Tomopop Review: Yamato's Kiriko Hattori

8:30 PM on 06.27.2010   |   Tim Sheehy

When Yamato first announced Enka Odo Dai Shogun, I wasn't very sure what to expect. They claimed the franchise would lead to a line of products ranging from illustrations and figures, to novels and manga, yet we've yet to see any of that -- with the exception of this magnificent beauty right here.

Enter Kiriko Hattori. Originally illustrated by master artist Shunya Yamashita, and sculpted by the ever-consummate Mitsumasa Yoshizawa, I fell in love the moment I first laid eyes on her. Despite that, Hobby Link Japan's $132 price tag seemed like it might be a bit much -- that was, until I had a closer look.

Join us and see why after the jump.

First of all, I'll apologize to the glare. No matter what I tried, the box was just not in the mood to cooperate with my camera, so you'll have to make due. That said, the packaging isn't exactly the most attractive. It shows her pose off a bit, but it hardly does her justice.

Once you get her out of the package and properly accessorized however, that's another story. Immediately, you'll notice her lovely paint job. The shine on her bodysuit, along with the subtle creases contrast beautifully with her black armor. Also, note the reflective base.

You'll notice that her face is actually lighter on the blush than Shunya Yamashita's designs, but it actually fits her quite well considering. The expression on her face is absolutely precious if you ask me, and her green eyes are also quite striking. I'm not sure if it was just the lighting that day, but they reflected quite well for the camera.

I also loved the detail on the armor itself, at least what little of it there was. The fact that it was seemingly functional helps matters. I could believe that a ninja would actually dress like that. The heels on the other hand, not so much -- but, at least she looks great in them.

Her hair is also pretty magnificent in that while you can see the seam line, you actually have to be looking for it to really notice it. Even then, it sort of seems natural with the way she layers her bangs.

I just have to mention how her posterior is among the finest I've ever come across on a figure. I know that sounds kind of sad that I'd notice that, but I don't care -- it's the truth. Besides, how can you not notice that?

I should also mention that she's quite taller than I expected. If you can believe it, she's over a foot tall and towers over the majority of my collection.

Finally, I'll touch on her accessories. She comes with a hair pin which I can only assume was made separate for fear that it might some how break off in shipping. It's cute, but the fact that it's blue is kind of odd. As for her sword, it matches perfectly. I especially love the red tassels that hang from the hilt.

So to put it simply, Tomopop definitely recommends Kiriko Hattori. For $132 she's quite deal, and I could easily imagine paying more. I just hope that future figures from this franchise are this good.

[Thanks to HLJ for the review sample]