The Rarest Flame Burns Brightest: Portgas D. Ace Metallic Ver.
If you thought getting your hands on limited edition P.O.P figures was tough, brace yourself—this one is in a league of its own. The Portgas D. Ace Metallic Ver. - P.O.P Neo EX isn’t just rare... it’s *legendary*. With only 100 units ever released into the wild, this figure is the kind of collectible that makes even hardcore fans blink twice. Let’s dive into the blazing-hot story behind this ghost of a figure—if you’ve ever dreamed of owning a myth, this is it.
A One-in-a-Hundred Kind of Ace
Released by Lawson in January 2011, this metallic repaint of the classic NEO-DX Ace—also affectionately nicknamed “Marineford Ace” by fans—shimmers with exclusivity. But what truly sets it apart? Only 100 were made. And despite its ultra-limited nature, it surprisingly carried the standard Excellent Model logo rather than the Excellent Model LIMITED branding. A curious oversight... or a secret flex?
The Game You Had to Win
Getting your hands on this figure wasn’t as simple as hitting “add to cart.” Nope—you had to go full pirate scavenger mode in Lawson’s 2010 ARG (Alternate Reality Game) campaign, designed to hype the DVD and Blu-ray releases of *One Piece: Strong World*. The event ran from August 10 to September 6, 2010, and was anything but casual.
How It Worked
To participate, fans needed an iPhone 3GS or 4—earlier models and iPads didn’t cut it—and the exclusive Lawson ARG app. The app used augmented reality to guide players to actual Lawson convenience stores using a digital Log Pose. Once there, you had to buy eligible goodies (like rice balls/onigiri) and collect five different “stamps” using 16-digit codes printed on your receipts. Complete the set, and you could pick your prize pool and cross your fingers. Winners were announced in late October 2010. It was part Pokémon Go, part treasure hunt, and all heart-pounding fan service.
The Holy Grail of P.O.P Collecting
Given its scarcity and unique acquisition method, the Portgas D. Ace Metallic Ver. has reached near-mythical status. Most collectors have never seen one in person—let alone owned one. It rarely surfaces online, and when it does, it’s like spotting a shooting star made of fire. If you’ve ever seen this figure with your own eyes, count yourself extremely lucky. If you own one? You're sitting on P.O.P royalty.
Final Verdict
This is more than just a repainted figure—it’s a piece of P.O.P legend. With only 100 in existence and a backstory that reads like an epic quest, the Portgas D. Ace Metallic Ver. is easily the rarest gem in the entire Portrait of Pirates lineup. It’s not just about the shine—it's about the chase. And for collectors, this Ace burns brighter than any flame he’s ever conjured.
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