Metal Slug 30th Anniversary Merchandise: Kumagumi's Utan Rug and Collectible Range

Metal Slug 30th Anniversary Merchandise: Kumagumi's Utan Rug and Collectible Range

Kumagumi, a clothing label known for licensed and design-led apparel, has released a commemorative range to mark the 30th anniversary of the Metal Slug series.

The collection, announced in April 2026, includes T-shirts, hoodies, a poster by artist Naohisa Yamaguchi (credited as NaoQ), and a standout homeware item: a rug shaped like Utan, the machine-gun-wielding monkey from the Metal Slug franchise.

Background and context

Metal Slug debuted in 1996, originally developed by Nazca Corporation and released by SNK for the Neo Geo platform.

Over three decades the run-and-gun series has been ported and reissued across arcades and home systems, and has seen modern releases and collections on platforms including the Nintendo Switch and various digital storefronts such as the eShop.

The 2026 milestone prompted both official and third-party celebratory projects, of which Kumagumi's apparel range is a verified example.

Merchandise details and production

Kumagumi's range includes standard apparel items and a limited homeware piece: a rug modeled on the franchise character Utan.

The rug is priced at £279, approximately $377, and is produced on demand.

Kumagumi states that each rug takes one full day to manufacture, and the company has published a video documenting the production process.

The collection also features a new poster with artwork by Naohisa Yamaguchi, who is credited under the artist name NaoQ.

Rewritten statement

A playful summary of the product can be stated plainly: the franchise's iconic monkey character Utan has been adapted into a collectible rug as part of Kumagumi's 30th anniversary line.

That phrasing preserves the original sentiment while presenting it in clear, journalistic language.

Industry relevance

Official and licensed merchandise remains a common way for heritage gaming properties to engage longtime fans and collectors.

Metal Slug's continued presence on modern platforms and in curated collections has kept the series visible, and anniversary merchandise such as Kumagumi's range provides tangible touchpoints for the community.

For collectors interested in the rug and other items, Kumagumi's product pages and the production video provide direct verification of price and lead time.

For readers tracking the Metal Slug franchise, this release is a concrete example of 30th anniversary activity tied to one of SNK's best-known properties.

The collection is available through Kumagumi's channels, with specific ordering and shipping details published by the label.