New 52: Green Arrow ArtFX+ Statue

This is part of the ongoing series being produced by Kotobukiya.  If you haven't had a chance to look at any of the others, I would definitely recommend that you go back and take a look.  As I have already mentioned, I have already picked up Aquaman and the Flash.  The next one on my list is the Green Arrow.

Specs
Distributor: DC Direct
Sculptor: Atelier Bamboo

Height: 7.5”
Available: November 2014
Price: $59.99

Pros
As I tend to prefer simplified, I'm sticking to some bullets:

• Pricing.  This entire series has been the perfect price.  For beginners, budget conscious, or someone considering having the entire DC universe.   The price on this one makes it an easy to have.
• The sculpting, colors, and even the pose are spot on.  Similar to Aquaman, this is simply a pretty piece.  One of my favorite parts of the sculpture is the bow.   NICE!
• He still has an Errol Flynn look to him, with the updated look of wearing the hood.

Cons

While it is an awesome stand alone piece, he still does look better with the collection.  Other than that, I couldn't really see a con to getting him.

Recommendation:  HOT BUY!

From price, to the sculpting and colors, this is a beautiful piece.  I have a very good feeling that he will be sitting on my desk.  Finally, whether you realize it or not, Errol Flynn (who was before my time) was still cool.

Kotobukiya Deathstroke - Just WOW!

In the midst of relocating, I haven't had that much time for collecting statues; however, there was no way that I was going to pass on the Kotobukiya Deathstroke statue.

Wow!  This was an excellent snatch.

Kotobukiya is doing some incredible work.

Especially on their 52 series.  While I wouldn't mind having the entire collection, I'm being rather selective.  If you haven't picked any of them up, you should.  It looks like they will be doing the entire DC Universe.  Or, I could be simply fantasizing.   There are a lot of obscure heroes and villains that I would love to add to my collection, and the 52 series is an excellent medium.  I've grabbed both Aquaman and the Flash.  I am waiting on the Green Arrow.

Back to Deathstroke.   WOW!   Have I said, "Wow!"

While it is fun that I can remove his mask, I really prefer it on.  Overall, the sculpting and paint job are spot on.  Kudos to Kotobukiya.

.

Bishoujo Emma Frost

I was looking for something different - other then a statue, and I kept coming back to this one.

Distributor Kotobukiya
Artist ???
Type Bishoujo Statue
Size 8" Tall
Release December 2010
Regular $59.99
Sale $49.99

Zimm's Two Cents
I think the Batgirl was the first Bishoujo that I really liked, but I'm getting a kick out of this one. Also, she is not as 'trampy' as some of the other Emma Frost's statues out there.

Points In Favor

• Price. With the economy the way it is, people may be able to handle the $50 a little easier; thus, it makes this one a good gift.
• Good colors - especially with the shades of blue and gray to contrast the white.
• Don't mind the face or hair.
• It's a good pose. I'm tired of all the same poses and facial expressions.

Points Against

• That's a base?
• Not really a statue for the younger X-Men fans.

Recommendation: For the price point, it's a buy. If you do buy it for the younger fan, just wait a while to give it to them.

Robert's Two Cents
At first my hangup was the "floozy factor", but actually after reflecting a bit, it's not that bad and there pieces where Emma Frost looks more like a hooker than she does here.

I think I actually like this one. They've done a good job integrating her two classic looks. There's the Hellfire Club Emma frost wearing a bustier, panties, boots, and a cape. And there's the X-Men Emma Frost where she basically almost looks like a street walker with the white too low cut pants and corresponding top with white lip stick.

Points In Favor

• The lip stick color. I hate the white lip stick that Emma Frost wears these days. Nothing says hooker like white lip stick.
• Her face. They made her look appropriately japanimation enough, but with her curled brow they kept her dark side. There is just enough balance of detail and cartoony to make the face work.
  
• While lacking the finer detail of a Bowen statue, the hair is nicely posed and conveys the movement this piece calls for.
  
