Bandai Tamashii Nations: Kotetsu Samurai Iron Man

An addition to my Hall of Armor collection is Kotetsu Iron Man MK. III; or let's just say Samurai Iron Man. I definitely did not expect this to be in my collection but having stumbled on it up close and personal, I was convinced that I need this. I love samurai lore and fantasy; I love Iron Man. So hey! There we go! So how does the combination of those two add up in figure form?

The box itself is pretty attracting. It has to be right? It's really the only thing I had to go with to be convinced that I needed this in my collection! It's a pretty stiff box too so it definitely has that 'expensive' feel to it; and most of the time, expensive means something is inside that is amazing (dumb logic). Ok, on to the figure.

As you might suspect, it tries its best to keep the Iron Man look intact while adding on some Samurai aesthetics. I have to say, I am impressed; a lot more than I thought I would be. It's pretty easy to see that they sculpted this thing with some thought. The armor platings resemble Samurai designs quite well, the areas that have the Iron Man signature design (helmet and Arc Reactor) is still recognizable.

And since it is Feudal Japan era, Iron Man's tech is scaled back a bit. So his jet boosters? Well, it's archaic and very unreliable looking when it comes to flight. But it is well designed. You can see some old tech references, some designs are modeled to look like Eastern-inspired, and it still tries to look like something that Stark would be able to create given the tools he is provided.

Just from the profile, again I'll reiterate just how detailed this guy is. The Samurai-esque armor platings, the helmet that is definitely the eastern warrior but still a hint of Iron Man, the boots, gauntlets, the sword.... it's a good mix for sure!

For some reason, I didn't take a picture of their accessories he has, but he has his jetpack, his katana, and two muskets that amazingly can be the Feudal Japan substitute for his repulsor blast!

It's actually quite ingenious how they incorporated Stark's repulsors in this age and time. Not entirely sure how it would actually work, but they put it in! There's decent detail with these muskets, though lacking some paint, they still look good though. They connect on Stark's forearms just fine. Wish there was a way he can hold them like regular guns.

And then there's his sword. It doesn't have a whole lot to talk about other than it's a pretty cool addition. It's not uber detailed, and even the sheath is a bit of a lackluster considering how extravagant some Samurais can make them. The hilt itself is good though. Glad they put some effort into this. Though I think a gold blade would be a bit more dramatic and my preference.

If aesthetics and presentation are where Kotetsu Iron Man succeeds, articulation is where it is a bit flawed. Why? Well, it will do the standard (a little less, perhaps), but because of its stylized theme, certain movements are highly limited and if 'forced' it will look rather odd with some joints. Some of the classic Iron Man pose might not be as easily acquired with this design. And I didn't even attempt the Iron Man landing pose either. With him lacking a stand (the one I'm using is a figma one), he is limited for sure.

So.... where's Samurai Stark in here? Yes, this is my Hall of Armors dedication shelf. It is just as crazy as it was before. And it still has room for growth, mind you.

So as a closing note, I really like how this guy looks. Back in the day in the 90s Iron Man (the second season), he had a "Samurai Armor"... which he didn't use at all. Regardless, this amalgamation is something I always found intriguing so to have an action figure form version of it, and for the most part, done right, is something I can appreciate. For casual Iron Man fans, this is a pass and honestly, could slip through the cracks to even the die-hard Iron Man fans. With so many Iron Man figures out there, I'm sure this wouldn't be one of those anyone can truly miss. But for me, it's unique and it does fall in line with my preference. It's a great catch and I think it has something to offer for those who are in search for something different in the Iron Man realm. 

S.H. Figuarts: SFV Chun Li

The Strongest Woman in the World! I came to the realization that despite how much Street Fighter has influenced my gaming and life/fandom in general, I have not spent a lot of my time with them (fanfictions, collecting, commissioning, etc). Ryu and Chun Li are well-known characters in the fandom world and I happen to like what Ryu stands for and love Chun Li. It kind of baffles me that this is my first review of a Chun Li related merchandise! Well, let's get on with the figure then.

S.H. Figuarts' box is as common in the realm of imports as they come. They're a delight and very styled to the theme/character they are interpreting. I enjoy and appreciate them since they do a lot by showing both the figure in a vanilla pose, all their accessories, and what the figure can possibly do through different forms of poses. Just as a random note, this is a SFV themed Chun Li. As I go through the review, I will point out how much it deviates from the said theme it is trying to go for.

