REVIEW SHFiguarts (Shinkocchou Seihou) Kamen Rider No. 1: Takeshi Hongo [ Kamen Rider THE NEXT ], Bandai

30 Dec, 2024

This is review of Tokusatsu action figure Bandai SHFiguarts (Shinkocho Seihou) Kamen Rider 1 / Takeshi Hongo (Kamen Rider THE NEXT) from Kamen Rider THE NEXT.

Tokusatsu action figure Bandai SHFiguarts (Shinkocho Seihou) Kamen Rider 1 / Takeshi Hongo (Kamen Rider THE NEXT) Review

Marking the 100th release in the Shinkocho Seihou lineup, this figure brings Kamen Rider 1 from Kamen Rider THE NEXT to life. As a tribute to the series’ origins, it revisits the very first SHF figure with an updated design. The suit’s slender silhouette and dark, muted colors faithfully capture the on-screen appearance.

Head Sculpt and Face Detail

The figure’s head sculpt meticulously replicates the upgraded design from THE NEXT, featuring smaller compound eyes and intricate mold details.

The coloring of the mask, compound eyes, and antenna are precise, including painted damage effects for added realism. A Takeshi Hongo unmasked head is included, allowing for alternate display options. The accompanying neck piece ensures a seamless transition to the unmasked look.

Digital coloring enhances the facial features, delivering incredible realism with sharp hair sculpting and lifelike skin tones.

Body Design and Sculpting

The figure reflects the lean proportions seen in THE NEXT, distinguishing it from bulkier designs of other Kamen Rider suits.

Fine details include:

Wrinkle textures on the suit fabric, mimicking the appearance of material clinging to the body.
Realistic gloves and boots with detailed patterns.
The shiny finish of the armor components closely matches the appearance of the on-screen suit.

Accessories and Features

A wired fabric scarf is included, allowing for dynamic posing. However, care is needed as the wire near the base can be prone to damage.
The belt features enhanced precision and dimensionality compared to older versions.

Articulation and Movement

The figure offers exceptional poseability, with flexible joints and thoughtful engineering:

The neck and waist allow for extensive movement, supporting dynamic poses.
Shoulders can raise high, and elbows and knees bend deeply.
The hips provide excellent front, back, and lateral movement with strong ground contact, making wide stances stable.
The abdomen incorporates soft materials for increased rotation and flexibility, enabling natural poses.

Comparison with Previous Versions

Compared to the THE FIRST figure, this iteration presents a more robust yet still slender build, reflecting the refined proportions of the suit in THE NEXT.

When displayed with other Takeshi Hongo figures, the improvements in sculpting and detailing are evident.

Poseability and Display

The articulation ensures a variety of poses can be achieved naturally:

The joints strike a perfect balance between stiffness and flexibility, even allowing for one-legged stances.
Rider Kick poses and landing poses are stable and dynamic.
The soft collar material ensures neck articulation remains unhindered.

Additional Features

The figure can be paired with the older Cyclone motorcycle, though no specific gripping hands are provided.
Displaying the unmasked Hongo head with the Cyclone adds an extra layer of realism.

Summary

The 100th Shinkocho Seihou figure serves as a fitting milestone, revisiting the origins of SHF while showcasing modern sculpting and articulation.

The figure excels in screen-accurate design, capturing the distinct slender silhouette and meticulous detailing of THE NEXT suit. The Hongo unmasked head is a standout feature, demonstrating the sophistication of digital coloring.

Playability and visual appeal are both outstanding, making this a must-have for fans of the franchise.

With a new Cyclone motorcycle already announced and the possibility of Kamen Rider 2 and V3 figures in the pipeline, the legacy of Shinkocho Seihou continues to grow, offering exciting prospects for collectors.