Tomopop Review: One Piece P.O.P. Strong Edition 1/8 scale Roronoa Zoro

6:00 PM on 08.23.2010   |   Jonathan Tubbs

MegaHouse and One Piece are a match made in heaven as they have proven with their Portrait of Pirates series of figures. The company has released many characters throughout the series, featured in a variety of clothing styles. The company's most recent excursion features the heroes of this acclaimed manga and anime from their 10th feature length film, One Piece: Strong World.

The One Piece Excellent Model Portrait of Pirates Strong Edition series of figures has been going ... well, strong, with releases of Luffy, Usopp, Zoro and many others. And in case you missed it, check out our review of P.O.P. Strong Edition Nami by Pedro. As for this review, we will be looking at the second half of part 2 of this series, Roronoa Zoro.

If you know me, you know I pretty much love all things MegaHouse and I typically have nothing but praise for the company and its sculptors. So hit the jump and see what glowing comments I have to say about this figure.

Product: Excellent Model Portrait of Pirates Strong Edition Roronoa Zoro
Series: One Piece
Manufacturer: MegaHouse
Scale: 1/8 (220mm, ~8.66 in)
Sculptor: Black Sabbath
Retail Price: 5,700 yen

Just like the first release with Luffy, Zoro follows the box art style for this series of figures. The back gives you a full view of the fully assembled figure along with other, more detailed views. In true MegaHouse tradition, one side of the box shows one possible combination of Zoro and his parts while the other side shows what else could be possible. 

The included base is quite shiny and affirms that this figure is based on the One Piece: Strong World movie. And just like remembering your name on your underwear, the base includes Zoro's name and the bottom.

Outside of the usual swords that Zoro carries, the only other accessory included is a bag with contents unknown. You can't open the bag so there's no telling what could be in there. My guess is on more bandannas.

It's a nice design but lacking in depth due to its single color. There are few spots where edges are noticeable but for most of the bag, it all blends together. Overall, it's really minor as this will be on Zoro's back and the angle you will be viewing him at hides most of the bag ... well, unless you have some kind of rotating plate.

Being Zoro, of course he needs all three of his swords; the Wadou Ichimonji, Sandai Kitetsu and Shuusui. The Wadou Ichimonji is as basic of a sword as you can get with its flat, white scabbard. The scabbards for Sandai Kitetsu and Shuusui are excellent in reproduction from the various grooves and painting.

If you feel you need to mix it up a bit, the scabbards can be switched out making for various combinations on what sword you want Zoro to be wielding. This a part that caught me by surprise ...

... you can unsheathe all three swords! For a person who has never owned a standard scale Zoro figure before, this is something that is completely amazing to me. Just that little bit of variety makes it a much better figure.

Zoro stands tall, prepared as ever with Wadou Ichimonji drawn in one hand and sheath in the other. Zoro's bundled blades do have to be attached to his hip when you place him together for the first time. I had a hard time pushing the soft, vinyl peg into Zoro's side and was afraid I was going to break something while doing it. I eventually used a bit more force and it finally held in place. I wouldn't go around twisting the bundled swords around, though. Find a position you like and leave it there.

Zoro carries an intense expression to compliment his battle ready pose. The paint is sharp for those glaring eyes and wide frown. The bandanna is basic with its imprinted flower-like design.

There is exceptional detail put into the muscle structure of Zoro as evident from his shoulder and turning neck. The painting to highlight these aspects significantly adds to the quality.

Zoro also includes an alternate head sans the bandanna. I can't get over his Chia Pet head. From the back, I feel like I'm looking at a head of cabbage. In animation and manga form, it's not so bad, but once Zoro enters the 3D realm, that hair style will always make me laugh. Of course, I can't complain about how decently sculpted the hair is. Lots of depth and motion.

Normally the ladies get all the attention with their exposed bosom busting out but not today. It's all man today as Zoro exposes part of his ripped chest. Again, highlights in the paint job give more shape to the body. The mold for the scar goes deep which has me going "ouch".

The shirt molds into his pectorals while the lower half folds in various directions due to his sash. The triangular trim on this shirt does suffer a bit from the paint job but I believe that's the only true flaw this figure has.

The sash on Zoro covers most of his midriff and carries a few folds at the top of where his pants would be. A great deal of attention is focused on the pants giving a realistic look to the way the folds shift around his legs and crotch. One thing that is not present that is common from the female figure market is the lack of wedgie driving into Zoro's posterior. But like most the rest of his pose, it appears the rear is flexing, too.

Zoro's boots are definitely the boots of an adventurer. I'm impressed by the work in recreating the style of real boots with the various seams, the separation of sole from boot, and the fold over strap at the top. 

Once again, MegaHouse shows me that they know how to pick magnificent talent to produce the sculpts of their figures. Sadly, after his run of making the earlier Strong Edition version of One Piece figures, Black Sabbath disappeared off the face of the earth for mass produced figures. Hopefully this is merely a hiatus as I would like to see additional works by him.

If you're looking to pick up Zoro, 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.