Now right down to the figure, it is a beautiful piece. There are plenty of sculpting done here and everything they have put into this figure really does replicate as much as the Street Fighting beauty as it can. Chun Li, being one of the classics Video Game badass gal, surprisingly retained her conservative, but still sexy costume throughout the years (with some very sexy alternative outfits in recent SF addition, of course). Figuarts ensured that they got every bit of the essence that makes this costume recognizable. As one can see, the sculpt is spot on with her clothing and body shape.

Then, of course, the coloring and how well it just flows. Chun Li's colors are pretty distinct for the gaming/anime/fandom world. S.H. Figuarts translated that well and the mix of metallic and dull colors doesn't exactly shy away from making it look amazing. Nothing messy, there's shading where it really needs it. Her faces are pretty for the most part and they are also pretty consistent with each other. While it isn't the perfect every detail color job, I'd say it's pretty good though.

Chun Li's accessories aren't bad either. They're missing a few key signature things that would make this hit every point, but it's not totally bad and what lacks doesn't break the deal or anything like that. So let's talk about her faces first!

I've put them in order from how much I like them; top being my favorite and bottom my least. I just think there is something odd about the way she is 'yelling'.

And of course, what would Chun Li be without her famous 'lightning kick'? This accessory may have some minor issues, but it fits the bill. My main gripe is that it comes apart a little too easily. I found that I can take one of the 'lightning effect' and make it less 'kicks' (I guess, if that makes sense) to have some display options, but that doesn't really look that great or that different. It's cool and it works! I'm glad they added it, that's for sure. It also comes with a stand to make her stand with the effect.

To talk about accessories for a moment(or the lack of), I think Chun Li is really hurt without equipping her with her own stand. This is a figma stand I'm using. Also, Chun Li should have been given a "Kikoken" effect, which I think would have given this figure a little more depth. Still, it's just something I wanted to point out even if I did enjoy the picks I took of her.

Now as far as her range of movements, she's pretty good. I definitely enjoyed the photo shoot! I got some good shots with her, and I was able to recreate some of her more familiar poses. I know at times I do a terrible job really describing what articulation a figure has, but truthfully, if I say 'standard' for an import, anyone in this collecting game should know what I am talking about. All I have to say to summarize this is that I was able to get some of her recognizable poses on picture. Here:

What would have helped the cause for this move is maybe an alternate 'skrit' that allow sit to go with gravity.

And yes, these are one leg poses. I was able to put her on one feet with very little problem.

And here she is next to the only other Chun Li figure I have that is out of the box. Strange, I never bought her Bishoujo, her Playarts, or anyhting else when I consider myself to be a long time fan of the Strongest Woman in the World.

In conclusion, I'd say that this was a pretty awesome catch. I can finally say I have my first Chun Li figure on my collection that I truly did try and own without stumbling on it. For any casual SF fan, this is a good addition to your roster. Any die-hard fan of Chun Li must have this in their shrine. I know there is the "Storm" collection that is literally coming out with SFV figures and while I don't have the Storm version, I'd say that having both isn't a bad idea. If you have to choose, well, I can't say since I can only vouch for this one. But let me just say, having this, I don't have the urge to get the other one.

A Prelude: To The New

I'm well aware that I'm VERY slow with the review updates! Rest assured that the same reason is the very same hurdle I am facing that prevents most of me from getting some of these out. Also, as we are all aware, THE RED is no longer so rebuilding my new Game Room is a process. One that is taking more time than I intended (just like everything else).

But today is a special day so...I just want to share the things that I have done to spoil myself. And yes, that also includes the ones I have yet gotten the chance to review. 

S.H. Figuarts: Sailor Moon

Sailor Moon is indeed one of my spoils from 2013's Christmas spoils as I predicted. She has been a long time coming since I have always yearned for a really good and pose able Sailor Moon figure for some time. From my knowledge, none has ever been provided. Bandai was kind enough to jump on that wagon and supply us with their S.H. Figuarts aberration of the Moon Princess with vibrance! So, let's check out the packaging she came from!

Yes, the border of the collage is PINK! If one asks why, then you deserve a Moon healing! Okay, that was corny. So let's just talk about the box before I get more eyes rolling. So with the box design, it's a pretty standard anime/eastern action figure box. Nothing new and all too familiar with how Bandai do their action figure boxes and even Figma does this as well. Again, very recognizable so this part doesn't need TOO much scrutiny. Of course it is Sailor Moon flavored, so that should be a no brainer.

