[TAO's Note: Given the subject of this review, you might be surprised that DrNightmare isn't writing it. Instead go fig brings us an interesting look at this female Revoltech release, Yoko. Faint of heart be warned, this one is an eye-catching figure in more ways than one.]
Name: Yoko
Line: Fräulein Revoltech
Manufacturer: Kaiyodo
Released: May 2009
Price: Retail: $26.97, Online: $25.62-$34.99
Scale: Approximately 6.00 in.
Accessories: 1x pistol, 1x sniper rifle, 1x machine gun, 2x individual hairpins, 2x alternate faces (one of which comes already attached to the figure), 2x alternate hairpieces (one of them comes already attached with the figure), 1x standard “Revoltech” base, 5x sets of right hands, 6x sets of left hands, 1x “opened” sniper rifle stand, and 1x “folded” sniper rifle stand
According to the packaging, this particular Yoko figure is the “Movie Version” from the “Gurren Lagann: The Movie” anime (Japanese animation). Without a doubt in my mind, this Yoko (Series No. 016) is a far improvement over the previously released Yoko (Series No. 010) in many respects. The sculpt of Yoko’s “open mouth” smiling facial expression is a huge improvement over the previously released goofy-looking “tight-lipped” smiling expression. Another noticeable feature is Yoko’s increased bust size (not that I’m complaining). I have no idea why that is, I should think about watching that anime movie. What I especially love is Yoko’s new hairpiece that has her lovely red hair down. Interestingly, that particular hairpiece is designed so that you can lift the back of her hair (I really don’t know why this was done) without much trouble. There’s also a noticeable round “insert” point (at the back of her hairpiece) for the stand, allowing her additional support.
Like the previously released Yoko (Series No. 010), the “Movie Version” Yoko has an extremely nice sculpting work done on her belt, especially the silver studs embedded all around her white-colored belt. Her tight “hot pants” also shows off her cute butt (what guy doesn’t like that?). Her oversized boots are also right on par with the rest of the figure. The sculpt of the partially unzipped boots with the oversized zipper hanging at its side is a really nice touch. However, Yoko’s feet seem a tad bit small. I understand that she’s a popular anime character and she’s supposed to be cute and all, but when the proportion is a little off, it shows.
The 11 sets of hands are sculpted proportionately to the rest of her body. Interestingly enough, only one right hand can grip all three weapons. Although there is another left hand that looks like it can hold weapons, it can only barely hold onto the pistol. With the exception of the right and left fists (they each have a tiny hold for Yoko’s hairpins), the remaining hands are nothing more than additional gestures that Yoko can use.
The sculpt of Yoko’s trusty sniper rifle is nicely translated from the anime into plastic form. Not having seen “Gurren Lagann: The Movie,” I can only assume both sculpts of the machine gun and pistol are accurately portrayed as well.
Sculpt Score: 9 / 10
The paint application is okay but nothing too spectacular. I was really disappointed to see a stray mark under Yoko’s right eye. There are several noticeable red-colored stray marks right above her hip on her back (most likely from her red-colored bra strap). There’s also a lot of red-colored paint all over Yoko’s white boots as well. A stray mark on her mid-riff, additional paint splotches on the arms, etc. I just got tired of counting and writing about them all.
As for the paint job done on her guns, they seem to be faring a bit better than Yoko herself. However, there are still issues of stray marks on the stock/butt of the weapons.
Paint Score: 5 / 10
Yoko has quite a number of points of articulation: jointed neck, jointed shoulders, swivel upper arms, jointed elbows, jointed wrists, jointed torso, jointed hips, swivel thighs, hinged knees, and jointed ankles. Although some of her joints seems a little loose (mainly to do with her arms), Yoko can stand on her own two feet without any help whatsoever from the plastic base.
However, utilizing the base can yield some cool jumping “action” poses, etc.
Articulation Score: 10 / 10
As I’ve mentioned before, Yoko is loaded with so much articulation that she’s almost identical to her animated counterpart. However, what dampens the fun is when you want to swap faces and/or her various pre-posed hands. When I remove Yoko’s head, the Revoltech joint comes out with her face. I’ll struggle for the next couple of minutes, trying to yank out the neck joint so I can replace the smiling face with the alternate grim-looking face. That is serious labor and almost not worth doing. When it comes to replacing hands, it’s not as hard, but still annoying as hell. The hand can be easily taken out, but be careful, since the “opening” of the glove (the studded round piece of plastic around the wrist joint) can fall out. If you’re extremely adept (or lucky; they both seem to be related) you’ll slip on the alternate hand without much trouble. If you’re clumsy like me, you’ll spend some quality time trying to insert the hand while the joint seemingly moves on its own volition.
Fun Score: 7 / 10
The figure has been retailing for $25.62 when it was first released. I can’t seem to find any of these figures on sale from my usual online retailers. However, there are a few being sold on Amazon.com for slightly higher prices. I’d normally recommend turning to eBay, but due to many bootleggers, that’s probably the last place you want to go.
There was a Limited Edition version of this figure being sold around near the time of the “Gurren Lagann: The Movie” release in Japan. It consisted of the same basic figure and all of its accessories, but it included one more accessory, which is Boota (the pig-mole creature; you have to see the anime in order to know what it is). I don’t recall the actual price, but I remember it to be on the very high side. However, a free movie ticket was included with the figure.
Value Score: 10 / 10
9 / 10 - One of my absolute favorite sculpts.
5 / 10 - These stray marks are a real killer.
10 / 10 - Has all the right moves and then some.
7 / 10 - There’s got to be an easier way to swap alternate pieces.
10 / 10 - You definitely get what you paid for.
91 / 100 - This is a Wonderful Toy
This is one of the great ones. Despite the stray marks (which are irritating at best) and the occasional trouble involving swapping (head and hand) pieces, this figure is top notch in terms of value and quality. If you’re a fan of the Gurren Lagann anime, getting this figure is a no-brainer. For those of you who aren’t sure, watch the anime. Trust me, you’ll love it.
-go fig
_________
