When Kotobukiya revealed their ARTFX+ Deadpool statue last year, it became the first “standalone” Marvel ARTFX+ statue, as it isn’t part of the Marvel NOW! Avengers or X-Men lineups. Of course, Kotobukiya might as well have just called this the “Deadpool Series”, because the third version of this Kotobukiya Deadpool ARTFX+ statue has now been revealed: Partially Unmasked Deadpool with Headpool!

…Okay, now Kotobukiya may be getting a bit greedy. When they announced they were doing a 1/10th scale Deadpool statue last year, I was over the moon. I love Deadpool, and the Marvel ARTFX+ statues released thus far have been killer.

And when Kotobukiya announced the exclusive Grey X-Force Deadpool ARTFX+ variant statue? Again–I was thrilled. I actually may love grey Deadpool more than red Deadpool, and the Deadpool X-Force costume is a favorite among fans. Thumbs up.

But now, before their first version of Wade Wilson has even arrived in collectors’ hands, Kotobukiya has already revealed a third version of the statue with a bonus figure/accessory: a partially unmasked Deadpool & Headpool ARTFX+ statue set.

For those not familiar with Headpool, he’s the Deadpool of the Marvel Zombies universe, who managed to survive being decapitated and ended up in our universe as a disembodied head (and was later killed by… Uh, another reality’s Deadpool).

I actually think Headpool is a fun concept, and a great exclusive item coming free with the exclusive edition Sideshow Deadpool sixth scale figure later this year. That said, I think it’s pretty weak that Koto is actually planning to release a third Deadpool 1/10 statue with the only changes being a new head and the Headpool “figure” addition (the exact shades of red and black paint may also be slightly different, but I doubt it).

The partially unmasked Deadpool head is a surprise–I can’t remember any company ever releasing a Deadpool figure or statue that wasn’t fully masked or unmasked–but I guess there’s a first time for everything. And I much prefer a partially-unmasked Deadpool to a gross totally unmasked Deadpool, that’s for sure!

Ordinarily you’d expect a variant like this to be a convention exclusive, but Kotobukiya has already let European retailer Forbidden Planet know that they’ll be getting the ARTFX+ Deadpool with Headpool version statue, so presumably this will be available via other (domestic) online retailers this summer as well.

The Kotobukiya Headpool & Deadpool statue set is scheduled to be released in mid-July 2015 (just in time for San Diego Comic Con 2015). I’ll post an update when U.S. pre-orders for this statue open up (which will most likely be quite soon, as he’s already up for order in Europe).

How do you feel about the latest Deadpool Kotoukiya ARTFX+ statue variant, Marvel collectors? Worthwhile addition to the unofficial “Deadpool Series”, or a shameless money grab on Kotobukiya’s part?