Today I’ll let down my pants, only in the figurative sense, of course

Inspired by Adam’s Figure Financials posts I decided that I wanted to create something similar by the end of this year. I’m fully aware that a detailed look at the figure expenses of this year might be a shocking experience, but join me  and face the ugly truth in this post.

Let’s take a look at the things I’ve bought this year, overall it were 27 figures that I’ve purchased and received this year, 1 less compared to 2011. Since I already sold 2 figures I end up with a number of overall 25 collected figures in 2012, it was one of my goals to stay under 28 figures.

monthly figure expenses

In the diagram below every bar shows what I’ve spent each month, surprisingly I ordered nothing in February and May. With 4 figures, I kind of overdid it in June and October, it were expensive months, but this also partially happened because of unforeseen events. In November I also ordered 4 figures, but these figure were from the aftermarket and comparatively cheap.

I won’t write down the entire sum I’ve spent this year, it would be a too big shock for me XD

manufacturer appointments

It looks like I chose ALTER for most of my purchases, their figures really caught my interest even some older figures from them. Surprisingly GSC, which I really can’t stand or better said it’s the constant hype about their products. Anyway I went out of my way and ordered four of their figures, I really like Sayaka and Shinobu. I also got really nice figures from Max Factory.
For some reason I only ordered 3 (4) Orchid Seed figures, maybe that will change in 2013.

I also tried different companies, that I’ve never bought from before, like Alpha Max, Native, Daiki Kougyou, PLUM, Phat Company and Volks who will relase their Nagisa figure soon. Unlike my bad experience with Griffon, these companies provided solid quality and very good figures.

Shop appointments

new exclusive and old figures comparison

Aside from 15 new figures, I bought 5 Exclusive figures (Sonico – Bath Time version,
Noel Vermillion, Miku Hatsune – Cheerful Japan, the Sonico Nendoroid and Nagisa).
The 7 old figures were Max Factories Tamaki Kousaka and Haruhi Suzumiya Gekisou version, Echidna from Megahouse. From ALTER I ordered the Louise Francoise – school uniform version, Fate/Hollow Ataraxia – Saber Maid R and non R version and Fauna at last.

I spent a lot for the Tamaki figure, but in other cases there were a number of significant price drops at Mandarake and AmiAmi preowned in this year, these prices were so low that I couldn’t resist these figures I always was slightly interested in. Asida from Echidna, who had a stained butt (it wasn’t me XD) I made no bad experiences with these aftermarket figures.

additional costs

When looking a these numbers I’m quite surprised that the custom fees only take ten percent of the spent budget, hehe four times my packages weren’t charged. 17 percent for shipping also appears lower than expected, this year I used more SAL shipping and domestic shipping, when more figures arrive in one month it makes no sense to use EMS for all orders. I used EMS 11 times, SAL 12 times and domestic shipping for local shops was used 4 times.

favorite figures of the year

Ok, enough of these dry statistics lets end this post with my personal favorites of the figures I’ve purchased this year this year.

Bakemonogatari – Oshino Shinobu (Good Smile Company)

This was my first GSC figure that I actually like a lot. The donut eating loli vampire Shinobu from Bakemonogatari was very well recreated in this figure, be it the adorable and cute face, the petite appearance of her body. Also the outfit with the cool motorcycle helmet and the light looking summer dress are also a convincing part of her. While not being sculpted perfectly sharp, the donut bed like base with it’s overload of details is a nice addition to the figure.

Another nice detail is that she can be taken off her base and be placed nearly everywhere.

Ikki Tousen Xtreme Xecutor – Kan’u Unchou (Daiki Kougyou)

I saw, drooled in excitement and ordered ^^. This figure appeared convincing for me from the day she was announced. I like Ikki Toussen quite a bit, but I never bought a figure of it before.

