Figure Name: Aegis ART WORKS Ver.
Figure Maker: Alter
Retail Value: ¥10,290
Available At: Otacute | ToysLogic | Plamoya | Big in Japan | Big Bad Toy Store

The biggest thing that worried me about this figure was actually the shipping cost. Alter has a tendency to use gigantic shipping boxes for their 1/8-scale figures, so I imagined this 1/6-scale Aegis would come in a box the size of my torso. Fortunately it was a reasonable size. The package comes largely as you see here, with only minimal assembly needed.

There isn't any one thing in particular that makes this figure striking. I think it's a lot of little things that work together. The focal point is Aegis's face, which is very well proportioned. It's soft, beautiful, warm, and accentuated by her bright blue eyes.

This figure is a very good translation of Shigenori Soejima's illustration. Though Alter couldn't reproduce the hand-painted look, I think the form and feel are spot-on.

As I stated, there are a lot of little things working together to make this figure outstanding. Look at Alter's attention to detail here. The lettering on Aegis's shoulder and armband are microscopic, but you can actually read it if you get up close enough.

Intricate sculpts and attention to detail have always been Alter's signatures, and they show thoroughly in Aegis. Her mechanical workings and gold accents combine for a filigree-like feel. Everything looks delicate and highly ornate.

What's more impressive is the way the color scheme works. Aegis doesn't have a colorful design, but the purposeful splashes of color on this figure make her seem vibrant. It starts with her eyes, then the contrast with her warm skin tones, and progresses downward to some red and gold accents. Despite being painted mostly white, the figure is not at all drab. She doesn't look sterile like a white iPod.

Here you can see more of Alter's attention to detail. The lettering on her headphones is distinct and readable!

I tried for a while to find something wrong with the figure. It was a difficult endeavor. From a craftsmanship perspective, it's pretty much perfect. There was one stray mould line on the shell in the ammunition compartment of her right wrist. Even then, you'll struggle to notice it. I suppose Aegis's hair could have been painted a little better; as-is it still catches the light very well.

I always found Aegis's stub-feet a little weird. Even here, Alter has gone to great lengths to show its mechanics. Of course there's not a single stray speck of paint.

The base isn't super exciting, but it does stick to the Persona aesthetic. It connects to Aegis via what I'm assuming is part of a shadow reaching out from the floor. These one-legged supports always make me nervous, but the figure sits pretty solidly. It's not overly wobbly or anything.

Unfortunately Aegis doesn't have much of a butt. I can't help but feel like it's a wasted opportunity, with the skin-tight outfit and all. Her backside is really the only thing that's lacking on the figure.

The whole figure, especially from a profile view, flows with grace. Each curve extends naturally into another, all the way out to Aegis's fingers. When you see it you get a great sense of effortless movement. A lot of that is due to Shigenori Soejima, but you also have to credit Alter for such an excellent translation into 3D.

As with all of my favorite figures, Aegis looks great from any angle. Alter doesn't do many 1/6-scale figures, but with this one they've really used the larger size to go all-out. The end result is just stunning. I think that's the most amazing thing about all this. Alter took Aegis, a character that has already gotten so much exposure, and managed to make her special again. Even with such a limited color palette, she looks vibrant and alive. It takes a top-tier effort from a premium manufacturer to pull that off.

Check the gallery for the rest of the photo set, and be sure to leave feedback in the comments section!