Review: Muv Luv Alternative: Kasumi Yashiro

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This year's Spring Expo was a treasure trove of goodies. Of course, you can't buy everything, but even a smaller wallet can buy some plastic goodness.

This is one of two figures I've picked up from the Kamika-zstand, and it's a real gem. I've been deliberating on this figure since I first saw it, but as soon as I clapped eyes on it out of the box, it became a no-brainer.

The figure is Kasumi Yashiro from a series called Muv Luv Alternative, which is a Japanese CD/DVD dating simulator. I can't say I've ever played it, but I love the designs!

Standing at 7"tall, the figure comes with a display base, main figure and a bunny accessory (more on that later).

The paint job is one of the finest examples I've ever seen. It seems all the PVC figure manufacturers have been raising their games of late, but this is gorgeous. The hair (and I do love huge bunches on anime characters) is a gently applied purple with light, almost white, highlights. The pastel shades are in direct contrast to the incredibly shiny gloss of her outfit.

The details on the figure are also incredibly cute - the cyber-bunny ears just scream Japanese otaku concept, and the green and blue highlights across the body make her look incredibly futuristic. Actually, this figure was one of three I showed the designer of our mascot, Mizuki ^.-

Kasumi also comes with the coolest and creepiest bunny toy I've ever seen. It has a mouth that resembles Max (of Sam and Max fame) and is delightfully macabre. I've no idea what the significance of it is, but it lends a sort of indie comic charm and acts as a brilliant off-kilter contrast to the rest of the figure.

The last feature of the figure is the hexagonal base, which can link with 3 other figures from the line. These feature a similar aesthetic, and look great together. Sadly my budget only allowed me to pick up Kasumi here, but she's my favourite of the bunch anyway.

Later in the year, Figma will be releasing posable versions of these characters, so if you're on a limited budget, you may want to wait for those, especially given the excellent job they did of Hatsune Miku, which shares a similar syle, and is reviewed here.

Overall, I'd recommend the figure to anyone. Collectors of these figures and newcomers alike should appreciate the high quality finish on the figure, and she's got a place on my desk for a long time to come.

- Ross Liversidge

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