Square Enix Bleach Play Arts Kai

If you are an avid for of Bleach like yours truly, you would notice how limited the figures are. Only few companies are making their scale figures: Megahouse, Toynami and Alpha Omega while Ben Presto and Bandai each have produced trading figures and candy toys respectively.

As a fan, I'm obviously disappointed.

But now Square Enix, who is known for Final Fantasy figures, has added three articulate action figures of Bleach for their Play Arts Kai collections! Thank you Square Enix for answering my prayer. Now all I need to do is trying to get my hands on these figures, or at least on Rukia =3


Each figures cost USD42.99. That's around MYR250 including postage from US. These figures made their naked debut (without paint) at the New York Toy Fair 2010 and is just released on October 27, 2010 last month. That's practically yesterday.

Aight enough dilly dally. Let's start out with the male protagonist, shall we? I don't really like the hair of Kurosaki Ichigo on this figure. It reminds me of durian and I'm not fond of that fruit. It's too spiky for my taste. I don't remember his hair looking this fugly in the manga. That's not the only reason why I don't like this figure. I don't recognized the face. It's like they get some dude wearing an orange wig and made him cosplay Ichigo. They could do a better pose on him too. This one is too plain for Ichigo. In conclusion, I don't think Square Enix managed to capture the essence of Ichigo which is kinda phail, imo. And sad because now I don't have a heart to buy him.


By the way, didn't the pose and design kinda remind you of something?

Next, let's talk about Kuchiki Rukia, the female protagonist of this series who is awesome as fuck. I don't fucking care if you disagree with me because this is my blog and I can fucking say what I want and considered it as fact.

Rukia got a much better treatment than Ichigo in her transition from manga to an action figure. Unlike Ichigo, Square Enix get her features right. She does look like Rukia. Maybe it's her trademark bang and her intense eyes but I love it. They even get her flat chest right. Sode no Shirayuki is obviously the most beautiful zanpaktou in Soul Society and I think Square Enix did a good job with it, with the ribbons and all.

What I don't like however is her outfit. Maybe it's a pre-requirement for an action figure but I think her shikakusho is too baggy at the bottom. It will just hinder her movements imo. The same goes to Ichigo's.

so gonna get!

Rukia comes with Kon, the plushie lion who always got bullied by the other characters. At least he is of some use in the movie.


Last but not least is the ever so popular (whether or not for the right reason is up for debate) tenth division captain, the chibi Hitsugaya Toshiro. Again, I'm not a fan of his hair although Square Enix pretty much get his overall design correctly. I think I'll put this one in KIV since I still have not have his figure in my Bleach collection.

If only they made a figure of Gin, Grimmjow and Ulquiorra...


My wish is for Max Factory to create figma for Bleach characters. I know I'll buy every single one of them even if it's Don Kanoji and Inoue.

Maybe I should write a threat letter to them?

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Bleach Trading Figures Series 2

I got my hands on these figures not long after I acquired Kira and the figures from series 6. I am just too lazy and quite frankly too busy to review on them sooner. Minus these figures, I still have 8 boxes of figures that I have been neglected and unopened including figma Tainaka Ritsu which arrived earlier this month together with Lucky.Star puchi dressing up as characters from Street Fighters.

Series 2 consists of 4 characters from Bleach: Kurosaki Ichigo, Kuchiki Byakuya, Inoue Orihime and Urahara Kisuke. Three of these characters are my absolute favorite. I believe you know which one I'm talking about.

Lets talk about Ichigo's bankai figure first. Despite that he sometimes gets overshadowed by my other favorite characters like Grimmjow and Ulquiorra, I still have a soft spot for him. He and Rukia are the essence of Bleach. I cannot enjoy Bleach without these two characters around, preferably together ^_^

If you look closely, he has a plaster on his right cheek.

Doesn't he looks dashing in his ragged shikakusho and bandaged abs? I want to see if any of the manufacturer will adopt his hollowfication form, badass with slightly longer hair form and last but not least, his Mugetsu form. That will be just so fucking sick man. Him with longer black hair? Fap worthy.

As for this figure in particular, it comes with two different heads: his normal face and his Vaizard mask face. Since I took these pictures so many moons ago, I completely forgot to change his head to the Vaizard mode and is now too lazy to take another picture of him with the Vaizard mask. I'm sorry.


