Action Figure – KOF ’98 UM 97 Special Team SNK 1/18 – JOYTOY The King of Fighters

Group Identification: The Mercenary Alliance (The ’97 Special Team)

This image showcases an incredible 1/18 scale action figure set of the ’97 Special Team from the legendary fighting game The King of Fighters ’98 Ultimate Match by SNK. Unlike static posing, this specific group shot highlights the characters in full battle choreography, utilizing weapon accessories and a translucent blue combat effect piece on a clear display stand to recreate the high-octane energy of an arcade match.

Individual Character Breakdown

1. Front Right: Billy Kane (The Staff Master)

• Specific Name: KOF’98UM ’97 Special Team Billy Kane

• Visual Details & Pose: Crouching low in a wide, rock-solid combat stance at the forefront, Billy handles his signature red Bo Staff with a fierce two-handed grip. He wears his iconic red and white striped bandana, open blue cropped jacket over a bare chest, blue trousers, and brown lace-up combat boots with white toe caps.

2. Left Side: Ryuji Yamazaki (The Frenzied Outlaw)

• Specific Name: KOF’98UM ’97 Special Team Ryuji Yamazaki

• Visual Details & Pose: Lunging forward aggressively from the left side is the unhinged yakuza broker, Yamazaki. For maximum combat mobility, he has shed his heavy white fur overcoat, revealing his streamlined, form-fitting all-black turtleneck shirt and trousers secured by a brown belt with a gold buckle. He is dynamically brandishing a sharp silver dagger/knife in his right hand.

3. Back Center: Blue Mary (The Agile Agent)

• Specific Name: KOF’98UM ’97 Special Team Blue Mary

• Visual Details & Pose: Poised elegantly in an aerial striking pose in the background is the blonde secret agent, Blue Mary. She is dressed in her trademark red halter crop top, blue combat pants, and blue fingerless gloves.

• Battle Effect: She is perfectly framed by a massive, sweeping translucent blue crescent slashing effect part held up by an articulated clear display stand, mimicking her fast-paced, acrobatic special moves.

Historical Background (SNK IP & KOF ’98 UM)

• The Franchise: The King of Fighters is an absolute titan of arcade history created by SNK. KOF ’98 Ultimate Match remains a golden standard within the Fighting Game Community (FGC) for its expansive roster and deep competitive mechanics.

• The ’97 Special Team Lore: This team holds one of the most fascinating dynamics in KOF history because they are not natural allies. The underworld boss Geese Howard personally manipulated and paid the psychotic Ryuji Yamazaki and his own loyal enforcer Billy Kane to enter the tournament together. Meanwhile, Blue Mary, working as a freelance special agent, joined their team under false pretenses to investigate Geese’s sinister underworld motives. This creates a thrilling combination of a madman, a loyal bodyguard, and an undercover spy fighting under a single banner.

Product Specifications

• Brand: JOYTOY x SNK

• Series: The King of Fighters ’98 Ultimate Match

• Product Name: KOF ’98UM ’97 Special Team Set (Ryuji Yamazaki, Billy Kane, Blue Mary)

• Product Scale: 1/18 (Approximately 4.1 inches / 10.5 cm tall each)

• Material: Manufactured from high-quality ABS and PVC

• Special Features: Includes character-specific weapons (Red staff, combat knife) and a premium translucent blue combat slash effect part with an adjustable display stand.

• Applicable Age: 15+