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. 

Future Reviews

So these are the stragglers that didn't make it to THE RED's display. Shame. But that just means I'll have a brand new league to review when I have my next game room all set up and ready. I'm not sure how that is going to look or what I'm going to be doing with it, all I know is that it's not going to be 'customized' for me but I know one day I'll get a game room again.

BUT! Been waiting to review Kiritsugu Emiya for a while now! And that Harley Quinn! And not to mention, I have a whole lot more coming this way soon! So here's to the future reviews! 

2015 Collection Highlights

This is my 3rd annual "Collection Highlights". Following suit of my 2014, this year is a bit different than the last. Now while I collected as much as I can, I feel like I don't have the big bang quality nor do I have a lot variety. Things were a bit tight on the funds this year so I think I'm more or less on the Hasbro side(Marvel Legends are my cheapest and growing collection). The times I was collecting did bring joy in my life so I can't really complain. So here we are!

Marvel Legends: As I stated, this year I gained a lot and let me just digress... I didn't capture the one BAF I should probably have: The AoU Hulkbuster BAF. Room and funds were into big play this year and... I'll get that someday. Also one thing about the selection this year, there are no more Toybiz ones since I didn't buy any. And this year, I started gaining this 'meh' attitude towards Hasbro's supply since there were so many 'repeats', rehashes, and lacking of accessories. Now I may sound like I hate Legends... I really don't. So without further adieu, these are the top notches in my list. And yes, the majority of them came from the Odin BAF series.

Iron Fist, Scarlet Witch, Captain Marvel, Spidey 2099, Spider-Woman

Top Legend: 

We should not be surprised that it is Jessica Drew that wins this. I have been waiting for an updated Marvel Legend of Spider-Woman so long that when I heard that she was coming out, I was elated beyond belief. She isn't a perfect Legend, and she still suffers from Hasbro's disease of 'lack ofs', but, it is still an adequate figure! So great that I have three! Thank you Hasbro!

Build-A-Figure(ML): I will be honest that since Hasbro is the main supplier of BAFs, this year suffers; now there were variety this year, that is for sure! I did not even get half of the BAFs that came out for a few reasons and the ones I got, well... I only have three total so the battle for who is number one BAF remains on this three:

Odin, Hobgoblin, Thanos

BAF Legend:

I wanted it to be Thanos, believe me. Thanos is my favorite character out of the three and I was looking forward for a brand new Thanos figure for such a long time. It also helped that Thanos as a BAF came with Spider-Woman for one of his parts! Unfortunately, Thanos did NOT deliver. Low articulation, not exactly diverse in the form of poses... no accessories. Odin would be my second favorite with how unique he is and he comes with an accessory; So with that said, Hobgoblin took the trophy for 2015. He has more accessories, he is unique, and he is pretty fun to pose. That's the tricky thing with rating BAFs... is it the set or the figure itself that makes these guys? For Hobgoblin's case, it's him as the figure since his set wasn't that great to me.

Imports: This particular genre did not come with a lot of choices for 2015. I did not buy a lot since imports are not cheap by any means(the ideal number for candidates are five, but again, money was not easy to come by this year). So with my choices being limited to the three... well...

Iron man, Elsa, Harley Quinn

Most Enamoring: 

Elsa is not even in the same league--and while I love that cute little figure, it doesn't fit the mold of how to put it against the S.H. Figuarts that I bought this year; still she is an import so I had to include her in here. Now between Harley and Stark, it was really hard. I wanted to really say Harley Quinn but there was just something so much more entertaining in this Iron Man import that I could not justify Harley taking the trophy. It was a coin toss, but I have to say that Iron Man is superior between the two (in my humble opinion).

Statues: While I did not get a lot this year, it still is a decent number and the competition was there. Bishoujo remains to be my dominant supplier for this area. Nonetheless, these are the catch of 2015 in regards to statues:

Rei Ayanami, Batwoman, Juri Han, Jubilee

Winning Statue: 

Juri came on top with Batwoman a close second. Jubilee was cute and Rei was a good pick but I would be lying if I denied the idea that I would have let both teens win the slots for the sake of sexuality. Juri and Batwoman are head to head but I think Juri just has more intricacy--and maybe that doesn't fall on the product but the character design. Still, Ayanami was the none Bishoujo out of the four and she was just plain fan service.

Shout out: This category is new and I have to say that this particular 'winner' does not come in abundance. Marvel Select are hardly something I collect but I do have them as display. This particular guy is the first I have ever opened and I have to say, it was well worth it! Amazing thing! While lacking some articulation and accessories, stable, well painted, and all that.... it's a fine addition to my Iron Man shelf.

Marvel Select Hulkbuster

After Word: This year did not produce a "THE ONE" kind of deal. While I will say that I adore the majority of my catch this year, I believe there was just so much clutter in my 'life' that I can't say any figure really stood out. STOOD OUT. I did not get into a Hot Toy this year and they are almost a guaranteed winner. Regardless, I think 2015 was a decent hunting year. I had a lot of fun with those I caught and 2016 seems even more promising. Maybe if I get lucky this year I will have a Hot Toy on the review slot? Well, here's to the new year then! 

