UlasanAnime.com – The author begins by reflecting on the process of choosing new anime to watch, focusing on what sparks their interest. This leads to a discussion about promotional images, using the Gold Saw PVC anime version as an example.
The author notes that the Gold Saw figure resembles a bustier version of Black Rock Shooter, but with a “psycho yandere” vibe. While acknowledging its meticulous craftsmanship, the author expresses reservations about purchasing it due to its high cost and a personal preference for figures that offer more than just aesthetic appeal. They mention that Good Smile Company (GSC) often caters to collectors who buy figures based solely on their appearance, and for Gold Saw, the appeal seems to be primarily her chest and the iconic BRS jacket.
This observation triggers a thought about the importance of “face” in character designs, drawing a parallel to Neal Stephenson’s novel Snow Crash. The author argues that while facial sculpting is crucial for 3D figures, many anime faces are inherently similar. They provide a link to an image illustrating the “monoface” phenomenon often seen in anime character designs by Aoi Nishimata. The difficulty in adding detail to anime faces beyond the eyes, mouth shape, and nose size without altering the character’s expression or identity is highlighted. This, the author suggests, is why Kotobukiya figures often share a similar facial structure and why characters like Woody from Toy Story are memorable. For Gold Saw, the author reiterates that her appeal lies in her namesake chains, legs, base, jacket, and physique.
The author then muses about their motivations and mentions that they are not put off by the character Rio from Rio: Rainbow Gate. They also express a lack of enthusiasm for a potential Snow Crash anime adaptation, especially if it featured Nishimata’s designs.
Despite these reservations about character design and facial expression, the author admits to being enthusiastic about their latest purchase: Konami’s Rinko 1/8 PVC figure. Rinko is one of three “girlfriend for the masses” characters, whose appeal is partly derived from her interchangeable appearance and personality. The author finds Rinko to be a quality product, even if not as elaborate as figures from Alter or GSC. Comparing Rinko to Alter’s Selvaria PVC, the author notes that unlike the “gaudy” Selvaria, Rinko is more akin to a Wave or Kotobukiya figure, with a semi-dynamic pose and a wealth of detail, even if she appears generic from a distance.
The author acknowledges that Rinko’s construction and paint job are not flawless, with some minor blemishes upon close inspection. However, these imperfections fall within acceptable tolerances for mass-produced figures. The primary criticism concerns Rinko’s eyes, which the author points out look significantly different in the figure compared to the solicitation image, as shown in a side-by-side comparison in the MyFigureCollection (MFC) review.
Rinko comes with five different interchangeable hairstyles, a gym bag, and an MP3 player. The hairstyles include:
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- Semi-long with a pink hairband
- Twin tails with short bangs
- Twin pigtails
- Melonhead
- Uneven long bangs, short in the back
The author chose the pigtails for the initial display, appreciating that each hairstyle offers a distinct feel and serves as a “3D proof of the Nishimata character design ‘theory’.”
The included gym bag is described as highly detailed and potentially useful for diorama photography. However, its customization with Rinko’s chibi mascot might make it less suitable for other characters. The bag’s strap is made of soft vinyl, giving it a more realistic drape than rope. The author notes that the other Konami Love Plus figures (Manaka and Nene) also come with bags featuring their respective mascots (a rabbit and a raccoon).
The MP3 player accessory is presented as a minor issue. It consists of a small PVC loop attached to a rectangular MP3 player shape. Attaching it requires removing Rinko’s hair and carefully guiding the loop down her head. The author explains that Rinko’s upper body, including the head and neck, is a single piece with the torso, unlike many PVC figures where the head is split into two parts. While attaching the MP3 player is a one-time process, the author warns that it could be challenging due to the risk of snagging on her ears.
The author also comments on the presence of ears on Rinko’s figure, noting that ears are not always visible on bishoujo figures unless they are fantasy characters. They reiterate that the MP3 player is optional, and Rinko looks fine without it.
The unorthodox construction of Rinko’s head is presumed to be for facilitating the hair-swapping mechanism. The hair pieces are stored in a separate plastic tray with a cover. Each hairstyle is comprised of a front and back piece, which are not interchangeable between styles. This design choice, while practical for keeping track of pieces and maintaining detail, prevents more creative combinations. The back of Rinko’s head features a D-shaped connector with an O-shaped lock, matching the connectors on the hair pieces, allowing for reassembly. The author notes that longer hairstyles might require careful angling to avoid interference with Rinko’s ears or shoulders, while shorter styles are easier to attach. The front and back hair pieces also have unique connectors, allowing for some mix-and-match possibilities.
The author then provides a numbered ranking for the figure:
Sculpting: Rated 8.5 or 9. The sculpt is faithful to the source material and expresses Rinko’s identity well, but it doesn’t evoke an exceptionally strong feeling. It’s described as artisan and true to origin, but not perfect.
Painting: Rated 9. The paint job is highly detailed, but minor flaws, particularly with the eyes and the MP3 player, prevent a perfect score.
Posing: Rated 9. The pose is dynamic and more exciting than average Kotobukiya figures, without being overly extravagant. The author praises the various good angles for displaying the figure. A minor complaint is the short skirt, which, while potentially a plus for some, leads to a “peek-a-boo” effect of her backside.
Base: Rated 8. The base is a simple disc shaped like the iconic Love Plus logo, with the logo pattern pressed into it. Rinko stands on the base with one foot, secured by two pegs, and the base appears sturdy.
Packaging: Rated 8. The packaging is simple and functional, with all parts securely stored. The hair pieces are housed in a separate plastic tray behind the cardboard backdrop.
Enjoyment: Rated 10. The author gives this score based on their personal long-term enjoyment of Rinko. For those unfamiliar with the character, the author acknowledges that the figure might not be worth the effort due to the exclusivity and potential difficulty in obtaining Konami kits. However, for fans of the designs or illustrations, the figure offers unique hair customization and overall quality. The author advises that if found at a bargain price, it’s a worthwhile purchase, especially for a classy and visually pleasing tomboyish character.
Finally, the author encourages readers to check out the MyFigureCollection (MFC) version of the review for additional details, a TL;DR summary, and more pictures.
