If you own a Nintendo handheld console, chances are you've played a Pokémon game in your life. If you were a child in the late 90s/early noughties, most of these fond memories were probably spent playing the original Red and Blue versions on the Game Boy or watching the anime series. While Pokémon has always had a huge following outside its target demographic, there hasn't been much in the way of poseable figures aimed at adult collectors. Until now that is, as Bandai welcome them into their video-game based D-Arts line. Their first release is the 150th Pokémon Mewtwo - clone of Mew, final monster in the original Pokédex and star of the very first Pokémon movie. Joining him later this year will be the fully evolved forms of the Kanto starters Charizard, Blastoise and Venusaur.
While my reviews usually look at the packaging of the figure, I'm going to take an extra moment just to appreciate Mewtwo's. Being a Pokémon character, I had fears that the box could go two ways - the first being a colourful video game mess, and the second Bandai's usual standard of packaging - effective, but usually not particularly noteworthy. But I have to say this is one impressive boxes I've seen in a while. From the great art of Mewtwo on the front to the side window, foil silhouettes on the spines and lilac/pink/black colours, everything screams Mewtwo. The back is a little more typical of Bandai, featuring Mewtwo in a number of poses against a Pokéball backdrop. Opening it up there are three plastic trays - one containing the figure, one the included stand and then a third smaller one containing the effect parts (which rests on the first tray).
As you can see, this interpretation of Mewtwo uses the faint lilac colourscheme of the anime/later games rather than white of the original generation one artwork, which also means he has the much leaner proportions. The articulation is fantastic, with ball joints in the head, neck, hands, waist, legs and feet. The arms not only include double jointed elbows, but also a bicep swivel. But perhaps most interesting of all is the addition of finger articulation! While this may only be at the knuckle, it adds a lot of versatility to the figure without the need for constant hand swapping.
The only real downside is that because Mewtwo stands on his toes, posing without the aid of a stand is extremely difficult. I wouldn't say it's impossible, but I couldn't manage it and the weight of the tail just makes things all the harder.
One aspect of D-Arts Mewtwo's design that had everyone on edge was his tail. Given the sheer size of it articulation was a must, and Bandai's method of segmenting the tail in separate parts was not to everyone's tastes. However unappealing it may look into photographs, up close it is a lot more seamless (not perfect, but better than you might expect). The range of motion varies from section to section (with the most movement being at either end of the tail), but there's enough there to go as far as stretching it out for mid-flight poses. Just be aware that the tail is heavy, and some of the more extravagant poses will probably require a second stage arm to support the tail.
Mewtwo doesn't have a whole load in the way of accessories, but what he does have Bandai haven't taken half measures on. The main draw in the Pokéball themed Tamashii stand, which is much bigger than I was initially expecting. The stand comes with two arm sections (but only one claw piece), and the base has enough ports for a total of four arms. However if you don't want to use that many, there are pieces included to plug up three of the holes on the base. For Mewtwo himself there is a psychic energy effect part, as well as a hand featuring a plug to hold said part. Only one hand is included, as it can be used as either the left or right. I found the energy part plugs nicely into the hand, however the articulated fingers have a habit of falling off while trying to do so, making the process a lot more frustrating than it needs to be.
If you're buying the first release of Mewtwo, you'll also be treated to a first release bonus in the form of a small Mew figurine. While this Mew features no poseable parts whatsoever, it scales nicely with Mewtwo and can be plugged into one of the stand arms to also be posed on the stage. Perfect if you fancy recreating any of those Pokémon: The First Movie moments.
Overall I have to say I'm very impressed with my first foray into the D-Arts line. Mewtwo isn't a perfect figure, but many of my complaints are because of the design of the character himself rather than the toy's engineering. Despite the segmented tail looking off-putting in pictures, it doesn't look as bad in hand and pulls off the poseability required excellently. The inclusion of the stand and Mew only sweeten the deal. Rest assured, Mewtwo is a worthy addition to your collection whether it's part of a Pokémon display, a Super Smash Bros. melee or even a stand-alone figure to satisfy your nostalgia.
