Mine Blue
(
37)
Mon 2006/12/11 21:56
Have always wanted to get me grubby mitts on this figure ever since I saw her at the WHF last year. I remember lining up at the time and then realizing that I was just about to shell out over 10,000 yen for a kit which I had to assemble and paint myself!
You can imagine my delight when Yamato announced that they were releasing this as a PVC painted figure.
Arrived recently but I have to say that I will steer away from Yamato's figures from now on. While they do make a good Valkyrie, their figures (judging from this one) don’t come near the standards of GoodSmile/Kotobukiya/Kaiyodo.
For starters her arm has a huge visible join in it – they could have made some sort of arm band to hide it – that join screams “look at this join!” By todays figurine production standards, this visible join gives me the impression that Yamato didnt really put much effort into this release.
I could live with the join but the worst bit is her chest – I know she does have a challenging chest to produce but if GoodSmile can do it them Yamato should have given more thought to how the pieces where going to be put together. While her boobies (given up saying “chest”) look good from the front and certain angles, they look rather bad from the side and the straps look like they have been painted by somebody drunk. A close look from underneath and you can see a gaping gap under her boobies – not good. The quality is just as bad as the Zombie Saber.
The last four images in this gallery are close ups of the offending craftsmanship and the gaping gap between her left leg and bikini line.
This is the first figure I have where the hair has been painted with some sort of glossy paint – all the paint on my other figures are matt. The gloss just looks bad and difficult to shoot – maybe its because the hat is supposed to hide the hair?
McDonalds paper bags looked better than the box she came in - but I think they purposely made it so that you cant see the bad quality awaiting inside the box...
Anyway, cute figure but rather disappointed in the poor craftsmanship and somebody at Yamato deserves a slap in the face with a bag of vomit (carrots included) for ruining this most anticipated release.
TJ Han has different views on Mine Blue however and you can check out his review. If you have a post on this figure, feel free to post a link to it.
There are some good things about this figure though - as you can see from the photos, her moped can be used for other purposes... If you do decide to buy then you could always try some of these…
Anime USA
Hobby Stuff
Amazon
You can imagine my delight when Yamato announced that they were releasing this as a PVC painted figure.
Arrived recently but I have to say that I will steer away from Yamato's figures from now on. While they do make a good Valkyrie, their figures (judging from this one) don’t come near the standards of GoodSmile/Kotobukiya/Kaiyodo.
For starters her arm has a huge visible join in it – they could have made some sort of arm band to hide it – that join screams “look at this join!” By todays figurine production standards, this visible join gives me the impression that Yamato didnt really put much effort into this release.
I could live with the join but the worst bit is her chest – I know she does have a challenging chest to produce but if GoodSmile can do it them Yamato should have given more thought to how the pieces where going to be put together. While her boobies (given up saying “chest”) look good from the front and certain angles, they look rather bad from the side and the straps look like they have been painted by somebody drunk. A close look from underneath and you can see a gaping gap under her boobies – not good. The quality is just as bad as the Zombie Saber.
The last four images in this gallery are close ups of the offending craftsmanship and the gaping gap between her left leg and bikini line.
This is the first figure I have where the hair has been painted with some sort of glossy paint – all the paint on my other figures are matt. The gloss just looks bad and difficult to shoot – maybe its because the hat is supposed to hide the hair?
McDonalds paper bags looked better than the box she came in - but I think they purposely made it so that you cant see the bad quality awaiting inside the box...
Anyway, cute figure but rather disappointed in the poor craftsmanship and somebody at Yamato deserves a slap in the face with a bag of vomit (carrots included) for ruining this most anticipated release.
TJ Han has different views on Mine Blue however and you can check out his review. If you have a post on this figure, feel free to post a link to it.
There are some good things about this figure though - as you can see from the photos, her moped can be used for other purposes... If you do decide to buy then you could always try some of these…
Anime USA
Hobby Stuff
Amazon
Added a new category for closet Candy Girl fans called Life size figures. I was thinking...(more)
Tue 12/05 21:47 comments (50)
NickC in Vancouver, SFU
That "join" mark does look fairly awkward. Perhaps its time for another handy modification by going to Daiso, and purchasing those small hair scrunchy things to mask it ^^. I've actually never thought of modifying completed figures, that is unless you count the time Kasumi fell over and broke her sword handle... Cheers,
(ID #42038) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
lanie-emon in Petaling Jaya
Gundam on a moped..brilliant :). An as usual, thanks for the insightful review, danny.
