Even if it only lasted about 13 episodes I love Hikonin Sentai Akibarangers. The show clearly talks to tokugeeks like moi and those who have been witnesses of how Super Sentai has evolved through the years. For some, stuck into the delusion that one day meet one of the legends or become powered heroes themselves. Clearly manifested through cosplayers frequently dashed in comic or toy conventions displaying their aptitude for making clothes and most technical aspects in making their heroes come to reality through them. Pain IS power.
In the S.H. Figuarts line, only Akiba Red that I am most excited about. Now that it is in my possession, I share with you the review of the S.H. Figuarts Akiba Red from Hikonin Sentai Akibarangers. The first entry's unique box design showcases rainbow spasms and the group name in front of the box. Bandai even had the name "hikonin" stamped on the clear window just like it's opening credits used to do.
It's a promise that made into fruition, Bandai gave us three Tamashii Stands each with specific colors and names of the trio to distinguish them from one another. The box which they came almost have the same style as the figure box but rather tamed with monotone colors.
Right off the bat, the mold is one to die for, its far out from the current costume designs of Super Sentais. The figure sort of not following the SHF Super Sentai design but more like SHF Kamen Riders, most evidently are the sockets that connect the arms to its torso.
Akiba Red's helmet design follows the old Super Sentai factions (with "man" as a suffix i.e. Bioman, etc.) with lips embedded at the lower part of the face. As fans of the anime Z-cune Aoi, Akiba Red also has a anime-ish hair style highlighted with a hint of golden bangs across the visor.
His translucent red chest and a ab piece certainly is off from your usual ranger costume design. Actually, looking at it thoroughly, AkibaRed is a mix of anime, Kamen Rider, Super Sentai suit design and most likely better that other SHFs to date. What tops for me is the high-cut boot design with matching buckles making this more masculine that other SHF figures I've seen so far.
Accessories include two scarves (in my opinion, have taken a cue from one of the Kamen Rider figures, my guess is Kamen Rider W), 8 hands for his unofficial roll call poses and the mini MMZ-01. I think the MMZ-01 could have added more paint to make it more accurate.
Articulation can be summed up in one word - fabulous. Unlike Super Sentai figures, you won't hear any clicking that connotes joints locking or hitting each other, even signs of potential paint scratches. Kneeling is one of the hardest thing to do on SHFs but Akiba Red can do this very organically. On Youtube, there were complaints that the hip joint is somewhat loose but fortunately, I couldn't find that fault in mine. If there is one thing I'm not to fond about is how the ankle swivels just like Nadeshiko and how it felt like Revoltech joints rather than your usual SHF mold.
In a gist, I absolutely love everything about AkibaRed and excited to see the rest of the team join in the S.H. Figuarts line. Totally a must have for those who have watched Hikonin Sentai Akibarangers and what they represent, fans like us. This ladies and gents definitely a no-brainer in including him in my top 10 SHFs for this year.
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