Kikaider 01

Review by Gazbot

This figure is based on the second live action (tokusatsu) TV show in the series in the Kikaider franchise. Kikaider 01 (Ichiro) is the elder 'brother" of Android Kikaider (Jiro). Where Jiro played an acoustic guitar to announce his arrival, Ichiro plays a white trumpet. Both androids Fight "Dark" and have human forms. Once transformed they are red and blue split down the middle with some circuitry and mechanical workings showing through. The also both rode motorcycles "machines". These were also produced for this line including Ichiro's, "Double Machine" but are sold separately.

I have watched a fair amount of the first series, but had not seen Kikaider 01 until I received this figure, I watched the first episode, and it looks just as good as the original series, but with possibly better villain designs. Kikaider is one of those characters that I would occasionally see online when looking for other toys or shows and think: "That is one horribly garish thing!" But with me familiarity did not breed contempt, but rather, affection. Now I like the character(s) in general, and kind of love the uniqueness, and bold in your face style of the look. Kikaider 01 is much more symmetrical than his younger brother, and his exposed circuity looks a bit flashier as well, I am somewhat reluctant to admit it, being more of a Jiro fan, but, this version seems to have resulted in the superior figure treatment.

Like the previous release, Android Kikaider, Kikaider 01 was released as a Tamashii web exclusive. Also like the last release He comes in a slim black windowless box.

It is difficult to open the flap without causing a bit of creasing and folding.

Like other figures in the line, he comes in a clear plastic tray with all his accessories. As a character that doesn't usually use weapons or have energy attacks, this includes just extra hands.

The figure has protective plastic "bibs", which many Figuarts seem to come with these days.

Here he is from all sides:

He has no plugs or holes for a Tamashii stand due to his upper body/circuitry armor. It is removable however, by taking the head off. I don't recommend this, these is no real reason to, and the head has and odd double jointed plug than can get pushed into the skull and is difficult to pop out and then re-attach to the neck.

I did notice a few tiny paint flaws, but only when I was looking at the blown up pictures they were not very noticeable with the naked eye If they still bother me later, I can always just scrape them off with an Exact-O.

The knee caps are on the double joint of the leg, but are a separate piece that is slotted in tight. They can be removed, but never fell off.

The waist joint is a bit tight so when moving it be careful not to pop the figure in half. If you do however it is easy to reconnect. I personally prefer the joints to be too tight as opposed to too loose.

His joints stayed quite tight, as I played with him. He had no trouble standing on his own in a variety of poses. I was thrilled that he even had a bicep swivel joint! This has been lacking in some other figuarts releases. I would have also liked a thigh swivel, but that didn't stop him from getting into pretty much every pose I tried.

He comes with a total of 8 hands; fist karate chop, open, and opened fist.
The open fists are meant to allow him to ride on his Double Machine. But can be used to hold weapons from other figures such as this sword from my Space Sheriff Shaider.

This gave me the idea to try an energy attack swap-able hand from another figure. I grabbed my Specium ray hand from Ultraman Hayata. It technically fit the peg, but is overly large in proportion, and fits very loose. It looks steady in these pics, but swiveled around when I picked him up.

Kikaida 01 is significantly shorter than modern ultra act figures as you can see here:

Here is a more diverse size comparison line up:

Final impressions: Overall I really like this figure.
My favorite parts are the clear plastic over exposed circuitry and his clear eyes that catch the light nicely.

His joints are plentiful and tight. His red is different from the Ultra figures. His Accessories are basic, but all you need really. I like that he has a smaller box, since it will take up less space in my closet.
My only gripe would be the weird head joint he has.
He costs more than the average SH Figuarts release. Frankly he comes with less than the average release as well, but, he is more of an obscure character than Goku or Ultraman so that is to be expected. You are basically paying extra to get a character that maybe would not have been produced otherwise. If you are a fan of any Kikaider series or incarnation you will probably want this figure. If you are a fan of cool retro robots you will probably want this figure. If you think it looks ugly and garish and hate it, you probably need to watch the show and spend more time with it :P

Finally here he in my case fitting in stylistically with my Ultras and Metal heroes.