(ID #42040) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
Luke in Brighton, UK
Damn, thats annoying, i actually had this on order but will have to think whether i still want it now. Was looking forward to this, but after reading and seeing the pics... real shame. She still looks great from certain angles though.
(ID #42041) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
Huk in SG
Oh man, how did it end up that bad !? and those with the Creator's Labo slapped onto them were supposed to be given more attention. The recent Tandem Twins PVC figures from Yamato have exceptional craftsmanship and paintjob. Anyway I like the pic with Mizuho "consoling" Mine, and those with the Gundams.
(ID #42042) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
Ken Allen in Chico, CA, USA
Holy...I should have read the review and viewed the gallery before voting. Thats seriously disappointing, I can't believe that that figure made it to sale. I just received Max Factory's Ignis and must admit that she's just ridiculously awesome. I can't wait for Haruhi to come out in february. This may be something worth noting in your net show, perhaps spending a little time talking about companies that release great figures? I enjoyed the first episode and I believe that everyone touched on all other points that I had in mind. Great work as usual Danny!
(ID #42044) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
Gerbera04g in New York
Looking at your last four pictures, I agree that it's hard to live with a figure with those bad qualities. Maybe they recasted from the resin model and plopped it together for you, whereas if you were building a resin kit you would be able to fix those flaws. : / Most of the time, the production pictures look a lot better than the actual figure. Sometimes I would make a trip to the store just to inspect the figure before purchase. Is it possible to write to Yamato?
(ID #42045) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
I don't feel so badly now. What really makes the quality so poor Danny is we where really looking forward to this figure. I too will steer clear of Yamato figures in the future. I still need to fix the front of the scooter and the holes to attach it to the cheap base they supplied. Grr... Something tells me they made this completed figure from the original molds for the kit.
(ID #42046) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
Tom in New Zealand
Oh damn, thanks so much for the post. I was going to order this just now, but i clicked on your site first.
(ID #42047) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
Chrno in Toronto, Ontario
damn, i was 2 seconds close to click the submit button to order this figure, and now i read your review i was like... hell no! and i was like looking foward to this too...
(ID #42048) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
Windbell in Singapore
Having Mizuho on the scooter seems to be a better idea :) I think you have to do some sanding and stuff to take away the parts that were poorly done.
(ID #42049) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
seth.frostheart in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
holy crap.. that's some shoddy work there! and i was crossed at the shop for forgetting to put in my pre-order... now i guess i have them to thank for saving me a stack of bank notes...
(ID #42051) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
-XYZPDQ in Pennsylvania, United States
Great figure! Im looking to start collecting a few myself an I found some great deals I am going to jump on (secondary market and local shopping in and around the Lehigh Valley). I especially like the Gundam Photos/Gags =) As another note, I just updated my blog to version 3, and it looks the best yet that it ever has!
(ID #42052) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
Gordon Pekeur in south africa -cape town-
The figure (pose/boobies/bums) is great, the quality is definitly questionable!! Howeva, I think now is a good time to try your hand at painting kits....its just a few tweaks.......
(ID #42053) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
-XYZPDQ in Pennsylvania, United States
Just like me to stare at the photos and NOT read the post =p Great figure, if they would have done it correctly. Thanks for the info Danny.
(ID #42054) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
Red October in Elk Grove, CA USA
After seen the pictures, I have a second thought. should I buy it or not? I like the pictures the Gundam on the scooter and the gundam pick up two girls. It makes it look like Arnold Schwarzenegger.
(ID #42055) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
Raging Ivan in Manila
hey danny, when you will be going to use your kamen raider suit.. im longing to see you with that running around tokyo.. lol
(ID #42057) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
TJ Han in Singapore
I think you were unlucky. Mine didn't have that many defects and shoddiness. Yamato is pretty well known for their slipshod figures, though not as bad as Yujin. Mine actually looked pretty good if you don't inspect it that closely.
(ID #42058) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
eddie in Tokyo
Yep, there's definitely nothing worse than bad craftsmanship! Usually, when I go to buy toys, I always take the whole stock off the shelf to examine each one, only to get one with a perfect front but f*ed up back (usually can't see the back of a figure in the box). Anyway, damn, Gundam looks rock-hard on the bike!
