Figuarts Wild Tiger
The initial
completely insane sold-out pre-orders very nearly passed me
by. I'm glad I managed to come across a tip and
pre-order him for a reasonable
price... even if that did take an extra month and then
some. Surely it's worth it for the Crusher of Justice?
I liked Wild Tiger's suit design since I
first came across it, but admittedly... it wasn't until I
started falling into the black hole that is Tiger & Bunny
that I really, really
started to like it. Maybe that's because it's a lot
flashier in smooth computer animation, yes? And, you
know, then there's Kotetsu. I can't not love Mr. Wild Tiger
himself.
Yes, it says "Crasher of Justice".
I suppose that is just as accurate as "Crusher of Justice",
in some ways... but it's forgiven because it's very nearly
the only thing I can read on the package.
A note about the box
itself: once again it was held together with tape!
Only tape! Wow, the Japanese are a million lightyears
ahead of American toy packaging...
Drama! And this, finally,
well after his
release, is Wild Tiger! And this is the first pose
I had him in. ...Don't look at me like that.
It's drama! It's intrigue! It's bright and
shiny! And damn is it ever.
In terms of
detailing, I've got to say I'm quite happy. Lots
of super shiny and clear bits, his face is well detailed
along with his abdomen, barely any rivets or screws
visible, and the scuffs/rubs/paint mistakes are all
things that are easily fixed even if you aren't crafty
at all.
Naturally, this was the second
pose I had him in. It's not hard at all to
make full use of the stand, though the little "arms"
that hold him in place can be alarmingly frustrating
depending on what you're trying to do. Tip:
adjust the arms first,
then attach him to the
stand. Doesn't always work, but less
frustration is nice.
Same pose from above to show
off both the "wild shoot" attachments, and the
bottom of the stand. All of the green is
bright green. All of it.
And here's the Good Luck
Mode arm! Looking... really very
heavy. And it is, but Wild Tiger
carries it well. The arm is a
spectacular
bitch to attach, though. I
did discover an "easier" way, but it's still
not
easy.
Still, it's fun after it's attached, so I'm
not complaining. Much. It's kind
of more fun just laying around, but I'm
weird like that.
Now
holding
that arm up is another
situation entirely. The joints
aren't
loose, but they aren't
usually tight enough to support the
weight of the arm. Luckily there
are many easy solutions, and I'm not
worried about it, so whatever. But
look at more shiny!
So
while we're here, let's talk
joints! Nice, smooth movement
without being
loose, as stated, and
he can hold a variety of poses. I
know some people were disappointed with
the range of motion in his arms and
shoulders, but I'm decently happy thus
far. He's just as expressive as
the real Wild Tiger... more or less.
"Do you have any
idea what the speed limit is around
here?!"
No, of course
he's not getting away without an ass
shot. Confused as he may look
by it. The back is just as
finely detailed, and while the knee
joints are really very obvious, I
don't mind them. (But
Wolfwood
still pisses me off.)
"See you soon,
Bunny-chan."
All in all, I'm
incredibly happy. Not just to
finally have Wild Tiger here, but
with what I paid and what I got out
of it. He's weighted very well
(does not feel or look
like a cheap figure at all), the
interchangeable parts don't feel
flimsy, the joints are decent for
all sorts of poses, he comes with
plenty of accessories, and I'm happy
to have Bunny--er, Barnaby Brooks
Jr. on pre-order as well. Then
I'm stopping until the bikes.
No, really. ...Okay, maybe
Rock Bison, if I can swing it.