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Figure Unboxing and Review: Nendoroid Hacka Doll #1 (Good Smile Company)

Sunday, August 21, 2016 / No Comments

Hacka Doll Ichi-gou is the only Nendoroid of the Hacka Doll line that will probably ever be made and I'm glad that I got a copy for myself! Her accessories was what piqued my interest in her and after checking out her source material, the anime nailed it for me. So here she is!

Packaging

The box was done well and I have no complains here. The teal color used for her matches well with her color code and the pink in the box itself makes a stark contrast to the figure and accentuates her as well.

Blister-wise, she's packed well and prevented from paint transfers with little pieces of plastic. Even in the blister, you see how many unusual accessories she comes with. I would be using some of them in the later parts of my review too!

Not to mention that her blister has a much smaller opening for the base. I actually prefer this because it makes it more difficult for her base to fall out from the blister when I put it back into the box!

Base

The same as usual. She wasn't loose or too tight, fortunately. Recently I've been trying to pose Nendoroids without their bases but that doesn't work well for her because her hair piece is just too huge, making her extremely top-heavy.

Posing and Assembly

Hacka Doll #1 is definitely not a difficult one to assemble. She comes in one less part than most other Nendoroids because her lower body (the skirt part) is not detachable. Hence she only has 2 hair pieces (front and back), face plate, neck joint, arms (including hands), body, and legs to separate out and interchange. This reduces a lot on her poseability and ability to exchange portions of outfits with other Nendoroid.

However, to make up for this, Hacka Doll #1 does come with rather unusual accessories which we'll take a look at in the next section.

Sculpting and Painting

Let's take a look at the combination of her embarrassed startled expression and the book. What could she possibly be reading? It's actually a yaoi book with not very graphic art, but it gets the point across. The pegs fit with her hands, allowing the Nendoroid to hold the book firmly.

She also comes with a tablet and as you can see, the tablet also has a peg to fit into her hand part. This tablet is a crucial part of the anime so you can't call yourself a fan unless you know its importance!

Next, taking a look at Hacka Doll #1 herself...

She has ears! Despite how thick her bangs are, the slight gap in between her hair front and back parts allows us to have a peek at her ears. I don't know if this was intentional, but the peek of her ears is indeed loyal to the series.

Next, is her outfit. It's quite unique with the button like things and large gloves, but adds a kind of appeal and lewdness to the figure on itself. Though, when matches with the obnoxiously loud #1, it does lose some of its figure-hugging curvy appeal in the anime -- that's the job of #2.

Though this outfit is quite nice for matching with other Nendoroids, especially if they have an embarrassed expression!

Enjoyment

While I do feel that her hair parts are really too big for her and that the anime isn't very popular (it's short clip anime series), the accessories do make this Nendoroid worthy to buy!

~ Reina-rin

Figure Unboxing and Review: Nendoroid Akaza Akari Transparent Version (Good Smile Company)

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Akarin~~~

Akari from Yuruyuri is one of my favorite characters and I picked her up on my June Japan trip! This is a special version which features her invisible self! She also has a regular Nendoroid which I am still unable to locate at a reasonable price yet...

Packaging

Pink definitely suits Akari and I'm all for this Nendoroid except the part where this box is much smaller than a Nendoroid box and doesn't open like one. This might be fine for most collectors out there, but I love to display my Nendoroid boxes so it becomes a headache to find a place for her.

As mentioned earlier, she doesn't open like a regular Nendoroid box either! Taking a peek at her blister shows that she's actually well packaged and there's little chance of any paint transfers. However, she really comes with minimal parts... not that I'm expecting much or anything, okay?! Hmph!

Posing and Assembly

Tsundere mode aside, let's now take a closer look at Akari. Posability is definitely an issue with so little parts she came with. Another issue that I can think of is that her translucent parts make it quite difficult to make out which part is which in the box.

I would also like to mention that the texture is very different from other Nendoroids. It's rougher and... I can't really describe it well.... But, oh, she's lighter too.

As for assembly, she works just like a normal Nendoroid (though I wish her hair buns were removable) and there are no pressing issues for assembly in my copy.

Sculpting and Painting

Sculpting definitely gets much higher points than painting for this Nendoroid. Though she's translucent, Akari has much well-made details. Her uniform, for instance, has appropriately placed creases and plaits. Her socks and shoes are well sculpted too. It's not like the sculptors at Good Smile Company slacked off just because she's an extra version and not a full fledged Nendoroid!