• The pose is a classic Emma Frost pose without being an over used tired pose. I'm not sure what she's doing with her left hand, but then she does the same thing in the comics.
• The clothes, while trampy, are a good blend of her two looks. The boots and the bustier are definite throwbacks to what she wore when as the White Queen of the Hellfire Club and the pants and jacket are from her current look. The gloves, jacket/cape, and boots help make the transition between the two eras of her career.
  

Points Against

• I don't think I could carry it to the office, nor should it be in a room where my kids will be. But that's Emma Frost for you.
  

Recommendation: It's a Buy. I like it. I

Dc Bishoujo: Batgirl

Are you tired of the statue reviews? I thought that I was, and then I stumbled upon this Bishoujo Batgirl Kotobukiya Japanese import. I had to comment.

Distributor DC Direct
Artist Shunya Yamashita
Sculpted by Atelier Bamboo
Type Statue
Size 9"H
Release Dec 2010
Price $59.99 (or for sale $43.99)

Zimm's Two Cents
This is a cool piece - a very nice piece. Look at it.

Points in Favor

• The colors are fantastic. Not simply great - but fantastic.
• Her ears are fun. Something you would almost expect from a teenage girl copying Batman.
• Excellent toolbelt, with some great gold coloring.
• What a pose! Look how the cloak highlights the pose! NICE.
• Great face. Her eyes are even glancing right at you.
• Detailed hands and gloves.
• And I haven't even mentioned the gargoyle, the lack of a 'true base', and her hair.

Points Against

• Can she really fight with that wedgy? (Click here to see what I mean.)

Recommendation: HOT BUY! For the price and simple detail, this is a definitive Batgirl for any collection. Even mine. LOL

Robert's Two Cents
Is that Batgirl or Buttgirl? Sorry! Couldn't help myself.

Points in Favor

• Nice "base"!
  
• The did a great job with the mask. I love the mask. It's almost helmet like. I almost believe it might protect her from a hit.
  
• I love the paint job. the costume almost has a clothlike texture.
  
• The hair is very believable.
  
• Overall it very much looks like the Barbara Gordon Batgirl.
• I love the belt.
• Batgirl from the TV show was one of my first TV crushes.
  

Points Against

• I'm with Zimm. Does Batgirl patrol commando style? It would seem so. This isn't necessarily a point against, but it's distracting.
  

Recommendation: HOT BUY! Me like!

Kotobukiya: Reborn Captain America

Kotobukiya presents the second in a 3 part series that will also include Thor and Iron Man. These pieces are based on the come back of the original Avengers.

Licensed By Marvel
Manufactured by Kotobukiya
Artist Junnosuke Abe
Type Cold Cast Porcelain Statue
Size 12.5"H
Ship Date May 2010
Retail Cost $184.99

Zimm's Two Cents
I still love the Thor piece of this 3 part series, but this one. No. This is what always worries me about multi-part sets. I like one piece, but I don't like the entire set.

Points in Favor

• The little pieces of detail. The boots, belt and chain mail.
• The glove and his holding of the Shield. (Sometimes it is the little things).

Points Against

• Sculpting looks funny. The muscles in his legs look funny.
• Not quite certain that I like this version of his costume.
• The paint looks splochy, which is one of the things that Robert originally pointed out. While I like it at times, it doesn't fit here.
• I've seen one where he is wearing a helmet instead of a mask. Ugh.
  

Recommendation: Pass. While I didn't get a good look at his face (just yet), I don't really have enough interest to go hunting it down.

Robert's Two Cents
Blech!

Points in Favor

• The base is cool. The whole set should look good together even if one or two of them aren't quite right.
  
• The shield looks good.
  

Points Against

• I don't like the boots. They remind me too much of cheesy super hero Halloween costumes.
  
• I know I don't like this version of his costume. It almost looks like a Rob Liefeld design, which isn't necessarily bad in its own right, but it would be one of his worse designs.
  
• I hate when sculptors feel they have to add too much texture with the paint. It makes the paint look splotchy as Zimm says.
  
• The face looks too small to me. Also, he looks like he's smelling his own armpit. I hate this pose on super hero statues.
• He shouldn't have a pouch on the front of his belt.
  