I love looking at the back of this figure. I got the impression that he's strong and pretty much a bad ass but still there is warmth emanating from him that kinda sooth you and convinced you that he will protect you. It must have to do with the black ragged shikakusho, his broad shoulders and his pose. We have seen him taking this exactly same pose numerous times in manga and anime, no?

Let's move on to the other figure. I have repeated a few times of the fact that I'm RPing Byakuya in a group in facebook and have been doing so since 2005. Before I RP him, I am indifferent about him. I'm not exactly please with how he is willing to sacrifice Rukia for the sake of upholding the stupid rules of Soul Society but he doesn't annoy me either. It is only after I started with the RP that I appreciate his aloofness, cold and stuck up attitude because it just makes RPing him so much fun.


Byakuya and his scarf are inseperable. Even when he lose his captain's haori, he still has the scarf around his neck. Wonder if he takes it off during the summer... Does Soul Society has different season?

Contrary to Ichigo, I like seeing Byakuya from up front. He has that commanding attitude even when sculptured into a 7 inches figure. Besides, I love his pose. It's like he's ready to go bankai on me, just waiting for me to screw up. LOL

Enough about Byakuya, now to Urahara Kisuke, quite possibly the most genius shinigami ever live. SPOILER ALERT: After all he did defeat Aizen, supposedly the most genius shinigami around.


Somehow I always forgot that Urahara has been around ever since the earlier chapters of Bleach. He's not exactly forgettable but I just got confused with the time line sometimes.

This figure is of him as the 12th Division Captain. We only found out about this piece of information during the Turn Back the Pendulum Arc. This is when he truly changed my mind about his character. For the first time, I see how bad ass he really is despite his nonchalant attitude. So I learn to take him seriously.


You have to admit that he looks so much better in a captain's haori instead of the shopkeeper outfit he wears. You can argue that you missed his signature straw hat and clog and I'll accept it because he does owns that look, however you will not incline to take him seriously in that outfit.


I love how loosely he wears his captain haori too. It fits his personality perfectly. In fact, all the captains have their own style of wearing the captains haori, no? It kinda represents their personality, except for the old fuck and Ukitake, and maybe Toushiro.

If I have a choice, I would have trade in Whorehime with either Hisagi, Toushiro or Matsumoto. She's a waste of space. The figure of her in the series is from the Soul Society arc. I will not bother to explain more about it except maybe that her face looks mighty retarded. Reminded me of the baby turtle in Finding Nemo except that she is not cute at all. No, really. Enlarge the picture for proof.


Aight that's all for Series 2. Thinking back, Bleach is the reason why I got so into figures collecting, just like it is also the reason how I become such an animetard and a manga reader. My first ever figures are of Rukia and Ichigo. I have come a long way since then. Now I have almost a complete collection of the series, as well as three different figures from three different manufaturers: Kurosaki Ichigo from Megahouse, Limited Edition White Hollow Ichigo from Toynami and the latest, Hiyori Sarugaki from Alpha Omega.

This is some of the moment that I feel so proud of myself ^_^

For my other figures, click here.

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Saber Alter Vortigern

Once again Good Smile Company brought to you another different version of Saber (I have lost count how many version are there). This time around, they are doing the Alter Vortigern version. Since I don't play the game nor am I a big fan of Fate/Stay Night the anime, I can't really understand why are people so obsessed with Saber. Heh, I asked some impractical question sometimes, don't I, since I am just as obsessed when it comes to Haruhi Suzumiya and Tainaka Ritsu.

But speaking of this latest PVC figure from GSC (which is now available for pre-order), I don't really see what is so special about it at first glance. Sure her armor is shiny and all but I think it was too dull overall when combined with the crimson color of the base. Also I think there is too much going on down under. I would actually prefer if the base is more simple and black in color.


Then I saw Saber with her possessed sword. I mean just look at the sword. That is one bad ass motherfucking sword. If I need a reason to purchase this figure, it would be because of the sword. It is just too freaking awesome, all crystallized and shit.


This 1/7th PVC figure is set to be released on April 2011. It cost MYR430 exclude the shipping. Fortunately I'm not interested. Not even tempted.