Painting wise, we see Akka written on her forehead. or bangs if you'd rather be more precise. This is one of the running gags I find in Yuruyuri and I'm glad they put it here as well. With regards to the rest of the paintwork, which is just... her eyes and mouth, I definitely find them creepy. More so for the mouth. Especially when it's late at night and you just see that salmon pink semicircle looking at you.

Enjoyment

While this Nendoroid isn't huge on posing, she gives an insight into one of the sides of Akari which no Akari fan can miss!

~ Reina-rin

For Beginner Figure Collectors #18: Maintenance of Figures

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Hi Friends,

Maintenance and dusting of figures do take up a lot of time, and if you find enjoyment or count it as your relaxation time, it'll be a plus.

However, for many, it's stressful when you are trying to get rid of that one dark spot you never knew existed. Today's tutorial would be to provide some suggestions on how to clean your figures, as well as some first-aid for your figures.

Cleaning

1. Cloth

To clean my figures, I use a microfiber cloth for larger parts as well as for the display shelf, but of course, that will not be enough for the dust that manage to find its way into the small creases and holes in one way or another.

2. Brushes

For those, I would turn to use my trusty make-up brushes. They come in various sizes for all those difficult-to-reach areas in your figure's sculpt (especially for scale figures!) and have soft bristles so they wouldn't harm your figures. For that same reason, I wouldn't use paintbrushes since their bristles are usually stiff, and might cause paint chips.

Just be sure not to double-up those brushes as your real make-up brushes. As much as oil from make-up is bad for your figures, dust from figures is terrible for your face as well.

3. Air

Compressed air is another way to go about cleaning your figures. In fact, this might make it easier to get that dust out from those places your brush might find trouble sneaking into.

Just that brushes should be cheaper, and you need to be careful not to use too much of that compressed air on a single area. But oh well, you can use what's left after you're done with your figure to clean your computer. I'm sure your computer would appreciate it as well!

First-aid for Figures

This section is for figures where you have issues with, such as paint transfer or dirt streaks. Plasticizer problems that make your figures sticky would be targeted as well!

1. Magic Eraser

This is my very first solution to any streaks or markings on my figures which are difficult to remove with simply water or a wet tissue. I'll like to credit this brand for curing most of my mishaps.

Of course, a normal eraser would work very well too, in a case-by-case basis. Just make sure that the part in contact with the figure is absolutely clean or you'll risk leaving more marks on the figure!

Do note that if you use the magic eraser too vigorously, you might also remove some of the paint, so being gentle and meticulous is the way to go! You may also wish to refrain from using this on areas with black paint because somehow it's easier to strip away the darker colors and lighten them, thus ending up with a lighter color, which would result in a problem which is more difficult to solve.

2. Wash or Soak

If the problem isn't resolved with a magic eraser, you should move on to this second step. This step is also useful for getting rid of that sticky film, otherwise known as plasticizer, on your figures.

Add a tiny bit of soap or detergent to a pail of water and soak your figures in it. Make sure that the brand and type of detergent which you use is not too strong and ensure that it is always diluted. You can soak your figure in the soapy water for up to a day, depending on how diluted or concentrated your solution is, but personally, I'll take it out within 3 hours.

Pat dry your figure with a microfiber cloth and allow the rest of the moisture to air dry.

3. Alcohol

This isn't the method that I'd use regularly, and I don't recommend it unless the problem you are facing with your figure is that severe.

Dip a Q-tip into alcohol and use it to clean the affected area. Be sure not to use too much alcohol as it might harm your figure by stripping off the paint. The alcohol would evaporate quickly upon contact with the air so your figure would be good to go in a few moments! Just be sure to cap your alcohol solution properly as well so it doesn't evaporate too~

4. Thinner

This is the last and most extreme method I'll expect anyone to try out. Do note that thinner might strip away the paint layers on your figure so do use it with caution and in moderation.

The steps to using thinner is largely similar to that of using alcohol. Use a Q-tip for better precision and ensure that you only target the affected area to reduce collateral damage after you are done, if any.

Next, have fun with your good-as-new figures!