With this figure Daiki came especially close to my image of Kanu. Her powerful fighting pose and the well trained, attractive body were quite appealing. The figure of Kanu has a kinda angry determined face expression, while I prefer cute expressions in general, I was fascinated by the look of this figure. As my first experience with Daiki Kougyou, Im quite satisfied with their work. The sculpting and the painting on clothes and figure turned out very well

Soukou Akki Muramasa – Sansei Muramasa – Maid (Max Factory)

This was quite maid year in terms of figures for me, but Sansei Muramasa throned above all of them. I was interested in her since a certain Wonfes a few years ago. I am totally happy that I was convinced to get her in the end. Her appearance of a grown up and very attractive dark skinned elf is really enchanting. Muramasa has a beautiful face, the eyes are very expressive and also the unique combination of a slightly embarrassed and pouting  face expression are nice.

Her dress is lovely with the detailed ruffles and also the color combination of cream white and silky shine black a quite classy, elaborate look is created. The figure also offers a cool looking base with red floor and a pretty table where parts of the included coffee dishes can be placed.

Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai – Takayama Maria (Max Factory)

Im still not a fan the Maria character, but she’s cute loli anyway. As image for the sculpting and painting Max Factory relied on the illustrator of the Novels, Buriki who has a quite unique style.
I really love how the face of this figure was adapted, she has super detailed eyes, blush marks and a cute open mouth with a sharp little fang. This Maria Takayama is a high quality figure with great looking body sculpting and an overall lively and playful appearance.

The dress is a little odd for a figure of a young girl, but is is very well done with pretty gloss and detailed shading effects. With a happy Maria inside the dress actually looks more cute than lewd.

To Heart 2 – Kousaka Tamaki – (Max Factory AquaPlus)

I saw this figure in the past, but in this year I noticed how appealing this figure actually is and was searching on the aftermarket. friend on MFC helped me and so I got my Tamaki Kousaka.

Not a cheap deal, but it was worth every cent. She looks a little different compared to her visual novel and anime origin, but in this case that is nothing bad.  On her fluffy, round base Tamaki radiates a romantic, cozy atmosphere what is quite charming in my eyes. The long red hair is pretty, the round face with the big eyes, rosy cheeks and the gentle smile on her mouth is really enchanting. The combination of a quite innocent appearance and an attractive curvy body works very well with this figure. Overall, the sculpting and paintjob of her are really top notch.

I still think that her boobs are too big, but with a cute face like this I accept this “minor” detail ;D

Nitro Super Sonic – Sonico –  Bath Time version (Native)

This was my first figure from Native actually, more importantly is that she’s a huge 1/6 scaled Sonico. I liked the creativity of pose and base a lot, these three little bathing friends are really cute accessories. The figure also has a very detailed and convincing face expression. I also like that they added more meat to this sculpt of Sonico like the Tsuji Santa artstyle always implies.

The figure can be displayed naked, not to the extent of most Native figures, but in my opinion  she looks best with one of her towels applied.Minor flaws are too faint blush marks and a  not that sexy looking butt, but nevertheless she is without question one of the best Sonico figures so far with the  Sonico – Bondage version from Orchid Seed following close afterwards.

Senran Kagura – Hibari (Phat Company)

I was quite happy as the cute GK of Hibari was quickly adapted to be turned into a PVC figure.
I didn’t had that much trust into Phat Company to begin with. But after unpacking her I was very much delighted, she looked very well done and came without major flaws. I love the cheerful face of Hibari with her flower eyes and the happy open mouth. I also liked her busty schoolgirl appearance dressed up in cute sportswear, like the jersey and the short bloomers that accentuates her meaty thighs. Her loose socks and the shoes are also a very cool detail.

Since I awaited this figure from Phat Company with lowered expectations my joy about her very good quality and looks were kinda amplified and Im still very happy about her purchase.

Do you have favorite figures from the ones you’ve bought?

Final Words

So far I always planned my purchases on a monthly basis, so that I won’t overstep my budget, in this post it was  interesting to take a look at the overall purchases of my figure hobby in this year. It appears like a lot of money and it probably is, but the truth is that there were more nice and pretty figures that I wanted to get n 2012, but I wanted to show at least a little retention.

Next year will be full of nice figures as well and I already preordered a few things, but lets see what and how many figures I will add to my next orders.

