1/8 Misuzu Kamio (Kotobukiya Ver.)

Product Information/Specifications

Introduction

After preordering the Toys Planning version of Misuzu Kamio, Kotobukiya finally releases their version of Misuzu.  Originally, I decided to get the Toys Planning one for my personal collection & sell the Kotobukiya version for my website.  I would take it if it doesn't sell well, which was highly unlikely since this is AIR's Misuzu here.  But I guess it was possible for me since my web store doesn't have a lot of exposure.

Anyways, I brought the Kotobukiya version of Misuzu from J-Hobby.  I was surprised that he managed to get them while I couldn't due to issues I have with one of my suppliers.  He had two; one in a good mint box & the other in a beaten up box.  Because of my box collecting grading days, I nearly picked up the mint box.  However, I stopped & examined the two figurines.  I found the beaten box one had better workmanship quality over the good box.  Because I'm more focused on workmanship quality more, I was glad I thought twice.

When this figurine came out, it was virtually sold out.  One of my suppliers went to Japan & saw one store in Tokyo that still has it.  It was selling for roughly US$40, a bit higher than the Japanese retail price.  This PVC figurine was re-released again on January 2006, but got sold out again.  I have placed an order for this product with one of my suppliers, but they didn't get any.  I asked my other Hong Kong suppliers & they couldn't get it as well since Kotobukiya didn't release any there.  Probably because there wasn't enough to fulfill the orders in Japan or they were too close to the deadline of the release date.  This product was released as a resin kit originally back around 2001 & has been out of production for a long time.

Currently, I have Misuzu in her box. She's actually being displayed as is in my room.

The Review

Misuzu Kamio in box

This is the bad box I was talking about.  For some reason, a couple of the sides are double taped from looking at the windows of the box.  The other box was single taped.  This made me wonder if it was a opened product.  However, I got this out from the shipping case & the tape on top was still fresh.  Plus, I know the store owner well & he wouldn't open boxes.

 
Back of the box

The Misuzu figurine comes with a display base.  The base is designed with a cloudy sky; pretty much the same design as the box.  From what I see from the box alone, it's designed all over.  I believe Misuzu is tied down with ties, so you can't just pull her out rashly.  I don't believe there's any assembly required.

Pose wise, it's all static.  So it's nothing special.  Judging from the pic, Misuzu's feet look a bit big.  Since Misuzu is stuck inside the box, I can't really say if this is the case until I get her out.

Niya!

This pic is taken as Misuzu is still sealed in the box.  Looking at this pic alone, the paint job is excellent.  The etching job on her eyes are terrific.  Very clean & well shaped large eyes.  The facial expression is soft & really fits Misuzu's image.

Overall Conclusion

I can't really review this 1/8 Misuzu Kamio since it's still in the box.  I can't see how the workmanship of the figure is on the back side & how durable it is.  Looking at it from the box only, it's quite a lovely figurine.  Misuzu is soft & may bring a gentle energy flow in the room when she's displayed.  I'll redo this review when she's out of the box.

This is definitely a must have item for all the AIRheads out there.  Just from looking at Misuzu in the box is more than enough reasons to get it.  Even without looking at it, a lot of people will be all over it anyways.  In terms of looking for it, like I've said, this is virtually all gone.  Even I had a tough time getting it for my web store.  Prices for Misuzu have rise a bit.  They are mostly above the suggested Japanese retail price.

Photos were taken using Sony DSC-F828 digital still camera & HP scanjet 4470c.

Last updated on February 12, 2008