1/8 Ayano Kunugi

Product Information/Specifications

Introduction

Although I'm pretty much a fan to the Pia Carrot!! 3 series, I didn't think it would lead to Pia Carrot!! G.O.  After collecting all of Kotobukiya's Pia Carrot!! 3 PVC figurines, I wanted to stop myself from buying the Pia Carrot!! G.O. PVCs.  But somehow, I brought the 1/8 Ayano Kunugi PVC from J-Hobby.  I don't know why I did that.  I'm thinking that I may see myself getting the whole Pia Carrot!! G.O. PVC figurines from Kotobukiya now.  Damn that company!  This figurine was originally available as a resin model kit & has been out of production since the PVC version was announced.

Currently, I have Ayano in her box.  Don't have room to display her.

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

The Review

Ayano Kunugi in box

Looking the box, Ayano is complete & doesn't require any assembly with the exception of attaching her to the solid pink base that's included.  For some reason, the base looks thinner than the previous ones that Kotobukiya uses.

Ayano's pose is pretty much static, but has some energy.  I was a bit iffy about this figurine when I saw it for the first time.  It is so-so really.

For the details, there isn't a lot really.  A lot of colour shading though to create the shadowing effect, but most of it is on her skirt.  The paint job is pretty clean though as there are hardly any bleeds.  The bat uses metallic red paint & really gives it that metal bat appearance.  The etching designs on the bat is clear as well, but I don't know what the design or letters are.  It's hard to make them out in the box.

As for the molding job, it's looks fine as I didn't notice any heavy mold lines around Ayano's body.  Also, there doesn't appear to be any bumps or holes so far.

Ayano's face really is the same as the original game design.  That's a good sign.  Another good sign is how well her face is done.  Very clean etching job.  Plus, the facial expression really matches her pose well.  It's her face that give the energy in her static pose.  It almost makes it look like an attack stance.  I think the reason why I brought her is the cheerful face she sports.

Overall Conclusion

Currently, I can't really give a solid rating for the 1/8 Ayano Kunugi PVC figurine.  If I was to grade her now, I would say an eight.  The pose is so-so, but Ayano's smile really boosts it with energy.  Plus, it's not a pose that you see a lot in most PVC figures.  The workmanship is well done as there are little flaws in the work.  But, I don't know how stable she is on the base.

Finding Ayano isn't a problem as a lot of stores, particularity online ones, still have her in stock.  You can find her on online auctions as well.  In terms of the price, it's pretty much the suggested Japanese retail price.  But, you can probably find her cheaper in some places.  Beware though, there are bootlegs of Ayano floating around.  But, don't get confused with the American version that Kotobukiya USA released of her.

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

Last updated on April 11, 2008