Vol. 2 Tora-Musume (White Repaint Version)

Product Information/Specifications

Introduction

Based on Ramiya Ryo's original design, BOME turned it into a 3D figurine.  In fact, volume 1 - 4 of Monsieur-BOME Collection Series is based on Ramiya's drawings.  BOME must really like her works a lot.

I preorder the white repaint Tora-Musume from an online hobby shop that is now gone.  This figurine is limited to 3333 pieces.  It's virtually sold out everywhere.  I believe preorders have cause this.

Some of the pictures aren't clear & good.  If I have time, I'll redo the bad ones & repost them.

The Review

Tora-Musume in blister card packaging

You probably have read this from my other reviews, but I hate those blister card packaging Kaiyodo uses.  Although it's nicely sealed, I hate opening them without damaging the card.  Since this is a limited product, I plan to keep Tora-Musume in her card.  Taking it out of her packaging will defeat the purpose of numbering this product since no one might believe it's actually that number.

The packaging is the same as the original Vol. 2 Tora-Musume.  In fact, that's what it is.  Kaiyodo got lazy for not reprinting the back side to show Tora-Musume from orange to white.  The only difference is that "repaint version" sticker with the serial number on it.  Guess what number I got.

NOOOO!!!!

In general for items like these, the lower the number, the better.  Getting a lower number one usually increases the item's value since latter numbers are copied from it.  The number I got is 2502, which is pretty high.  Anyways, the accessories.

Included with Halloween-chan is a nice air effect display base & a scythe.  These are the same accessories from the original colour version, but repainted.  I don't know how good that base is since Tora-Musume stands on it with one foot.

The pose Tora-Musume is in is cute.  Filled with energy as she prances around happily with her scythe.  This 3D figurine from Ramiya Ryo's design is really sculpted well.  Plus that white tiger clothing is really nice.

The paint details on Tora-Musume is very good, especially the tiger stripes on her white clothing down to her boots.  Very clean!  Also, the size & length of the stripes are good; making it look very natural as if it was really from a tiger's fur.  The light blue is painted nicely.  On the second pic however, you can see some bleeding from the boot.  But that isn't visible from a distance.  The red gem with silver plating is good.  Nicely painted with a nice touch. 

Tora-Musume's fingernails could use some work however.  It looks sloppy as the paint makes her nails fat.  The wings look okay in terms of the molding job.  It's got the shape, but it looks too fake.  By the way, the wingspan is about 18cm long.

The detail work on the scythe is very good.  Painted well without bleeding & it's quite even.  A good choice of dull colours to bring out some life into that blade.  Although the red gem in the scythe isn't as flashy as the other gems on Tora-Musume's clothing.  The length of the scythe is 25cm for the handle & 10cm for the blade.

The tag around Tora-Musume's neck is engraving pretty nice, but hard to read at times.  The word there is "ZIP".  Initially, I thought it was "RIP" until I got a closer look at it.  I'm not sure what "ZIP" means in this case  The tag suffers a bit of minor paint bleeding from the flesh colour.  But, it's not noticeable really.

Anime & manga characters are usually known for their big eyes, & this is one is quite big.  The eyes are drawn quite complex & I'm quite pleased on how well it's painted.  Tora-Musume's mouth is painted well.  A good balance of colour & evenness.  The facial expression is cute with those big eyes of her's.

Overall Conclusion

I'm glad I preordered Tora-Musume white repaint when I had the chance.  I liked the white tiger effect better than the original orange one.  It's very detailed & made well; especially being an high number out of 3333.  Currently, I have her displayed as she is on my shelf with no plans of taking her out of her packaging.

Tora-Musme gets a 9/10 from me.  This is due to the excellent paint work; especially the tiger stripes.  The lost point was from some uneven painting & minor bleeds.

If you are looking for the Tora-Musume to be part of your collection, good luck finding her.  Since only 3333 were made worldwide, most of them are already in the hands of collectors.  The store that I brought it from somehow restocked her along the way.  As much as I would recommend her, finding her will be a tough mission.  Diamond will not import this figurine for sure since this is a limited edition product & Kaiyodo probably doesn't want to destroy that idea.

Photos were taken using Sony DSC-F828 digital still camera.

Last updated on February 12, 2008