Tomopop's Best of 2009: Japanese PVC

7:00 PM on 01.06.2010   |   Colette Bennett

All year long, we wax poetic about all the beautiful PVC figures that we love and would die to get our hands on. As we begin a new year and already have tons of toys to look forward to, we thought it could be an excellent time to look back on the past and what figures really stood head and shoulders above the rest last year -- the ones you simply HAD to own.

Join me past the jump as we share our top picks and the reasons why they were the best of the best of what last year had to offer!

Black Rock Shooter
Made by: Good Smile Company
Release date: December 2009
Price: 9,800 yen
Buy through Play-Asia

Well, you knew she'd be in here. Easily one of the figures we followed most closely upon announcement, Good Smile's take on this iconic version of Vocaloid goddess Hatsune Miku has all the allure and darkness that the original Huke illustration was famous for. Every inch of this figure shows al the quality and attention to detail that Good Smile is famous for, and it's easily one of our favorites of 2009.

Nia Teppelin
Made by UpLark
Release date: September 2009
Price: $107.99
Buy through Entertainment Earth

While we watched one figure after another of Gurren Lagann's Yoko drench the market, fans of all things moe wrung their hands and wondered why their cries were ignored: where was Nia? I expected Good Smile to rise to the occasion, but instead newcomers UpLark did, and proved even further why they are quick making a respectable name for themselves in the industry. Our review of Miss Teppelin contained nothing but praise, and it's easy to see why. She captures everything about the spirit of the original character, and that's no small feat to accomplish.

Code Geass Lelouch of the Rebellion R2
Made by MegaHouse
Release date: April 2009
Price: $79

I have seen a mix of quality present when it comes to MegaHouse's offerings, so I was unsure about old Lelouch here, but I have to admit that they outdid themselves. Every bit of the flair and drama that the character is famous for is present in this gorgeous collectible, which you can display with or without his trademark mask. For the price, it's one hell of a steal as well. Shame it's been sold out through most retailers since early 2009.

Kousoku M-ko
Made by Native
Release date: January 2009
Price: 12,000 yen

I remember there was a time when I had no idea who Native was. Then, they announced this figure. Whether you think it's brilliant or you absolutely can't stand it, either way Native established themselves as an unforgettable force in the PVC industry with its release. Daring, perverse and immaculately sculpted, they forever gained my respect after the release of M-ko (even though I was 100 percent convinced everyone employed there were complete perverts). Sure, you might not be able to own it and still have friends over -- but you have to admit it sure does stand out.

Nendoroid Itoshiki Nozomu
Made by Good Smile Company
Release date: March 2009
Price: 3,167 yen

Good Smile have put out a LOT of Nendoroids this year. There have been a ton of great ones, but Sayonara, Zetsubou Sensei's Itoshiki was by far our favorite of the crop. While the character gained a sort of underground popularity, he was definitely a brave venture (male Nendoroids are few and far between). Also, the addition of a noose and an additional hairpiece so you can properly allow him to hang himself was just the perfect touch. Unfortunately, he's been sold out for some time now, so if you get lucky and spot him at a con, pick him up!

Real Image Yoko
Made by Good Smile Company
Release date: September 2009
Price: 8,867 yen

Let me make something clear here: I can't stand Yoko. So many figures of her came out last year that I was positively sick of her, and I thought Kamina deserved much, much better (before he kicked the bucket, that is). However, I have to admit this take on Yoko was probably the only one that came out last year that made my head spin. She certainly does NOT look 14 here. And that's a good thing for all the people who were desperate to fap to her but felt slightly guilty about it.

That's it for our PVC honors this year ... which figures were your favorites? Who did we leave out?