Kotobukiya's DC Bishoujo Batgirl

It’s been awhile now since I got my hands on a Bishoujo from Kotobukiya. My friend Jon recently bought 2, Marvel’s White Queen and DC’s Batgirl. I might have to borrow the White Queen again because I trashed all my shots except one.

Anyways, since Koto has been producing several Marvel beauties lately they finally get to portray the DC beauties for us comic/toy lovers to enjoy.

First up is Batgirl, “first appeared in 1967, the alter ego of Gotham City police commissioner’s daughter Barbara Gordon. Brilliant and courageous, Batgirl helped defend the good citizens of Gotham City alongside her mentor Batman.” – taken from Kotobukiya’s site.

I was never a fan but grew fond of her when she had the black outfit in the comic line. She’s gorgeous and yet deadly. Batgirl is approximately 9 inches tall (1/7^th scale) and I don’t know why it has a different scale from the Marvel line.

Koto’s press release (from their website) indicates a retail price of $59.99. I was not able to ask Jon how much he got this for in the local store. 


http://www.kotous.com/news/west-meets-east-fusion-world-craftsmanship-kotobukiya/


PhoTOYgrapher’s Perspective:

I’ve always been fond of Batman when it comes to toy shoots because my style fits his character perfectly (rim lighting, light painting, etc.) so it’s no wonder that Batgirl would be given the same treatment as her mentor.

Since this is a borrowed toy I try my best to be careful and return it as soon as possible to Jon.

I have to say that for a 1^st DC project by Koto I am not that satisfied with it. Black Widow’s a lot better than this figure. There is something wrong with how it was posed. Whether this was taken from a comic cover or page she feels awkward to me.

With the Marvel line their poses scream ‘sexy’ and yet deadly but with Batgirl I think she is trying hard to be both.

The gargoyle could have been a bit bigger to give a better scaling against Batgirl. I am talking from a PhoTOYgrapher’s point of view so collectors might not mind mini gargoyle.

Also I would prefer a 1/8^th scale similar to the Marvel line for display purposes. Aside from the pose and scaling the figure makes good practice for lighting. A lot of shadows can be created because of her cape.

I used rim lighting here with just one light and a mirror to reflect some of the light back to her body.

Iron Man Mark VI by Kotobukiya

My friend Jon recently went to Singapore and had several toys shipped here in the Philippines and of the toys happens to be an Iron Man Mark VI by Kotobukiya. Having seen and photoygraphed the Mark III I was expecting the Mark VI to be better.

Kotobukiya incorporated a different design scheme for the Mark VI by inserting a peg under his left foot. This peg acts as a connector that when inserted to the base activates the light up eyes, chest and hands of Iron Man.

The Mark VI is available online at http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=KOT10542&mode=retail for about $149.99.

The Mark VI (which is around 13 inches) has a limited production of 1500 and there’s a label on the box that indicates which number you get. Kotobukiya continues to use a simple and sleek box design with pictures of portions of Iron Man’s armor. I would have preferred an action instead of this museum pose but I guess Kotobukiya designed all of them that way.

PhoTOYgrapher’s Perspective:

A typical studio shoot type would bring this statue to life. You can also make use of the light up eyes, chest and hands to create mood shots. I was not able to fully insert the foot with the peg into the base for fear of damaging either component. Because of this the statue was not that stable and the lighting of his eyes, chest and hands were flickering.

It does not differ much from the Mark III for me except for some minor modifications to which it fell short of my expectations.

Some Issues:

1.) The paint job falls short of my expectations. It does not have that shiny armor effect that I prefer and some there are some paint consistencies.

2.) The peg on his left foot does not insert fully well to the base, which makes Iron Man a bit unstable when attaching him to the base.

Hulk The Movie: Abomination Fine Art Statue by Kotobukiya

One of the Hulk's most popular arch nemesis is Emil Blonsky, a former special forces operative whose obsession with power made him a monster. A combination of the Super Soldier serum and Hulk's gamma blood resulted in Blonsky being transformed into the being known as The Abomination. This statue is based on the movie and features Abomination in a fighting pose as well. His base interlocks with that of The Hulk to create a fighting scene diorama. 

Package Contents:

Aside from having a black box similar to the Hulk’s, it also has the gold seal indicating the production run of the statue. The bonus is an extra head sculpt of Hulk, which replaces (via magnet) the current Hulk roaring head sculpt.