Accessories doesn't fall at all and the details with the said accessories is something to admire! As a norm delivery of imports, there are several alternate faces and hands that adheres to some of Sailor Moon's more prominent signature poses. Her first season weapons are also provided with astounding details which of course adds more dynamic scenes that the owner can conjure up! Either copying it straight from the anime or creating the pose on the whim, the accessories provided will promote for both. If one considers Luna as a figure and not as an accessory, then I suppose there is two in this box. She does have some pose ability so that's always cool. The stand that come with her is pretty familiar with the stands I have bought before. My gripes with Sailor Moon stand is that it holds the same errors that the plain stands have and that is 'fragile'. The Sailor Moon font does help make it more 'unique' however.

Detail is all there in regards to her first season costume. Nothing was missed and it was down to the tee even to the paint job. All the signature detail like the crescent moon on her boots, the bows on her chest and butt, the collar, tiara, earrings, hell even her brooch has the color details like in the anime! Her trademark hair("odangos?") are even properly sculptured that it is the exact markings of the Moon Princess herself. Again the paint that goes with it is great and the vibrant gloss makes her 'celestial' and indeed a 'pretty soldier'. I like the translucent mark on the tip of her hair as well which again, adds to her rather 'magical' presence.

So talking about her weaponry now, Sailor Moon comes with her classic Tiara Star weapon. The way she holds and throws it in the anime can only be reenacted if it is made as an alternate hand(at least down right) like Bandai did here. That one can really copy the iconic Moon Tiara Star Action of the first season(one that she stopped using as often when the seasons started rolling in).

One detail that was attended to(and should not have been forgotten) is that Sailor Moon has an alternate head that has her tiara off; which makes sense since her said accessory did turn into a glowing sphere. That attention to detail does apply to other accessories as well.

If anyone remember the first season, Sailor Moon's Crescent Moon Wand came with and without the Emporium Silver Crystal. Of course doing some soul searching and seeing Tuxedo Kamen in dire pain thanks to the homosexual Zoycite(spelling?), Usagi found out that she was the Moon Princess and the crystal was finally hers. She attached it to her wand and well, her "Healing Escalation" became a bit more 'powerful'. Again the detail is fantastic with that idea! Two separate wands makes it less of a strain when trying to put a miniscule magical crystal in such a small wand so that's much appreciated! Maybe a bit of 'special affects' would've added a bit more glamor into the whole figure as a whole, but I'm not about to complain fervently when I think the way it is is more than adequate.

I was trying to mimic the scene where Endymion was kicking her little behind and she desperately tried to use "Healing Escalation" to turn him back to the goo goo-love-you-to-death-Prince. Though she isn't as battle scarred.

We've already seen a bit of the alternate faces' use. Capturing some of Usagi's moments(both good and bad) are indeed a whole lot easier with these emotion ridden faces. Serious, winking, smiling, battle face, and crying, the only thing I can ask for is a 'focus closed eyes' alternate. Having that would completely copy the first part of the "Healing Escalation" moment. Minor gripe and a redundant complaint, I'm aware!

Combine the variants for her faces with the alternate hands, one can truly recapture some Senshi moments like the picture above. Who can forget Sailor Moon's speech entrance… seriously how can you? She does it EVERY damn episode. If you forgot it, I should punish you(LAAAMMMMEE).

Articulation is standard. Me saying it just like that does not mean it is insipid or lacking. Being the first S.H. Figuarts I own, I must say that Sailor Moon is highly articulated! Able to produce a plethora of dynamic poses as I have grown to expect for all anime/eastern related characters in their action figure adaptations. The tiny detail such as articulation in her hair is even added, which of course is sort of a must nowadays, but still, with it added ALWAYS uplifts my love for the toys I collect.

Okay so maybe Sailor Moon does not do the 'thwip' thing as Spider-Man does, but with this and the 'Sailor Moon kick' displayed, one can truly get an inkling to just how articulated she is and just how much things one can produce with this toy.

In conclusion, I'm very elated to have this toy. Is she a 'wow' factor? Not that much but she does aim to please. The accessories, the variant hands and faces, Luna, and jut the paint and sculpt of this action figure is just enough to say I am glad I have her. I mean, my prior Sailor Moon toy isn't much to be proud of now considering I own an articulated, well painted, Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon. For all of you collectors out there who happens to be Sailor Moon fans, expect an above mediocre toy! Having her in my possession now, I believe the other Senshis are soon rolling in!