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Tomopop Review: Alter's Momohime photo

From the very first moment that I played the sidescrolling Wii action platformer Muramasa: The Demon Blade, I was taken with the art, and found myself imagining a figure of the lead female heroine, Momohime, long before one had been announced. A few custom figures of her popped up here and there, but it wasn't until Alter's announcement of an official release back in March that fans of the game found themselves able to look forward to owning her in collectible form.

The wait is finally over as Momohime shipped this month, and we were anxious to get our hands on her here at Tomopop and take her on a photography adventure. Hit the jump to get a better look at this lovely figure in much greater detail.

Normally, I'm kind of impatient with the business of photographing the box. It's my least favorite part of any review, because most of the time, the boxes are nothing to write home about. Well, this one is. Frankly, I am amazed at how gorgeous this one is from every angle. I can't deny that the box gave me the idea of how to shoot Momohime once I got her out of it. Brilliant call on packaging from Alter here.

 

I mean, the BACK of the box is pretty. Who thinks of these things?

 

Just ... wow. She is utterly dynamic, from both the front and side profile. The foot fits snugly to the detailed base (which has a great organic look) by way of a peg, which seems firm and well made. I can see how lean would be a concern if you displayed her in a window, so just to be safe I'd avoid displaying her in direct sunlight or high heat conditions, but as is she seems perfectly sturdy in this pose.

 

Side profile equally as gorgeous as the front: check. This sculpt is literally flawless, and details on the pattern of the kimono are the same. Breathtaking is a good word to describe this figure in person.

 

Her face is easily one of the most striking faces I've photographed this year. I must have taken five dozen photos of her close up, all slightly different. Never got old.

 

Here you will see one of two sword/hand options. She comes with an extra kimono sleeve fold and a matched hand, and the sword and the sheath are two separate pieces. So you can display her like so, at the ready to unsheathe the sword, or you can ditch the sheath altogether and just have her holding the sword. These pieces are also fairly easy to change out and should present no issues for you if you just get in the mood to do so one day. The details on the sheath are so great I didn't want to leave it out, but I think it's cool Alter took the time to add this extra little option in there.

 

I mean, I had to include a shot of this angle, right? Everyone likes panties. Seriously though, it's very tasteful, but still has that touch of sensuality. Still, no one's going to get offended if they get a glimpse of this view.

 

Then, of course, I had to get some props out and start having fun. And what I realized is that this figure is so utterly flawless, from design to composition to execution, that you can do literally ANYTHING with her and make her look good. Black background? Cool. White background? Lovely. Take her outside? Gorgeous. You name it, you can do it — this figure is a toy photographer's dream when it comes to a static collectible.

 

I imagined Momohime dashing through a glen of flowers. Originally, I saw them in my mind as cattails or cotton stalks, but then when I thought about the art of Muramasa's universe, I thought of rich, saturated colors like reds and violets. In the end, that's why I shot her among red blossoms.

 


Momohime is still on sale through HLJ for about US$92, but they do indicate that stock on her is a bit low, so if you want her, I would not wait.This is easily one of the most stunning figures I've had the pleasure of reviewing this year, and I wouldn't hesitate to tell you that she is 100 percent sure to enhance just about anyone's collection.

[Thanks to HLJ for the review sample]


Tomopop Review: Alter's Momohime photo
Tomopop Review: Alter's Momohime photo
Tomopop Review: Alter's Momohime photo
Tomopop Review: Alter's Momohime photo
Tomopop Review: Alter's Momohime photo
Tomopop Review: Alter's Momohime photo
Tomopop Review: Alter's Momohime photo
Tomopop Review: Alter's Momohime photo
Tomopop Review: Alter's Momohime photo
Tomopop Review: Alter's Momohime photo
Tomopop Review: Alter's Momohime photo
Tomopop Review: Alter's Momohime photo
Tomopop Review: Alter's Momohime photo
Tomopop Review: Alter's Momohime photo
Tomopop Review: Alter's Momohime photo
Tomopop Review: Alter's Momohime photo


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Legacy Comments

I really want her. q__q She's so pretty. She looks like she popped right out of the game.
Gorgeous photos, Colette! I still haven't unboxed mine, by dear God does she look beautiful.
I'm still waiting for her to arrive. Should be sometime next week, and after reading this I just can't wait.

I'm fearing the lean a bit also. Last month there were a massive heat wave and it got extremely hot in my room (30-40 degrees Celsius). I could actually feel some of my figures getting a bit softer.
It seems the worst of the heat is over for this year though, but for next year I will demand to get air conditioning installed.
I just got her in the mail yesterday, SHE'S GORGEOUS!

I find myself rotating her around and I can't find a bad angle at all. I made mine with sheath in right hand and sword drawn out.
Ordered mine from amiami last week. I hope they make a kisuke figure to go along with, also torahime would be a welcomed addition as well.
One of the few static pieces I actually want. However, between the stuff I've bought lately, the stuff I've preordered, and the stuff I'm going to buy there's simply no room for a high-end item in the near future so I'll probably just stay on the watch until I can get one for a great price.
she is beautiful I had to cancel her and I'm totally kicking myself for it :< amazing review I'm in love with the box as well since most boxes are boring or plain.
I can't wait for mine. I love this game and just cannot wait for it. Too bad she was with my main order which hasn't shipped yet. Damn getting paid at the end of the week!
I want this so bad. ;_;
Incredible figure. I got mine about 4 days ago and I was surprised how good she looked. I had seen the photos but they honestly didn't do her any justice. Easily one of the best figures released this year.