Recommendation: Pass. I don't like it. There's a lot wrong with it. Kotobukiya does some cool things some times. Other times they don't.

Kotobukiya: Thor

Kotobukiya presents the first in a 3 part series that will include Captain America and Iron Man. These pieces are based on the come back of the original Avengers, and I know that we can hardly wait for them to kick the Dark Avengers' butt.

Manufacturer DC Direct
Designed by Kotobukiya
Sculpted by Shinya Akao
Type Statue
Dimensions 12"H
Release 1st quarter 2010
Retail price $199.99
Sale pricing $159.99-$179.99

Zimm's Two Cents
As of today, I have not seen a Kotobukiya statue that I HAD to purchase, and while I like this piece, this is not a piece that I HAVE to purchase.

Points in Favor

• The detail on this piece are AWESOME. The chain-mail alone is something that I could stare at for hours, but when you look at the tunic, belt, boots, and cracks in the hammer, that is when you will fall in love with this.
• I like the face. Usually, I preferred the masked heroes, as faces tend to be something that some sculptors have difficulty with, but not this one.
• The paint job on this ROCKS! Look at the dirty boots, the shadows in the cape, and the skin tone.
• The base will like together with Captain America's and Iron Man's bases.

Points Against

• I'm not too certain on the collectivity of the Kotobukiya line.

Recommendation: Hot Buy. Originally, I was not that certain about this piece, but when you look at the detail, the pain, and the idea that it will be part of a bigger motif, you know you want it.

Robert's Two Cents
Why did it have to be the current Thor costume. I hate that costume.

Points in Favor

• It's a brilliant sculpt. The details are phenomenal.
  
• The paint job is great. As Zimm points out they've made the paint job look about as realistic as you would want a comic book character to be.
  
• I'm intrigued as to what it will look like with a Captain America and an Iron Man together.
  

Points Against

• I hate, hate, HATE the face. It looks like the Governator playing Thor. And that's an image I never wanted. It's not Kotobukiya's fault, that's what he looks like in some of the more recent comics.
• The cape doesn't seem to be flowing quite right.
  

Recommendation:Neutral. I get it and if you've been waiting for a triptych set of the Avengers' big three, it might be worth the investment or if you really love the current run on Thor. Otherwise, nah.

Kotobukiya Infinity Gauntlet

Kotobukiya released a montage sculpture saluting the 1991 Infinity Gauntlet mini-series. (That statement alone has me floored. Why a 1991 series?)

Produced By: Kotobukiya
Artisan: Keiji Iwakura
Type: Cold-Cast Diorama Style Series
Size: 9.5"
Edition Size: Limited Edition
Ship Date: June 2009
Price: $199.99
Pre-Order Here: $149.99

Zimm's Two Cents
Points in Favor

• Attempt at Detail.
• Attempt to incorporate a group of characters into one statue.
• Spiderman's "spidery" arms.
• I'm leaning more supporting the base. Not to bad.

Points Against

• All of the faces bother me. Except for Spiderman and Ironman - whose faces are covered.
• The sculpting does not seem to be as "clean" and/or as "perfect" as I would like it to be.
  
• The coloring is off and "wrong" in some cases. (e.g. Cap's shield is not as brightly colored as it could be.)
• Silver Surfer is smaller than everyone else. (Did that happen in the mini-series and I missed it.)
• Trying to throw too much into one statue.
  

Personal note: Doctor Strange's grey is supposed to be thicker.

Recommendation: Pass. This statue just fell flat for me. I am going to spend my money on some other statues scheduled for release.

Robert's Two Cents
Points in Favor

• Lots of characters.
  
• Base looks great.
  
• Paint/color is off.
  

Points Against

• Looks a little flat to be a 3D representation.
  

Recommendation: Pass. Decent attempt, but definitely a miss. Just go out and find the issues or the trade paperbacks. I'd rather you spend your money on good comics. We're talking Jim Starlin writing Marvel cosmic characters. How much better does it get?

Sneak Peaks at some upcoming Kotobukiya Statues

I really feel like Kotobukiya is coming into their own on the Marvel statues. While I can't give you any of the details about the statues yet, I can provide you with this sneak peak of two of the statues that they will be offering later this year. For all of you true collectors out there, they are definitely a company to keep an eye on.

