It has been a couple of years since the 2024 Limited Reprint of Bartholomew Kuma dropped, and now that the dust has settled, it is the perfect time to look back and see how it holds up against the legendary 2009 original. While the 2024 release is now part of history, seeing these two side-by-side really highlights how MegaHouse handled this massive comeback for the 20th Anniversary.
A Shift in Packaging Esthetics
Looking at the boxes side-by-side, the generational shift in design is obvious. The 2009 original features that nostalgic deep blue and purple nebula style that defined the early Neo-DX era. In contrast, the 2024 Limited Edition box went for a completely different vibe with a sleek matte black finish and luxurious gold accents. It was a modern refreshing look that distinguished it immediately from the vintage stock, signaling that this was a premium collector's item right from the packaging.
Smoother Paint Application
Time usually brings improvements in manufacturing, and that was certainly the case here. The 2024 reprint featured a noticeably smoother paint application compared to its 2009 predecessor. When you look closely at the white glossy areas of the Pacifista clothes and the Bible accessory, the finish on the newer model is much cleaner and more refined. The 2009 version had a bit more texture to it, which was standard for the time, but the 2024 update gave Kuma a pristine, almost ceramic-like polish that still looks fantastic today.
Reflecting on the Price Difference
One of the biggest talking points back when the reprint launched was the price tag. The original 2009 figure hit the shelves at a very humble ¥8,820. By the time the 2024 edition arrived, the price had adjusted to ¥18,480. While that was a steep jump, it was expected given the fifteen-year gap. Even now, looking back, securing a figure of this volume for that price was a solid deal compared to the aftermarket prices of the original.
Final Verdict
Both versions of the Tyrant carry their own charm. The 2009 version is a piece of Portrait of Pirates history, while the 2024 reprint offered a polished, high-end update for those who missed the boat the first time around. Regardless of which one you have in your collection, Kuma remains one of the most impressive heavyweights in the line.
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