REVIEW SHFiguarts Masked Rider / Takeshi Hongo [ Shin Kamen Rider ], Bandai

4 Jan, 2024

This is review of P-Bandai action Figure SHFiguarts Masked Rider / Takeshi Hongo [ Shin Kamen Rider ] from Shin Kamen Rider Movie.

P-Bandai action Figure SHFiguarts Masked Rider / Takeshi Hongo [ Shin Kamen Rider ]

The P-Bandai action figure SHFiguarts Masked Rider/Takeshi Hongo, modeled after the character in Shin Kamen Rider, presents several notable features. While its overall body shape mirrors that of the standard No. 1 figure, this iteration introduces several unique elements.

Design and Aesthetics

The figure includes a bare head, featuring the likeness of Sosuke Ikematsu, the actor portraying Takeshi Hongo. The head sculpt appears younger than the character's movie depiction, primarily due to the absence of shaving marks. However, the bone structure and facial features remain faithfully reproduced, and the hair looks convincingly natural. A traditional masked head is also provided, maintaining the same design as previous versions.

In terms of coloring, the suit exhibits a slightly darker hue compared to the standard model. Each component, including the green armor parts of the suit, has been recolored to a marginally darker shade, adding depth to the figure's appearance.

Material and Texture

A standout feature is the muffler, now crafted from cloth material, enhancing the figure's realism. This cloth muffler contains a wire, allowing for dynamic and flexible positioning. The belt around the waist is notably brighter, providing a stark contrast to the overall darker color scheme.

The arms and legs retain the original sculpt but feature darker gloves and boots, aligning more closely with the movie's aesthetic. Although some may prefer the previous version's coloring, this adaptation offers a more authentic cinematic feel.

Additional Features and Articulation

Despite the aesthetic modifications, the figure's articulation remains consistent with the normal version. The cloth muffler, besides adding realism, also contributes to a more dynamic range of motion. This is particularly evident in action poses like the rider kick, where the figure's dynamic potential is fully realized.

Accessories and Display Options

Included among the accessories is a hand-held mask, unique in its retracted chin design. The figure's compatibility with the normal version's coat is a plus, allowing for varied display options. Notably, the muffler is non-removable, which is a slight limitation but does not detract significantly from the overall appeal.

Summary

The SHFiguarts Kamen Rider/Takeshi Hongo (Shin Kamen Rider) action figure scores highly in terms of reproduction quality. The lack of shaving marks on the face gives it a younger appearance, but the overall fidelity to the character's look is commendable. The suit's color variations, along with the introduction of a cloth muffler, significantly enhance the figure's realism and dynamism. The unchanged body shape ensures that the figure maintains excellent articulation, akin to the standard version. The addition of a cloth-wired muffler and a true-to-life head sculpt would have been ideal from the start, but overall, the figure stands out as a highly satisfying rendition of the iconic character.