And you, Do you take a look back at your purchases and expenses of this year?

I there anyone who spent more? please let me know.

Today I’ll present you a review of one of my most awaited figures in this year, this Kan’u Unchou.
It’s actually my first figure from this manufacturer and also my very first Ikki Tousen figure.

The Ikki Tousen Xtreme Xecutor version of Kan’u Unchou was manufactured by Daiki Kougyou, the figure was announced nine months ago and the release occured on November 16th 2012.
The figure of Kan’u is scaled 1/6 and has a good height of 28 cm (32 cm with her spear weapon).

I ordered her for 11920 Yen at Ami Ami, SAL shipping turned out cheaper than expected.

Her origin is the anime adaption of Ikki Tousen, the show is loosely based on the events and characters from the “Romance of the three kingdoms”, where modern Japan sees a similar struggle for power between different rival schools with the three strongest leaders. There are many healthy female Warriors who are involved into a lot of fights and battle damaged clothes.

I started to like the anime, after I’ve watched all three seasons that were available at that time at once. After the terrible first season from J.C. Staff, Arms continued the franchise in a better way, Dragon Destiny was a lot better and Great Guardians would be my favorite of these three.

Compared to the manga the anime is a bit different and it’s a pity that each season so far was only 12-13 episodes long, but overall it is a very entertaining show for me with appealing character designs. I especially like the characters from Seito and Nanyu and their interactions.

Kan’u is from Seito Academy, together with Chouhi, Koumei and Chou’un she is protecting her leader Ryuubi Gentoku, who is actually more into reading books than fighting and the school.

Kan’u is actually no lesbian, but she has strong romantic feelings torwards her leader Ryuubi.

With Special A Toushi Rank, Kan’u is one of the strongest and skilled fighters in Ikki Tousen.

Hair & Face

Kanu’u is a pretty girl with very long dark aubergine-colored hair with some lighter shading, the sculpting of it was done in a rather dynamic way even at the back it looks very nice. Her hair is showing many single strands all around, one of her eyes is hidden by a bang. At the back of her hair there is a metallic colored pipe like hairclip that holds everything together at the end.

A part I really like about the figure is the pretty face which shows an convincing expression, that is full angry determination and pride. In general I stay away from figures with in my eyes, too serious facial expression, but I like how Kan’u looks in this figure adaption. The slanted eye(s) captures the attractive style from the anime very well and lets the figure appear very lively.

Her mouth also looks very good, both lips are nicely sculpted and add a lot facial detail to the figure, the slightly rosy cheeks are another little but nice detail of her face.

Body & Outfit

Kan’u Unchou is a 19 year old girl, with the three sizes 96 – 60 – 91. Her height of 1,72 m makes her taller than your average Japanese women. I really like how sexy this figure is, the subtle muscular limbs show her well toned body, yet Kan’u looks still very feminine and curvy.

Her big round boobs are really nice in my opinion, they have an appealing shape and some underboob appeal is implemented, it might appear a bit odd that her boobs point upwards, but it can be justified with her dynamic fighting pose and some overflowing Chi, I don’t really mind.
Aside from that the body of Kan’u offers a nice belly as well as nice hips and meaty thighs.

The schools in Ikki Tousen were always lawless areas, I actually never saw a teacher or student council there and therefore nobody cares about the modified length of her shirt. Aside from this little modification Kan’u wears the Seito typical sailor uniform, a white short sleeved shirt with blue stripes, a blue skirt, loose socks and school model shoes. The sculpting of both, shirt and skirt looks very elaborate, detailed wrinkles and shading give her dress a nearly lifelike appearance.

The skirt comes off at the side and high cut panties are revealed. With her boobs so nice, round, ripe and bouncy it’s quite a shame that the shirt won’t come of on Moeyo it was shown that the figure can be forcefully castoff, but I think she was actually too expensive to make such a stunt.

As weapon Kan’u is wielding her “Blue Dragon Crescent Blade” Spear, it has a nice metallic like color with some shading. The spears has to be pushed (not pressed) it into her left hand, with the right technique it is a do-able task and once in place it’s stays firm and looks cool.