From Your Fellow Collector,

Reina-rin

Schedule:

- Nendoroid

- Cu-Poche and Chara-Forme

- Scale Figure

- Prize Figure

- Figma and FigFIX

- Chibi-kyun Chara

- One Coin Figure and Suwarase

- Color Colle, Bath Defo

- Charapuka, Instant Noodle Stopper and Ochatomo

- Exclusives

- Garage Kits; Proxy or Forwarding?

- Which figure company to order from?

- Where to pre-order figures?

- Where to get second hand figures?

- What to do if you have issues with your item or receive a damaged box?

- Storage of Figures

- Storage of Figure Boxes

- Maintenance of Figures

- Bootlegs

- Sale of your figures

An Impromptu Swimsuit Competition 2016

Friday, August 19, 2016 / No Comments

Hey readers! Summer is just too hot, too hot for anything to get done around here. Gosh, I see many people perspiring like they could just drown an entire town with their sweat. The beach is wonderful nonetheless, for no summer is complete without running off to the sand and sea with your friends. Don't forget the watermelon. Watermelon is good for replenishment, and splitting the fruit is one of the highlights. Ah, today is perfect for an impromptu swimsuit competition! Are you guys ready? No actual awards will be handed out though. It is all in the name of fun!

Okay! Let's all welcome our very first contestant. She has fine manners, she has an angel's heart...most importantly, she is able to see and interact with the supernatural. Here is Contestant #1, Amami Hibiki from the anime Re-Kan! Where is her fan club? Yeah, there you are! Make some noise for Amami-san! Ah, this is a little too much. Look at the little reserved yet extremely likeable and kawaii expression as Amami-san shows everyone her chosen swimsuit. Sir, sir! Hey, don't start bleeding from your nose! You still have to judge this competition! Jeez, may we have the score for Amami-san please?

Score: 8.5

Domo Amami-san, please move to your left! Okay, our next contestant comes from the band Houkago Tea Time in the anime K-On!...please put our hands and eyes together for Contestant #2, Akiyama Mio! Take a look at this simple yet flattering black bikini on Mio-chan...apparently, music is not the only thing that she is good at. Mio fans, yeah feel free to snap away on your phones. An opportunity like this is so rare! Mio is in such a great mood today too. The beach is indeed an enjoyable place! Nice pose, Mio-chan. Ah, the judges...wait a minute, where did that nose-bleeding fellow go?! Never mind, may we have the score for Mio-chan please?

Score: 9.0

Domo Mio-chan, to your left please! Our next contestant...hey, Miss! Miss? Um, are you participating in the swimsuit competition? You see, we are in the middle of the swimsuit competition. We appreciate that there will be no distractions whatsoever. Well, I understand that you and your...sister here have things to do on the beach, but really, it will definitely help us a lot to perhaps move away to another spot for the time being. Thank you for your cooperation! Okay, I believe that we are ready to welcome our...eh, the judges have something to say? WHAT?!!! You guys have already computed the score?!!! That girl was just a random person...jeez! Sigh, never mind. What did you guys give her?

Score: 7.5

Right, let's welcome our next contestant. Boing boing. Boing boing. Eh, did you guys hear anything? Boing boing. Our next contestant...WHOA!!! What...what...what...are you a contestant of the swimsuit competition? Miss, could you maintain a little distance between...um, you see, the contestants are judged based on the overall presentation. Yeah, I understand that you are very proud of your...things right here, but maybe you would like to just stand a little further to your left or something while our judges take a better look...hey! Hey! Don't smother the judges with those! Security!!! Hey, stop it! Take those things away now! I'm so sorry, judges. Waaaaa...why are you guys bleeding together?!!!

Score: Unavailable

Unfortunately, we have to end the swimsuit competition prematurely due to some unforeseen circumstances. Thank you all for your time. Enjoy the rest of your summer! Meanwhile, I shall go check on the judges...

Eccentrically Yours.

Written by J.Fluffysheep ♪

Gacha Gacha Kawaii

Monday, August 15, 2016 / No Comments

Gacha Gacha Kawaii brings to you my collection of Gachapons in the Kawaii (and weird) categories. They are kawaii little toys found inside the Capsule Stations along shopping malls, walkways and toy events. Getting one of your favourite Gacha character is almost 100% based on luck. Do you like kawaii stuffs?