When it comes to figures, I have a certain type (so long as they're built properly). It shouldn't be hard to figure out what this type is.
When the original Sophia F. Shirring Figma came out, I was quite impressed. It reminded me very much of the Frame Arms Girl HRESVELGR=ATER Summer Vacation kit, but you know, without all the hard work to make it presentable. It certainly didn't hurt that Sophia had curves in all the right places. So when the second version of the character was announced, I had no hesitation - APPROVED.
Well, December 2023 came and went, and a few extra bucks later she made her way here to Canada.
Figma 594 Sophia F. Shirring Bikini Armour ver. aka TA (Test Armour) 001. Long fancy name, updated bunny girl wearing a skimpy bikini.
Contents are very similar to the previous set, though sadly we lost the sweet, sweet Surfboard Shield:
1 x Main Figure
4 x Faceplates (Neutral, Surprised, Winking, Eyes Left)
10 x Posing/Gripping Hands
1 x Sword
1 x Dagger
1 x Shield
1 x Base/Stand
There's also this art piece that is stuck behind the cardboard insert.
Like the first release, Sophia has ample curves. What's funny is that despite being very well endowed, she's actually undersized when compared to the included art of her. I'd say overall the figure definitely captures the character, but you'll notice that the Bikini Bottom is actually very off. The straps are in the wrong places, and it's actually way too modest on the figure. I feel that this is the result of using the previous body for this new version, as a new waist piece could have allowed for things to be decorated more accurately.
Side by side with the 1.0. I realize I should have taken a picture of the back of the 1.0, but ah well... too late now.
The new figure is slightly taller as it's on heels, so effectively they're the same height. More importantly, you'll notice that the new figure appears much more battle ready than the 1.0, who has a bow and a small backpack as compared to the wings on the new design. The new figure also has shoulder and forearm armour. The things are also much more impressive, looking like tree trunks compared to the ones on the 1.0. Not as easy to make out is that the new figure has a better complexion than the original figure. Not sure why, but it makes her look less pale, so why not?
One design change that makes life somewhat easier is on the head. On the 1.0, you had to take off the ears individually in order to access the face whereas on the latest toy the ears and front bangs are all part of the same assembly.
Here are the four face plates, all full of life and energy. They're all equally good in my eyes.
Weapons are inserted in their appropriate hand. These are also another one of those figures where you need to spread out the fingers to get the weapon into position. I just worry about paint wear and other things like that because of the action of having to pry the figures open. The blades on the three weapons are interchangeable.
Being the same body as the first release, the Articulation is effectively the same. I say effectively as there are a few new tricks, but they're not game changers. While the achievable poses are actually slightly above average for a Figma, it is disappoint that a figure that this is unencumbered with clothing has limitations on the waist and things.
So starting from the the boot, typical ankles though bulk restricted. The figure actually has double jointed knees, but it's funny because due to bulk the range of motion is the same as her single jointed counterpart. Knee twist rather than thigh twist. Still no pull down waist which limits hip articulation, which of course limits twerking powers. Slight waist swivel with great ab crunch but non existent back arch. Rest of the upper body is also pretty typical Figma.
As for new tricks, most of it you can probably guess - the dangly bits have built in articulation to make the figure look cooler and of course, move things out of the way so can actually pose the thing. One not as obvious thing has to do with the head. Sophia 2.0 has a strap coming from the back of the head. I'm guessing the design called for the strap to be buried inside the actual hair, so designers added an extra joint to raise this "layer" of hair, which also allows access to a joint and position the strap. This can also be used to create a greater sense of movement.
Another reason Sophia 2.0 was eagerly purchased was because of beautifully the figure was painted. I'm happy to say that 2.0 does in fact follow suit. Paint Applications are beautifully done, event he smaller details. Metallic Gold paint applications are beautifully done. The White parts i feel are base plastic, which is probably why they don't look like it took multiple coats of paint to achieve that type of coverage.
Build Quality wise, only one real issue, and it's a weird. There's one other issue.. more of an annoyance than anything. Like several other figures I've handled recently, it appears that there's a weird trend where you now need to pry open fists to get weapon handles to fit in. I mean, it's not the end of the world, but I worry about paint wear and eventual loss of gripping power due to overuse of the material. Otherwise, yeah the Paudlrons can pop off and you can get it back on, but the most annoying one by far is the fact the tail falls off. There's no securing it, as its held in place by the tiniest peg and friction. Its great that you shouldn't ever lose the peg due to breakage, but it's a right pain in the ass having to put in back in every other second.
A very good Figma. It's on par with the original in terms of capabilities while changing up the overall aesthetics. I just wish they had improved the articulation slightly. I get it when bulk gets in the way and articulation is not realistic, but when you've got a basically naked character I feel you might as well pull out the stops and at least give the poor figure pull down hips, amongst others. The third version hasn't been announced yet, but other companies have started offering Character Goods of the character, so it'll be interesting to see how well they get the accuracy and articulation.
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