Toy Review: S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider Black (Renewal Ver.)

Just like Battle Hopper, its user, Kamen Rider Black also receives a renewal treatment for the S.H. Figuarts line. Making consumers aware the brand’s continuous evolution, this updated version of Kotaro Minami boasts a better head sculpt, matte paint application and fold and creases on the hips, legs and arms to be more show accurate. Even how the Kingstone is set on his waist is highly comparable to the suit design on the show.

 If the first issue has 5 hands, this renewal version has 8. 2 of these are holding hands to hold on the throttles on the S.H. Figuarts Battle Hopper. These extra parts are easy to detach exposing a smaller ball-joint than of the first release.

The S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider Black renewal version is a testament that the brand continues and will continue to evolve closer to its platform incorporating “ART”, pursuing character expression through humanoid action. I’m both happy and sad that Bandai has released this figure because now we have a more show accurate Kamen Rider Black and at the same time thinking that Bandai could have prioritized other characters like Kiva and Hibiki to complete all Heisei main riders. I dislike the idea of having a renewal versions coming through because it feels like coming back to square one. At least I am assured that the upcoming Figuarts will look as handsome as this. More to this from the video review below.