Toybox REVIEW: BUZZmod Ryuko Matoi

Release Date: December 2025

RRP: 12,000 yen

As Trigger’s first full-length original television series Kill la Kill holds a special place in many anime fans’ hearts, but there’s no denying that the show was majorly underserved when it comes to articulated figures. Figma led the charge with battle versions of Ryuko and Satsuki in 2014 and 2015 respectively, but even they took a further five years to follow it up with Mako in 2020. Now a whole 12 years after Kill la Kill first hit screens Aniplex’s BUZZmod line have finally stepped in with their own take on the show’s heroine. BUZZmod Ryuko Matoi differs from Figma’s version in that it’s based on her standard/casual attire, offering fans something a little less risqué to display and delivering something they’ve been crying out for for some time.

Toybox REVIEW: Figma Satsuki Kiryuin

When Kill la Kill first began to air in Japan I thought the one thing I could count on was for Figma to milk it to death. I wasn't necessarily expecting a wide range of characters, but at least two versions of both Ryuko Matoi and Satsuki Kiryuin along with a standard version of Mako Mankanshoku. But while Good Smile Company have arguably gotten their mileage out of the series with various scale statues and Nendoroid figures, Max Factory haven't done nearly as much as I was expecting. Ryuko was released in September 2014, and now a whole year later Satsuki in full kamui Junketsu battle mode is joining her as the second figure from the series. So while getting any more figures isn't really looking likely now, it's good to see that Ryuko still has a sparring partner this long after the series is over and done with.

Toybox REVIEW: Figma Ryuko Matoi

It's hard to believe it's been a whole year since Kill la Kill first starting airing in Japan and there's been barely any poseable figure releases. Nendoroid Ryuko and Mako did fill in a little bit of the gap, but they're still a long way off a properly poseable release. So naturally the ones to fill that gap are Max Factory's Figma line, who released their version of the show's protagonist at the end of September 2014 (following a month delay). Unlike the Nendoroid this version of Ryuko Matoi in full synchronisation mode with her Kamui Senketsu. So as you can expect, it may be a little bit risqué for casual figure collectors...

Toybox REVIEW: Nendoroid Ryuko Matoi

It's been almost a year since Kill la Kill first graced Japanese television screens, yet only now are figures of Studio Trigger's first full-length series beginning to hit retail. There's plenty to choose for both poseable and non-poseable fans, witth Good Smile Company, Max Factory, Phat Company and Medicom among some of the companies bringing out figures in the next few months. However my first Kill la Kill toy review moves towards the chibi side of things, looking at the endless juggernaut that is Good Smile Company's Nendoroid line. The end of August saw a double bill-release of the first two characters to grace the line, so we start things off with the main protagonist of the show - Ryuko Matoi.

Anime REVIEW: Kill la Kill

Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann and Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt are two of my favourite anime series, and both share a number of things in common. Not only are they both from Gainax, but are also both directed by Hiroyuki Imaishi. However Imaishi has now left the Gainax fold, starting up his own studio - Trigger, with other former Gainax employee Masahiko Ohtsuka. After wowing audiences with their debut short Little Witch Academia, Trigger reunited some of the staff behind Gurren Lagann (including writer Kazuki Nakshima) for their first full-length, two-cour series. The end result is Kill la Kill, and it was teased to do for high-school battle anime exactly what Gurren Lagann did for mecha. To say anticipation was high is an understatement.

First Impressions: Kill la Kill

I'm a person who gets excited about things quite easily, but there are few anime that have excited my quite like Kill la Kill has. The debut show from new studio Trigger (formed by ex-Gainax staff and responsible for the wonderful Little Witch Academia), Kill la Kill reunites director and studio co-founder Hiroyuki Imaishi with his Gurren Lagann staff mates once again for a high school brawler show that promises their usual brand of over the top action. It may not have a Gainax label attached to it, but these are the guys responsible for some of the best shows they put out in the last few years. My hype level is maximum.

The first installment of this 12 episode series introduces us to Honnōji Academy, where student council president Satsuki Kiryuin and her committee rule with an iron fist and the help of super powered uniforms that grant them extra strength. When scissor-blade wielding exchange student Ryuko Matoi shows up at the school searching for answers about her father's murder, she ends up on the receiving end of the council's power. Later, after stumbling upon a mysterious talking sailor uniform, Ryuko gains power of her own to battle against the council and discover the answers she needs.

Let's honest with ourselves - the high school battle genre is pretty low barrel when it comes to anime. Most series that spring to mind are pretty low on plot, instead focusing on how fast the female characters can have their clothes shredded. Kill la Kill certainly doesn't seem to have any plans to shake off the latter part of that notion, but style is where this show is going to set itself apart from the others. The premise is completely ridiculous yet EXACTLY what you should expect from these guys, making the break-neck pacing and truly absurd fan service much easier to swallow and more importantly enjoy. Ryuko oozes badassery before she's even begun fighting, and her single exchange with the uniform will hopefully lead to an enjoyable dynamic between the two. The episode makes sure to get all introductions dealt with as quickly as possible to get to the main goods - balls to the wall action. Think a super robot show but without any super robots in sight.

Those familiar with the production staff's work will feel instantly at home with the art style, which follows the same template as Gurren Lagann and Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt. However the use of less saturated colours fits nicely with the gritty world of Kill la Kill, making every bit of bright colour (such as Ryuko's giant scissor blade) count. The exaggerated style also lends itself much better to the speed and fluidity the show is going to require for its fast paced fights.

It's too early to tell whether Kill la Kill can live up to the staff's previous Gainax work, but all signs point to this being one to watch. Imaishi and co. have managed to take what made their talents stand out in the anime world and place in a new setting with a likeable introduction to its inhabitants. Trigger have truly burst their way onto the anime scene and don't plan to take any prisoners.