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Friday, December 30, 2011

15 best Kamen Rider and Super Sentai-related SH Figuarts of 2011

I've collected the top 15 SH Figuarts Kamen Rider and Super Sentai series from 2011 starting from Dec 2010 to December 2011. I came out with 15 since 10 is just not enough to tell how awesome 2011 was.

These are just in my opinion only and not influenced by outside groups. I know there are just so many great looking SHFs released in 2011 but I think I missed one or two in the list. Let me know your thoughts if these are also part of your top list. 

Kamen Rider Eternal - For me, if you can look way pass on the small nitty gritty things and see the whole picture - Eternal is a keeper. Double fans would also see it that way. He may not be the best SHF for 2011 but he is a must to collect. Eternal, by the end of the day , I would say is not for everyone. If you are completist, I suggest to start hunting. Eternal might not be here Forever.

Kamen Rider Dark Kiva and Kiva Emperor Form - SH Figuarts Kiva Emperor Form and Dark Kiva remain among the best-looking figures in 2010-2011. As many Kamen Rider Double Figures flood the shelves, sorry Double, though your world has been interesting and probably loved by most Toku-manic fans out there you won't share the same spotlight I hold for them.

Kamen Rider OOO Tajadol Combo & Effects Part Set - I would say that the qualms that I had with the other OOO figures have been corrected with Tajadol and I applaud Bandai in making these improvements. Tajadol is one of the best looking releases to date and may be part of my top SHF Kamen Riders releases in 2011. What I mean is Tajadol is freakingly handsome. This figure is highly recommended especially to OOO fans and you definitely won't regret making the purchase. To make it more exciting add the Tajadol effects part set. These are simple to snap in and bring SHF Tajadoru to new heights and more enigmatic especially to those who hold the figure. At 2300 yen, it is a little price to pay really to let your SHF Tajadol find the power within. To Bandai, step forward and take a bow.

Kamen Rider Accel Trial - Since the toy is lean, unlike previous bulky figures, allows a free movement on its joints and the only thing that will hinder you is your imagination. The details are superb. I can't complain with this toy - simplicity is the best form of beauty.

Kamen Rider Faiz Blaster Form – As a Faiz fan, I would recommend my favorite rider. Its accessories makes Faiz Blaster form worth your buck. But be warned, the lack of interchangeable hands and missed paint apps falls down in the food chain.

Samurai Sentai Shinkenger - The first Super Sentai on the SH Figuarts toy line starting with Shinken Red aka Shiba Takeru. Just like any other firsts - the toy line is both epic and paves the way for improvements. However the downside was having Takeru and Shinken Gold regular released figures and the rest of the team are Tamashii Web Exclusives, these had collectors put on a fence whether the first SHF Super Sentai team was worth buying.

Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger – Gokaigers are the improved versions of Shinkengers. The uneven paint apps of Shinkengers on the shoulders and the articulation points have been improved. Moreover, the addition of the Gokai Darins per Pirate made them feel like exclusives with an affordable price tag.

Kamen Rider New Den-O Strike Form – I'm crying with joy as I finally have in my possession the SH Figuarts Kamen Rider New Den-O Strike form - looks better feels better than its original Bandai x Yahoo exclusive release. The first release is very rare and you'll curse hard how much it costs nowadays especially on eBay! RIDICULOUS. Now we overturn you frown into a smile as Bandai is kind enough to bring us a rerelease of Strike Form with additional knick knacks. As they say great things comes to those who wait. The wait is over my friends and ditch online trading store as the SHF Kamen Rider New Den-O Strike is back with a vengeance and better than ever. Grab yours today or you might lose this chance, again.

Kamen Rider Skull Crystal - There is nothing to add to its beatifully engineered articulation points. Rest assured that the true quality of Bandai's SH Figuarts is neatly maintained. All I can say is that having him pose in different angles is a sight to behold. A lot of other toy manufacturers are taking notes on these joints and making it a standard platform for their upcoming releases. Skull continues to be a favourite in the Kamen Rider world. I highly recommend getting your own and I'm sure that you'll find Skull Crystal worth your every penny. If you haven't gotten the first release, this is your chance. If not, you'll be going back to the Den-o search all over again.

OOO Greed - All of the SH Figuarts Greed have been great. Probably the only Kaijin Figuarts that tops the list. It’s a true shame that I cannot say the same with other OOOs forms except probably Tajadol and Putotyra Combo. I see that these will also be part of other top list for 2011. I do recommend getting these figures. It is only the price point that it will turn you off.

Kamen Rider Ichigo&Nigo - when I started collecting SHF Kamen Riders, I vowed to only get Hsieh riders and no Showa. Something changed my mind. As a toy reviewer, I should be updated on all of the collection of that line. As almost a year that passed, SHFs architecture and precision engineering got better. Especially with the dawn of Showa riders starting with Ichigo and Nigo. Articulation points are also almost perfect. What was missed is that because of the scarf, head movement is limited. Another is this articulation for his ab crunch does not allow you to bend the figure forward. I don't see any flaws on the paint apps and joints. Bandai did a splendid job that is why they are part of my list. Why combine the two? They have the same parts, joints with the exception of the sword from Ichigo. It is hard not to combine the two as they are like the Hell Hoppers from yesteryears – inseparable.

Kamen Rider Accel Booster – Cmon now who can resist Terui Ryu? Kamen Rider W Returns with Accel (Terui Ryu) on the spotlight. This featured transformation is from the direct-to-DVD release of Kamen Rider W Returns Accel V Cinema. Accel Booster is a nice addition to the SHF Kamen Rider W lineup and looks handsome despite the fact I hate the color yellow. Nothing can be helped about it. Accel came with 8 interachangeable hands and the same Engine Blade you had with other two Accels. The bonus is the redux Accel Head and as big as Kamen Rider Accel Booster. To be honest, its either you love it or hate it. Overall he is as decent as Accel Trial with a new mold and an extra remolded head for Accel (red version).

Kamen Rider W Cyclone Joker Gold Extreme - Kamen Rider Cyclone Joker Gold Extreme actually debuted in Gaia Memories of Fate than OOO Movie War Core. The box print is not incorrect but this is more highlighted with the OOO Movie. The first time netizens saw this transformation in the movie it seems like everyone wants one. Is it just because of the wings or because W/Double was a phenomenal Kamen Rider Series to date? The allure of the Aibos are impeccable.

Kamen Rider Den-O Climax Form – Tamashii Nation’s 2011 event gave us 1 more Den-O with Climax Form. This gave us an really close idea on how will Den-O Sword Form will look like in the future. The colorful SHF Den-O Climax Form was very fitting to get during the holiday season to end the SHF line-up for the year 2011. The parts were nice, the mold is superb. I had only qualms on the masks scratching the surface of other accessories. Everything else - I love it. Climax form makes me more excited to see what Sword Form and other Imagin-induced transformations would look like. Bring it on Bandai.

And the best SH Figuarts Kamen Rider and Super Sentai Figures for 2011 ARE!


Kamen Rider Ryuki and Knight – The best SH Figuarts of 2011 is a tie. These two figures created such ruckus in the Tokusatsu world probably the most news-worthy announcement ever discussed on the net. 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 shinning light has let upon those who are clamouring 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 and Knight - the answer to Figma’s Kamen Rider Dragon Knight series. The mold, the look, may entice even non-Kamen Rider and SHF collectors to shift. As a non-exclusive figure, the price point is a thing to beat against Figmas. SHF Ryuki and Knight are slightly more affordable than Figmas but they pack quite a punch. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate Figmas at all, just an SHF loyalist.

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