A more major letdown is actually the base, I already expected that I wouldn’t get the wooden disk from the promo shots, but a plain black disk with a cheap plastic shine is underwhelming for such a high quality figure. The figure is supported via two pegs, unfortunately the small peg broke during the shooting, from two other owners of her I heard of the same problem, maybe Daiki should have used sturdier material. Anyway the bigger peg is enough to keep the figure in place.

Final Words

Im very satisfied with this figure of Kan’u Unchou, she turned out like the promo shots implied (except the base). My image of Kan’u was recreated very well and even though she isn’t my favorite Ikki Tousen character, I’m totally happy about my decision of ordering this figure.

She has a very powerful, sexy and proud appearance and the quality is also very good, painting and sculpting are well executed, Daiki Kougyou left a very convincing impression with their
Kan’u Unchou – Xtreme Xecutor figure. It’s a nice feeling when a figure turned out as expected.

Another review can be  found at Tentacle Armada

This version and an alternative Pink version are still available at Ami Ami

For these review pictures I used two new items, the Sigma 28 mm F1,8 EX DG Macro, which works very well with bigger figures like Kan’u and a LQ-103 LumiQuest Ultrasoft bouncer.

Time for new preorders, this time I just ordered 2 new figures, but a few bigger changes occured with the already placed preorders and I will also talk about the problems of a figure collector.

I looked over my latest list of preorders for this year and I felt that something wasn’t right. It was just too much, it actually were around four figures each month. It would be quite expensive and I can’t write my reviews that fast. So after the Wonfes in July, I decided to get rid of my bad feeling and canceled three figures for the sake of precious shelf space, money and freetime. Sometimes canceling is also part of the figure collecting hobby. We order our figures many months in advance and while waiting for their release other pretty and interesting figures appear.

Of course you should know which figures you want to have, but the no cancellation policy many Japanese figure shops have is very inconvenient (even though when they make exceptions). One more cancellation this year and AmiAmi might ban me. Well, I actually just canceled 6 orders there in the last two years, but I understand that is annoying for them to have indecisive and erratic customers . Have you ever canceled a few more figure orders?

I canceled the following figures

Blanc Neige from Orchid Seed; I don’t know if I should have done this since outfit pose and base looked very pretty, but I guess I wouldn’t liked the figure without rosy cheeks on her face.

Takamachi Nonoha from Ques q; I still think that this Nanoha is very cute, but after I’ve heard not many good things of the figure which have been released recently by Ques q I better pass.

Hinako from AmiAmi zero; I was seriously sick of all these delays that occured with this figure and the pictures I’ve seen of her lately weren’t convincing to me anymore either. I might regret this decision, but for the time being I feel very relieved.

In case I’ll really regret some of my decisions there is always the aftermarket and AmiAmi’s new pre-owned items section.

This month I was hit by two unexpected delays, first the 1/6 scaled Kan’u Unchou and then the Hatsune Miku Cheerful Japan! Support version was also delayed. I already expected Anarchy Stocking and Yagju Jubei, but now I can expect to receive 4 figures in September, how funny

*haha* There was stil no info about Nagisa’s release date

In November and December I still have no preorders out of two reasons, first so far there will be nothing I would really like to have in these months. Second Im more interested in the figures from the Summer Wonfes which will come out in 2013.  Now to the few preorders I’ve placed.

Louise … de la Vallière – Uniform version -1/8 – Alter

I already complaint a few times about the lack of Louise figures that match my image of the cute tsundere magician. She’s one of my 2D girl favorites, but I never got any figures of her However this one from ALTER must have slipped under my radar, maybe because she is already from 2009. Anyway thx to the very nice pictures of Rubee I noticed the figure which comes quite close to my image of Louise. I was able to get her for a fair price. The seller promised to mark her package as gift, but the customs snatched the package nevertheless. Time to pick her up ^^.

