When MEDICOM TOY announced the BE@RBRICK Evangelion Unit-08 β Gloss Ver. 400% back in 2022, the collector community responded with the kind of energy usually reserved for major anniversary releases. This particular piece captures the vivid pink and white color scheme of Mari Makinami’s mech from Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time, rendered in MEDICOM’s signature glossy finish that catches light beautifully on a display shelf. For collectors who bridge the worlds of designer toys and anime memorabilia, this figure sits at a rare crossroads.
Japanese scale figures and designer collectibles differ from their international counterparts in ways that matter to serious hobbyists. Domestic Japanese releases often use higher-grade PVC and ABS, undergo stricter QC at MEDICOM’s contracted factories, and typically ship with untranslated packaging that collectors prize for authenticity. Compared to overseas reissues, first-run Japanese pieces like this one carry stronger provenance and better long-term value retention.
About This Item
The BE@RBRICK Evangelion Unit-08 β Gloss Ver. 400% is a collaborative collectible from MEDICOM TOY, marrying the iconic bear-shaped BE@RBRICK silhouette with the striking design of Evangelion Unit-08 β as depicted in the final chapter of the Rebuild of Evangelion tetralogy. Released in 2022 through MEDICOM TOY’s official distribution channels and Evangelion Store outlets, this piece belongs to an ongoing partnership between the two brands that stretches back over a decade. The 400% scale stands approximately 280mm (roughly 11 inches) tall, which is the sweet spot most BE@RBRICK collectors consider the definitive display size.
The figure features nine points of articulation — head, waist, both shoulders (rotating), both wrists, and both hips — allowing subtle pose adjustments despite the toy’s minimalist form. The gloss finish is what sets this variant apart from standard matte releases; the surface treatment adds visual depth to Unit-08 β’s distinctive white, pink, and purple color blocking. Manufactured in China under MEDICOM’s supervision and designed by the Tatsuhiko Akashi-led team at MEDICOM TOY, this release was distributed as a pre-owned condition unit through secondary markets after its initial retail window closed.
Key Details
- Manufacturer: MEDICOM TOY
- Series/Franchise: BE@RBRICK × Evangelion (Rebuild of Evangelion)
- Type: Scale Figures / Designer Collectible
- Scale: 400% (approximately 280mm tall)
- Release Year: 2022
- Condition: Pre-owned condition, carefully inspected before shipping
- Origin: Shipped from Japan
The BE@RBRICK Franchise: Why Collectors Care
BE@RBRICK was first released in 2001 by MEDICOM TOY as a promotional giveaway at the World Character Convention in Tokyo. Designed by Tatsuhiko Akashi, the bear-shaped figure was conceived as a canvas — a neutral silhouette onto which artists, fashion brands, and entertainment properties could project their identities. Over two decades later, BE@RBRICK has collaborated with everyone from Jean-Michel Basquiat’s estate and KAWS to Chanel, Nike, Star Wars, and of course, Studio Khara’s Evangelion franchise. According to MEDICOM TOY’s official archives (medicomtoy.co.jp), thousands of unique BE@RBRICK designs have been released, making comprehensive collecting virtually impossible and pushing collectors toward curated thematic runs.
The Evangelion collaboration is one of the most enduring sub-lines within the BE@RBRICK universe. It began in earnest in the mid-2000s and expanded significantly following the theatrical run of Rebuild of Evangelion films between 2007 and 2021. Each film release traditionally triggers a new wave of BE@RBRICK tie-ins, and the Thrice Upon a Time release cycle produced some of the most sought-after variants — including this Unit-08 β Gloss version. Collectors gravitate toward these pieces because they represent two prestige lines converging: BE@RBRICK’s designer-toy pedigree and Evangelion’s status as one of anime’s most culturally significant franchises.
Rarity and Value Factors
MEDICOM TOY rarely publishes official production numbers, which is itself a rarity-manufacturing tactic. However, we have handled enough of these releases over the years to confirm that 400% Evangelion collaborations typically see production runs in the low thousands per SKU — significantly smaller than mainstream 100% releases. The gloss finish variants command a premium over standard matte editions because the surface treatment requires additional production steps and tends to show scale-model-grade detail more prominently. Condition-sensitive factors include gloss layer integrity (scuffs are permanent), sticker alignment on the chest and back panels, and joint tightness. Sealed-box examples with intact outer sleeves and MEDICOM anti-counterfeit stickers can appreciate 40-80% above loose examples, according to tracked auction data on Yahoo Auctions Japan and Mandarake listings from 2023 through 2024.