(ID #42060) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
Alafista in Singapore
ooo the joint is soo visible ... man i haven collected mine yet ... now i'm so hesitant to go and collect it ... maybe the owner might forget about it ... lol
(ID #42061) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
Nights in o.O
Hm..looks semi-decent. but not my kinda figure i guess... What Anime is ths Avatar that im using from??
(ID #42063) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
knife-Edge in N 49° 33.785' E 008&...
Those ugly boob surgery scars look really annoying. Just like motor rider Misato's leather suit which was made of ABS and looked more like stapled together instead of glued. Therefore Scooter Gundam looks badass wild.
(ID #42064) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
Fark in Citrus Heights, CA
Slightly off-topic but I figured I'd ask since you are very "in the know" about figures and memorabilia. I've been trying to find a place to buy a Final Fantasy Moogle plushie (online) and everywhere they have the FF12 variant in stock but nothing else. Can you recommend any JP sites that might have a wider selection? I'm not a big fan of Square Enix's design for Montblanc plushie. Thanks Danny!! -- Josh
(ID #42065) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
Doc in Kansas
noooooooo it was such a cute figure! T_T i was about to buy this one rite after haruhi too. cry* yeah that gaping hole rite under the....chest is a little too much for me.
(ID #42066) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
Doc in Kansas
ooops just forgot to thank you for the excellent review/pics danny. lol @ gundam on a moped.
(ID #42067) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
Danny in Tokyo
Fark, JP sites? http://hobbystock.jp/ http://amiami.com Nights, Shes Nagato from Haruhi ^^ TJ, I always inspect closely ^^; Raging Ivan, I dont have a Kamen Rider costume..? Gerbera04g, Cant be bothered to write to them... Ken Allen, Igunis is awesome isn't she?
(ID #42070) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
Reflection in Australia, or anywhere Mikuru ...
Heh. I thought this would have been a post full of praise for the figure, but was surprized you don't like a figure. Anyway, I got this yesterday in the mail, and mine is excellent. Sure, the arm has a join, but I could care less. There's a few Kotobukiya/GSC figures I have that have obvious joins, but they're not a deterrent for me. That bit under the left boob is there on mine, but I don't look under it all the time, so I can look beyond it. That's where the flaws of mine end. The others you experienced don't exist on mine. You obviously were unlucky Danny. Sorry to have that happen, but I'm sure it happens once in every five figures mass-produced (even Hobby Link Japan warn of this). From the moment I got her out of the box and even after seeing your post, I still think this has got to be one of the best figures I own, and I have many awesome figures. It's a real shame you got a figure that seems rushed, but there are good versions of this in the production. I have the Meg (Pink and normal) from Yamato and they are brilliant, even though they have joins in her wrists. Not all Yamato figures are bad! Well, anyway, I hope you can still check them out once in a while, as they're not evil. See ya! ^^
(ID #42072) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
Andy H in Birmingham, UK
It doesnt look that bad. The eyes (the ocular crevices, not the mammary glands) are superb and the moped is really well made. The only thing that really bugs me is that massive seam on the arm. Stuff like leaning figures or feet not fitting on the base bugs me more than seams and holes.
(ID #42087) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
LC in working in Bangkok
I'm just glad that I skipped this figure when it was offered for pre-order by a local distributor...Too bad though, I was also interested in Mine Blue since seeing it the first time on your blog...I was actually prioritizing other figs that are being released this holiday season...Unfortunately, Yamato figs fall near the bottom of my list, I really prefer figures from Alter, Mega House and Kotobukiya... Anyway, thanks for the insights and review Danny, those are most helpful... ^_^
(ID #42092) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
marvin
lol the rx78 with the mini blue bike just cracked me up. ^^
(ID #42093) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
Nights in o.O
Ahhhh cool! thanks Danny! Never would have thought it was from "The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya" ok..cool... Anyways, couldn't help but notice that your playing Gundam Scud Hammer, how is it?
(ID #42094) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
Soma in Paris, Fr
it seems your really enjoyed to play with your figures... this pics serie is so much fun !!!
(ID #42116) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
Tofu-san in Rancho Palos Verdes
I can see some rather definite flaws..
