Zero Two Darling in the Franxx - Nendoroid
In 2018, animation studios A-1 Pictures and Trigger would produce a TV anime series titled Darling in the Franxx. Throughout its 24-episode runtime, the series received a great amount of attention from media and the general anime community, resulting in the series performing quite well. While there is some discourse regarding the ending of Darling in the Franxx, it was undoubtedly one of the most popular anime of the Winter 2018 season. Many attribute much of the success of Darling in the Franxx to its main heroine, Zero Two, whose bright pink hair and assertive personality essentially made her the face of the entire series. Due to her immense popularity, it is no surprise that plenty of merchandise based on the character was produced. Of course, Good Smile Company's popular Nendoroid line of figures is no exception. As such, the "Nendoroid Darling in the Franxx Zero Two" figure saw a release in December 2018 with a second wave that launched in September 2021.
Nendoroid Darling in the Franxx Zero Two (Re-run)
This figure takes the stark, colorful design of Zero Two and shrinks her down into a small collectible figure with a cute, chibi-style aesthetic. She sports her classic outfit, which includes a red uniform, black leggings, white boots, and a white hairband that fits around her red horns. Like with most Nendoroids, this figure of Zero Two also includes several points of articulation and additional parts based on Zero Two's character to give owners more variety when posing Zero Two. Some examples include Zero Two's white military coat and cap, interchangeable arms and legs, and several face plates to swap between a neutral expression, a confident smile, and a playful smirk.
Manufacturer: Good Smile Company
Sculptor: Chen Tian (Good Smile Shanghai)
Specifications: Painted, articulated, non-scale ABS & PVC figure with optional parts and stand
Height (Approx.): 100 mm | 3.9"
About Zero Two
Zero Two is a major character in Darling in the Franxx and acts as the main love interest for the protagonist, Hiro.
About Zero Two: Background
Zero Two is an elite female Franxx pilot who is known early on in the series as the "Partner Killer" because of her aggressive and demanding fighting style. Her incredible compatibility with her Franxx, Strelizia, is due to being a human and Klaxo Sapien hybrid, which also resulted in being ostracized and isolated from her human peers and guardians. As a child, Zero Two had completely red skin, long horns, and sharp teeth. That said, in adolescence, she appears much like a regular human, save for a much shorter pair of horns and fangs. When it comes to interacting with others, Zero Two is often cold, hostile, or assertive toward others. Hiro, however, is one of the few exceptions, as she often acts playful and affectionate toward him.
About Zero Two: Abilities
As a female Franxx pilot, Zero Two is unparalleled in skill. She is a member of the APE Special Forces and is often forced to pilot her Franxx, Strelizia, by herself, if needed. This feat would normally be very dangerous, as any Franxx usually requires both a female and a male pilot to operate. When she does have a male partner, they often cannot live past three missions with Zero Two because of her dangerous piloting. When piloting by herself, Strelizia is forced into "Stampede Mode" which transforms the mech into a feral beast and puts an incredible amount of strain on the female pilot.
Other Important Darling in the Franxx Characters
While Darling in the Franxx is home to many important characters, particularly those from Squad 13, none are more important to Zero Two than Hiro and Ichigo.
Hiro
Hiro is the main protagonist of Darling in the Franxx and the official male partner for Zero Two. Although he was considered a prodigy male Franxx pilot, Hiro failed his last synchronization test with his designated partner at the time. After losing what he thought was his purpose in life, he decides to attempt pilot Strelizia with Zero Two and ends up being unusually compatible with her. Although Hiro has long forgotten, he and Zero Two met when they were children. Although Zero Two was more monster than human at that point, Hiro treated her with kindness. As the story progresses, Hiro and Zero Two develop feelings for each other, though their relationship experiences several obstacles along the way.
Ichigo
Ichigo is the female pilot of Delphinium and the leader of Squad 13. She is also a close childhood friend of Hiro and several other members of her squad. While Ichigo is a very competent leader who can always cheer up her teammates, she also has feelings for Hiro that cloud her judgment at times. After Zero Two joins Squad 13, Ichigo is incredibly wary of Zero Two because of her nature as a Klaxosaur hybrid and her overly fond attitude toward Hiro. When battling on the front lines, Ichigo pilots the Delphinium along with her male partner, Goro, who holds unrequited feelings for Ichigo.
Links
Nendoroid Darling in the Franxx Zero Two (Re-run)
Zero Two Darling in the Franxx - Figures
Darling in the Franxx - Merchandise
Darling in the Franxx Label
Zero Two Label
Nendoroid Label
Good Smile Company Label