Collector’s Perspective:

What is interesting here is that by buying the 2 statues you instantly have your own diorama. Whenever I buy toys I prefer to collect the heroes, rarely do I buy the villains. I would probably get these 2 statues because of two things: One, the extra head sculpt of Hulk and two, their bases interlocks together to form a battle scene. Abomination's 12inch size also makes it a great display piece for me.

It is listed at Kotobukiya's site for $ 175.00 and Amazon is selling it for $99.00.

http://marvel.kotous.com/marvel/page/artfx_hulk_abomination/index.shtml

http://www.amazon.com/Incredible-Hulk-Movie-Abomination-Statue/dp/B001DN1LX8

PhoTOYgrapher’s Perspective:

Statues are limited because they are not pose able and you get 2 kinds of poses - Museum or action pose. The clincher here is the fact that if you own both Hulk and Abomination you can re create the battle scene from the movie.

If you are a bit adventurous then you can probably bring this statue out on a street with the city as a background and do some cool perspective shot there. An added touch would be some good light setups. On the other hand if you were restricted (like me) then a good option would be to polish your Photoshop skills and do a composite (meaning combining Abomination and a digital background) like what some of my colleagues are doing. If you are more interested with this then check out my friend Bleau Aquino's site at http://www.flickr.com/photos/11178052@N03/. This guy’s creative talent will amaze you.

Issue:

1.) I never liked how the movie version of Abomination turned out. He does not look as massive as he is in the comics.

Gears used:

Canon DSLR

Canon 100mm f2.8 Lens

Benro A300 Tripod

3 pcs. Jinbei 180 watts (each), Softbox and Grid

Falcon Eyes Product Table

Morris IR Trigger

The Hulk Movie Fine Art Statue by Kotobukiya

When The Incredible Hulk movie came out a few years ago several manufacturers came up with their renditions of The Hulk and Kotobukiya was one of them. The Japanese firm is known for producing masterpiece quality statues and I have to say that this version of The Hulk does not reflect the term ‘masterpiece’ for me.
Kotobukiya made the statue based on the movie of Hulk hoisting a humvee over its head and ready to throw it to his archenemy the Abomination.



Package Contents:

Hulk is around 11+ inches tall and is packed in a nice designed black box with a serial number printed on a gold seal. The base is also numbered (limited edition). 

Collector's Perspective:

I am not a fan of the Hulk but I like the fact that he is one of Marvel's strongest hero. This statue was released a few years ago and is sold out on most of the stores here in the Philippines. I said most because I saw one store selling it for over $250.00 which I think is absurd. 

Since it's a limited edition (3000 pcs. only) product then it's a collectible in my book.

I checked Kotobukiya's website and they are selling this for $ 157.99 (list price is $174.00) and Amazon is selling this for $114.99.

http://store.kotous.com/the-incredible-hulk-movie-hulk-fine-art-statue-clone-2.html

http://www.amazon.com/Incredible-Hulk-Movie-Fine-Statue/dp/B001CBUZXI

PhoTOYgrapher's Perspective:

Statues are limited because they are not pose able and you get 2 kinds of poses - Museum or action pose. Kotobukiya made a decision giving Hulk a nice action pose (and prop) reminiscent of a scene from the movie.

If you are a bit adventurous then you can probably bring this statue out on a street with the city as a background and do some cool perspective shot there. An added touch would be some good light setups. On the other hand if you were restricted (like me) then a good option would be to polish your Photoshop skills and do a composite (meaning combining Hulk and a digital background) like what some of my colleagues are doing. If you are more interested with this then check out my friend Bleau Aquino's site at http://www.flickr.com/photos/11178052@N03/. This guy's creative talent will amaze you.

Some Issues:

1.) Though I like the anatomy of Hulk I am not that impressed with his facial expression (designed by Junnosuke Abe). However when you buy the Abomination statue it comes with an extra head sculpt of Hulk which I prefer.

This head sculpt comes with the Abomination Statue

2.) I do not like the finish of the statue. He reminds me of Warlock from the New Mutants comic when he bonds with one of the kids. Also Hulk looks like he's on steroids with all those veins popping out.

Gears used:

Canon DSLR

Canon 100mm f2.8 Lens

3 pcs. Jinbei 180 watts (each), Softbox and Grid

Benro A300 Tripod

Morris IR Trigger

Falcon Eyes Product Table

Batman by Kotobukiya

If you were given a license to do any character in the DC universe, who would you choose ?

There are 2 characters that comes to mind – Superman and Batman. Though I was not happy with Koto’s rendition of Superman, their Batman is absolutely fantastic! I could probably spend hours thinking of ways how to PhoTOYgraph this excellent piece. Even the posing is magnificent! I am and will always be a Superman fan but this is one exception that would make me want to own one.

