Toy Review: SH Figuarts Kamen Rider 2 (Shin Nigo)

At this moment, the fascination of a Kamen Rider War in SH Figuarts form might be coming into fruition with the arrival of the SH Figuarts Kamen Rider 2 (Shin Nigo). In the past two to three years, how many times have I seen Kamen Rider 1 and 2 coming to the big screen? I guess it would be the theme for a couple of years till we get sick and tired of all riders joining together. Probably not in this lifetime. With that in mind, is the reason behind me getting a taste SHF Nigo.

The box design doesn't veer away from Ichigo. On a glance, you won't tell the difference if you are a newbie in the KR toku series or at least in the SHF line. Keen enough, you'll see that the photo has changed and the box tab on the sides have changed from grey to red. Similarities doesn't end when you reach the back of the box. Even their rider kick poses are undeniably the same.

Of more obvious reasons, accessories looks the same as Ichigo, less the sword. Nigo's hands (6 in total) are remolds of the former and painted in red. Nigo also comes with a rider kick effects part which has a slightly darker blue gradient. I guess that is to distinguish which accessory belongs to which rider. Lastly, an extra scarf extension. Alas, as expected, Nigo didn't have a tamashii stand.

I still don't get it why Nigo still have four chopping hands. I understand the difference is that the thumb is folded underneath the palm (for henshin action) but in various poses, this is not that perceptible from a far. If Bandai has invested in a stand rather than an extra pair of hands, the value might be a little higher than what it is today. OMG my analogy of a tamashii stand.

I've mentioned a lot on this review that similarities between Ichigo and Nigo are huge. But I would point out some distinguishing marks of Nigo which separates him from the first. Aside from the red paint, there is a difference on the mold near the wrists which takes a point that Nigo isn't completely a remold. Paint on the helmet is matte. Try placing both Kamen Riders against a bright light to notice the difference. The cyclone belt fan has a different paint scheme as well. Only if Nigo has a Shocker logo at the back, might be a good buy (that premise didn't make sense since only The First movie had it). Geez, ctrl+alt+delete comment.

Articulation wise, Nigo is the same as Ichigo which has garnered rave reviews. The best part would be on the shoulders and hip joints making poseabilitities better, more flexible and to an extent sturdier than previous or at least Bandai's first wave of SHF releases. 

Even if SH Figuarts Kamen Rider Shin Nigo is almost a mirror image of Ichigo, it is still nice to have one especially if you have been dreaming of a Kamen Rider war right in the comfort of your room. At first I was reluctant to get one just on the premise of having similar figures on my plate. I guess placing Nigo beside its predecessor means twice the fun and twice the imagination.