Toy-Review: MikuStars PUP by Double Line x G999
PRODUCT-OVERVIEW: MikuStars PUP [tagged] stands 6 inches tall and features 6 points of articulation. Priced at US$40 per figure (inclusive worldwide shipping) and available in 3 basic colorways (Pink, White Grey Helmets), MikuStars PUP can be purchased online via =27:fool's. MikuStars PUP is designed by Alan Ng of Double Line, and is produced and manufactured by G999.
TOYSREVIL had the pleasure of receiving the White-Helmeted Mikustars PUP and you can CLICK THRU for toy-snaps and personal impressions, to perhaps help in your purchasing considerations.
[7 x images in slideshow above / CLICK for full-screen viewing]
DE-BOXING MIKUSTARS-PUP: Contained within the utilitarian printed brown box lies a separate styrofoam-box which held the resin figure firmly into place, accessible by stripping away the sticky-tape holding the two-halves of the foam-box in place. A little "red arrow" sticker shows you which way is "UP". Within it is the entire figure, with a separate plastic bag for the helmet, which sits over another which covers the main figure.
(Note: the illustration on the box is by designer / Mikustars-creator Alan Ng, and may not be what you will find in regular boxes ~ thanks, Alan!)
As much as I do appreciate and enjoy a spiffy display and/or packaging box, sometimes straight-up utilitarian works for me as well, mindful of the cost of production, especially an indie (and respectful) outfit G999 is, IMHO. So this works pretty well for me. Hassle-free is always a big plus too haha
[Above: Standard box for Mikustars PUP]
[4 x images in slideshow above / CLICK for full-screen viewing]
MIKUSTARS-PUP-FIGURE: I was surprised that the figure was as "big" as it came (still unable to grasp the notion of "inches" even when I blog about them) ~ perhaps an illusion I had previously experienced while see the figure-form online, "cute = small" ... but no doubts here, as Mikustars PUP stood well by itself.
The weight of the resin figure in-hand was a plus for me (Admittedly, I do like my toys with a bit of heft). The helmet was the highlight of the figure (IMHO) ~ feeling smooth and looking shiny-sleek. Although I have to admit, some of the paint-apps were not as clean, predominantly at the base of the figure and joints, but that is upon closer inspection ~ on a display stand, perhaps they would be negligible.
[5 x images in slideshow above / CLICK for full-screen viewing]
ARTICULATION: The figure touts "6-points-of-articulation", which includes arms, legs and waist (excluding removable helmet, which would be an "accessory"). The joints for them are via pegs slotted / inserted into rubber (or silicon?) grooves set-in within the main body. Straight-up pull and out (no "pop" or "locks"). No articulation at the wrists, I'm afraid.
Now, I have not tried to muck-about with the "strength" of said-pegs, but the seem sturdy enough ~ although I would not recommend you chuck the figure about (who would anyways? hahaha Don't let your kid play with it tho, he/she might munch on the arms and legs :p).
One plus point for this is that it may well be helpful for any attempts at customizing / painting the toy, but in the long run, as long as the "rubber-holders" hold, then tis all good.
And if you plan on getting all 3 of the designs, you can even swap about their parts! [PEEP]
TRE-SUMMARY: A swell alternative figure to get, if you so happened to have missed out on it's earlier incarnation in 1/6th-scale (from Boredomsqueezer / PEEP) with such that the headsculpt and helmet are iconic to, and a welcomed addition to a collection that differs from current heavy-urban-styled offerings in the toy-world, IMHO. The innocence in the (deceptive, perhaps?) simplicity of the design and character, provides it with a fresh perspective of toy figurines.
MikuStars PUP are also physically available via Toystation in Hng Kong and Paradie Toy Land in Taiwan (address below).
Hong Kong: Toystation, B37-B38 Basement, 107-111 Argyle Street, Mong Kok. Kowloon, Hong Kong (旺角亞皆老街107-111號皆旺商場地庫B37-B38號) Tel:(852) 23989341
Taiwan: Paradise Toy Land, No.17, Lane 187, Sec.1, Dun Hua S.Rd, Taipei, Taiwan (台北市敦化南路一段187巷17號) Tel: (886) 02-2776-6624
