The Biggest news that created a huge ruckus in SH Figuarts history - SH Figuarts Kamen Rider Ryuki and Dragreder. When news struck and photos leaked on several review and toku sites, I heard people crying in amazement and awe. It is like a bright and shinny light has let upon those who are clamoring for more past Hsieh riders to join the foray of Kamen Rider figures. From the gods and goddesses of toy toku heaven, Bandai heard the plea and presented their version of Kamen Rider Ryuki.
It was MAX Factory's Figma that released the 6-inch Ryuki first this year in the market and many where happy but with a bit of a pinch. Figma didn't win the bidding to use Kamen Rider Ryuki character names in their line up. Rather, the toy line utilized is the ill-received US counterpart, Kamen Rider Dragon Knight. This gave room for Bandai in showcasing their answer to Figma's KRDK figures with their version Ryuki. The heated battle rages on as more collectors are itching and anticipating the arrival of the said character toy line. That's a bit of a history (or how I read) between the battle of toy manufacturers.
The box design is a fusion of learnings from both past and present. While it sports a greyish design, Bandai also took their cue from Kamen Rider OOOs by adding color such as Ryuki's photo with the Dragreder overlooking on his shoulder. Instead of the usual silver, the letters and characters are wrapped in hot red foil. On the back, descriptions of Ryuki in different forms are in English and has a shattering glass effect that is close to the theme of the show - riders of the mirror world. I cannot comprehend how generous Bandai is with this - it's big, it's huge, it's colorful and most of all in English. Yes, the warnings and other blurbs continue to be in Japanese.
The Rider:
If there is something to the overall design of SHF Ryuki is the simplicity and clean cut mold, paying nicely in homage to the rider. There were reviews already up stating that the shins and feet are in diecast however in my opinion upon inspecting, these are hard plastic in very glossy paint finish. The head sculpt is neatly done as well and with a closer look behind the grills on his face, you can see the compound eyes (it looks anime-ish though). Neck articulation is also impressive and well hidden. I was able to pose the neck as if it were poplocking.
Engineering on the shoulders have somewhat upgraded to something similar to the SHF Shinkenger balljoints and hinges however, these are more refined and seamless when moved up and about.
A surprising move from Bandai. The henshin card device located on his belt can be removed, unfortunately you aren't able to place the Advent cards in. A nice-to-have feature to SHF Kamen Rider Ryuki.
The feet design is what sets this figure apart from the past SHF designs. Ryuki sports a mash of the ball joint attributes of Tatoba and with more sleek hinges on the ankles like SHF Ixa but hidden. The boots are high enough to be just underneath the end of the shins. These doesn't complicate the feet movement at all. Nice touch.
The fusion of both old and new joint engineering is also evident on the thigh and hip area. Instead of the two-hinged design where you can pull down the legs to enable the figure to do splits, these are replaced with a huge solid and seamless hinge. More akin to the Figma version.
With all praises I mentioned above, this doesn't go without a slight con. There are about four removable pegs on each side of the arms in order to place the dragon parts for Guard Vent mode. Those on the shoulders are ok but the ones that are near the wrists become loose once removed.
Accessories, Advent forms and the Red Dragon:
Interchangeable hands - he has 10 of them, mostly holding hands. However there are a few unique hands; one for his signature pose, another is a hand that can hold the advent cards. There are some reviews that they are having problem holding the advent card onto this. It just so happens mine works well.
The Advent cards included are the following: Sword Vent, Strike Vent, Attack Vent, Guard Vent and Final Vent. These are in glossy laminated material and it doesn't feel like cardboards. And yes, you don't need to cut them like Diend or Decade. Whew.
Other accessories are the Dragvisor. This has a small slot at the back. It is not meant to insert the cards in but creates an illusion that it can. Next is the Strike Vent Dragon Head. It is a smaller version of the red dragon. There is a trick in placing this on Ryuki's arm. Just lift the head to guide the joint into it. Lastly is the Stage. It is a Stage Act for with three stand clamps mainly to hold the DragReder up while Ryuki is in the foreground. The stage itself has Ryuki's symbol etched on the base.
The DragReder is the main attraction in this offering. Its extremities feel like die cast but they are just painted in metallic red. This addition is segmented through ball joints and hinges. Its highlight is its nicely sculpted head that can open and close its jaw. Its legs can be taken off to form Ryuki's Guard Vent state. Embedded are extra joints to allow Ryuki to move without the feeling of being enclosed because of the size of the guards. There are two extra handles with joints to allow Ryuki hold both (or just one) for variety.
DragReder's tail form into Ryuki sword for Sword Vent mode. Even this is well detailed and also has this illusion of a die-cast mold because of the well-executed paint applications.
My verdict is that this may entice non-Kamen Rider and SHF collector to shift. As a non-exclusive figure, the price point is a thing to beat against Figmas. SHF Ryuki is slightly more affordable. I'm really excited how the whole Ryuki line will turn out and how will it fair against Figmas. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate Figmas at all, just an SHF loyalist.
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