Toybox REVIEW: S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider Black RX (Renewal)

After Kamen Rider Black received a brand new S.H. Figuarts renewal late last year, it was only a matter of time before his direct successor had the same treatment. After all, not only did the original Kamen Rider Black RX figure follow closely after, but the series themselves share a strong connection for being the only two Kamen Rider series to share the same lead character. But even if you're not familiar with the adventures of Kotaro Minami, you might also recognise Black RX from Saban's Masked Rider adaptation or his brief team up with the Power Rangers just before that (awful) show started. Thankfully though, there isn't a Ferbus in sight here...

Toybox REVIEW: S.H. Figuarts Shadow Moon

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Toybox REVIEW: S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider Black (Renewal)

While the S.H. Figuarts line is arguably still near the top when it comes to toy quality, that doesn't mean there's no room for improvement. The line is a good few years old now and the age of some of the early releases is beginning to show, especially when stacked up to some of the most recent Kamen Rider figures. It was only a matter of time before Bandai Tamashii Nations started to tread the path of renewal figures, something that's already in effect in their similar Ultra-Act line. And what better way to kick off new versions of beloved characters than with one of the most popular Kamen Riders (and apparently, most popular Figuarts) - Kamen Rider Black! Black's release was also timed with a brand new version of Battle Hopper, who won't be included in this review because I stupidly passed up on pre-ordering it.

The original Kamen Rider Black figure had to deal with the bland silver Figuart packaging of old, so this new version is a nice way for Bandai to the box a well-deserved makeover too. It seems green is in, with a nice dark colourscheme and pictures of the figure with some Photoshop wizardry thrown in for good measure. The back of the box also features a picture of him riding Battle Hopper, to further rub salt in the wounds of those silly people who didn't buy them alongside each other.

So here he is, the all new Kamen Rider Black. In reality a picture can say more than words ever will, so before I begin just take a look at this picture of him next to the original Black release from 2009 (credit to the ever wonderful blogger Hacchaka). Kinda makes the old one look like a budget toy doesn't it?

The detail this figure has is absolutely astounding. Not only does the crotch piece feature leather creases (that's something I never thought I'd see myself praising), but the inside legs also feature seam marks! Bandai really went out of the way to make something that was as close to original suit as possible, and a labour of love to this classic Kamen Rider. The matte black finish is just beautiful, and topped off by the striking yellow/red/silver stripes and those wonderful compound eyes. Black has a fantastic range of articulation, with even the typical swing down hips seemingly having gained an extra bit of care. While this tried and tested method of articulation works just like it usually would, the design of the crotch/legs make it seem a lot less intrusive and notable - to the point where it took me a while to register that it even was the same joint system! This allows for a more natural range of motion without having to cut into the leg like the Ryuki Riders do.

If I had one minor complaint, it would be the way the shoulder pads are attached which can leave the joints exposed when posing. However if you play around with it a bit it isn't too hard to mask.

With such a beautifully sculpted figure, surely there must be some sort of trade-off right? Well there is...kind of. Anyone expecting a generous accessory count with Black is going to be sorely disappointed, as altogether he comes with a grand total of 10 hands. Granted he didn't use any weapons in the show itself, but this release doesn't include any sort of effect parts or a Tamashii Stage either. Would that have been too much to ask? The basic Wizard releases had their own stands, as do most of the Ryuki Riders (who all also have a boatload of accessories) so why not here? And even without weapons, Black's signature "Rider Punch" and "Rider Kick" moves had some pretty flashy graphics so effect parts would have been perfect.

Still, judging the hands alone there's a good range included and none of them feel over-sized. As well as the obligatory closed fists and grabbing hands (which can be used with the new Battle Hopper or so Black can wield Shadow Moon's Satan Saber), we also have a couple of transformation and battle stance poses.

Satan Saber not included.

Yes the accessory count is rather poor (but still maybe not as bad as poor old Kiba Ranger), but is that enough to knock Kamen Rider Black down? Not a chance - even with only a few hands to his name this is without a doubt one of the best looking and most accurate Figuarts Bandai have put out to do. The level of detail is simply amazing, while the new style body retains all the articulation you'd expect from a Figuart while at the same time disguising some of the more unsightly joints. The renewal Kamen Rider Black REALLY puts the "art" back in Figuart, and if this is the standard Bandai are setting I can't wait to see the renewal Kamen Rider Kabuto next year.