Packaging:

Batman’s packed in a huge blister type box together with his stand. Congratulations to the people who did the artwork on the box.


Collector’s Perspective:

If you are a Batman fan then you definitely do not want to pass this up. This is by far the best Batman figure for me (my humble opinion of course) and there are a few out there who might come close. The way he is posed is simply spectacular and I love the way the figure is painted. It shows Batman at his best! 


This is a sold out item already here in the Philippines. A good friend of mine got this from another friend who decided to give it up after a few years (lucky new owner). I searched Amazon and got several hits with different prices which is weird. It retails for about $ 199.95 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00192KNDM/ref=s9_simh_gw_p21_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0GHQ1XR3KGTBQ4WK76JG&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846).

Some issues:
1.) It is almost perfect but not pose able.
2.) It would have been nice if Kotobukiya did a variant piece with a black and gray color scheme.
3.) A Robin figure that complements this excellent piece would have been nice.


PhoTOYgrapher's Perspective:
My amateur skill does not do justice to this fine piece. Even though this is not pose able, with proper lighting you can achieve awesome results. Bring this figure on top of a building and do a night shoot with the moon on it back and it will look fantastic !

I love how the people at Kotobukiya paid attention to Batman's details and paint job quality (which shows in the pictures). Even the cape that wraps around his body is well 
thought of.

For more pictures kindly check my flickr site

http://www.flickr.com/photos/powerpee/sets/72157622878588959/

Gears used:

Canon DSLR
Canon 100mm f2.8 Lens
3 pcs. Jinbei 180 watts (each), Softbox, Grid and Gray Background
Pen Light/Flash Light
Falcon Eyes Product Table
Custom Base

Phoenix by Kotobukiya

Before Dark Phoenix came into the picture there was Jean Grey aka The Phoenix. Kotobukiya's rendition of Phoenix in their Marvel Bishoujo line is indeed a masterpiece. If I were to choose only 1 character to own in the Bishoujo line then I would either choose Phoenix or Dark Phoenix. 

Package Contents:

Phoenix is packaged in a window style box, all 9 inches (1/8th scale) of it. The design on the box alone is enough to sell me the figure.

Collector's Perspective:

As with my opinion on Dark Phoenix this is definitely a must for collectors. You cannot have Dark Phoenix on your shelve without Phoenix (and vice-versa). SInce this figure is jus 9 inches tall, you can practically display it anywhere (imagine this piece as an accessory on your office table or study desk).

Amazon is selling this for for $ 64.99 (http://www.amazon.com/Kotobukiya-Marvel-Comics-Phoenix-Bishoujo/dp/B0038OMC6A/ref=pd_sim_t_1). My friend was able to get this locally here in the Philippines for P 3,300.00.

PhoTOYgrapher's Perspective:

So far I favor this over the other Marvel Bishoujos because of what I was able to achieve with it in a short period of time (same with Dark Phoenix). The posing is perfect for me and creates the essence of Phoenix. I had to return this piece otherwise I would love to bring it outdoors and experiment with it some more.

Gears used:

Canon DSLR

Canon 100mm f2.8 Lens

Benro A300 Tripod

3 pcs. Jinbei 180 watts (each), Sofbox and Grid.

Falcon Eyes Product Table

Dark Phoenix by Kotobukiya

One can never have enough of Kotobukiya's Marvel Bishoujo line and Shunya Yamashita's design of the Dark Phoenix is a fantastic masterpiece! Among all the current releases of Kotobukiya including Rogue, Scarlet Witch, Black Widow, Phoenix and Psylocke, my favorite by far is Dark Phoenix. There is a white version which is an exclusive that I have not yet seen.

Package Contents:

Dark Phoenix is packaged beautifully in a window style box, all 9 inches (1/8th scale) of it. The design on the box alone is enough to sell me the figure.

Collector's Perspective:

I usually like pose able statues or figures when I am out toy shopping but this is an exception for me. The figure is very appealing and I love way she is posed.

You can buy this Amazon for $ 64.99 (http://www.amazon.com/Kotobukiya-Marvel-Comics-Phoenix-Bishoujo/dp/B0038OMC6K). My friend was able to get this locally here in the Philippines for P 3,300.00.

PhoTOYgrapher's Perspective:

So far I favor this over the other Marvel Bishoujos because of what I was able to achieve with it in a short amount of time. There are portions of her that are transparent (hand, hair and base) that made it easier for me to project what I wanted.

