Shining Wind’s Kureha by President Japan and Tony Taka

In my previous post I mentioned that I had received 3 figures 2 weekends ago.  Here is the third.  Created in the wonderful mind of Tony Taka for Shining Wind/Tears anime and videogame, President Japan brings her to life in PVC form.

Besides Gashapon, I believe this is the third incarnation of Kureha.  The first by Max Factory became a favorite of collectors and is a bit hard to find.  The second by Kotobukiya is still currently available at some retailers.

The big thing about this figure is the eyes.  Instead of the normal painted on eyes, this Kureha has inset eyes like the dolls of many little girls.  You know those dolls who’s eyes open and close as you stand them up or lay them down?  Yeah, those eyes.  Staring into the eyes a bit weird because it’s definitely more life like than other PVC.

Looking at pictures at the Kotobuiya Kureha, I appreciate this one more.  PJ’s looks older and provides us with a different post than most PVC.  Her dress adds quantity to the figure as it is sprawled out around the figure.  She almost seems like a bird resting after a long flight.

She’s an elegant and sweet looking figure with a surprising feature. As I unboxed the figure and removed the protective plastic I noticed she became a bit loose around the waist. I totally did not expect to be casting this figure off in anyway but it’s alsways a welcome feature as long as it’s done tastefully.

I found it a bit difficult to get many perfect shots.  The position of the figure doesn’t allow for capturing of her entire body in a single shot.  You either capture the face and miss out on the legs or you cature the legs but miss out on the eyes (all four ^_^).

In the end she is still a nice figure which would add variety to any collection through it’s color and sitted position.

Shunya Yamashita’s Karin and Noel by E2046 Gathering

Last Saturday was a great day, 3 figures arrived at once but since I was headed out of town for the weekend and it’s been a stressful week, this review arrives now.  Today I’ll focus on 2 figures out of those 3 (the third’s review will arrive soon).

Two more great Gathering Kits from E2046, Karin and Noel, lack nothing in the hot and sexy department.  If you’ve seen my previous review of Niniane, then you will realize this review is along the same lines and find out why these two figures are so great.

As with Shion and Niniane, Karin and Noel were both originally busts.  Sadly bust lack legs and there were no signs of either coming out with legs.  E2046 has done the figure community a great favor by adding legs.  As a bonus to the addition of legs they have also included custom bases for both (Noel with her tiger skin and Karin with her roman pillar settings. My Karin base wasn’t flat as it should be, it was somewhat curved, probably will flatten in time.

Both figures are great examples of quality workmanship on E2046’s part.  I am in no way disappointed with either but the best of the two is definitely Karin.  It seems that the majority agree since she is currently sold out at E2046 while Noel is currently in stock (only 5 left at the moment).

The original art for Noel gives seems to capture her anger, attitude, and ferociousness.  But neither the bust nor the E2046’s version capture that well.  In the end she seems to have a cute face with slightly chubby cheeks offset by that badass Mike Tyson face tattoo.  The claws on the bust version seem to be sharper the E2046’s ver. from pictures, but I don’t mind that since I’m not a fan of being cut and scraped by my figures.

Noel has nice curves and, IMO, is somewhat of a cross between a badass bond girl and Han from Enter the Dragon.  She is very easy on the eye in the tight black leather outfit and seems to have and affinity for tigers or for killing tigers.  Noel isn’t exactly a must have but is a great addition to any Shunya Collection.

Saving the best for last brings me to Karin.  Karin is beautiful with her tempting glance and innocent stance.  She resembles a Greek goddess IMO.  Erotic but classy.  Sexy but dangerous.  Keep an eye on that dagger in the right hand.  Not exactly a WMD but I’m sure she knows how to handle herself.

The tattoo’s on her upper and lower back are are a great and look much cleaner and finer than on the original busts.  The original busts tattoo seemed like the lines were too thick and resembled a large blob of paint on her back.  One thing I noticed was a small bubble of air behind the upper back tattoo which if touched would probably break the decal. The original busts seems to have more of a booty than E2046.  E2046 doesn’t seem to get the booty and thighs perfect.  They get them “just right” but not perfect.  Don’t get me wrong I know I’m not dealing with the busts but the original’s face seems more seductive and older.  While E2046’s seems lighter, happier and younger.

The flower in her hair isn’t very detailed but is recognizable.  The gold accents such as her armlets and bealt are fine.  The added legs aren’t a complicated design and I don’t know why Kotobukiya couldn’t do it but oh well, that’s why we have E2046.