(ID #42173) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
Lee Bong Sam in Long Beach California
I have to agree Yamato does sloppy job on their figure but hey it can't be help I still like em for some of their figures they offer but I wouldn't blame you for the complaints on the Mini
(ID #42312) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
There are some flaws with the figure as you can see lines below the boobies.
(ID #66727) Posted on 2007/12/12 06:50
NickC in Vancouver, SFU
That "join" mark does look fairly awkward. Perhaps its time for another handy modification by going to Daiso, and purchasing those small hair scrunchy things to mask it ^^. I've actually never thought of modifying completed figures, that is unless you count the time Kasumi fell over and broke her sword handle... Cheers,
(ID #84042) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
lanie-emon in Petaling Jaya
Gundam on a moped..brilliant :). An as usual, thanks for the insightful review, danny.
(ID #84044) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
Luke in Brighton, UK
Damn, thats annoying, i actually had this on order but will have to think whether i still want it now. Was looking forward to this, but after reading and seeing the pics... real shame. She still looks great from certain angles though.
(ID #84045) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
Huk in SG
Oh man, how did it end up that bad !? and those with the Creator's Labo slapped onto them were supposed to be given more attention. The recent Tandem Twins PVC figures from Yamato have exceptional craftsmanship and paintjob. Anyway I like the pic with Mizuho "consoling" Mine, and those with the Gundams.
(ID #84046) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
Ken Allen in Chico, CA, USA
Holy...I should have read the review and viewed the gallery before voting. Thats seriously disappointing, I can't believe that that figure made it to sale. I just received Max Factory's Ignis and must admit that she's just ridiculously awesome. I can't wait for Haruhi to come out in february. This may be something worth noting in your net show, perhaps spending a little time talking about companies that release great figures? I enjoyed the first episode and I believe that everyone touched on all other points that I had in mind. Great work as usual Danny!
(ID #84048) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
Gerbera04g in New York
Looking at your last four pictures, I agree that it's hard to live with a figure with those bad qualities. Maybe they recasted from the resin model and plopped it together for you, whereas if you were building a resin kit you would be able to fix those flaws. : / Most of the time, the production pictures look a lot better than the actual figure. Sometimes I would make a trip to the store just to inspect the figure before purchase. Is it possible to write to Yamato?
(ID #84049) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
I don't feel so badly now. What really makes the quality so poor Danny is we where really looking forward to this figure. I too will steer clear of Yamato figures in the future. I still need to fix the front of the scooter and the holes to attach it to the cheap base they supplied. Grr... Something tells me they made this completed figure from the original molds for the kit.
(ID #84050) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
Tom in New Zealand
Oh damn, thanks so much for the post. I was going to order this just now, but i clicked on your site first.
(ID #84051) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
Chrno in Toronto, Ontario
damn, i was 2 seconds close to click the submit button to order this figure, and now i read your review i was like... hell no! and i was like looking foward to this too...
(ID #84052) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
Windbell in Singapore
Having Mizuho on the scooter seems to be a better idea :) I think you have to do some sanding and stuff to take away the parts that were poorly done.
(ID #84053) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
seth.frostheart in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
holy crap.. that's some shoddy work there! and i was crossed at the shop for forgetting to put in my pre-order... now i guess i have them to thank for saving me a stack of bank notes...
(ID #84055) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
-XYZPDQ in Pennsylvania, United States
Great figure! Im looking to start collecting a few myself an I found some great deals I am going to jump on (secondary market and local shopping in and around the Lehigh Valley). I especially like the Gundam Photos/Gags =) As another note, I just updated my blog to version 3, and it looks the best yet that it ever has!
(ID #84056) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
Gordon Pekeur in south africa -cape town-
The figure (pose/boobies/bums) is great, the quality is definitly questionable!! Howeva, I think now is a good time to try your hand at painting kits....its just a few tweaks.......
(ID #84057) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
-XYZPDQ in Pennsylvania, United States
Just like me to stare at the photos and NOT read the post =p Great figure, if they would have done it correctly. Thanks for the info Danny.
(ID #84058) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
Red October in Elk Grove, CA USA
After seen the pictures, I have a second thought. should I buy it or not? I like the pictures the Gundam on the scooter and the gundam pick up two girls. It makes it look like Arnold Schwarzenegger.
(ID #84059) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12