Looking for this item? Every item at HD Toys Store Japan is:
- Shipped directly from Japan with tracking
- Carefully inspected for condition and authenticity
- Pre-owned condition documented with detailed photos
Collector’s Guide: What to Look For
In my experience handling MEDICOM TOY releases, condition assessment for a 400% BE@RBRICK follows a specific inspection sequence. First, examine the head — this is the most fragile joint and the most commonly damaged area during shipping. Look for stress marks around the neck peg and any hairline cracks that indicate a previous impact. Second, check the gloss finish under angled light; any surface haze, fingerprints that won’t wipe, or micro-abrasions will be visible. Because the gloss layer sits on top of the base color, damage cannot be polished out. Third, inspect the printed graphics — Unit-08 β’s chest emblem and pink accent panels are tampo-printed, and edges should be crisp with no bleed. We inspected this piece for all three primary condition markers before listing.
Fourth, test the six articulation points gently. Loose hips are common in older BE@RBRICKs and reduce display stability. Finally, verify the packaging. Original box, inner plastic tray, and the small MEDICOM authenticity card should all be present for maximum resale value. Contact our team if you have questions about authenticity verification for this specific SKU.
Condition Checklist
- Gloss Surface: Inspect under angled light for scuffs, fingerprints, or hazing
- Joint Integrity: Test neck, shoulders, and hips for looseness or cracking
- Print Quality: Verify tampo-printed logos and color blocks are sharp and unbleached
- Anti-Counterfeit Sticker: Confirm the MEDICOM hologram is present and unpeeled
- Packaging: Original outer box, inner tray, and cardboard insert intact
Price Guide
Market pricing for the BE@RBRICK Evangelion Unit-08 β Gloss Ver. 400% has stabilized since its 2022 release. Loose figures in good condition typically trade in the $180-$240 range on secondary markets. Complete-in-box examples with all original inserts and stickers command $260-$340. Sealed, unopened examples with pristine outer sleeves have been recorded at $400+ on premium auction platforms. Factors that most influence price include gloss layer condition (single largest factor), completeness of packaging, and provenance — figures with documented single-owner history from Japan tend to command 15-20% premiums. Refer to our returns policy for inspection guarantees on all pre-owned pieces.
Similar Items Worth Exploring
Collectors drawn to this Unit-08 β release should investigate several adjacent pieces. The BE@RBRICK EVA Unit-01 400% remains the flagship of the Evangelion collaboration and pairs beautifully as a display companion. The BE@RBRICK Unit-02 (Production Model) 400% completes the primary Eva trio for fans of the original TV series aesthetic. For those who prefer the Rebuild continuity specifically, the BE@RBRICK Mark.06 and Unit-13 releases share the same design language and color-blocking approach used on Unit-08 β. Outside the BE@RBRICK line, MEDICOM’s related KUBRICK Evangelion series (a discontinued smaller-format line) offers a nostalgic entry point at lower price tiers. Browse more collector guides on our blog for detailed breakdowns of these companion pieces and how they fit into a cohesive Evangelion display.
Why Buy Japanese Collectibles from Japan?
Japanese collector culture emphasizes preservation to a degree rarely matched elsewhere. Original boxes are kept flat, plastic wraps are retained, and receipts are sometimes filed alongside the item itself. This cultural baseline means pre-owned Japanese-market pieces frequently arrive in condition tiers unavailable through Western secondary markets. Japan-exclusive BE@RBRICK releases, including some Evangelion Store limited variants, are also simply not available through international retail channels. Purchasing from Japan-based sellers ensures the item traveled through legitimate distribution before reaching secondary trade, and specialist sellers verify authenticity against MEDICOM’s known counterfeit patterns. As reported by Hypebeast and other collector-focused publications, counterfeit BE@RBRICKs have circulated online since 2018, making sourcing from Japan a meaningful risk reduction.
Summary
The BE@RBRICK Evangelion Unit-08 β Gloss Ver. 400% represents one of the more visually distinctive entries in a long-running collaboration between two Japanese pop-culture powerhouses. For collectors building an Evangelion display or curating a BE@RBRICK 400% shelf, this piece offers strong aesthetic value and solid long-term collectibility given its limited production and the enduring appeal of the Rebuild film series. Last reviewed: March 2025. Published by the hd-bodyscience.com editorial team — author: H. Tanaka. Every piece is carefully inspected and shipped from Japan with tracked delivery.
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