Toybox REVIEW: S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider 2 (Shin Kamen Rider)

Release Date: August 2023

RRP: 8250 yen

As an abridged retelling of the original series, there was no way that Shin Kamen Rider was going to limit itself to just one Rider. As well as depicting Takeshi Hongo's transformation in to the masked hero, the film also introduces Hayato Ichimonji – who fans will know took the mantle following Hongo's departure and became Kamen Rider 2. Shin Kamen Rider plays things a little differently to the original series (and is far more in line with the manga version of the story), but nevertheless Ichimonji remains a vital component in the story. So while his status as a Tamashii web exclusive feels a little undeserved, nevertheless S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider 2 (Shin Kamen Rider) is an important addition to the line – completing yet another rendition of the legendary Double Riders.

Anyone who likes consistency in their box labelling look away now, because two releases in and the Shin Kamen Rider range has already thrown that out of the window. After Kamen Rider 1 was labelled as "Kamen Rider" from "Shin Kamen Rider", this figure is "Masked Rider No. 2" from "Shin Masked Rider". For long-time Kamen Rider fans this isn't all that surprising since Masked Rider is what Toei/Bandai use on all merchandise based on the Showa era Riders, but it does make that original Rider 1 figure a particularly unique case. Later releases of Rider 1 (which were exactly the same other than the packaging) as well as any future Shin Kamen Rider figures will presumably continue to use Masked Rider instead. Moving on though the box is your typical windowless Tamashii web exclusive packaging, sporting a really nice image of Rider 2 striking his transformation pose against a silver background. The sides and back feature further images of the figure, the ones on the back also alongside both Rider 1 and the Cyclone motorcycle. Inside the figure and accessories are laid out on a moulded plastic tray, the overcoat neatly folded up in its own little section.

As was the case with Kamen Rider 1, Shin Kamen Rider's design for Kamen Rider 2 didn't stray too far away from his original 1971 look – updating the suit with sharper detailing but keeping the same silhouette and colour scheme. Said colour scheme is based on Rider 2's first costume from the original series – sporting a darker green helmet and gloves/boots as well as a silver jaw and stripe running down the middle of the helmet, the arms and the legs. Other key differences include red compound eyes and belt, whereas Rider 1's were milky pink and white respectively. Despite the two Riders having exactly the same suit, the colours really highlight the differences between the two – something that wasn't quite as bold when the two upgraded to their 'Shin' suits in the original series. It's also worth noting that this figure isn't a straight repaint of Rider 1, with Rider 2 being slightly taller just like he was in the film itself. It's great attention to detail, much like the tufts of brown hair poking out of the back of the helmet. Other details on the suit remain just as sharp here as they did on Rider 1, with touches like the more angular armour, Typhoon belt detailing and miniature Batta-Augment symbol particular highlights.

Although proportionally Rider 2's body might be different structurally it's exactly the same as Rider 1, giving him the same level of articulation. This includes; 

- Ball jointed head, neck, scarf, torso, waist and ankles 

- Swivel hinge joint shoulders, hips, and ankles

- Butterfly joint shoulders 

- Double hinge elbows and knees 

- Single hinge toe sections 

- Thigh swivels 

On top of this, the two pectoral pieces are connected via ball joints to give them mobility when posing the arms. With everything here being the same as it was on Rider 1 both the good and bad elements are present. The little bit of swivel movement the elbows have is almost enough to make up for the lack of a proper bicep swivel, but getting Rider 2's arms close enough to his chest to accurately pull off his transformation pose can be a little difficult. The ankle tilts on the release aren't great either, which makes it tricky to get the figure to sit flat-footed in certain action poses. Still, the figure easily hits the benchmark for what is expected of an S.H. Figuarts release – meaning it's still a cut above a lot of other articulated figure ranges at this scale. It can certainly cover all the basics, from transformation poses to Rider kicks.

Rider 2's accessories are practically identical to that of Rider 1 too, consisting of three pairs of alternate hands (closed fists, knife-strike and open hands with splayed figures, nicely complimenting the default 'neutral' open hands) and a black soft goods overcoat – a key component of Shin Kamen Rider's visual style for both of the Double Riders. It's important to note that while the overcoat is similar to Rider 1's in that has a wired frame to give it proper poseability, the design itself is slightly different – it's made of a more canvas-like material and sports grey studs/buttons around its trim. The removeable belt strap is just as unwieldy here as it is on Rider 1's coat, but the slightly thinner material makes it a little easier to pose in your desired shape. The design probably isn't 100% screen accurate, but I appreciate that Bandai took the time to make such distinction between the two coats.

Again it's worth noting that an alternate Hayato Ichimonji head would have been a nice inclusion (and is coming with a future figure), this version of Rider 2 is the only one coming with the overcoat so it is at least unique in that respect. There's no reason this couldn't have come with an Ichimonji head even if production on it began before the film's release, but this is pretty common practice for Bandai that most will be used to by now.

S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider 2 (Shin Kamen Rider) is another great release that pretty much matches Kamen Rider 1 perfectly. Alongside its unique paint job it has all the strengths of its predecessor, but also its main drawback as well. Even with the overcoat it's a fairly bare bones release, with a lot of the good stuff this figure could have had coming with the forthcoming "Kamen Rider 2 + 1" release instead. At least in that case it's technically a different version of the character, but elements like the soft goods scarf or unmasked head would have been nice here as well. The soft goods scarf especially since that seems to be becoming more and more prevalent on Kamen Rider releases. Still, this is a great companion piece to Rider 1 as well as just another great rendition of one of the franchise's most iconic characters, so it's hard to be disappointed with what Bandai haven't given it when what we do have is so good.