Now if only we could get a Kisuke or even crazier a Torahime on her crazy ghost horse(don't know how the hell they could pull that off but I would love to see it)
I was holding off on this one until I got a better look at is, since I didn't find the overall look and pose to be as dynamic as the Alter Odin Sphere figures. But I think I'm gonna have to bite.
I am so excited for mine to arrive monday, I have had her pre-ordered for quite some time. Mine should have already arrived but customs decided to sit on her for a week.
Really like the pictures! It really makes Monohime's beautiful colors stand out and I've been dying to see more pics of that base in full color. The flower background is really nice too. The blur in the last couple of shots, was that made using a long exposure zoom?

After reading several reviews with killer photos and everyone saying shes a figure photographers dream, I'm tempted, but I think I'll have to hold off to shore myself up for October's onslaught.
....What the hell just happened? I was saving that money for blu-rays. But...no...what? WHAT?
Nice review GREAT photos! Mine has been on order since it was available she should be arriving this week. Can't wait! She looks amazing and the details are perfect.
Either your figure photography skills are amazing or that is just one incredibly photogenic figure. Sadly, my cat would probably destroy her in a jealous fit.
I must patiently wait for Toylet to get theirs in stock. Then she will be mine :)
I used slow shipping to save some money- thanks for this to tide me over!
Great review, thanks for all the pictures :) I can't wait for mine to get here, but I should have gone with the slow shipping to save a little extra coin. Tomopop should have a section for readers to show off their figures in the wild.
I got mine a few days back and I still can't believe how great she looks. Anyone who loves photographing their figures will absolutely adore her. All I have is a cell phone camera and even I couldn't resist a little fun.

I'm already sold on both a Kisuke and Torahime from Alter. I hope they make them.

The only downside of her being my first figure is that everything else will probably look like crap now.
Great photos! Great figure! Do want!!! ^_^
Figure looks great and the photos do an amazing job of capturing the pose and feel of the game. Also looking at these comments I feel like the only person who DIDN'T get her. :(
Great fig!!! very very nice!
Not sure what to say. If you played the game and have no interests in this figure, you mustn't be human. A person should not need a review of this figure to purchase it. Just knowing it comes from Alter is enough to have faith it would be beautiful. I've got mine and suggest you all get yours. Those of you waiting for a price drop or a deal are probably gonna end up in the pile of regretters.
Excellent set of photos, the light/dark contrast is really dramatic. With those clear shots of her face she looks like she could almost be a Camilla d'Errico character.
I already expected she was going to turn out beautifully from the prototype pics, but still, those are simply breathtaking photos you took. *_* (Yes, even the panties one, heehee. >D) Currently trying to get my hands on her, as well as Alter's Odin Sphere figures. *crosses fingers and hopes*
getting this for sure ~ after my bakemonogatari figures comes in during OCT
this probably be the first figure of 11 for me
hope there still be in stock

at amiami the stock = plenty
hope its plenty enough

and thanks for the PANTY shot
i was wondering how it was gonna look like ~
There's a love/hate thing with me and tomopop. Every time I check out this site I always end up ordering something. Damn, I really want this.
My collection isn't too big, but even so, this figure is hands-down my favorite one. I'm glad I didn't pass on it.
preordered this on kidnemo awhile back. hopefully it shows ups oon.
Momohime is easily one of my favorite figures ever.
I pre-ordered her from amiami a while back and can't wait to receive it, probably this week. This is my favorite game for the Wii but I only beat Kisuke's story. At the moment I'm playing her story. I really hope Alter releases a matching Kisuke figure.
She's very beatiful, Colette.
*Sigh* if only the gameplay was as awesome as the game art, then I could buy a fig like that without shame.
I really can't wait for her now~She's en route for delivery in a couple of days. My pre-order from HLJ ended up being shipped out from their Restock batch. :
Sometimes browsing Tomopop is bad. It makes me spend money.

=)
Got mine today, it's AWESOME!! Stands with my Saber maid (also from alter) as the best figure on my colection. If you love the game's artwork, it's a must-have.

Oh, and I got lucky not to pay the 60% taxes(Brazil) over the figure, it's a miracle!
***double happiness*** \o/
I pretty much just put a preorder down within 30 seconds of seeing it. Glad to know that I'm not the only one.
Nice review and good pictures. I love the shallow depth of field on some of them, where her hands and face are in focus but the rest of her not.

I think I disagree with you on her price being an issue. For the quality of her I think her price is rightly justified and entirely correct. Comparing her to other manufacturers, she’s competitively priced, yet beyond all of them in terms of quality. I’d say she’s a deal compared to her rivals.

Tommy Jamess
special Education Lecturer
PK0-003 | 352-001
Oxford College
642-515 | SK0-003
USA
I just got mine today, I still haven’t open her box, lol my other figures are not worth sharing a spot with her. I don’t buy a lot of figures and so far this is the most expensive one I got, but I would say it’s the only one I can justify with the expense.


Tommy Jamess
special Education Lecturer
PK0-003 | 352-001
Oxford College
642-515 | SK0-003
USA
Flexible, to the point of approaching vulgar, yet maintaining a semblance of dignity and style in the doing." testking 642-971 | testking JN0-400
No, she just looks like a whore. Let's not beat around the bush (get it?!)
----------------------------------------------------
testking 642-583 | testking 000-087 | testking 70-293 | testking 000-977
Very gorgeous figure! Looks like I missed out on the first run, but this figure alone makes me want to try the game.


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