Happy New Years 2016!

Happy New Year! 2015, GOOD BYE! 2016, let's see what you have to offer! As the days go by, I'll keep reviewing spoils I gained from 2015's Holiday. We'll see which one of these represented will go to the Highlights of 2015!

Other than that, here's to a better year then! 

S.H. Figuarts: Iron Man Mark XLV

It's been some time since I've jumped into a review, so here I am! What a better figure to get acclimated back into the groove than a brand new Iron Man figure form the AoU line up! Iron Man Mark XLV from Figuarts! I have to admit, the moment I saw this armor, I knew I was going to like it so I had to get a figure of it, glad Figuarts delivered! So, let's check him out!

The box is pretty familiar since one of my last few reviews involved S.H. Figuarts as well. Imports always have that nice box that shows off the figure and the capabilities of it. It's a nice box, suffice to say.

And of course! One of imports' most well known perk for their price: accessories, variant hands, and effects. Iron Man does not fall short of these and he gets 4 set of hands, two pairs of repulsor blast effects, and then some jet boots effects. Could have used a flight stand, but you know, that probably would have elevated the price to my disliking(this wasn't a bad price for what it is, honestly). And it would definitely have increased the rate if they had a Tony Stark/Robert Downey Jr alternate head.

Now the details of the figure is of course astounding. Now my main qualms with the Iron Man suit in the movies is that they all look almost identical. The changes are so miniscule that one can hardly tell the difference. One thing that Iron Man did do was always make his changes known; if anything else if they didn't want to go that route, at least they could have changed the helmets in all his different armors; okay in IM3 he had different armors and helmet, but still. Mark XLV is the first armor that showcases a far more comic recognizable design and a different helmet(small change, but bigger than the last few they have given). So as far as the figure goes, this one definitely captured the fine details of all the red, the touch of silver, and the subtle but very elegant gold all over his armor. The paint is of course very well done as I would expect. Partner that in with the details in the nooks and cranny of the armor, it's definitely an astounding piece of import.

Just studying underneath his armpit, there are little details in there that is definitely appreciated. The mold itself is always a unique feeling since I either don't buy enough Figuarts to know a recycled mold or it's just a completely new mold every time(which I'm willing to gamble it is). It is kind of hard to reuse the same parts for this particular armor since it is the most unique out of all of the main armors Stark has worn. It has a very durable feel to it to, diecast metal legs and all. If I was to make my complaints on the figure's aesthetics is that the hand guard is a bit too large; makes an awkward poses at certain angles(as this Type V3 Review pointed out). The arc ray and the repulsor hands don't have much paint details making them a bit bland for my taste. Small little mishaps, but still a greatly detailed figure with plenty of things to appreciate.

Articulation is of course highly in depth. An import usually has high standards when it comes to this department as well and I'm glad Mark XLV does not really disappoint. As you can see, if an Iron Man figure can do the Cinematic Universe signature pose, it's going to have a few good points of articulation! And him performing this said pose doesn't look awkward like some of the MLs either! He can vary with his poses and copy some of Iron Man's known figures like flight, repulsor blasts, and just simple posture that is all Iron Man like.

The joints are well covered enough so that it truly does give it a more 'realistic' look. Again some of imports' trademark signature is hiding joints so that posing the figure about is as flawless and aesthetic as it can be. Again going back on details, certain part of the joints are highly detailed that it truly does keep pegs and such as discreet as it can be. Speaking of joints and movability, Iron Man's head moves up and down decently; some neck pivoting and such. Ab crunch and swivel is ab it limited and I'm afraid that it might hurt the figure's paint to truly force certain things. Arm and hands are supported with hinges on his shoulder pads and ball joints that allow a great range of movements. The legs have the standard S.H. Figuarts signature; one can pull down Iron Man's leg so that the hip armor design does not get in the way. Feet have decent ankle pivot and some slight toe articulation. Oh yes, die-cast legs which I think I mentioned already.

All in all, I think this is a great package and a decent price. There are some slight things I wish they could have added like more varied repulsor affects and that opened helmet would make for a fantastic addition to fun factor. Oh and flight stand!

Would have been great if Iron man came with a flight stand of his own and I didn't have to borrow a sigma flight stand.

Mark III, Mark XLII, Mark XLIII, Mark VI, and Mark V

Here's Mark XLV with some of the other movie based Iron Man figures that I own. The Marvel Legends somewhat blend in and obviously the Revoltechs are a good comparison to Mark XLV.

And this is my new Iron Man in the "Red and Gold" Iron Man shelf. He just... blends right in doesn't he? He gets drowned out with all the Red and Golds, thus why he is front and center. Can you spot him?

In conclusion, I think this is my favorite import Iron Man figure thus far. Though not perfect, missing some key points to make it closer to perfect figure, I do believe the price point would have been raised if we received more detailed fire power, RDJr head, and flight stand... Though with great paint details, awesome articulation, and the fact that it's Iron Man's best Cinematic Universe armor so far, I think it's a great figure! One can't not enjoy AoU without this guy in your shelf!