Tuesday 19 November 2013

Toybox REVIEW: S.H. Figuarts Shadow Moon

Bandai Tamashii Nations' S.H. Figuarts Shadow Moon from Kamen Rider Black

With a brand new Kamen Rider Black and a brand new Battle Hopper, it would be wrong not to have a Shadow Moon figure on the market at the same time. The second Century King, stepbrother to Black himself and villain of the show - Shadow Moon is the result of Gorgom's successful brainwashing. Having received a figure back in 2011, Shadow Moon wasn't desperately in need of a renewal like his counterpart and so Bandai have instead settled for a reissue. So without further ado let's take a look at one of the most popular villains in the Kamen Rider franchise.

Bandai Tamashii Nations' S.H. Figuarts Shadow Moon from Kamen Rider Black

Bandai Tamashii Nations' S.H. Figuarts Shadow Moon from Kamen Rider BlackBandai Tamashii Nations' S.H. Figuarts Shadow Moon from Kamen Rider Black

Once upon a time Figuarts boxes weren't all that interesting, and the standard was a silver foil box with black lettering and a picture of the character (rather than of the toy itself). Despite not being a REALLY old figure, Shadow Moon still follows this pattern and given his colourscheme it kinda works. It's nice reflective box but MISB collectors should be warned that the foil finish comes off quite easily (there was a big chunk of mine taken out presumably in transit). The back has the usual posed pictures, using the typical Bandai background you see in the official website images.

Bandai Tamashii Nations' S.H. Figuarts Shadow Moon from Kamen Rider Black

Bandai Tamashii Nations' S.H. Figuarts Shadow Moon from Kamen Rider BlackBandai Tamashii Nations' S.H. Figuarts Shadow Moon from Kamen Rider Black

Though originally released in 2011, Shadow Moon is the perfect example of how even a few years ago Bandai was perfect at nailing the look of some suits. It might simply be down to the fact Shadow Moon is more armoured than most Kamen Riders, but the transition from suit to toy was handled brilliantly. All the metal detailing such as the rivets and vents look fantastic, and the silver/grey/black colour really gives off the "evil cyborg rider" vibe. Of course this is topped off by the translucent green eyes and King Stone, which really sparkle in the light. This is without mentioning the headsculpt, which features all kinds of tiny detailing on the crest. The grasshopper arms on the elbows are made of soft plastic, so you don't need to worry about them accidentally breaking during play.

Articulation is great all around (and pretty good for character who's not overly dynamic anyway), but there are a few things worth mentioning. Like the new Black the shoulder armour is pegged to the side of the shoulder, rather than being attached to the torso via a hinge joint. It's a more seamless look at there isn't an obtrusive hinge sticking out, and thankfully doesn't incur the same hideous gap Black can have if you aren't careful. The silver bands around the forearms are a pretty big limitation on the elbow joints, and so what are usually double-joints can now only realistically achieve a 90 degree angle. I'm not sure if Shadow Moon has a neck joint, but if he does mine is so stiff that movement is practically non-existent.

My favourite additional feature is that the grasshopper legs on the feet can be moved up and done, which really adds that little extra pizazz to posing.

Bandai Tamashii Nations' S.H. Figuarts Shadow Moon from Kamen Rider Black

Bandai Tamashii Nations' S.H. Figuarts Shadow Moon from Kamen Rider BlackBandai Tamashii Nations' S.H. Figuarts Shadow Moon from Kamen Rider Black

Shadow Moon doesn't come with a great deal of accessories, but at the same time he comes with pretty much everything he needs AND features items from both Kamen Rider Black and his later appearance in Kamen Rider Black RX. Aside from his meager offering of six hands (open, closed fist, grabbing), this set also includes the Satan Saber (from Black) and the dual Shadow Sabers he wields in Black RX. None of the swords are overly detailed, but the Satan Saber has all the relevant hilt decor and the translucent plastic blades on all three are just lovely. His grabbing hands also mean Shadow Moon is able to ride Battle Hopper, which is perfect if you have the old version and aren't really sure what to do with it now.

Bandai Tamashii Nations' S.H. Figuarts Shadow Moon from Kamen Rider Black

Bandai Tamashii Nations' S.H. Figuarts Shadow Moon from Kamen Rider Black

Shadow Moon is a wonderful figure and pretty much a must-have for anyone who likes Kamen Rider Black, Kamen Rider Black RX or just wants one of the franchise's most iconic villains. The minimal hand count isn't at all a knock against him, because Shadow Moon comes with absolutely everything he needs to. Despite being a figure that recently celebrated his second birthday, Shadow Moon has proved that he can still go toe to toe with some of the up to date releases Tamashii Nations have to offer.

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