Figure Name: Touwa Erio
Figure Maker: Plum
Retail Value: US$77.20/¥6,800
Available at: HobbyLink Japan

Usually I tend to focus on all angles of a product's box, but in this case there's nothing particularly notable about the front or sides of the box. It has a nice clean checkered design that you can see in the gallery, but overall it's a pretty standard approach. The only thing that stands out is a nice look at the source artwork on the rear of the box. Needless to say, she looks absolutely adorable, with some convenient ribbon-censoring in place as well.

Upon removing the little Erio from her packaging, I noticed two things. One, the 1/6 scale was quite noticeable, particularly compared to the last figure I took a look at. She's definitely a nice size without approaching the towering 1/5 or 1/4 figures that end up difficult to place anywhere. You'll also glimpse the figure remains true to the artwork, right down to the oh-so-strategically placed ribbon.

The other thing that's very noticeable is how light her coloring is, particularly in her hair. Artwork for Erio ranges from her hair being a very vivid blue to something more subdued like what's found here. With such variety it usually wouldn't be a problem, though it is a bit misleading given how colorful she is on the box artwork. I almost wanted to brighten the photos thinking I'd washed them out, though upon taking another look at Erio in the process, I realized, no, she really is that pale. It's not a bad thing per se, just worth noting that she's a cooler figure that won't necessarily stand out.

Speaking of that ribbon, anyone that's looked at the various Erio releases knows that companies have never made an effort to stray from a rather casual flavor of fanservice. The type that isn't quite blatant cheesecake, but more so the kind that just happens by virtue of the setting and situation. You'll find that in spades here, obviously, though you'll note what seems to be carefully placed censorship with the ribbon is a mere tease -- Erio's top covers everything up fully, so you don't need to feel too awkward should you be considering a purchase.

Of course, such a loose top is only the tip of the iceberg. Pure fanservice all the way, it's certainly hard to miss that Touwa-san is barely half-dressed. If you're interested in this figure in the first place, naturally, this is probably one of the reasons for being so rather than a turn-off! Plum's put some nice little details in as well, from the lace trim to the side ties. It's also worth noting that the painting is quite nice as well, without missing any spots or carrying over onto the rest of the figure. It's a small thing, but always something I like to notice when it comes to a figure's finer details.

With those finer details comes another aspect of figures I've mentioned enjoying in the past! Erio's ever-present nail polish has been recreated very nicely, with the tips of each finger and toe colored perfectly rather than spilling over anywhere. With ten chances to make a mishap in such tiny locations, I'm very pleased with the outcome!

Another detail of what makes Erio, Erio, is her long, flowing hair. My love for teal-haired characters is a huge part of my attraction to Erio as well, and while I do wish they'd gone with a brighter overall paint there's not too much to complain about. Erio's hair drapes down gorgeously, flowing over her side and back in a wonderfully messy tangle. Numerous strands spill over her shoulder as well, drifting down past her arm. Of course, her trademark ahoge is in place as well. Personally I've never been too fond of ahoge, but it certainly doesn't detract in the least.

In the end, Plum's provided a fantastic Erio with almost no problems at all. She's a nice large size with great coloring and a flawless attention to detail from the painting to character traits. Of course, with such a character and figure style in general, you probably already know whether or not you'd like a half-dressed loli on your shelves. If you're still on the fence though, or trying to decide just which Erio to add to your collection, I can wholeheartedly recommend Plum's version without regret!

[Thanks to HobbyLink Japan for providing this review sample!]