The Rabbit Haul

[This is an SH Figuarts review]

The Unofficial Sentai Akibaranger fight dutifully to gain their place in official Super Sentai history. Now that I have some time, I present the SH Figuarts Hikonin Sentai Akibaranger - AkibaRed, AkibaBlue, and AkibaYellow. Here is the mega review.

Hikonin Sentai Akibaranger

AkibaRed: Nobuo Akagi (AkibaRed) is the first Akibaranger to debut in retail. The first release bonus is a set of Akibaranger themed Tamashii Figure Stages; and I I just realized that I forgot to take pictures of them. Unlike the Samurai Sentai Shinkenger Figuarts, Bandai made significant improvements with the Akibarangers. Since the costumes are more armored, they have joints that are very similar to most Kamen Rider figures. Though I just said that, I’ll tell you that AkibaRed is hardly perfect with its articulation. The arms aren’t able to fully extend forward to let both hands touch; AkibaRed can’t do very many two-handed Moe Moe Z-Cune poses. Besides this moderate problem with the figure’s articulation, everything else is fine with me. I like that the figure’s proportions are less stockier than the rectangular in-suit actor. The sculpt is standard fare, and the only problems you might run into are some issues with paint-chipping. Besides the neutered MMZ-01, AkibaRed comes with a few scarves and hands; nothing more… nothing less. By the way, I say that the MMZ-01 is neutered because it only comes in pistol form and could use a few more paint apps. Either way, you won’t go wrong with getting this guy.

Buy It:  Amazon |  BigBadToyStore

AkibaBlue: After AkibaRed, Mitsuki Aoyagi (AkibaBlue) is the next Akibaranger on the list. Like the previously mentioned figure, this too has fantastic articulation… minus the arms. Besides that, the sculpt is rather good… though it’s a bit smaller than it should be. The good thing about this figure is that it retains the supple, bear-headed, ass that the character has. Despite having GI Joe-sized feet, it isn’t very difficult to balance AkibaBlue on one foot. I honestly can’t think of any other problems with the figure, though mine has a head that loves to pop itself off often. Again, this figure comes with the standard MMZ-01 pistol, a few scarves, and a plethora of hands. This is another strong entry in the SH Figuarts line.

Buy It:  Amazon |  BigBadToyStore

AkibaYellow: Finally, the last Akibaranger is Yumeria Moegi (AkibaYellow). Believe it or not, AkibaYellow uses entirely new parts and doesn’t share much with AkibaBlue. This figure, shortest of the three, definitely caters to the T&A crowd with another great sculpt. Again, the arms are the weakest link. I want to say that it’s nice that the skirts don’t need to be swapped out ala Shinkenger style; the rubbery skirt caters to most leg poses. Besides this, there really isn’t much else to say that you can’t see in the set of photos. Oddly enough, AkibaYellow comes with less hand and scarf choices, so I’m not quite sure whether you’re getting a bang for your buck. Bandai really could have pulled all the stops by throwing in even more character-specific hand gestures.

Buy It:  Amazon |  BigBadToyStore

Overall: Thankfully all three of the Akibaranger released in retail, and not as Tamashii Web Exclusives. This means that you can find these figures relatively easily and don’t have to worry about any premium markup. With that said, the figures are nicely made, but are lacking with a few accessories. It’d be nice to if we ever got the MMZ-01 in Aoi-Tan robot mode, more hands, and even the character’s human heads. I also think that packing the Super Sentai’s Inordinate Power with other figures is a missed opportunity. Rather than throwing the Deka-Wappa with DekaRed, the Jet Winger with RedHawk, and the Bouken Scooper with BoukenRed… they could have just come with the three Akibarangers. Don’t get me wrong, the weapons are fantastic and they combine to form an awesome Daisoreta Cannon (which desperately needs its own Tamashii Figure Stage). Either way, I’m sure patience will come in handy with these guys… and you’ll get a version you like someday.

CookSux

CookSux owns, curates, and is the head writer of The Rabbit Haul. CookSux also co-hosts The Andy and Harrison Show featuring Harrison and Andy, a podcast that can be found on iTunes. CookSux is a mod at TFW2005 and TokuNation... jeeze, what doesn't he do?

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