Gears used:

Canon DSLR

Canon 100mm f2.8 Lens

Benro A300 Tripod

3 pcs. Jinbei 180 watts (each), Softbox and Grid

Flash Light/Pen Light

Falcon Eyes Product Table

Psylocke by Kotobukiya

Kotobukiya http://www.kotous.com/news/psylocke-addition-marvel-comics-bishoujo-collection/ did another fine job when they released one of the X-Men's babe, the Ninja mutant Psylocke. Shunya Yamashita is the artist once again responsible for this beautiful masterpiece. Every time Kotobukiya comes out with a product I always have high expectations and the company never failed to deliver.

Package Contents:

Psylocke stands about 9 inches tall and comes with 2 samurai swords and a cool base with the X logo. It is packed in a window style box so you can see the figure inside.

Collector's Perspective:

Psylocke is definitely a collectible and together with Black Widow, Rogue and Scarlet Witch you can have a display full of beautiful female heroines. Kotobukiya's Bishoujo line are considered masterpieces (in my opinion) and once you start collecting one you just have to have another.


Some Issues:
1.) Psylocke is not poseable. Whatever you see in the pictures are that's the same one you are going to get.
2.) I am not somewhat satisfied with the pose because for one the samurai covers a portion of her face. Another is that I think the hips is not proportioned to the rest of her body. 


Amazon is selling this for $ 59.99 (http://www.amazon.com/Marvel-Comics-Psylocke-Bishoujo-Statue/dp/B0031M98PW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1277202334&sr=8-1), my friend was able to get it locally here in the Philippines for about P 3,300.00.


PhoTOYgrapher's Perspective:
There is a limit to what you can do because this is not a pose able figure. Basically you can do angled (or perspective) shots to come up with interesting views of Psylocke. Add a touch of lighting and she becomes a cool Ninja Assassin. You can also check out Brian Mc Carty's works http://www.mccartyphotoworks.com/ for some ideas. 

Gears used:

Canon DSLR

Canon 100mm f2.8 Lens

Benro A300 Tripod

3 pcs. Jinbei 180 watts (each), Softbox, Grid and Smoke Acrylic

Falcon Eyes Product Table

Black Widow by Kotobukiya

I first heard about Kotobukiya when a friend of mine bought their Batman PVC statue. It was the best Batman rendition that I have ever seen and instantly that made me follow the company’s further releases. The Japanese are famous for their manga type illustration of comic characters and after releasing several figures (statues included) with their Marvel line, they decided to go into female Marvel characters, and thus Black Widow was born.

Black Widow is the first in their line called Marvel Bishoujo (young and pretty girls) Statue (http://www.kotous.com/marvel-studios/marvel%C2%81bishojo-collection-black-widow-bishojo-statue/). SHUNYA YAMASHITA, who is a well-known Japanese illustrator, famous for his female characters and game designer, is the man behind this masterpiece.

Package Contents:

The figure stands approximately 7 3/5 inches tall and captures the essence of the Russian super spy and member of Earth’s mightiest heroes, The Avengers. It is packed in a window style box so you can see the figure inside.

PhoTOYgrapher's Perspective:

Since this is not a poseable figure you are limited to doing angled shots and creative lighting to give credit to this fine piece. My pictures are mostly limited to table top shots because of my lack of time to go out, otherwise I would love to do what Brian McCarty's doing http://www.mccartyphotoworks.com.

I suggest PhoTOYgraphers to give it an outdoor location shoot.

Collector's Perspective:

If you like young pretty girls then Black Widow is a good start at having your own Bishoujo Kotobukiya statue. The museum type pose of Black Widow deserves a place in your display.

If you check Amazon's site http://www.amazon.com/Marvel-Comics-Black-Bishoujo-Statue/dp/B001RJ5YKO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1276582059&sr=8-1 you can purchase it for $ 69.99. It retails for about P 3,500.00 here in the Philippines and with a bit of haggling you can get it for a bit less. My friend got this figure at a local toy store for P 3,300.00

There is also a Comi-Con Exclusive Yelena Belova Black Widow which is limited to 500pcs. The difference is the color of the hair (http://www.kotous.com/marvel-studios/comicon-exclusive-yelena-belova-black-widow-bishoujo-statue/).


For more pictures http://www.flickr.com/photos/powerpee/sets/72157624660793670/


Gears used:
Canon DSLR
Canon 100mm f2.8 Lens 
Benro A300 Tripod
2 pcs. Jinbei 180 watts (each), Softbox and Honeycomb Grid

Falcon Eyes Product Table