Updatdedude is back with another review of a toy based on a character I've never heard of. This time it's Urataros, some guy from some show. Despite knowing nothing about him, I do know the toy looks awesome and deserves a look in another "matter of import" review, so check it out! 

Name: Urataros (The Imagin)
Line: S.H.Figuarts
Manufacturer: Bandai
Released: January 2009
Scale: 6.00 in. (If you consider he's a short Japanese dude)
Accessories: 2 extra pair of hands, cup of custom made coffee, coffee cup saucer, double sided turtle glave pole slashy thingy.

 

     Urataros is a character from the Kamen Rider Den-O TV series, a live action show that some might compare to the likes of Power Rangers. As such, he's got certain advantages in this category. Being live action, there no need for the sculpt to capture a 3D-representation of a 2D comicbook character by so-and-so artist.
     Therefore, Urataros is pretty darn accurate to his show design. Being a smooth talkin' sort of character, his design is also pretty smooth as well. But there's still plenty of sculpted in lines and minor details, so he's not boring.
     In addition, being an S.H.Figuarts means he's going to share a very similar body structure to the other toys in his line. Meaning he's going to be a pretty lanky sort of fellow, which works perfectly with this particular character and design.
     Not everything's smooth sailing though. If you look at the box art, you'll note that Urataros should have some lines running down his midsection and down his thighs, which are sadly, missing from the toy itself. Instead, it seems they gave him the abdominals of another character named Momotaros.

Sculpt Score: 8 / 10

 

     This is always a category I have trouble with. If a paint job is good, then that's all there is to say about it. And in this case, yeah, it's good. Urataros is the perfect shade of contrasting blues and there's no paint imperfections at all. There's no bleeding or whatnot.
     It'd be easier if I had stuff to complain about here.

Paint Score: 9 / 10

    

    Sadly, Urataros' articulation could have been better. While he's still got phenominal articulation, for a S.H.Figuarts, he's on the low end of the spectrum.
    The main problem stems from his shoulder guards, which sadly, significantly hinders outward arm movement. Urataros is not going to be found doing snow angels anytime soon. It's such a shame really. Even if they didn't put the shoulder armor on hinges like they do with other S.H.Figuarts figures, I wish they at least sculpted it so he could get enough clearance to do a snow angel, but alas...
    Other than that though, he's your regular S.H.Figuarts articulation god. He doesn't have diecast for his feet, which is a bummer, and I also wish his toes were a little stiffer (which can be fixed easily enough, thankfully), but otherwise, yeah, he's highly HIGHLY articulated.
    It's not just that he's articulated though, it's the way all the joints are so well hidden. The only things that show are his elbows and maybe his feet if you look hard enough, otherwise, this guy can hang with your Marvel Legends, and yet, not be absolutely riddled with lines. Which is ironic, since Urataros is a turtle themed "disembodied demon from an alternate monster inhabited possible future", so more lines would probably work on him. Oh well.

Articulation Score: 8 / 10

     It's Ura-frikkin-Taros. He's a terrific character who was under-utilized in the show. But whenever the good guys needed someone to lie (because the truth's too unbelievable, or they want to settle things peacefully) and be morally ambiguous, Ura's the guy they go to.
    But seriously, how can this guy not be fun? As a Figuarts toy, he's not only highly articulated, but highly durable as well, although some armor pieces might pop off if you're not careful.
    As a result, he's highly playable. Since the Figuarts are quite tall for what was originally a 5" line, he's able to be a tall guy if you have any of the old Souchaku Henshin toys, or if you have Power Rangers. He's able to be a normal guy if you have other S.H.Figuarts or the Hasbro Ironman toys. And he can be a short Japanese guy if you have Marvel Legends or even SOTA Street Fighters.
    He can be a fighter, with his double-ended polearm, he can be a lying lover (which was his character on the show) or he can just be someone who drinks blue coffee. How can you not have fun, with a coffee cup accessory?
    The answer, you can't.

Fun Score: 9 / 10

 

     Yeah, kinda expensive. Were it not for his shoulderpad issues though, I'd say he's worth every penny. Since you're essentially getting a "masterpiece" edition of the character. But his relatively lacking articulation in comparison to other S.H.Figuarts does make his price tag a little less justified.
     He's worth getting if you're a fan of Kamen Rider Den-O though. Despite being under-utilized, he's probably the most essential Imagin next to Momotaros, since he functions as Momo's foil.

Value Score: 7 / 10 

8 / 10 - Pretty show accurate, but could have been slightly moreso.

9 / 10 - My untrained eyes find no flaws.

8 / 10 - While still very good, articulation is still relatively weak compared to other S.H.Figuarts.

9 / 10 - Loads of fun. Just need some Imagin-nation.

7 / 10 - A good toy, but your mileage will vary depending on whether you know/like the character or not.

89 / 100 - This is a Great Toy

      A really good toy, but despite the high score, you may wish to skip him. He may be good, but other S.H.Figuarts are better. Kamen Rider Black for instance, is basically perfection, while Urataros here, is somewhat flawed.
     If you're a fan of the Den-O series and/or of Urataros though, then this is a must buy.
     So in short, if you don't know Kamen Rider or Figuarts, and you want to try, try one of the others first. If you're already a fan, then Ura is a worthy addition to filling out your collection.

-Updatedude

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