REVIEW Converge Kamen Rider 26, Bandai

27 Oct, 2023

This is review of Bandai action figure Converge Kamen Rider 26.

Bandai Converge Kamen Rider 26 Review

Kamen Rider GeAts IX

The anticipation builds until the final reveal, where Kamen Rider GeAts IX takes the spotlight. However, the surprise is met with mixed feelings. The compound eyes deviate from the movie version, the face appears unusually thin, and the white texture, unfortunately, imparts a cheap quality, leaving an overall rough-hewn impression. Despite the distinct departure in design, there is an absence of appropriation, presenting a unique twist.

Kamen Rider Tycoon in Ninja Form

GeAts continues to dominate, featuring a meticulously crafted Tycoon with precise details and a stunning metallic paint finish. The attention to detail enhances the overall aesthetic appeal.

Kamen Rider Nago [Beat Form]

Despite its deformed structure, the slender silhouette characteristic of female riders is accurately replicated. The sculpting and painting of the chest and shoulders showcase precision in design, capturing the essence of the character.

Kamen Rider Buffa [Zombie Form]

The portrayal of Buffa's Zombie Form encounters a setback with black hair parts and an open mouth, detracting from its visual appeal. The noticeable hair section leaves a desire for more meticulous painting to elevate the overall presentation.

Kamen Rider Live [Holy Live Form]

With a design reminiscent of the 24th Holy Live, the 26th iteration introduces nuanced differences in mold and detailing. A significant addition is the inclusion of a cloak, distinguishing it from its predecessor.

Kamen Rider Juuga

While the omission of limb colors is regrettable, the unique head design is faithfully reproduced, contributing to an overall commendable appearance.

Kamen Rider Wizard [Flame Dragon Style]

A notable upgrade from the previous flame style, now boasting 26 bullets and an enhanced form. The clean execution of clear parts on the head, coupled with minimal color omissions, showcases excellent craftsmanship. The considerable height difference with the 9th bullet wizard adds to the visual impact.

Kamen Rider Beast

The simplicity of the original design works to its advantage, with minimal color omissions and beautiful, well-crafted metallic paint, presenting a visually pleasing rendition.

Summary

This review delves into CONVERGE KAMEN RIDER 26, placing the spotlight on GeAts IX, hidden until the last minute. Despite deviations in color and texture and a somewhat peculiar appearance, the overall quality remains commendable. The lineup impressively features all main GeAts characters from the current season, complemented by additions from Revice and a long-unseen wizard, totaling eight types. The rushed release of GeAts IX, the series highlight, leaves room for improvement, but aside from that, the collection is generally well-made.