Figure Review: Pirate Hunter Zoro from One Piece FigLife! by Bandai Namco/ Banpresto

 

   Before joining the Straw Hats, Roronoa Zoro was know as Pirate Hunter Zoro. A fearsome bounty hunter an an expert swordsman, Zoro is also a noble and kindhearted man who goes out of his way to rescue a young girl from the vicious pet wolf of Helmeppo, the son of the dishonorable Marine captain, Axe-Hand Morgan. While the Marines plan to execute Zoro (or simply just allow him to die), they lie to him by telling him if he stays tied up to a pole for a month they'll let him go and he'll have earned their respect. It's while tied up that Zoro meets Monkey D. Luffy and is asked to join his pirate crew. Initially Zoro declines but after he learns that the Marines are planning to execute him, the Pirate Hunter changes his mind, is rescued by Luffy and Koby, and joins the crew, getting his revenge. Zoro tied up to a wooden pole is really our first introduction to the character and a pretty memorable image. I was pretty interested in this figure (non-articulated) when I saw him go up for preorder and I picked him up about a month or so ago from my local GameStop. It wasn't until I had him in hand and started taking pictures that I realized that something is missing: The crossbeam that Zoro's arms are tied to. Where is it? It turns out that this figure of Zoro is actually a pencil or pen holder. No, I'm serious! As I've mentioned in previous reviews of the statues from Bandai Namco and Banpresto, they have multiple product lines for these non-articulated figures and this one is called One Piece FigLife! What's that mean? These are figures/ mini-statues that also function as a desk accessory in some way. There are paper clip trays, smartphone stands, and pencil and pen holders. So that's why the crossbeam for Zoro is missing; you place your pencil or pen there! Interesting. Let's check this one out after the break and see how a One Piece office supply turns out...

The Facts

Height: 6 1/2 inches to the top of the mast.

Articulation: None

Accessories: None (Pencil not included)

Non-Scalper Price: $27-$32 dollars

Comparison:

* While most of the Banpresto statues aren't compatible with Bandai's articulated One Piece figures, this version of Pirate Hunter Zoro seems like he can work. On the left is an Anime Heroes Zoro, Pirate Hunter Zoro is in the center, and the S.H. Figuarts Roronoa Zoro (Romance Dawn) is on the right. This FigLife! Zoro is at an odd angle, but he's not too dissimilar in size to the S.H. Figuarts line. I could see him being a nice background piece for the line.

The Positives:



* Pirate Hunter Zoro, tied to the mast, is definitely smaller in scale than a lot of the other Banpresto One Piece figures. Still, that does make him fit in with the S.H. Figuarts line pretty well. Zoro's posed hanging from a mast, though the crossbar is missing since that's where your pencil or pen goes. Overall, it's a nice looking nonarticulated figure with a design that really captures the look of the early anime and even the manga look for Zoro.

* The mast Zoro is hanging on has been thrust down into some sand and you can see that Zoro's heels are a bit below the surface of the sand, like he's having to dig them in to keep from slipping down too far. 

* Zoro's outfit is accurate to his first appearance (and most of his pre-time skip appearances) with black pants, his green haramaki, and his white Henley shirt. The sculpt is detailed with creases and folds in the right places though there is definitely a nice smoothness to it that captures the look of the animation. Zoro's body is well sculpted with a pose that definitely makes him look uncomfortable but still also intimidating. 

* The likeness is pretty good with a bit of shadowing over the eyes. The head is craned down  at a bit of an angle, so it looks more accurate in person. He's wearing his black bandanna here but you can still see his green hair on the sides and his earring. 

* The ropes look good and there's a lot of detail in them. The placement of the ropes looks odd without the pencil in there but overall it's still some nice work. 

* Yes, this figure is designed to hold a pencil or pen. How odd, right? It's a rather funny feature, though. You just keep Zoro tied up on your desk to hold your pencil or pen. That's kind of dark if you ask me. 

The Negatives:

* I really do wish that a crossbar piece had been included for display. This is a pretty unique but iconic look for Zoro and I imagine far more fans are purchasing this to use as just a statue rather than as a pencil holder. 

   This is a pretty neat little desk trinket. I do kind of wish it was just a statue or figure rather than a pencil holder, but still, I like the look of it and the wat it blends in nicely with the S.H. Figuarts line. If Banpresto had included a crossbar piece to go in there when a pencil wasn't present I would have been thrilled. Overall, it's a Good and a 1/2 piece. Not amazing, but definitely unique and a very recognizable image of Zoro. I picked mine up at GameStop back in January but I have seen him at Ross, too. Shop around and you might find a deal.  

Looking for more of Roronoa Zoro? I've also reviewed the Bandai/ Banpresto/Bandai Namco One Piece: Battle Record Roronoa Zoro (Egghead) statue and the S.H. Figuarts Roronoa Zoro (Romance Dawn).