I like what I am seeing, and I look forward to seeing even more from Kotobukiya.

Also, I still need to order their Ares bust.

Kotobukiya Bishoujo Black Widow

Kotobukiya is releasing the Black Widow as their next Bishoujo (pretty girl) statue. While the Rogue statue showed little to no promise, the Black Widow offers a glimpse into a series of affordable statues for some obsessed collector.

Produced By: Kotobukiya
Type: Bishoujo Statue
Edition Size: TBA
Ship Date: June 2009
Estimated Price: $59.99, $47.99 at TFAW (gotta setup that affiliate account)

Now while I am glad that they chose the Black Widow as the next in the series, I am not that certain about the look on her face. Instead of timid - I think that they should have gone for something a little more stern.

Zimm's Two Cents
Points in favor:

• Costume colors and paint job
  
• Niece would give props to the boots.
• More of an action pose then a hooker pose. (See Rogue Bishoujo Statue)
• Good price for a statue - especially a statue that is part of a series

Points Against:

• Hair is more pink then red
• Face looks timid instead of stern

Recommendation: Neutral. I kind of like this statue, but I would definitely have to see more of it. At least this shows some more potential for the Kotobukiya line of statues and busts.

Robert's Two Cents
Points in favor:

• Great pose.
  
• They nailed the costume.
  
• I agree with Zimm, she looks a lot less hookery than the Rogue. Which is strange, because Black Widow is wearing attire more appropriate for a hooker than Rogue does.
  
• Price. Zimm, are these statues or more like plastic inaction figures like the Ame Comis? (Zimm's answer: a solid construction of PVC and ABS plastics)

Points Against:

• Looks more like the ESurance chick than Black Widow. Or the bad chick from The Incredibles with her hair dyed pink or red.
  
• Too much of a "good girl" facial expression.
  
• While I like the pose, she looks a bit like the Coppertone girl.
  
• If she were to run, her boobies would knock her unconscious. Or cause her to pull her back out. Don't get me wrong, I like boobies, but I'm not a big fan of silicone.
  

Recommendation: Between Neutral and Buy. I guess a personal choice. This looks as good as some of the Ame Comi statues that I kinda like.

Sidebar: Zimm, I was thinking the same thing about her hair, but I think the hair is more red than pink. I think it's the picture that makes it look so pink. That is why I was thinking ESurance chick.

Kotobokiya Nova Statue

Another Nova Statue is cool, but I'm not quite so sure about this one.

Manufacturer: Kotobukiya
Sculpted by: Junnosake Abe
Statue Type: Cold-Cast Porcelain
Dimensions: 15" Tall
Edition Size: Unknown
Release Date: June 2009
Retail Price: $174.99

Points in Favor:

• Good Price Point - With Bowen Statue's going well into the $200 range, it is nice to see some still in the mid $100s.
• Decent body frame and not overly bulky
• Face and helmet look pretty good

Points Against:

• LED light in the base recreating Nova's explosive energy effect make his feet look a little bit trapped instead of flying
• Base - in general - looks "iffy"
• Haven't we seen this base (and pose) on a series of Iron Man statues already?
• Not the greatest Nova costume
  
• Paint Job looks a little splotchy

Recommendation: Pass

While I originally had high hopes upon seeing this statue, the more I look at it - the more I dislike it. So, for about $5 less, I would recommend the still available Bowen Designs' Nova found here....

Rogue Bishoujo Styled Statue

This is the first (in a new series) from Kotobokiya of Marvel Comics superheroines based on the Japanese Bishoujo (pretty girl) art style.

Manufacturer: Kotobukiya
Design Illustrator: Shunya Yamashita
Sculpted by: Koei Matsumoto
Statue Type: High-Quality PVC and ABS Plastic
Dimensions: 7 3/5" Tall
Edition Size: Unknown
Release Date: June 2009
Retail Price: $59.99

Points in favor:

• Good Price Point
• Paint job looks pretty good
  

Points Against:

• Bland Base - Kotobukiya needs to work on their bases.
  
