailed figures are from the line Ultimate Spark by Bandai. They have a clear base and transparent parts, so when you place it near a light source, the light will shine through and create a glowing effect as if they’re powering up.
These figures came in blind boxes in Japan, and were repackaged as a full set of 5 or as duo’s in the West. Each figure came with their powered up base, but can also stand on its own.
4 waves of 5 figures came out, resulting in 20 figures total.
Wave 1
Release date:
23 October 2006 (JPN)
2007 (USA)
The first wave exists out of 5 figures; Goku Super Saiyan, Vegeta, Piccolo, Frieza and Future Trunks.
No. 1 – Goku Super Saiyan
Goku is a Super Saiyan, wearing his trademark orange gi, ripped up as on Namek. He’s almost topless, bar a piece of his blue undershirt, and his pants are ripped at the knees. He’s standing in a powering up pose. He has a nice golden sparkle in his hair. The base is a blue turning yellow electric vortex spiralling around him.
No. 2 – Vegeta
Vegeta is standing with his arms folded, and smirking. It’s from the Saiyan Saga era, so Vegeta is wearing his classic Saiyan armour and red scouter.
The base is a red corral-like power growing upwards and around him.
No. 3 – Piccolo
Piccolo is standing ready, with his arms flexed and fists. He’s wearing his trademark purple gi with red sash, without the cape and hat.
The base is a whirlwind growing upwards into puffs of clouds that surround Piccolo.
No. 4 – Frieza
Frieza is standing angry, with bulking muscles, in a power up pose. It’s Frieza at the end of the Frieza Saga, with 100% power muscles and a chopped off tail.
The base is a vortex of spiralling black to red circular ki growing upwards and surrounding him.
No. 5 – Future Trunks
Future Trunks is standing stoic, with his hands in his pockets. He’s wearing his trademark purple jacket and carrying his sword on his back.
The base is a set of silver crystals jutting upwards.
Wave 2
Release date:
May 2007 (JPN)
2007 (USA)
The second wave also exists out of 5 figures; Goku Super Saiyan 2, Gohan Super Saiyan 2, Vegeta Super Saiyan, Future Trunks Ascended Super Saiyan and Perfect Cell.
Wave 3
Release date:
August 2007 (JPN)
2008 (USA)
The third wave also exists out of 5 figures; Goku Super Saiyan 3, Majin Vegeta, Vegito Super Saiyan, Gotenks Super Saiyan 3 and Kid Buu.
Wave 4
Release date: December 2007 (JPN)
The fourth wave focusses on Dragonball GT instead, and also exists out of 5 figures; Goku Super Saiyan 4, Vegeta Super Saiyan 4, Gogeta Super Saiyan 4, Super Baby and Shenron.
2-Pack Figure Sets
Release date: 2007
In the west these figures were repackaged as duo / 2-pack figures and also released in waves.
Wave 1 consisted out of;
– Goku Super Saiyan (JPN Wave 1) & Frieza (JPN Wave 1)
– Vegeta (JPN Wave 1) & Future Trunks (JPN Wave 1)
– Future Trunks Ascended Super Saiyan (JPN Wave 2) & Piccolo (JPN Wave 1)
Wave 2 consisted out of;
– Vegeta Super Saiyan (JPN Wave 2) & Perfect Cell (JPN Wave 2)
– Goku Super Saiyan 2 (JPN Wave 2) & Gohan Super Saiyan 2 (JPN Wave 2)
Box Set
Release date: 2008
In the west these figures were repackaged as a full boxset of 5 figures.
The set was the full set of the Japanese Wave 3.
I don’t believe the GT Wave 4 ever came over to the west.
I loved Dragonball Z from the start as an early teen but there was so little to find back then. Then the internet became a thing and before I knew it I had discovered eBay! I bought loads of full sets, including this one.
I thought they looked badass with the power up, but once I received them I did not like them at all. Of course, mine are bootleg, which I didn’t know at the time, and this of course didn’t help with their quality. But the ki power doesn’t really feel like Dragonball (silver crystals?) and I wasn’t aware they are transparent, which looks odd to me.
I decided to sell them when I needed money, but no one bought them. And a decade later, I found the box of stuff I planned on selling back then at my parents. So I got them back now. But I still don’t like them so they are back up for sale once again. They might make a good custom project for someone.
If you like cool power ups, you might like these figures.
If you prefer articulation or more unique poses, you’ll give these a miss.
Got any more details / information you think I should add? Or did I get something wrong? Do you own any of these figures? Do you agree or disagree with my findings? Let me know in the comments below!