Way back in 2008, Griffon brought Sengoku Rance's Kenshin to shelves, but four years later it seems like round one wasn't enough. She'll be back for collectors this January, so if you're a fan and missed her the first go-round, now's your chance to pick her up. While I, like our original assessment, am a big fan of both the original history as well as Japan's tendency to genderbend everything, I'm not entirely sure I'm feeling this one.

It's no secret I like brighter figures, though darker palettes work as well with the right mix. However, I don't think either is the case here. I find myself having a hard time getting behind Kenshin's muted armor, and the dull, unadorned whiteness looks plain and unfinished. True to the original design, perhaps, but all the same I find myself seeing a capably crafted figure rather than something that stands out and makes you take notice.

To be fair, fans will probably like this one just fine, as she seems, again, true to the source material and well-made all the same. Even so, this seems like one for Rance diehards, rather than the sort of figure the uninitiated might pick up just because it looks cool. Interested parties will be able to pick her up for about ¥9.800.

[ Pre-order at HobbyLink Japan | Hobby Search | AmiAmi ]