However, I have made up my mind to put down my pre-order for Alter Tainaka Ritsu. I just couldn't resist the temptation to have her in my display cabinet. She is going to look so fucking awesome with her magnificent drum set. She is around the same price as this Saber figure but hell, I'm getting so much more than just a mere sword. The figure is set to be released on February 2011. There is plenty of time to accumulate the money XD

I found myself spending at least MYR100 every month for figures. If I don't I will just put aside the money in case I need to pre-order something new. It is also useful when figures have been released which mean I have to get the money ready to pay the remaining balance of said figures. For example, I have already spent close to MYR200 in October for pre-order of nendoroid Hirasawa Ui, Date Masamune and Alter Ritsu. I need to prepare around MYR200 more since nendo puchi Lucky.Star and figma Haruhi Suzumiya will arrive soon. My monthly budget is only for figures atm >>

Oh by the way, for Ore no Imouto ga Konnani Kawaii Nake ga Nai fans, or specifically Kirino's fans, Katebukiya is opening pre-order for her PVC figure. Props to the sculpture. I love the details on her clothes and hair. But the expression and pose kinda too common I think. She doesn't really stand out as a figure.

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Holy shit! Look at the drum set!

I think with this, Alter's collection of the K-ON! girls is completed.


I so fucking want her but realized that I couldn't afford it. Not at the moment at least. Fuck, why am I so obsessed with Ritsu and her drum set?


I love the fucking details on the equipments. I think Alter has the knack for it. Having this would look so freaking cool in my display cabinet. Shit, I guess I have to guesstimate my budget for the next six months. If I buy this than my plan for a holiday to Japan must be canceled. I have to settle for Bangkok and Vietnam.

Or I can just ask her as part of my dowry =D

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More figures to be added to my wish list

I was checking out Wonfes' post at Danny Choo to see the figures that will be coming our way soon. Speaking of DC, I was pretty sick of him belittling the other booths not getting the amount of people as Good Smile Company's booth. WTF? Some of the figures I've seen that blew my mind away (and the ones that I could never afford to have) are not from GSC. So shut the fucking trap.

Anyway, back to what I was saying. There are definitely some figures that I have my eyes on and unfortunately, or rather ironically, most of them are from GSC. I have no beef with GSC, I just wish DC is not being such a dick about it.

Lets start with the figma. It has been a while since I bought a figma. The last one was Drössel. However, I did put down a pre-order for a few new ones that are yet to arrive. The latest was figma Haruhi Suzumiya Middle School version.


Those who know me really well will already now the reason behind my obsession with Haruhi. She's practically in my list of friends, titty buddies and most importantly, my waifu list. Besides this one, I am waiting for the pre-order to open for figma Haruhi Suzumiya Disappearance version.

She definitely looks better with long hair

Besides the figma, GSC also have a nendoroid version of Haruhi for Disappearance. She came in pair with Nagato Yuki but since I don't like Nagato that much, I'm not gonna get her. My form of obsession when it comes to the franchise are only for Haruhi and Kyon, who I have yet to have any of his figure. I am still trying to get a hold on his figma but to no avail. By the way, have you guys watch the Disappearance movie, yet? Holy shit, it was freaking awesome! I can't wait for the DVD to be released. It just makes me go all mushy washy =3

So sassy, ain't she?

The only other figma that I remotely interested in is Araragi Koyomi from Bakemonogatari. I still have not finished the anime because I can't stand Senjougahara. The reason why I'm interested with Araragi is because I need a male figma to accompany these lovely figma ladies. The nendo ladies already got Arawn as companion. Why Araragi when they are other male figmas around? It's because of his hair. I love the hair that covers part of his face. It might also be the sole reason for me to continue watching Bakemonogatari again, although I honestly think the show was over-rated.


I think I have come clean of me buying the complete K-ON! nendo set and two of the figma (Ritsu and Mugi). I have yet to received nendo Ritsu and Mugi though. I contacted my supplier and they said they had some sorts of a problem with the shipment. I checked the Figure Mall and they do not sell it either. I hope I will still get them, especially Ritsu. She was supposed to arrive in February. She is the reason why I bought the other nendo of K-ON! so that it wouldn't be odd to have her alone with her drum set. I also thought that it would look nice with all of them together as a complete set. First ever complete set for my collection. Just when I thought I have bought them all, GSC came up with a new K-ON! nendo figure which is Hirasawa Ui. Of course, being a victim of consumerism, I just have to have her as well.

