Figure Review: Koby from One Piece: The Shukko by Bandai Namco/ Banpresto

 

   It's time for another RossCon pickup! Back in February I was out at my nearest Ross and found this cool statue of Koby from One Piece. I'm not this far in the anime but my wife certainly is and she kind of keeps me up to speed on what's going on. She's pretty much always watching One Piece, so I'm definitely aware of many of the character developments. I know who Koby is and I've enjoyed seeing him grow and change in the series, even if he has joined the Marines. This version of Koby is a new release showing Koby post-timeskip dressed in his long Marine coat after being promoted to captain. Koby is part of a series of figures called The Shukko, means which apparently refers to  act of departure, taking off, or setting sail. It seems that this series of figures depicts characters in motion, as if they are walking, presumably heading out to sea. Interesting, right? It's not a full on action pose like the Battle Record Collection or just a neutral character pose like the Grandline Series; it's the Shukko, baby! Ready to depart to the high seas with Koby? Then join me after the break...

The Facts:

Height: 6 and 3/4ths inches

Articulation: None

Accessories: None

Non-Scalper Price: $21-$35 dollars

The Positives:

* These figures from Bandai Namco/ Banpresto are not articulated. They're really like ministatues or "staction" figures. It's the pose that conveys any action or movement here and because this is part of "The Shukko" series, Koby is striding forward while putting on his long Marine officer's coat, as if he's preparing to board a vessel or take command on the bridge. These are nice quality figures that feel fairly sturdy and not fragile at all. Koby is easy to display and looks excellent from most angles. The long coat and the sleeves look like they're moving a bit, flowing behind him as he strides forward. 

* While this is a sculpted figure and not something with soft goods, you can nicely see that Koby is wearing multiple layers. He's wearing the long Marine officer's coat over the standard Marine jacket. In fact, both the long coat and the blue scarf appear to be separately molded pieces attached over the body of the figure. It does give everything a more three dimensional and intricate appearance, adding to the effect of the layered look. The painted blue lines on the coat and jacket are neat and clean as is the medal on the right side of Koby's jacket. 

* The back of the Marine coat has the kanji for "Justice" written on it. It's a nice, clean print and definitely stands out against the white coat. There's even a bit of shading on the coat, too, mostly along the sides and bottom. 

* Koby definitely has changed since his first appearance. While he's still sporting his rocking pink hair, it's now kept out of his eyes and face via a bandanna worn around his head. He keeps his glasses up there, too, presumably only pulling them down when he needs them. It's a sharp, crisp sculpt and the colors are all quite vibrant. There's even a bit of a pattern on the green bandanna. 

* I'm really digging these epaulets. If you ever want to know if you've made it in the world, check and see if you're wearing epaulets. Especially those with tassels. 

The Negatives:

* There's a really weird seam line down the front of Koby's left leg. Not a seam for his pants that's part of the sculpt but something like a mold line. It's an odd place for it as it stands out and looks like a scratch. Kind of a weird production or quality control issue.

   If you're a fan of Koby or just want a version of the character on your shelf, this certainly isn't a bad piece. With import figures like these, if you're in the US the prices can be all over the place, so shop around and you'll likely find a better price. I think I paid $20 or so at Ross while the standard MSRP in the US seems to be between $31 and $35 dollars. He's a Good figure; not the most exciting, sure, but still a solid nonarticulated version of Koby in his swanky Marine officer's getup. Everything looks great except the weird mold lines on the legs. Other than that, he's quite nice on display and definitely looks like he's about to set out for the Grand Line. 

This is the first figure of Koby I've reviewed on the site.