Tomopop Review: figma Append Miku by Max Factory

4:00 PM on 12.05.2011   |   Jackie Zysk

Way back when the garage kit/soon to be PVC statue of Append Miku was teased, I admit I was torn. While I was absolutely in love with the more robotic, modern take on our favorite software mascot, the face threw me off. I'm probably in the minority here, but something about the very mature face just didn't seem to mesh with the rest of the design, in this humble editor's opinion. So of course, when the figma was announced (and figma number 100 no less!) I was certainly excited!

But did the final product live up to my expectations? Hit the jump to find out!

[See also: Glitchy's c-blog review of the same figure!]

Figure Name: figma Append Miku
Figure Maker: Max Factory
Retail/List Price: ¥2,857
Available at: Amiami | Hobby Search | Otacute

The first thing you'll notice about Append Miku's box is that it's one of the larger ones, normally limited to figmas that come with large amounts of accessories! However, I'm going to get straight to the point: Append Miku is actually pretty lacking in the extras department. The larger box is actually only meant to house her twin tails!

The box itself is nice though, with the turquoise swirls and mirror lettering. The inside of the box also has that mirror surface, a nice little touch on something you're probably just going to put in your closet!

So what goodies does Miss Miku come with? Well, like I said before: not much. Besides the standard hand rack, two interchangeable faces, and a few accessories to put her into "Append mode" Miku here doesn't have much to offer. This was quite disappointing to me, especially given some of the awesome accessories we've been seeing with figma lately.

Upon freeing Miku from her boxy prison, something immediately stuck out to me: poor Miku here obviously needs a sandwich. All kidding aside, Append Miku definitely feels fragile at first when you get her in your hand. However, at the same time I don't feel like I'm at risk of breaking her when I pose her.

The details in her outfit are really just phenomenal. I'm especially a fan of the gradient effect Max Factory pulled off in her leggings and gloves!

Unlike most figma, Append Miku does not come with the standard "hole in the back" stand. Instead, Miku comes with a handy clear plastic clip to put around her waist. I personally find the clip most distracting then the hole, but I know this inclusion will make some of you happy!

OHMYGOSHLOOKATTHATFACE! Ahem, sorry. What I mean to say is: How can you not love this face? She's absolutely adorable! This is hands down my favorite face of the three. Also, take a look at the gradient in her hair and bangs: figure companies seems to be pushing more transparent materials in their figures. I for one am loving it, especially when it's pulled off well, and Max Factory has certainly nailed it on this figure.

Moving right along to her next face, Append Miku also comes with a shut eye expression. I was so excited to see they included this face, as it matches the original Append illustration. You can also see her hair is jointed in a way that allows it also to match the artwork.

Finally, we have the mature facial expression everyone loves but me. Well, that's not really true anymore. I'll admit the mature face has grown on me. Something about the hair sculpt on the figma makes it less awkward in my opinion. I probably won't be rushing to order the full scale figure any time soon, but I can at least see the appeal now!

As seen in the previous photo, Append Miku also comes with accessories to pose her in "full append mode" or whatever you kids call it these days. The only problem I have with this is the stomach piece is a bit of a pain to remove.

Here she is in full Append Mode! I really love the flared belt with the transparent pvc, however it does fall off easily if you bump the shelf she's sitting on.

So is Append Miku worth it? Honestly, it depends. I, for one, really love her design, and am happy to have picked her up. However, if you're someone who collects figma for accessories and likes getting a bang for your buck, I would probably pass.