S.H. Figuarts Shinkocchou Seihou Kamen Rider W Gallery – Toku Toy Box Entry

"Cyclone! Joker!"

Once again Bandai have outdone themselves with another sophisticated modern update to a fan faovrite character. After years of being represented only by the original S.H. Figuart, collectors can finally upgrade their Kamen Rider W's with the S.H. Figuarts Shinkocchou Seihou Kamen Rider W! But is it the Figuart of year? Read on to find out that, yes, I think it is!

Packaging
The wonderful premium Shinkocchou Seihou packaging returns! If you've seen any of my recent reviews for Seihou Kuuga Ultimate or Seihou Gattack, etc etc, then you know I love this packaging, but it also isn't very different from release to release.

Main Figure
It's no secret that I have never been the biggest fan of Kamen Rider W. The show just didn't work for me on a number of levels. But I can respect that for many people it wound up being their access point into the franchise. And for those people more than most, there's been a glaring hole in their collection for years. A truly good SHF W. Well after 5 years of waiting, Bandai has finally rectified their mistakes. The original SHF W can go in the trash heap where it belongs, because Shinkocchou Seihou W is the renewal fans have deserved for years!

This figure basically accurately recreates the suit you've seen in numerous episodes and movies down to it's finest details. I've said this many times with Shinkoccouh Seihou releases, but I truly think W is the peak of the line so far. In every conceivable way this figuart is a masterpiece. For a frame of reference, the original W Figuart was largely a product of it's time. A figure rushed to production with sloppy proportions, inaccurate details, no functional gimmicks, and an absolute dearth of accessories. In last 5 years this toyline has made huge strides towards striking the balance of accuracy & playability. And S.S. W is probably the peak at this point.

For starters the S.S. release is completely the perfect shades of green & black. Finally after years of the ugly metallic on the original release, the S.S. embraces that wonderful shade of green and brings the suit design to life. Adding to this the gold & purple detailing are also the correct colors, the silver paint apps are on point, and the eyes are the correct shade of red. As you can see in the comparison shots below it's like night & day between these two. There is no comparison at this point, and then you look at the Double Driver. Not only does Seihou W feature an intricately detailed sculpt with appropriate paint apps for this device, it is entirely functional! Yes this Drive works just as it should including open slots for to-scale Gaia Memories to be used. This figuart includes (appropriately) the Cyclone & Joker memories, they fit into the slots very snugly as well so once in there they should be safe. But be careful when inserting them as they are easy to lose. The sides of the W Driver can fold down as well completing the look. If/when further W releases come out you'll be able to swap in their Gaia Memories as well, though obviously this figure can't split in half to form change.

Now the Seihou W obviously has the look down, but does it have the functionality. Yes. In every sense of the word. Before now possibly the only poseable W figures released that could really pull off his signature poses and still look good doing it were the Master Grade Figurise model kit and perhaps the 12" Medicom figure. S.S. W has the articulation to pull off everything, and the proper sculpting for the joints needed for it to look perfect while doing so. How about those extending knee joints that look like a natural expansion of the costume, almost like fabric stretching? Or those seamless thigh swivels? Perhaps the masterful design of the shoulder pads & upper arms? Or the miraculous way the upper torso is designed. When I initially handled this figure I thought the torso was all one piece until I realized the upper body could move. It just looks that good in hand.

This figure can pull off most any pose you recall the character making, and looks absolutely perfect while doing so. I've encountered a lot of truly great releases in the last year. But I believe this one takes the cake.

Accessories

1 - Cyclone Gaia Memory. These small accessories can be used in either the Double Driver or the Maximum Drive slot on the right hip. They are extremely tiny, and extremely easy to lose. Do be careful with them.

1 - Joker Gaia Memory. These small accessories can be used in either the Double Driver or the Maximum Drive slot on the right hip. They are extremely tiny, and extremely easy to lose. Do be careful with them.

5 - sets of additional hands. Pretty much every iconic pose that W ever used. You couldn't ask for better character specific hands. 5 set's is just brilliant. As if the figure weren't already excellent enough, the hands just sell the body language it can pull off.

1 - muffler/scarf (short). The standard version of W's muffler. It can peg into the right shoulder blade and is hinged to move as needed. My only complaint about this smaller muffler is that it won't lay flat against W's back. It's molded in such a wavy position and the hinged joint it moves on doesn't allow for it to get very close to the main body. I get that W is known for his sweeping scarf in poses, but occasionally things do look more flat and static. I would have liked an alternate flattened scarf like we've seen in the past with numerous Showa Rider releases.

1 -muffler/scarf (long). Now this one is purely for cool posing. It's not really practical, especially due to it's considerable weight. The hinge on the peg can't entirely support it, so it can fall easily if moved to much. But it's not really a long term use accessory either. This one is obviously much larger and more wind swept.

Honestly that's a pretty great set of accessories for W. I would say he should have included some effect parts, but the wind/cyclone Tamashii Act Effects that were released in tandem with him get the job done very well. I've taken some photos in this gallery that include them. Just remember that they are obviously sold separately.

Final Thoughts
In essentially every meaningful and functional way, S.H. Figuarts Shinkocchou Seihou Kamen Rider W is perfect. I'm continually impressed by the high bar set by this subline. Each successive release improves on the formula. The realistic proportions of a human body in a suit have never been realized more properly before than they have now, this figure is perfection. As someone who doesn't like much from Kamen Rider W, I really hope you understand where I'm coming from when I make these statements about this figure. It's magnificent, and if you're a real fan of this show, then you need own it. I'm down for any repaints of this mold that Bandai throws my way.

Part 2
- Tamashii Wind Effects
- Hardboilder Compatabily
- Skull Comparison
- Accel Comparison
- Group Shots

I missed out on this one when it came out but with how expensive it is now I'd rather wait for a reissue.

God, Renewal Double looks BEAUTIFUL.

I forgot how good this figure came out, I will say though if there is one SS Figuarts I want to get is the inevitable Skull one, hopefully the one we saw not that long ago does get released, I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

The renewal double just looks so good, wish I picked one up when it was coming out.

Man, I've yet to pick up any SS figuarts, but this double is super tempting.

This is such a good release. I love Kamen Rider W, so this is a must have the next chance I get to buy it.

It's such a good looking figure. Love it.

Just wish the memories wouldn't fall out of the driver so easily. Nearly lost Cyclone on several occasions.

Hotness! I haven't watched this series yet, but I love his look!