I really enjoy the SMT/Persona series, so when Yamato out of nowhere released Aigis in her maid costume from Persona 3 FES; there was little doubt I would get her if price and timing allowed.


Aigis Maid Costume P3FES by ME_Counterpunch, on Flickr

In Persona 3 FES many of the costumes that get worn for one reason or another in the story part of the game become available as armor for the party when you complete various side quests. Yukari is set to be part of a maid cafe during culture week and this opens up the maid set of costumes for the female characters. So unlike some figures and series, this outfit is rooted in something that happens in-game.



Aigis Maid Costume P3FES by ME_Counterpunch, on Flickr

Let's start the turn around here. Aigis comes on a mirrored base (which was somewhat permanently marked by the packaging). Her posture and pose are very accurate to the somewhat stiff character she has until very late game.



Aigis Maid Costume P3FES by ME_Counterpunch, on Flickr

Notice here that a line runs down her leg. She is actually not wearing stockings. Due to her physical construction of her robotic body, her white outer shell plays a neat visual trick, mimicking tights or stockings that often accompany this kind of uniform. Of course if you noticed she was wearing knee socks already, it might be a moot point.



Aigis Maid Costume P3FES by ME_Counterpunch, on Flickr

Her back is tied off with a traditional bow. The hair is well done, even if it is clumped in large bunches.



Aigis Maid Costume P3FES by ME_Counterpunch, on Flickr

With just a slight shift in angles, Aigis really shows that her pose while simple, has some versatility to it.



Aigis Maid Costume P3FES by ME_Counterpunch, on Flickr

This shot shows something really quite interesting. I almost passed on this figure because of the shoes. See, Aigis has these...hoof sort of things for feet. When I saw the shoes, I was like..."Is that right?" So I went and looked and yes, this is entirely game accurate. For this costume, she dons shoes. What's really cool here is that you can actually see the line in her socks where the hoofs actually are. I'm not sure what she put in the shoe to keep them on or if they are perhaps an attachment like her various gun arms. It works either way! The shoes are nicely polished too. (Also, this is the most I've ever talked about shoes. Ever.)



Aigis Maid Costume P3FES by ME_Counterpunch, on Flickr

More beautiful detail in her head gyros. Each part of her head-wear is detailed and accurately done.



Aigis Maid Costume P3FES by ME_Counterpunch, on Flickr

Last picture in the set. Aigis' face here is somewhat serene and somewhat knowing. There is a bit of artistic license here in her expression and in the softness of her features. At first, I didn't like it all that much but, this is one instance where pictures can not do the figure justice. They rob it of the depth that gives Aigis her sharp look.

I'd definitely recommend this figure to any Persona fan or maid connoisseur. Due to the price, I would have a hard time recommending her to anyone else. It's not that she's not worth it, but for the price you can buy a lot of other more dynamic figures. Overall, she's a lovely piece and worthy of shelf space for any Persona collector.

Sagat Watermelon by ME_Counterpunch, on Flickr

"You all know what summer means...watermelon eating contest!"



Blanka Watermelon by ME_Counterpunch, on Flickr

"Watermelons are green on the outside and red on the inside...JUST LIKE BLANKA! Shockingly delicious too!"



Balrog Watermelon by ME_Counterpunch, on Flickr

"I dun toldja Sagat...can't eat no damn watermelons in these gloves...asshole."



Vega Watermelon by ME_Counterpunch, on Flickr

"I love the blood-red juices of a delicious watermelon as they drip down my lips..."



Dan Pineapple by ME_Counterpunch, on Flickr

"C'mon! All I got was a goddamn pineapple! Unfair! Unfair!"

Lorna Covergirl by ME_Counterpunch, on Flickr

I haven't played Shining Hearts and I was not familiar with Lorna prior to seeing this figure up for pre-order. Lorna's dynamic pose and mix of class/tease really caught my attention. Now, I really try to limit my fixed-pose figure purchases to franchises I love. So, to purchase a figure of something I am not invested in, it had better be really well done to get my money. How does Lorna hold up in-hand? Let's take a look...



