REVIEW SHFiguarts Kamen Rider Dread Type Zero, Bandai Spirit

24 Dec, 2024

This is review of Bandai action figure tokusatsu SHFiguarts Kamen Rider Dread Type Zero from Kamen Rider Gotchard.

Bandai Action Figure Tokusatsu SHFiguarts Kamen Rider Dread Type Zero Review

The SHFiguarts Kamen Rider Dread Zero-Type delivers a visually striking and meticulously designed figure that perfectly captures the character's menacing and sharp aesthetic. Here's a detailed review of its design, articulation, and features.

Overall Appearance

The figure embodies the sinister and edgy vibe of Kamen Rider Dread Zero-Type. Its slender proportions, sharp silhouette, and glossy jet-black finish closely mirror its on-screen counterpart. The design reflects its antagonistic role, blending sleekness with a threatening aura.

Head Sculpt and Paintwork

The head sculpt features a fearsome design that diverges from typical Rider aesthetics, with its compound eyes being the only traditional element. The intricate sculpting and sharp detailing contribute to its intimidating appearance. The glossy black finish and precise paint application highlight its dark and commanding presence.

Body and Armor Details

Torso and Armor

The figure’s body and armor replicate the show’s imagery flawlessly. The gradient paintwork simulating light emission is beautifully executed, adding depth to the design.

Waist and Belt

The Dread Driver, along with its small details like the card slot and LCD panel, is intricately recreated. The lever on the left side of the belt is functional, adding interactivity.

Arms and Legs

The arms and legs showcase sharp, angular details, particularly around the shoulders, elbows, and fingers. The ankle design includes a distinctive thickness, with the armor exhibiting a slight bluish tint to contrast the black inner layers.

Back and Scarf Design

The scarf is attached via a joint mechanism, allowing for dynamic movement and posing. This flexibility ensures that the scarf adds flair to poses without hindering articulation.

Weapons and Accessories

Bloody AB (Sword)

The blade weapon is detailed and faithful to the show, with intricate patterns on the blade and hilt.

Bloody BB (Dual Pistols)

These come as a pair, allowing for dual-wielding poses. Both weapons are well-crafted, ensuring accuracy and a premium feel.

Articulation and Movement

Joints and Posing

The articulation aligns with recent Rider releases, with enhancements to accommodate the unique design. The neck uses an extended joint system to overcome the constraints imposed by the scarf.

Leg and Hip Design

The pull-out style hip joints allow for kneeling poses, although care is needed to avoid interference with the sharp thigh armor.

Dynamic Action

The figure’s stiff joints support one-legged stances and other action-oriented poses. However, dual-handed sword poses felt slightly restrictive due to limited shoulder range.

Comparisons and Display

The figure scales slightly larger than Kamen Rider Gotchard but remains consistent with other entries in the lineup. Displaying it alongside Gotchard or Valvarado enhances its visual appeal, especially in recreating iconic battle scenes.

Summary

The SHFiguarts Kamen Rider Dread Zero-Type is an exceptional representation of the character. Its sharp sculpting, glossy black paint, and gradient effects elevate its aesthetic appeal. While minor articulation constraints around the thighs and shoulders exist, they are mitigated by the figure’s thoughtful design, such as the pull-out joints and neck adjustments.

The inclusion of both weapons (Bloody AB and Bloody BB) enhances playability, and overall, there were no major shortcomings. As the next release in the Gotchard series—Fire Steam Hopper—approaches, expectations are high for similarly intricate paintwork and design. Fans of the series will find this figure to be a stellar addition to their collection.