Monday 25 March 2013

Toybox REVIEW: S.H. Figuarts Deka Blue

Bandai SH Figuarts Deka Blue Dekaranger Tamashii Nations Super Sentai

Even if you weren't a fan of the series, it can't be denied that Akibaranger's lifeline with Tamashii Nations has opened the doors for far more Super Sentai S.H. Figuarts then we may have gotten otherwise. While the releases haven't been particularly fast, fans are safe in the knowledge that they have the complete Dekaranger and Boukenger teams to look forward to (and maybe one day the remaining Jetman too). Following on from the mass release Deka Red is second in command of the Special Police Dekaranger - Deka Blue. Blue, much like his other three team mates (none other than the initial five have been confirmed thus far) are Tamashii Web exclusives.

Bandai SH Figuarts Deka Blue Dekaranger Tamashii Nations Super Sentai

Bandai SH Figuarts Deka Blue Dekaranger Tamashii Nations Super SentaiBandai SH Figuarts Deka Blue Dekaranger Tamashii Nations Super Sentai

In-keeping with the style begun with Deka Red, Deka Blue is packaged in a predominantly blue and black box featuring the SPD logo on the window and a bold black "2" to match the character's designation. The box is of standard Figuart width, as Blue does not feature any Akibaranger related accessories like his hot-headed teammate.

Bandai SH Figuarts Deka Blue Dekaranger Tamashii Nations Super Sentai

Bandai SH Figuarts Deka Blue Dekaranger Tamashii Nations Super SentaiBandai SH Figuarts Deka Blue Dekaranger Tamashii Nations Super Sentai

When I reviewed Deka Red I pointed out the simplified detailing of the SPD logos on the suit, however here they all seem much sharper. The fact the figure is predominantly blue also means detailing such as the lights on the helmet pop out at you more. While Deka Blue isn't the first example of this, he is further proof that the shoulder design for Super Sentai figures has been somewhat perfected, and the arms can be moved about freely without the feeling you're about the snap the arm off. Still no bicep swivel (although it would look strange if Blue had one and Red didn't) but what articulation that is there is considerably dynamic and more than enough to get him in a range of badass poses. That being said my Deka Blue does suffer from a few assembly problems. Straight out of packaging the next wasn't connected the right way around, making his head permanently at an angle until I went about fixing it. While this was easily done, what isn't is that his right angle has a more exposed joint, giving the illusion that one leg is longer than the other when the figure is standing straight.

Bandai SH Figuarts Deka Blue Dekaranger Tamashii Nations Super Sentai

Deka Blue's belt contains three sockets where his various holsters can be plugged in - one for the SP license at the back and then weapon ones at either side. This may be an issue that varies from figure to figure however mine (especially the license holster) just didn't want to stay plugged in and fell off if I so breathed on the figure.

Bandai SH Figuarts Deka Blue Dekaranger Tamashii Nations Super SentaiBandai SH Figuarts Deka Blue Dekaranger Tamashii Nations Super Sentai

As a man of the law Deka Blue comes armed with a considerable accessory account. As well as the obligatory selection of alternate hands (13 in total) and SP license, Blue's remaining weapons are completely different to the ones that came with Deka Red. Replacing the D-Magnums are a D-Knuckle, a D-Rod (in compacted and extended forms) and Hoji's personal combination of the two - the D-Sniper.

Bandai SH Figuarts Deka Blue Dekaranger Tamashii Nations Super SentaiBandai SH Figuarts Deka Blue Dekaranger Tamashii Nations Super Sentai

While Deka Blue does improve on a few areas that were lacking with Deka Red (such as overall presentation and paint application), the Dekaranger body itself still has its own little problems that prevent it from being a perfect figure. The fact that Deka Blue includes an almost entirely different accessory set sets him apart nicely and even as a Tamashii Web exclusive his price isn't too bad if you shop around. With Deka Green also currently released and Yellow and Pink to follow in May, now is a great time to snap up this team before the aftermarket prices inflate.

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