Tomopop Review: Composite Ver. Ka Gurren Lagann by Bandai

12:00 PM on 08.10.2010   |   Andres Cerrato

Gurren Lagann has certified itself to be a fan favorite for the past several years. Even with such popularity, we haven't gotten the same amount of love for the robots as we do the women. The Composite Ver. Ka Gurren Lagann was set to make a splash on the scene. The figure was designed by famed mecha creator Hajime Katoki and would be given several new changes, some of which left fans scratching their heads. Of course, that's nothing that the Giga Drill Break can't fix.

Did Katoki possibly ruin the Gurren Lagann?  Find out after the jump!

Composite Ver. Ka Gurren Lagann
Sculpted by Hajime Katoki
Manufactured by Bandai
Released July 2010
MSRP: 4800 yen

The Composite Ver. Ka line is relatively new, with the Gurren Lagann being the second release in the line. The box for the GL is certainly better than that of its predecessor line, Gundam Fix Figuration. What's most surprising is how compact the box is. I was expecting it to be a bit larger, especially considering the drill. Thankfully though, the packaging holds everything in without damage and thanks to the size, it saves a little bit on shipping.

Getting everything out of the box, this is the Gurren Lagann that we all have become in love with. Katoki did a great job with the proportions. It's kind of odd to explain, but it feels both more bulk and slimmer at the same time. However, the biggest change that all can be observed is that of the tribal style markings.

The markings themselves have been cited as a reason why many didn't pick up this release of the Gurren Lagann. Katoki loves to spread decals on everything he touches, so that's definitely present on this. Personally, the figure would have been a lot better received if they had been left off. They're definitely interesting, but it feels like the late '90s when everyone was getting tribal and barbed wire tattoos.  It just feels tacky and shouldn't be there.

It doesn't bother me enough as to where I wouldn't want the figure, but I can see why so many were turned off by it. For those who are wondering though, there is no way of removing them without damaging the paint underneath. Speaking of the paint ...

What the hell happened to that glorious metallic finish that we saw in the preview shots? I hinted at this in the Gohan review, but just WHAT THE HELL, BANDAI?! Granted the figure's release finish is closer to that of the show, but why do you have to change it, and most importantly, not tell anyone until its released. It's shady and is not what I come to expect.

As much as it seems that this GL is destined for failure, it does a lot of things right. For one, the joints are a much-desired improvement from its predecessor line. You can pose it in just about every which way you want and most importantly, hold those poses. About the only limitation placed on those joints will be the size and weight of the Giga Drill Break.

Another point they absolutely nailed were the glasses. On the chest fit both of the smaller pair, as they are stacked on top of one another. It seems kind of unnecessary, but it helps when removing them from the chest as well as giving them a bit more depth. You don't have to fear that you'll break them if you try to take them off, a complaint that many had about the Revoltech edition. You will also get two of the larger throwing glasses. They fit nicely in the hands, but aren't the best thing to put there.

What sold so many on this figure, given its imperfections, is the Giga Drill Break. It's about 3/4 the size of the Gurren Lagann itself, but pointed to the sky, it makes the figure larger than life. The drill itself is made up of three pieces; the base which goes into the arm and the two halves of the cone. If you want to pose the figure with the drill, you will need the included stand, as it is just too heavy. I tried it about as many ways as I could, but it just can't be done without the stand. It's not a bad thing, as the stand itself is rather nice.

The last accessory included is the pair of drills for the wrist. They sort of get lost in the shuffle when you compare it to all of the other accessories included. They look great, but odds are you're just going to keep them in the box as the other weapons are that much better.

The most popular release for Gurren Lagann has been the Revoltech. Due to the way that the joints were positioned on it though, it just looks awkward from many angles. The Composite Ver. Ka though allows you to do a lot with it. It can stand tall and won't look awkward in many instances. While you won't be able to have open mouth poses like the Revoltech, the paint, detailing and sculpt are all superior on the Composite Ver. Ka.

While the Composite Ver. Ka certainly has its shortcomings, the upside is that glorious Giga Drill Break and some fantastic sculpting. The tattoos might not be everyone's cup of tea, but if you can forgive Katoki for his decal fetish, you'll have quite an impressive figure in your collection.

Thanks to Hobby Link Japan for providing this sample for review!