Thank god I like her better than her sister

There are two more nendos that I am interested in. I'm not sure yet whether or not I will buy them but the probability is pretty high considering both of them are male nendos. The first one is Hideyoshi. I want the PVC version of him but not sure whether or not I can afford him yet so my sure bet at the moment is this nendo.


Although he does not look as delicious as the one where he is taking off his tight pantsu, I just have to be contented. At least he still have his summon being with him. The one thing that I find lacking with Hideyoshi nendo is that he doesn't look like a trap. He totally gives the vibe of a male student. On a side note, I am more than happy that Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu gets a second season ^_^

The other male nendo I was talking about is Date Masamune from Sengoku Basara. It's not like I like his character per se but the armor that he adorns, especially the helmet, makes him looks so darn cute, not to mention the eye patch as well as his hair covering part of his face... I was completely sold.


The only other figure that I want to get my hands on but probably never will is the PVC figure of Natsume Takahashi from Alter. I love the details on his coat.


That's about it so far. As you can see, I'm gonna be dead broke this upcoming months. There are few of my pre-ordered figures that will be arriving and ready for collection anytime soon. So far I've pre-ordered some figures: figma Ritsu Tainaka, figma Tsumugi Kotobuki, figma Haruhi Suzumiya Middle School version and nendo puchi Lucky Star x Street Fighter set. The list of course does not include my Bleach figures and I'm still waiting for the good news of figma Konata summer version. I might also indulge myself and P/O Hideyoshi from Alter.

At the moment, I have 4 more boxes of figures that I have not open yet. They will probably stayed in the boxes until after September. These upcoming months are going to be hell. I need to earn back the money that I have and will spend soon XD

They don't feel the love

I am kinda pissed at myself as I wrote this. I was looking at my Bleach figures just now and guess what? I broke Ichigo's zanpaktou =(

Stupid clumsy hands v__v

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Alpha Omega Hiyori Sarugaki

I first heard about her in February. I thought that she will always be in my wish list because at that time I don't think I can afford her nor do the online stores that I get my figures from have her. However last month I tried my luck with one of the sellers at lowyat. Lo and behold, here she is now with me!

She cost me a fortune though. I can get a new double walled fixed gear bike with her price tag but every cents that I spent for her is worth it. This 1/8 scale figure (the only figure of her I can find so far) is made by Alpha Omega. This is the first time I purchased anything from Alpha Omega and I have to say that I am very impressed with the sculptured details on Hiyori. It was the reason that I want her so badly and I am so glad that they did not disappoint. Kudos to Tonji Tanaka.

Now I know the reason why people are crazy about PVC figures. The details and the hard work that are put into making these figures are unbelievable. No wonder it cost me an arm and a leg. Don't believe me? Enlarge the pictures and see it for yourself.

I love her casual pose. The thumbs down and her expression, it was very "Hiyori". She and Shinji are the only Vaizard that I have a b0nar for. I hope she is not dead yet. I hope Hachi and Unohana can somehow save her after Gin raped her. I still want to see more of her in Bleach.

I personally think that she has the best looking Vaizard mask, or at least second to Ichigo's. Whether or not it match her personality is a different matter. Although I think with Hiyori's expression for this figure, it was a perfect match.

Who said that Hiyori has non-existence boobs? She has a decent size of boobs. I think those are my favorite parts of this figure. They are practically my boobs!

cleavage!!

Hiyori might be small but she won't allow anyone to bully her. She stands up for herself and that is probably I like her in the first place. Not to mention that she makes a cute couple with Toushiro. Heh, me and my crack pairing. Anyway, I don't think she and Rukia ever met in the manga/anime yet. If they do meet, I think she and Rukia will get along just fine.

My fav shot of her

Gah! Words cannot express how excited I am about her. The last time I got this excited when I got new figure was with Konata Izumi even though she was unintentional. I have so much fun taking pictures of her. I guess this is one of the perks of having a PVC figure.

Enjoy the rest of the pictures. Don't forget to check out the details on her zanpaktou as well as her sexy ass.

This just makes me more determined to get Hideyoshi ^_^

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