Kamen Rider Black
Review by VF5SS
Kamen Rider Black is a series that has received much acclaim from audiences all around the world. For the Kamen Rider franchise, Black represented the first new series since the end of Kamen Rider Super-1 in six years prior in 1981. It also marked a return to a simpler philosophy regarding the titular Rider. While Riders up through Super-1 acquired more and more gimmicks such as claws, electricity, and radar hands; Black went back to basics with an emphasis on sheer strength and tenacity. Where do toys fit into all of this? Well Bandai's new SH Figuarts line is all about getting back to basics. Using all their skill as toy engineers, Bandai has created a line of action figures that can capture the essence of each character in one simple figure. And there are few characters with a more unmistakable presence than Kamen Rider Black.
HENSHIN! As a toy, Black is a very straightforward figure. Built mostly out of ABS and POM with pair of diecast feet, everything about the toy feels solid. It features a plethora of articulation and almost every joint is super smooth. The diecast feet are a little stiffer than the plastic joints, but that doesn't really affect the figure's ability to just look perfectly natural as it recreates various stunts from the series. As Kamen Rider Black possessed no distracting gimmicks, this toy's only accessories are optional hands. Two open hands, two fists, two karate-chopping hands, and one two-finger pointing hand.
KAMEN RIDER BLACK!
fwiiiiisssh
The detail on this figure is excellent. It has textured joints to replicate the bio-mechanical nature of the original costume. In addition, the figure has a well-executed compound eye effect. The whole front half of the mask is actually clear red plastic that has been fully detailed and placed over the rest of the head where the silver eyes sit.
Paintwork on the Power Stripes, chest logo, and King Stone belt is all incredibly crisp. The King Stone in the center of the belt is a clear red piece with texture detail underneath. All of these details work with the bare plastic limbs as none of the paint applications are overdone. I must admit though, Black is a natural fingerprint magnet so he could use a good cleaning now and then.
Golgom! Your evil cannot be forgiven!
RIDER PUNCH!
RIDER KICK!
Once again, the figure shows itself to be quite flexible.
And it is also well balanced.
Long, long ago 20th century...
Much like the character himself, the S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider Black is a simple design with solid execution. I have no real complaints about this toy as there's no a whole lot that can go wrong. My one real regret is that it has made me anxious for more figures from the Kamen Rider Black and Kamen Rider Black RX series. I have no doubt in my mind that Bandai is working on a Figuarts Shadow Moon as I write this review. I can't wait.
Comments
4 comments postedThis figure is perfect. One thing that really puzzles me is how are the details printed. The paintwork on gashapon figures especially from Medicos and Yamato are out of this world. I would like to see a service on these companies some day. Thanks for sharing this cool article.
Any figure of this guy is a great figure,IMO.
Never watched this show, but I really like this figure. Cool photo's!
Makes me want to watch the show again.
I grw up watching this every weekend and always marvel at his bare handed ability to trash monsters of the week.