Lorna Side by ME_Counterpunch, on Flickr

A full look at Lorna here shows what we're working with: fox girl, in a maid costume, brandishing knives. Excellent. Lorna is 1/8th scale and is set atop a simple (but sturdy) white base. She's screwed into the base, which is something I am coming to favor. One thing you see here is that Lorna is presented in someone simple colors in large patches. Don't worry, I'll show the surprising extent of detail that this figure contains as we go forward...



Lorna Rear by ME_Counterpunch, on Flickr

...but not just yet. Her hair is done simply and does not have significant flaws to comment on nor is there anything outstanding to look for. The back of Lorna's costume shows her full length skirt. It's simple and flowing. One thing I'd comment on is that this part of the figure is sturdy. When I pick her up, it's by this portion of the figure (or the base). The material is firm and is anything but fragile. Kotobukiya should get a nod for this. Lastly, what you see here is a nice large uniform color part of the figure, but you don't see any flaws, right? No smudges, swirls or anything of the sort are present. Stuff like that goes a long way towards a good review from me.



Lorna Weapons by ME_Counterpunch, on Flickr

Rotate around 90 degrees and wow...things get busy. Lorna has a fist full of knives and is pulling her skirt aside to access more. You can see that the hem of her skirt carries detail all the way around and her boots have small ribbon details on them. Am I ignoring those amazing fishnet stockings? Not at all.



Lorna Stockings by ME_Counterpunch, on Flickr

This took me by surprise. I thought these stockings were molded detail but this figure is actually done in mixed media and the stockings are lace. A perfect seam runs up the back of the stockings and the fishnet material was implemented properly. Now, the knives on her thigh and in her hand are simple and perhaps a little boring. There is sculpted detail but the paint choice for these seems a little heavy and I think they suffer for that.



Lorna Movement by ME_Counterpunch, on Flickr

Still talking about the defining characteristic of this figure, we can see here how the movement Lorna makes to wield her weapons affects her skirt. Her right hand pulls the skirt aside for her left hand to grab a fist full of knives.



Lorna Apron by ME_Counterpunch, on Flickr

You can really see here how the concept translated to reality. The material bunches with her hand and shows the weight of her costume



Lorna Upper Detail by ME_Counterpunch, on Flickr

I'm not posting this picture to get a laugh or to throw out a shot of her cleavage. Lorna is actually pretty well covered up. I show this picture here because the same lace material used on her stockings is used here across her chest. I think that's amazing. Kotobukiya could have easily used molded material here but they went the distance to match material and accurately reflect her costume. I suppose I'm surprised because the area is so small and difficult to access.



Lorna Close Up by ME_Counterpunch, on Flickr

Lastly, let's take a look at her face. As you can see, she's lovely. In contrast to her very stark costume, Lorna's hair and face use soft muted tones, especially where her hair is concerned. In fact, it almost bothered me that the color was not more saturated. I did not know the character well and having her hair the same color as her tail fur bothered me a little. Seeing the game art changed my opinion and after a little time with the figure, I came to appreciate the way it looks in person.

For her price at Amiami of 7940Y, is she worth it? I...don't know. I like this figure immensely. She hits all the right points for me but at this scale, that price before shipping seems too high. Happily, I purchased her from BBTS for $77 and at that price, I would recommend her without a second thought. Funny how that works, isn't it? On merits alone, this is a great figure, well done from head to toe. Lorna is amazing in that she can look so different depending on what angle you observer her from.

Packed with fetish, well sculpted, and very well presented, I think anyone with a slight urge to pick this piece up will not be disappointed.

Rise Idol Stage Shot by ME_Counterpunch, on Flickr

Sometime towards the end of last year, Wave announced a re-release of Persona 4's Rise Kujikawa figure. Long out of production, this figure was commanding a hefty premium on the secondary market (if you could find her to begin with). After a one month delay (to keep her many fans in suspense no doubt), Rise arrived to Amiami for a very reasonable 5,500Y.


