So, at Wonderfest last week, Revoltech announced a pair of Trigun figures. Vash and Wolfwood. I'm probably going to buy them when they come out. Since I've wanted to talk about toys like this for quite a while now I decided to look over the Trigun figures I already have. This first post will just be my two Vash the Stampedes.
All of the poseable Trigun figures I own are from the Trigun: The Planet Gunsmoke line, made by Kaiyodo. To my knowledge, the line consists of Vash, Wolfwood, Meryl and Monev the Gale (who seems to be quite popular with some collectors, for whatever reason. I've never seem one in person). I haven't been able to confirm the existence of any others. But regardless, I really, really like this line. Reason 1) The detail in the sculpts, which are quite accurate to the show, but lean a bit more towards the art for the Trigun Maximum manga. Reason 2) The poseability. While Vash gets the short stick in this department, Wolfwood and Millie are really quite great. Reason 3) The accessories.
The accessories with these figures are absolutely great. Vash comes with a stand (wood floor, covered in empty bullet casings) with a sign stuck in it that has his own wanted poster on it and a little hangy bit that looks rather nice. Additionally, it has a little metal chain with a handcuff on it that can be attached to Vash's right arm, chaining him to the sign. I'm not sure that this would be terribly effective, but it sure does look cool. He also, obviously, comes with his gun. But, much more cool... ly... he comes with a little Kuroneko-sama and a tiny broken can of... tomato sauce? Red paint? I have no idea, but I like it.
Adorable. But even with all this, I still feel like Vash is the weak entry of the three figures I own. I love him to death, but I feel like he could've come with a bit more, compared to the other figures. An Angel Arm would've been freaking sweet, for example. And if you think that couldn't be done, you clearly did not see Wolfwood's hugeass cross in the first picture. I know it feels unfair, but I'm only comparing it to the same line, so shouldn't they all be held to the same standard? That and Vash isn't as well articulated as Wolfwood or Millie. His arms and head are the same, but he has no knee joints like the other two do. Also, his hip joints (which are just joints. If you look up, he has no physical hips) only move side to side and aren't full ball-joints like Meryl and Wolfwood. Don't get me wrong, I am completely fine with a figure lacking articulation. A lot of my figures are completely unarticulated and I love them just the same. But I would be lying if I said I didn't like articulated figures better. And if Wolfwood and Meryl can have knees, why can't Vash? Oh, as a little extra thing, Vash's right arm flips down to reveal his gun-arm. I knew this because it said on the box "Figure has a secret weapon!" which made me laugh. Now, on to my other Vash the Stampede figure, made by McFarlane Toys in 2000.
Now, in general, McFarlane garners mixed opinions. During the mid-90s, he was the king of the American toy world with highly detailed figures, lots of accessories and generally cool stuff. By 2000, his figures became less articulated and posed in more EXTREME and unworkable positions. In general, he started making practical statues and calling them toys. This Vash is at a point where McFarlane was heading towards that, but not totally bad. His head, shoulders and legs move on cut joints, meaning that they spin and nothing else. This wouldn't be too much of a problem and he would be a nice display piece if it wasn't for his feet.
Yeah. That's kind of a problem. He is almost impossible to get to stand properly. Thiss is annoying and I usually have him leaning against something. This photo was taken by sheer luck and I assure you, this is the first time he has ever stood on his own.
Since I acquired him rather cheaply off ebay in a batch auction, the only accessory I got him with was Kuroneko. He was supposed to come with his gun, as you can see here, plus a tiny cross on the chain and a base. Also, you'll notice mine is missing his right hand. That's what I get for cheap prices on ebay.
Regardless, I do think he's pretty cool. I would like him better if he was complete and could, you know, stand properly. It's a good likeness of an angry Vash and would be nice to display... again, if he could stand properly.
Next post will talk about Meryl and Wolfwood, who are AWESOME.
