..... annnnnnnd we're back!
So before that priority review that was Golden Armor Wonder Woman, I was working on a few other figures, though I have to admit yet even more showed up ahead of schedule so as always I'm falling behind.
Of the two Street Fighter entries, up first is none other than everyone's favourite Spaniard, Vega. Part of the long dormant S.H. Figuarts SFV line up.
I mean.. seriously, Bandai. Where the hell is my Rose and Juri?
Or maybe his name wasn't Vega for you. I'm not sure about the current state of affairs, but back in the SF2 days, due to legal concerns, Capcom USA swapped around the names of three out of four final bosses.
Our lovable boxer Balrog was actually supposed to be M. Bison.
The Spaniard Vega? Balrog.
And everone's favourite video game crimelord M. Bison? Vega.
It certainly made discussion of the game with your relatives overseas somewhat of a challenge. But, the name didn't change the fact that in SF2, THIS was the most annoying guy you'd have to fight. Master of the Rolling Claw, Barcelona Drop, Somersault, and various other moves that basically have him flying back and forth across the screen.
Also, I just want to point out the 3D SF games are great and all, but nothing was as satisfying as landing the Izuna Drop super on the 2D games and seeing those glorious, glorious shadows behind you.
So I bought Vega contents only, which is why I'm short a few photos. It's also strange that no matter where I look, I can't seem to find a deal on Vega... nor on R. Mika, though at least I heard she was some Limited Edition figure as well.
Anyway, here's the contents
- 1 x Main Figure
- 1 x Stage Backdrop (didn't get it)
- 1 x Unmasked Head
- 5 x Posing Hands
- 1 x Fence Effect (2 x Fence Parts, 2 x Supports)
Several of the hands have a slot to attach either the entire set of claws, or just a gold piece, to replicate Vega's clawed and broken clawed looks. There's also one plain closed fist with no space for an insert, which I believe is meant to replicate his actual declawed mode.
That or some moves have no claw... I honestly can't remember.
Like the man himself, this figure is a thing of beauty. While there have been Street Fighter figures throughout the years, its generally limited to the ones that have some hope in hell of actually selling - the Shotos and Chun Li, usually, so that last time I saw Vega in action figure form was back in the SOTA line. If you ever owned any of them, they were functionally fine, but from a looks department they could be really, really bad. Vega was very much average.
I feel that Tamshii Nations has captured the overall essence and silhouette of Vega perfectly. Sure, there's the fact we're almost 20 years after the SOTA stuff, but at the same time it takes a certain eye to get the little things right. Like the amount of musculature, those tight pants, the ridiculous shoes he wears to a street fight, and of course my persona favourite, those silly little white socks that cover up some impressive calves. The work on the hair is great, and they gave him a sash works wonderfully in various dynamic poses.
From a looks perspective, the weakest links would be the unmasked face and the actual mask itself due to the shape of the eye holes.
Oh right.. yes, the mask does come off the dedicated head.
But even this "crappy" mask still looks pretty damn awesome.
Looking cool is one thing, but the name of the game for figures has always been posing, and when you're an entry from Street Fighter, you REALLY need to get your posing in.
For those who don't own any of this line, the Street Fighter figures are built on what Bandai calls its "Fighting Body", which as far as I can tell, originated from the Kinnikuman lineup to give beefy wrestler dudes the actual ability to pose. Vega certainly can do things my other Figuarts can't, as well as the two other Bandai wrestling figures I do have. I think a lot of it has to do with the size of the joints, not just the numbers, as well as how the cuts are made, but here's the usual rundown.
Toes, ankles, single jointed knees, thigh twist, hips waist, mid torso, shoulders with some lateral movement due to clearance as well as dedicated butterfly joints to allow the arms to raise and lower with a greater range of motion, double jointed elbow with a dedicated joint to rotate the forearm, wrist, neck, and head. There's also the point on the sash for posing, and the hair has two points of articulation for posing as well.
All in all, a very competent package that lets you get quite a few good poses in, in particular the climbing poses that Vega is known for.
Colour selection is perhaps a bit more on the anime side than the game model would suggest, so if anything this Vega is closer to his SF Alpha colours. It's either a plus or a minus, depending on your personal viewpoint. The actual paint work itself is pretty good in the single coloured areas, with some slip ups masking wise for the yellow stripe on his pants. Snake tattoo is in place and sharp looking. Eyes are not the right shape, but they are well applied.
If anything, some actual red paint on the sash would have been nice.
Finally, build quality wise... I got nothing but positive vibes. Very solid figure, nothing fragile about it. Parts move smoothly, joints hold well. The usual minor issues with parts finishes, but nothing glaringly wrong. There aren't even any real paint rub concerns. Handle and play with at will.
And that, friends, was Vega. Truly quite a delight to play with.
While some collectors prefer Storm for their size, proper scaling, and in most cases, additional parts, the Figuarts releases to me have always held together better. Either way, it's like you're gonna get a Vega on the Storm side any time soon.
In the race to complete the line, despite being two years in now, it is still too early to tell.
For Full Album, please visit:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/22877494@N02/albums/72157719336685959
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