Takamachi Nanoha – Swimsuit version – 1/6 – Alpha Max

Haha I canceled loli swimsuit Nanoha to get the adult swimsuit Nanoha what is wrong with me ;D Well, Alpha Max left a good impression with their Gravure Swimsuit figure from Sonico, that I received a few weeks ago. I already had her prototype on my list, so I didn’t hesitate to place my order for this figure in a few seconds as soon as I noticed that she was availabe for preordering.
I think this 1/6! scaled figure does justice to the appearance of adult Nanoha character, I really like her gentle smile and the huge sidetail. She will be released in February of the next year.

what Im looking forward to …

This figure is called Leviathan, she is an exclusive figure from Hobby Japan in collaboration with AMAKUNI. Leviathan is scaled 1/8 and will have a height of 22cm, the base will add 8,5cm to the height.  Leviathan is sculpted by Hiroshi and this time AMAKUNI is in charge of Leviathan, the next figure from The Seven Deadly Sins lineup. On August 25th this figure can be preordered.

Since I saw the illustration of her I know that I want the figure. Leviathan has the appearance of a cute, yet rebellious punk rock girl. Im a big fan of her outfit and the overall presentation of this character. Orchid Seed won’t work on her unlike on Asmodeus,  but nevertheless AMAKUNI also equipped their figure with a cast off option. I can’t wait until tomorrow (>◡<)

Maybe Baby List

Touwa Erio  – scale: 1/8 – manufacturer: CM – release date: August

Im quite curious about the outcome of this , even though I expect no wonders of CM. Anyway this a cute sculpt and her face seems to be nice as well. Maybe this Erio will hit the bargain bin.

Ignis – scale: 1/7 – manufacturer: Orchid Seed – release date: October

She also was in the last maybe baby list, maybe I should get her soon. Its a really nicely sculpted figure with a good looking outfit and also the color combination is quite appealing.

Suzuhara Misae – scale: 1/7 – manufacturer: Native – release date: October

Yeah, Yeah I know the preorder Deadline is already over and I probably won’t get her anymore, but nevertheless she would have been a great figure here in my room. It is a nicely sculpted angel with a beautiful face and convincing female attributes ^^

Amami Haruka  – scale: 1/7 – manufacturer: Kotobukiya – release date: October

I liked Haruka a lot in the Idolmaster anime, this figure adaption from Kotobukiya’s Angelic Island lineup captures her cheerful and positive personality very well, but I’d rather have a figure of her in a more casual outfit. But her happy open mouth is so adorable

Chouhi Ekitoku – scale: 1/7 – manufacturer: Orchid Seed – release date: December

I don’t know  anymore how long I’ve waited until the figure was ready for preordering. I had high expectations, but felt rather dissapointed by the outcome of magical Chouhi. Somehow her eyes look rather odd, maybe a bit too pale. Argh it feels so stupid, I was really looking forward to it, but now I have only unmatched expectations. Well her butt is still nice, but I won’t order a figure just for a nice butt. Maybe Im just too picky, hopefully further pictures will convince me until December.

Tenshi – scale: 1/8 – manufacturer: GSC – release date: January 2013

I don’t even like Angel Beats! but I like pure girls in cute summer dresses This new figure of Tenshi is convincing on her own. Barefoot and wings Im looking forward to this figure. At Wonfes GSC confidently announced her early release date, but I doubt that there will be no small delay.

Akasa Akari – scale: 1/8 – manufacturer: Alter – release date:  in 2013

Ok these two figures here have no fix release date so I anticipate quite a bit.  Akarin! … , since I started to watch Yuru Yuri a month ago I fell in love with Akasa Akari , she is such a cute and good girl, no matter how cruel the world is around her, she never looses her cheerfulness. She wears a plain school uniform, but with such a sweet face everything would look good on her =)

Melty de Granite  – scale: 1/8 – manufacturer: Alter – release date:  in 2013

Yes a Shinning Hearts figure from Alter,  it was a shallow anime overall, but at least the characters were cute. This figure seems to turn out quite pretty and elaborate. All these details on this Melty and her dress just look stunning and the base turns the whole figure into something enchanting.

Now the post is finished, thx for your attention. Next time I will hava a review of Noel Vermillion.