• More of a "street pose" than a Rogue battle pose.
  

Sidebar: When has Rogue ever had to work the streets? Come on! She couldn't even kiss her boyfriends during this period.

I should check on this one with my niece, as she would probably have some insights into the boots.

Recommendation: Neutral.

Kotobukiya Ares Fine Art Bust

The first character in Kotobukiya's collection of Mighty Avengers Fine Art Busts - ARES! The GOD OF WAR!

Manufacturer: Kotobukiya
Sculpted by Junnosake Abe
Statue Type: Cold-Cast Porcelain Bust
Dimensions: 11"
Edition Size: Unknown
Release Date: June 2009
Retail Price: $79.99

Points in favor:

• The colors, two weapons, and small shield.
• This one is just cool!

Sidebar: As this is one of my first ones to order from Kotobukiya, I am hoping for the following:

• The cold-cast porcelain is as good in production as the photo appears.
• They limit the number of releases to below 4000.

Points Against:
Nervous about his face. While the helm looks great, I am going to have to do some hunting to see if I really like it.

Recommendation: Hot Buy!
Unlike the Wolverine, this is only a Hot Buy, as I feel that this is a personal favorite. Robert - can you provide an update on what your thoughts are about this bust?

Sidebar:
I hope that Kotobukiya continues to develop such a wide range of statues and busts, as I am being drawn to more and more of their releases. I look forward to hopefully an impressive lineup of the Mighty Avengers busts, as there are so many of them.

Kotobokiya Wolverine Fine Art Bust

The final character in the X-Men Classic Character Fine Art Bust series by Kotobukiya.

Manufacturer: Kotobukiya
Sculpted by Takeshi Kimura,
Statue Type: Cold-Cast Porcelain Bust
Dimensions: 9"
Edition Size: Unknown
Release Date:June 2009
Retail Price: $79.99

Points in favor:

• Wolverine's wicked 2 1/3 inch-long claws are real metal!
• Great facial expression.
• Good Costume choice
• Muscles seem to be realistic and not overly done.

Sidebar: I have one statue who has a 8-pack stomach. Is that even fricken possible?

Points Against:
Not certain about the paint job.

Recommendation: Hot Buy!

Kotobukiya is really catching my eye as of late, and this one is right up there. Also, as Robert has stated, with the prices of statues going up so high. I'm going to have to start buying more busts.

Overall, it gets a "I likey."

Updated: I decided to put it to a regular "Hot Buy", as Robert had some great insight; however, I am still inclined to recommend it to those who don't have a Wolverine.

Kotobukiya Storm Bust

Manufacturer: Kotobukiya
Sculpted by: Not sure

Dimensions: 11 inches

Edition Size: Unknown

Release Date:June 2009

Retail Price: $79.99

Points in favor:

• Kotobukiya have made really nice bases for all of these busts so far. It's the "classic" Iron Man armor.
  

Points against:

• It doesn't portray Storm well.
  
• Pretty lifeless
• Cape could be better
  

I'd much prefer the Nightcrawler or the Shadowcat. This would look better if they added some life to her. With her eyes glazed over like they do, you have to make up for it somewhere else. Zimm doesn't like the Shadowcat, but the more pictures I see of that one, the more I like. This statue, I haven't seen a single picture that had something I've liked so far.

Rating: Pass!

June 2009 Kotobukiya

Kotobukiya has another round of Marvel Comic statue and busts being released in June 2009. While I can not put any of them on my Hot Buy list, I thought that I should at least present them for everyone's review.

The statue is of the New (Bucky) Captain America and looks to be a companion piece to the Winter Soldier Kotobukiya statue scheduled for release in May 2009. On either or - I would pass. These statues simply do not grab my attention. I don't like the faces, and I am not that thrilled with the statue in general. Good concept - just poorly executed.
Rating: Pass

Kotobukiya is releasing three new busts in June 2009 which include Kitty Pryde, Storm, and a Marvel Studios version of the Silver Surfer. While I like the fact that Kitty Pryde is holding Ogun's Hannya Mask and a katana sword (supposedly metal), I dislike her face. One of the first things that I tend to judge in a lot of my statues and busts are the faces. They set the tone and character of the sculpture, and this one does not capture Kitty. It lacks what makes Kitty - Kitty. Despite everything - it should portray some form of innocence. I am not rating a pass on this one; however, I would not place it in a buy either. For me, this one (along with the Silver Surfer) are merely rated Netural. (Your call.)

