DRAGON BALL Z - Goku "Return to Earth" - Figure S.H. Figuarts 13.5cm

This S.H.Figuarts articulated figure from Bandai Tamashii Nations depicts Son Goku in his ‘Return to Earth’ appearance, reflecting his return to Earth following his stay and training on the planet Yardrat. This version marks the first time Goku has been depicted in this outfit within the S.H.Figuarts range. The figure measures approximately 14.5 cm and allows the Saiyan to be displayed in both his normal form and as a Super Saiyan. 

Here, Goku wears the distinctive outfit given to him by the inhabitants of Yardrat: loose-fitting red trousers, a white top with puffed sleeves, and a dark blue breastplate accented with gold trim. The wide, light-coloured collar and the various asymmetrical elements of the outfit give this version a very different look from his traditional orange dōgi. A range of facial expressions also captures Goku’s relaxed and sometimes comical nature as he is reunited with his friends. 

The figure features the ‘Dynamic-Movable Shoulder System’, developed to increase the range of movement in the shoulders. Combined with the numerous joints found in the S.H.Figuarts range, this mechanism allows you to recreate natural poses, combat stances and various scenes from this period of Dragon Ball Z. 

Technical specifications

Manufacturer: Bandai Tamashii Nations
Range / Collection: S.H.Figuarts
Version: Return to Earth
Licence: Dragon Ball Z
Character: Son Goku
Appearance: Yardrat outfit
Materials: PVC / ABS
Type: Articulated collectable figurine
Height: approx. 14.5 cm
Forms represented: Son Goku in normal form and Super Saiyan form
Special articulation: Dynamic-Movable Shoulder System
Accessories: 5 pairs of interchangeable hands, 3 interchangeable facial expressions, 1 interchangeable front section of hair and 1 interchangeable head
Manufacturer’s recommended age: 15 years and over
EAN: 4580886842223

Character background and universe (Lore)

This version of Son Goku corresponds to a very specific period in Dragon Ball Z, set after the battle against Frieza on Namek. Whilst his loved ones believe him to have perished in the planet’s explosion, Goku survives and eventually reaches Yardrat. He chooses to stay there for a while to recover and train with the locals. It is during this stay that he learns, amongst other things, the technique of instant transmission, which will become one of his most recognisable abilities.

When he finally returns to Earth, Goku is still wearing the clothes he received on Yardrat. He then discovers that a mysterious young Super Saiyan, Trunks from the future, has arrived before him. This encounter marks the start of a major new story arc: Trunks warns Goku of the imminent arrival of formidable cyborgs and the catastrophic events that await the Z Warriors. 

The sequence also allows us to see Goku in his Super Saiyan form once more and features several light-hearted exchanges with his companions, which explains the inclusion of both serious and comical expressions amongst the accessories for this S.H.Figuarts figure. As the Yardrat outfit is only worn for a short period in the story, this ‘Return to Earth’ version represents a particularly distinctive portrayal of the character.