An adaptation from manga to anime movie by Masamune Shirow (Ghost in the Shell) with catchy mecha design with the touch of Shinji Aramaki. That explained that special feeling I had for Appleseed. Shinji Aramaki is also the mecha designer for Genesis Climber MOSPEADA and his recent project being Halo Legend.
Good things come in pair so there's Deunan and Briareos Hecatonchires in 8" which I had kept for a while after having watching the movie. The manufacturer should be Yamato and I would say they are good representations of the characters more in manga and OVA in 1988. Their shortcomings would be the lack of articulation as the figures could only be posed standing. A few points of articulation on the arms, without optional hands.
One figure which fans would look out for would certainly be Cyborg Briareos. Plus point for well detailed, has a big gun and is sturdy and well-balanced. On the other hand it is a bit of dull figure due to the dark green and grey shades. Interestingly, the magazine of Briareos' big gun can be taken out with the round showing.
Deunan Knute might be perceived weak as just human and weaker gender. Well, she still look good in that elite soldier armor suit. Some good color separation and well painted eyes.
9 comments:
HEHEHE... before i saw carefully the pictures, i thought that these figures belonged to the Hot Toys Set of the Appleseed team, but then i looked at the figures themselves and have a different appearance, also the character design is different... if not for your review, i would not have realized that a manga series was made based on the movie (which was one of the first anime movies i watched)... in these figures the work on the faces is remarkable !!!
There are 1/6 scale figure which are more closer to the movie while the couple I reviewed resemble more to the manga or the OVA in 1988.
I didn't know that you also are a big fan of both Masamune Shirow and Shinji Aramaki. Good to know that, we are in the same bus.
I am a big fan of both of them nd certainly the same for Appleseed.
However, I do not have the anime dvd so I havent watch it and don't know much about it but I have the Blu-Ray of both movie version (Appleseed and Appleseed Ex Machina) in my collections as well as the beautiful and expensive action figure of these 2 characters (the movie version).
The problem is, I've been spoiled with the wonderful graphics and John Woo style of action sequences in the movie version so I'm not sure if I will like the anime series quality.
If I exclude the articulation and their respective version looks(movie or anime), the one from Wave is certainly have better finishing and use much better material (thus the high price as well - SGD 130 for Deunan and SGD 180 for the big guy).
However, being a fan, I don't mind to get this version as well into my collections.
You did mentioned about the articulation, well, the one I have from Wave does have better articulation as they use ball joints but they are not at all "super hard" - after several times of fall down, certain parts of the joints may break...sigh (I experienced this my self)
so at the end I just display them with simple standing pose anyway, so in that sense, the figure you have (with less articulation) is fine as it is.
Shall I say, I'm deeply impressed by Masumune's concept of the future even at 80s era and Shinji's mecha design on armor suit and definitely Cyclone bike from Mospeada.
This pair which I got can only be consolation as its the other toys I can spend from small budget. I have seen those by Wave and they are truly remarkable masterpieces of Appleseed film. Highly anticipated figures for true fans, one like yourself.
I did watch Appleseed n Ex Machine the movie and the movie really bring Olypmus to life in a realistic way. Not to mention the action chronographed by big gun action director like John Woo.
Briareos always has been an imposing character. Even with all the cybernetics, you can still see his humanity through it all.
Indeed, in his cyborg state after the tragic wound, Briareos is a good big heart above most humanity. Going against odds even in his love relationship. Gentleman with the heart of gold.
Looks good! I love Yamato manufactured figures as their QC levels are really good! Compared to those of Bandai.....
Anyways, Appleseed really set a benchmark for CG animes in the past.
I still haven't watched the DVD yet..Haha!!
>> sl619
Bandai can be good too but I guess they have different weightage depending on their target group. No doubt Yamato play attention to details both anime and DC characters now.
>> deSMOnd
I know you will prefer live-action movie bro!
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