The only bust from Kotobukiya in the June 2009, which I would buy, would be the Storm Bust. Not necessarily a "Hot Buy", but a but above all of the rest mentioned here today. And the reason that I like the bust - her face. One of the few Storm statues that I have enjoyed as I have always thought that it would be difficult to capture her true facial expressions in a sculpture format - however, Kotobukiya proved me wrong. Her face shows stern determination. The pose issues a gathering of destruction which strikes to the heart of what makes Storm Storm. If you are collecting the Kotobukiya line - than this is one bust that should be included in your collection. Rating: Buy

You can say "No" to buying some statues.

Take this one for example. I don't even want to write about it, but I do want to say, "No!" I would not even pick this one up on clearance. I am just frustrated that I see it all the time.

If you haven't guessed by now, I do not like this statue. If someone wants to try and convince me why I should like it, go ahead. Otherwise, when you are looking to buy a statue, this one is a definitive, "NO." Buy a toy instead or buy a decent graphic novel like the "Umbrella Academy" and enjoy some money well spent.

Top 5 Kotobukiya Advanced Orders To Consider

If you are thinking of purchasing a statue and like Kotobukiya's style, here are the top 5 Hot Buy statues or busts that you should consider:

5. Marvel Studios Presents: Iron Man Movie Fine Art Bust Kotobukiya
One of the better affordable movie busts variants that I have seen. Spend your money here - before you do on some of the other movie paraphernalia.

4. Marvel Collection: Colossus Fine Art Bust Kotobukiya Limited Edition
Definitely a nice Colossus to have, if you don't have one in your collection already.

3. Marvel Collection: Nightcrawler Fine Art Bust Kotobukiya Limited Edition
This one is for Robert.

2. Supergirl Vinyl Statue Kotobukiya
Only because she is being manufactured again; however, as a parent, you might have to keep this out of your teenage son's room. Got one for Robert, and I think that he likes it.

1. Batman Vinyl Statue Kotobukiya
Awesome design - especially with how the cape holds him up. Coloring could be subjective.

Marvel Collection: Nightcrawler Bust From Kotobukiya

Manufacturer: Kotobukiya
Product Type: Bust
Dimensions: 12" Tall
Release Date: Apr-09
Retail Price: $79.99

OK, I'm trying my hand at reviewing statues.

It's no secret that Nightcrawler is one of my favorite comic book characters of all time.

This Nightcrawler bust is one of the best sculptures I've seen of Nightcrawler ever. The most difficult part of creating a three dimensional Nightcrawler is that some of his features should be hidden by the shadows. Back in the days that John Byrne was drawing the X-Men, you couldn't even see his hairline because it faded into the shadows of his forehead.

While there are no shadows on the face of this bust, they almost capture his grin. Almost. His fangs make it difficult to make him not look menacing while smiling. The Nightcrawler comes with two interchangeable left hands: one is a fist and the other is grasping a sword, reminiscent to the Dave Cockrum mini series from the '80s. Also, the base is reversible and can display either his logo or his unfurrified (yes, I just made up that word) face.

Points in favor: Good likeness, optional hand with sword, he's smiling.

Points against: Not much, smile is not as carefree as I'd like, could use more shadow on and around his face.

Link: http://www.wizarduniverse.com/oct084945.html

Kotobukiya Marvel Busts

As I have not seen them, I am skeptic as to whether or not I will like them. While I love Kotobukiya Supergirl statue and the upcoming Batman Kotobukiya looks awesome, I can not give you an opinion on the Marvel Busts. From what I can tell - most of them are not really catching my eye.

Has anyone seen any of these (other than the online pics)? The only one of semi "ooooooh" value is the Colussus Bust.