Rise 1 by ME_Counterpunch, on Flickr

Rise is a 1/8th scale figure and is wearing her Yasogami High school uniform from the game. Her uniform is very faithful to her in-game appearance. The pose chosen for this particular figure is not really iconic for Rise but it definitely conveys her playful and lighthearted personality.



Rise 2 by ME_Counterpunch, on Flickr

Her outfit is accurate down to the purposefully obvious white stitching that Yasogami High uniforms have. This figure picks up a lot of nice details in the clothing. Note the stocking lines behind her knees.



Rise 3 by ME_Counterpunch, on Flickr

This side shot shows a hint of the one point of articulation on this figure. Her head is posable. You can strike whatever coquettish look you like with our favorite pop idol.



Rise 4 by ME_Counterpunch, on Flickr

From this side I'd like to point out that her bust is given actual human proportions. The fabric sculpt does not cheat to accentuate her nor is there any unrealistic clothing shape. That may be a pet peeve of mine, but I hate when a figure's bust is treated as though the clothing has been vacuum sealed under the bust line.



Rise Upper Details by ME_Counterpunch, on Flickr

Looking at Rise's upper half we can see the wonderful care that was taken with the clothing and the lack of obvious seams. If you get super picky about it, the paint on her neck scarf isn't perfect, but that's about the only real problem I can find. Now this figure is a few years old and in some ways current hair sculpting has surpassed our idol. There's nothing wrong with it and I certainly prefer Rise's styling over the current rash of translucent hair, but it should still be pointed out.



Rise Close Up by ME_Counterpunch, on Flickr

Rise has one accessory: her glasses. If this figure has one failing, it's those glasses. They just don't fit well on her head. They are slightly too small and you really have to kind of wedge them on to her. They are not large enough to reach back to her ears either. It's a minor gripe but again, it should be pointed out. Also, it should be pointed out that Rise looks super-foxy in glasses. ^_-



Rise Lower Details by ME_Counterpunch, on Flickr

Her lower half is well tended to. The skirt replicates the small checker design of her school's skirt and mine was free from flaws. I think that speaks to quality especially with the pattern being so small.



Rise Shoes and Base by ME_Counterpunch, on Flickr

For the ladies, check out the detail on those shoes. ^_^ The base is nice and simple, nothing special. It should be pointed out that she is permanently affixed to the base via a screw.



Rise Upskirt by ME_Counterpunch, on Flickr

For the guys, check out the pantsu! -_-" I really like that the stockings are not a high gloss finish here. That is something that current figure makers should go back to.



Rise Box by ME_Counterpunch, on Flickr

Lastly, a picture of her boxed. I don't think boxed pictures ever make a figure look great so I dump these shots at the end. The box is nice though. It replicates her uniform details and even has some English wording on the back.

Is Rise worth the price? For a Persona fan, absolutely. The quality is outstanding and the price is very fair for what you are getting. I'm more of an articulated figure collector but I would hit up Wave for an entire cast if they were willing to go through with it.

Thanks for reading. If you're still interested in Rise, I hate to have to tell you that she seems to be sold out at most retailers. Such is the life of an Idol...here today, gone tomorrow.

I have a used Nendoroid Luka for sale: $20 + shipping

Only catch is...Tako Luka is not included. It's an authentic Nendo, AAA sticker still on the back. She's only been on display briefly and the box is pretty much perfect.

So, yea, long gone Nendo, minus her little pal for cheap.

Leave a message if interested of email me at m1981 AT ufl DOT edu

Just got some new cloth backgrounds and snapped a few shots.


I can't lose! by ME_Counterpunch, on Flickr


Deathstare by ME_Counterpunch, on Flickr


Muv Luv Alt by ME_Counterpunch, on Flickr


Phantom by ME_Counterpunch, on Flickr


Madoka by ME_Counterpunch, on Flickr


Zero by ME_Counterpunch, on Flickr


Aya by ME_Counterpunch, on Flickr


Teamwork by ME_Counterpunch, on Flickr

And a little of the ole...you know...

Sisters by ME_Counterpunch, on Flickr