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Speed Lines Not Included:
Bandai's Anime Collector Figure Sets
Review
by : Troy
Brownfield
More
Info: www.bandai.com,
www.bandai-ent.com
While
Gundam may be an anime legend with action figures and models
that rule the toy universe with a claw and hammer, astute
fans know that Bandai distributes a wide variety of other
worthy and beloved titles. So, while fans of Gundam can buy
their weight in items inspired by their favorite shows, it's
apparent that other properties with collector appeal haven't
been properly tackled. That's the aim of Bandai's Anime Collector
series, a fantastic concept that started last year with entries
dedicated to EscaFlowne, The Big O, and Outlaw Star, and will
continue this year with new installments from such titles
as Cowboy BeBop. Each set contains two 4.5" PVC figures,
and a larger articulated figure or vehicle.
Overall, the only initial drawback of the figures in price
point. You need to look a bit to get a good price. However,
EBX/Electronics Boutique currently has them marked down to
$10 each. That's a fantastic buy for an item that was originally
$25 at places like Suncoast. Each set has it's own merits,
so I'll take each one separately.
 Outlaw
Star: Appropriately enough, this set contains the titular
spacecraft of the star-spanning space opera. Packed with a
colorful star-shaped base and articulate arms for the ship's
grapple mode, the set is very eye-catching. Also included
(and standard for all three sets) is a small stand for the
two PVC characters. In this case, the PVCs are of series protagonist
Gene Starwind and Melfina. It's a really nice looking set,
and it makes you wonder if we'll see some more of the cast
filled out in PVC form.
EscaFlowne:
This one really impresses me. The Mechanical Suit EscaFlowne
itself is simply awesome. Equipped with a plastic-sculpted
cape and a massive sword, the armored giant looks great on
the shelf. The panel-lines and specific attention to detail
are especially good here. PVCs here are main character and
full-time dreamer Hitomi, and sword-packing Van Fanel.
The
Big O: My favorite of the bunch, partially because of
my affection for the show, and partially because it's just
a great representation. The MegaDeus called Big O is captured
in all its glory, from its funky piston-like arms to its smallish
head. The ball-jointed shoulders give this figure the biggest
range of motion in the line. It also has four extra hands
for open and closed poses. Obviously, the two PVCs here are
Negotiator Roger Smith, pilot of the Big O, and his android
companion R. Dorothy Wayneright. It's a damn shame that they
couldn't squeeze Norman the butler in here, but at least the
mysterious Angel comes packed with Big Duo in the second Assortment.
Bandai's
done a great job here. They look great on display and are
a steal at current bargain prices. If you have even a passing
interest, snap them up before the new sets arrive.
Troy
Brownfield is the Editor-in-Chief of Shotgun Reviews. While
he thinks that the characters, stories, and animation in The
Big O are great, he still has a hard time saying the name
out loud without the eighth-grade part of his mind giving
a little snicker. Email him at psikotyk@aol.com.
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