Tomopop Review: One Piece P.O.P. Strong Edition 1/8 scale Nico Robin

6:00 PM on 08.25.2010   |   Jonathan Tubbs

The reviews for One Piece's Portrait of Pirates Strong Edition series of figures continues. For those not in the know, the Strong Edition series of figures is based on the 10th feature length film, One Piece: Strong World. We've already brought you reviews for Nami and recently, Zoro.

Next on the list is the once Vice President of the villainous Baroque Works and now archeologist of the Straw Hats, Nico Robin. This is Robin's second release from MegaHouse as a standard scaled figure in adult form. Her first figure was released in 2004 and later re-released in 2008.

This figure comes from sculptor Ajiken who has very little under his belt but seems to have taken a shine to the ladies of One Piece. Is his work satisfactory for Robin? Hit the jump to read and see for yourself.

Product: Excellent Model Portrait of Pirates Strong Edition Nico Robin
Series: One Piece
Manufacturer: MegaHouse
Scale: 1/8 (235mm, ~9,25 in)
Sculptor: Ajiken
Retail Price: 6,000 yen

The Portrait of Pirates Strong Edition box art style continues onward which is no surprise. Robin is given the dark yet beautiful color of purple for her theme. The giant window gives you a clear view of Robin, her coat, and accessories. The back gives you the full preview of what you can expect from this figure as well as the sides of the boxes. 

Robin's clamshell packaging is a bit bulky due to her coat and additional parts. While preparing to remove the tape that seals it shut, I noticed something that was a first for me in PVC figures. A pair of twist ties were used to help support the closure of the clamshell. If you were to pick up this up, you would understand why they are there to reinforce the seal.

Just like Zoro, Nico Robin comes with a shiny base, this one in a shade of purple. A great color when light shines on it. The text shows that this version of Robin is from the Strong World movie. At the bottom is her name to help save time on conversations when someone ask you who she is.

One of the common traits, minus a few, for the Strong Edition series of figures, is that the characters include a musket. I have to say the musket is a fantastic piece of work. The wood frame is a bit disappointing when compared to the detail put into the lock. You can even cock the gun. Cripes, all this thing needs now is some gun powder and some flint! It even includes a ramrod appropriately under the barrel. I'm sure my father would be proud of me for remembering this stuff.

Robin comes dressed in a coat that reminds me of a raven with the way the ends of her coat and sleeves are sculpted. Robin's pose is pretty standard so the sway coat gives it a little more character. The outfit itself is also basic with a common theme in colors and little in the way accents. 

Robin's coat can be removed if you feel it is in your way of seeing the full shape of her body. The process requires removing both of her arms and head. After you have done that, gently push the sides of the coat around her waist out and pull away from her body.

This was a bit tough for me due to the size of her breasts. I'm always fearful of damaging a figure when it comes to casting off parts but the coat is very sturdy so no worries. In fact, once you get the off of her, you'll feel why those twist ties are there on the clamshell packaging.

Robin, of course, includes a pair of additional arms to go with her coat-less body. There isn't much more to this figure even with the coat off. More than anything, there is more fan service with the way her dress clings to her butt.

Speaking of fan service. For those wondering, yes, Robin does have the ability to have her lower body removed so you can see her underwear. Well, thong in this case, which I guess goes with her character. However, that is the only way you can see her underwear. There is no cast off feature to have her prancing around in just a belt and underwear. More than anything, this just exists to satisfy those with a curious mind. 

Generally, Robin has her hair down. Robin's hair is very flat and doesn't have much going for it that has me saying "amazing work!" The division of the bangs is nice but that's about it as for what I am seeing here.

As for her face, Ajiken did a great job in reproducing her distinct nose as featured in the manga and anime. Her wide eyes are also unique for One Piece female figure releases giving her a more mature appearance. Well, I guess not so unique with the release of Boa Hancock coming.

Robin also includes an alternate hairstyle that is more to my liking. To change this, you will also need to change her coat collar as the collar for when her hair is down doesn't truly go around from end to end. It's divided into two pieces as you can see in the gallery with the gap of light coming through.

Simply pop the two pieces of collar out from the body. You will see that there are whole where the pegs should be insert. Take the alternate collar out and just pop it in. Easy as pie. Well, I wouldn't know for sure. I never made pie. 

And here is Robin with her alternate hairstyle. I feel it's a step above her normal style and there's more motion to it.

But slap on the included glasses and good lord! My love-love points for Robin is sky high! When you compare her to her bland, normal appearance and then see this, how can you go back? I know I can't.

But if your love-love points go to certain other aspects, you will most likely not be disappointed. As is the current art direction for One Piece, the ladies feature some rather generous endowments. Robin seems to up the ante in size and by having them pressed together. A bit much for me. You shouldn't be so rude anyhow when she has such a beautiful face.

Oh, hey! She has a enormous buckle! The design of the buckle feels authentic when you think of the setting for this series.

There is also a golden cross on each sleeve which are shiny to look at but when there is nothing else going on with the coat, it just feels like an afterthought.

Her waist area is completely covered by her nondescript skirt. The has some folding going on with shifts left and right as well as pushing against her lower body. You will also see her stockings that go very high on her legs. With the color theme for Robin, it's probably better that they didn't come up short from reaching her skirt.

The hands are exceptionally sculpted for the lady that is Robin. You can also get a closer look at the feather-like sleeves on her. 

I really can't tell what she is doing with her other hand. I can only assume she is using her power. I guess I could always grab her spare arm and pretend she is! Still, it's excellent detail on the shape and quality of the fingers.

When one goes to battle, you put on the heels. You have to look your best when you're stomping a hole in those who get in your way. They're very class heels with well-polished shine. Not much else.

Unfortunately, this is where I ran into a problem with the figure. The peg for her right foot (the one does not include the arch support) would not stay in. Not matter how firm I was, how I tried to firmly push her legs apart, that foot would not stay in that peg. I certainly hope this is just a one of a kind problem and not something many have faced. 

Just like the sleeve, this is a closer look at the ends of her coat. Again, the thought of a raven enters my mind. What comes to yours?

Robin comes with one interchangeable hand designed specifically for holding the musket by the handled attached. Again, great work in detail. Just a minor issue in trying to get the gun to stay balanced. There were times where even a sneeze would cause it to become unbalanced or fall out. Okay, a bit of an exaggeration, but if she's not in a sturdy place, expect that gun to keep giving you trouble.

With two flaws and very bland design, is Robin worth purchasing? If you're a One Piece fan, she's definitely worth adding to your collection. If you like girls who are into dark clothing, wears glasses, has a bountiful bosom, and/or has that hot teacher look, then sure! I'm a sucker for her for such reasons. Otherwise, you may want to pass this one up.

Did I mention how hot she looks with those glasses on and her hair tied up? 

If you're looking to pick up Robin, visit our sponsor ToysLogic. Check out their selection of P.O.P. figures with some marked at some rather competitive pricing. Amazing stuff. And pinch a few more pennies before the end of the month with free shipping when you place an order over $75.00 for in stock items.

A big thank you to the staff of ToysLogic for the opportunity to bring you reviews of the One Piece Portrait of Pirates Strong Edition series of figures. So hot ...