Toybox REVIEW: S.H. Figuarts -Shinkocchou Seihou- Kamen Rider 1 (Old Version)

Release Date: November 2022

RRP: 8250 yen

A lot of the time Tamashii Nations event exclusives can be fairly predictable. For example, if there's an all-black form in a series it's more than likely to show up here. But sometimes Bandai Tamashii Nations like to throw fans absolute curveballs, and much like Kamen Rider Diend back in 2019 the Kamen Rider S.H. Figuarts Shinkocchou Seihou entry for 2022 is a bit of a head-scratcher. Very nearly coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the franchise, it's fitting to go all the way back to the beginning with S.H. Figuarts -Shinkocchou Seihou- Kamen Rider 1 (Old Version), but surely this is something that would have sold like hotcakes as a retail or standard Tamashii web exclusive? This figure is based on the first appearance of Takeshi Hongo as the original Kamen Rider, from the very first episode of Kamen Rider back in 1971 all the way up until its 13th episode.

Tamashii Nations event exclusives always go that extra mile when it comes to packaging, adding a nice slipcase cover over the standard box. The style for the 2022 exclusives saw the figures in question standing amidst an arty diorama with some moody coloured lighting, with Kamen Rider 1's coming in a somewhat fitting shade of green. These images run across all four sides of the slipcase, each showing the figure off in a different pose.

Slide it off however and it's the standard two-piece Shinkocchou Seihou packaging, with a front image that should be immediately familiar to anyone who's watched the original Kamen Rider series. Not only does it perfectly match the bust-style shots they do on these boxes, but it's also directly referencing the main eyecatch from the show's opening. The sides of the box simply denote the figure as "Masked Rider 1" in the usual silver foil lettering, not making any reference to this being the "Old" or "First Appearance" version of the suit. On the back/underside of the box you'll find some more great images showing off the figure in various poses, and then inside the contents are spread across two moulded plastic trays - one for the figure itself, and then a second for the accessories.

The fact it was an event exclusive is surprising enough, but what makes this decision all the more baffling is that Shinkocchou Seihou Kamen Rider 1 (Old Version) isn't just a reworking of the original "Shin Version" Kamen Rider 1 Seihou, it's actually a whole new figure. Kamen Rider 1 has been reworked completely from the ground up, with this version both taller and wider than the original release. While there probably are some shared parts in there somewhere on inspection everything here looks brand new, which is crazy when you think about how limited this release way. The new tooling is most obvious in the helmet, which is considerably larger - so much so that it's noticeable even when you aren't comparing the two side by side. Other big changes include addition cover pieces over the wrist joints, as well as (at long last) a soft goods scarf piece. In a move that should have been done with the Shinkocchou Seihou Double Riders all along, this scarf is fabric with a set of bendable wires running through the middle - giving it plenty of poseability. But on top of the more technical changes you also just have the wildly different colour scheme for the suit - replacing the (now) more familiar green with various shades of turquoise. Instead of those bold red compound eyes, this suit uses a lighter, almost-pink shade that goes beautifully with the darker helmet. This design also sported a white Typhoon belt as opposed to the red one Rider one would later have with his "Shin" form. One big part of the appeal of the original suit is also the exposed neck, reminding you that there's still a human inside there despite all the cyborg augmentations that have been done to Hongo. As the very first Kamen Rider its a pretty simple suit compared to what has followed, but it has an elegance and impact that has been rarely matched since.

With the Sculpt being so different from the previous Kamen Rider 1 releases, that also means there's some change up in articulation as well. Fundamentally it's all the same, but this Rider 1 has some interesting little tricks which go a long way to making the poseability even better. Altogether he features;

- Ball jointed head, neck, pectoral muscles, torso, waist and wrists

- Swivel hinge shoulders, hips and ankles

- Butterfly joint shoulders

- Double hinge elbows and knees

- Single hinge toe sections

- Bicep, glove, thigh and boot swivels

As previously mentioned the wired scarf means that has a fantastic level of movement, and there's no need for an alternate windswept piece like there was with previous releases. Old Rider 1 sports a whole new arm arrangement where the bicep swivel isn't provided by the usual plug joint, but rather a covered ball joint that provides a far more fluid connection. Together with the swivel hinge/butterfly shoulder arrangement it can be a little strange to get to grips with at first, but the results speak for themselves. With added glove and boot swivels as well as those ball jointed pectoral pieces, there is an incredible amount of movement on display with this figure.

As was the case with the previous Rider 1 Seihous, a simpler time meant a simpler Rider so the accessory count is fairly basic compared to subsequent characters. That said, it isn't quite the same as the other Rider 1 releases either. Altogether he comes with four additional pairs of hands, a replacement Typhoon part and a replacement set of antennae. The notable new addition here is the alternate Typhoon piece, which on first glance looks identical to the fitted version but lacks the jacket trails just below the belt. Presumably this is to allow for better articulation in the hips, particularly for when the figure is being used alongside the Old Cyclone for classic Kamen Rider motorcycle posing. It's just a shame that the Old Cyclone has been discontinued for years and commands a pretty high price on the aftermarket, but that's a complaint for a different time. The hand selection here is very good too, including all the essential Rider 1 pose hands as well as gripping hands for both the bike or any other suitable accessories you may have lying around. Finally that just leaves the replacement antennae, a staple of these Showa Rider releases that neatly covers any potential loss of these small and fiddly parts. Overall it isn't a particularly expansive accessory count but then again it doesn't need to be - as long as he can kick and punch Kamen Rider 1 has everything he needs.

While it'll forever be a mystery as to why this was an event exclusive, it doesn't change the fact that S.H. Figuarts -Shinkocchou Seihou- Kamen Rider 1 (Old Version) might just be one of the best Kamen Rider figures Bandai Tamashii Nations have ever done. Not only does this new sculpt improve on the original Kamen Rider 1 Seihou in every way (which itself was already a must-have figure), but there's just something so much bolder about the colour scheme as well - this is how it all began, it's Kamen Rider history. Maybe it's just my love for the original series talking, but Rider 1's original design still stands the test of time as an iconic display of superhero costume design. Despite commanding a heavy aftermarket price after its initial release, at the time of writing that's now dropped down to just above its original retail. Grab one while you can and experience just how good it is for yourself.