Revoltech Lupin & Jigen

Overview By: Erich Arendall


Lupin and Jigen hard at work.
Thanks to my fascination with ecchi (that is, NSFW) anime series Queen's Blade, last year I started purchasing up a series of figures by Japanese manufacturer Kaiyodo using their recent Revoltech technology. As said anime might be considered a bit too risque for Collector Times--even though we all love breasts--I refrained from any write-ups on the line. All that changed when two figures from the (mostly) more family-friendly anime Lupin were released.

In mid-2006, Kaiyodo introduced their Revoltech line, bringing highly-articulated figures based on various anime licenses to market. The "Revoltech" name itself is a portmanteau for "Revolver Technology" as all joints of a Revoltech figure use a unique "Revolver Joint" which offers both mobility and stability. With these special "Revolver Joints," Revoltech figures allow for maximum posablity--provided one can keep them standing.


A Revolver Joint
Early Revoltech models had fairly simple bases, which limited the poses one could display the figures in. Recent releases corrected these issues by applying the unique joint properties to the stands, as well. The stands often have a footpeg as well as a joint that allows connection into the figure's upper or lower back (typically one spot per figure and often). With this, a Revoltech figure's dynamic articulation can truly be showcased.

These aren't toys, however. At best, they're something in-between a toy, a model and a statuette. While articulation is aplenty, because the joints themselves can be removed, any sort of "play" would often result in the loss or breakage of pieces. They're also somewhat fragile and couldn't stand up to the rigors of actual action-figure play. That said, they're great for displaying and changing poses every month or so. For adults who still haven't actually "grown up", this compromise is perfect.


Props and pieces
Many of the later runs of Revoltech figures come with accessories that not only include props, but also swappable faces and hands and Kaiyodo has upped the ante even more when it comes to Lupin and Jigen. Each figure comes with an almost overwhelming amount of props and pieces. I was hard-pressed to decide which initial pose I wanted the figures in and could very easily see myself changing poses with these figures more than I do with any other toys I have on display.

Revoltech figures often come with a small box to help keep smaller parts (extra hands, heads and tiny props) more organized per figure and reduce chances of lost accesories. Larger parts will require outside orgazation/storage. The box that came with Lupin was unique for the line as it also doubles as a safe. A perfect choice for our thief! Lupin also came with a hook and line, 3 extra heads (for a total of 4 expressions), 11 extra hands (one specifically designed to hold the line for the hook and line), shot glass, small table, chair and bullet blast "special effects". The shot glass and chair compliment Jigen's props as he also is packaged with a similar chair, cigarette, lighter, extra gun, 2 extra heads (for 3 expressions total), 7 extra hands, and a bullet-riddled wall and shot bricks "special effects". All told, the posable combinations for the two figures are many.


You must be from heaven.
'Cause you've got wings.
Standing at about 5 inches in height, Lupin and Jigen can interact easily with other newer Revoltech figures, but clearly stand apart as their designs match Monkey Punch's thin and wirey anime style (complete with big hairy hands). Standing alone, they feel like they're right out of the anime. Having Lupin chasing after Nanael from Queen's Blade, however, can look awkward.

The Revoltech line is not easily found state-side. There may be some import shops or accomodating comic stores in your area, but ease of access won't always guarantee the best pricing. As these are imports, I've done most of my shopping through eBay and prices can vary between $30-$60 USD or more. So, if you're looking, it's important to be thourough in you're searches. Also, as always for eBay or smaller web retailers, look for reputable scores and try to find someone you trust. There will almost always be negative feedback from one or two buyers, as Hong Kong shipping can take a long time or be lost, but if you're willing to pay the additional fees for a tracking number or expidited shipping, then all should go well.

I'm a fan of the Lupin series and hope that Kaiyodo continues producing characters in the Revoltech line. It's either that or Lupin could be in some serious trouble when he tries to hit on Black Lagoon character Revy.

 

 

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Copyright © 2011 Erich Arendall