So most of my nendoroid reviews will tend to be mini-reviews since there are a lot of sites that cover them better than I ever can and do the parts I don't care to do(Such as packaging, doing all the poses on the box, etc.). But they are fun to do, so today we'll be looking at nendoroid Hibiki Kuze from Devil Suvivor 2!
I was so happy when Hibiki was first announced! I adore his design. Everything about it clicks with me! His quality is exactly what you'd expect from GSC. Top notch! The paint is clean and I love the colors. Even his phone is detailed very nicely and displays the Nicea screen.
The downside is that Hibiki was sort of lacking in the face department for me since he only has two, but I understand why. Frankly...they didn't have much to work with. Hibiki in the anime was a little plain. Unlike most characters, nothing from the anime was distinctly "Hibiki", so to speak. He really did only cycle between this sweet gentle face and the angry one! There was no expression where you could look at it and go "Yeah man, that's totally Hibiki." because as a character that was defined based on how you played the game...Hibiki isn't distinctly one character(I would've preferred a flamboyant "RAIINBOOOOW!" or an "Awwwww Yeeeeah!" Hibiki face. But maybe that's just me. Those responses were hilarious and would've set him apart from other figures.) But moving on to something that DOES set Hibiki apart from the rest of the pack:
The downside is that Hibiki was sort of lacking in the face department for me since he only has two, but I understand why. Frankly...they didn't have much to work with. Hibiki in the anime was a little plain. Unlike most characters, nothing from the anime was distinctly "Hibiki", so to speak. He really did only cycle between this sweet gentle face and the angry one! There was no expression where you could look at it and go "Yeah man, that's totally Hibiki." because as a character that was defined based on how you played the game...Hibiki isn't distinctly one character(I would've preferred a flamboyant "RAIINBOOOOW!" or an "Awwwww Yeeeeah!" Hibiki face. But maybe that's just me. Those responses were hilarious and would've set him apart from other figures.) But moving on to something that DOES set Hibiki apart from the rest of the pack:
Well, I should say two things. The first, the bunny hood! Absolutely adorable. This is usually how I display him because it just makes him really eye-catching! It is a little tough to get it to completely close around his face though.
The second thing(and this might come as a surprise to most people)
THAT ARM SWIVEL!
Hibiki is the first nendoroid I've bought that has that, and I LOVE it! I really wish it was something all nendoroids had. It really adds a lot to the poseablility and "lack of arm and leg articulation" is a common thing I see when people say they don't like nendoroids. I hope to see more of this in the future because I like how many ways I can pose him with his phone.
The second thing(and this might come as a surprise to most people)
THAT ARM SWIVEL!
Hibiki is the first nendoroid I've bought that has that, and I LOVE it! I really wish it was something all nendoroids had. It really adds a lot to the poseablility and "lack of arm and leg articulation" is a common thing I see when people say they don't like nendoroids. I hope to see more of this in the future because I like how many ways I can pose him with his phone.
See how nice that is? I didn't even have to change the arm! More arm posing is just a swivel away with Hibiki! The effect part is really nice in this as well. I love that electric look to it.
Byakko is a fun little accessory too. Both his head and tail can be moved from side to side.
Byakko is a fun little accessory too. Both his head and tail can be moved from side to side.
I like to pose Hibiki like he's getting a text or something. Something about it is just really cute. And it would be cuter if they had ever released Daichi or Alcor as nendoroids. I'm not holding out for those since it seems Hibiki didn't sell very well. I bought him from HLJ. Hibiki came out in February, and as of today's date, he is still in stock. So it seems he's shelf-warming.
Pros:
-Arm swivel!
-Bunny hoodie adds a lot to the cute factor
-Byakko's poseability was a nice touch
-The attention to detail on small parts like the phone is really nice
-The paintjob is very solid. No crooked lines or anything like that.
-Price was very reasonable. Hibiki was $33 + shipping
Cons:
-Hibiki's regular hair is SHARP AS FREAKING KNIVES. Handle with care and never accidentally squeeze down. He will poke your hands very hard. Like a freaking sea urchin or something.
-Only 2 faces
-Hoodie doesn't completely close around the faceplate unless you get it perfect
-The bunny ears on mine are a little loose and fall off easily
Overall, I give Hibiki an 8/10. He is one of my favorites because his little face is just precious and I do like all the poses he can be put in.
Pros:
-Arm swivel!
-Bunny hoodie adds a lot to the cute factor
-Byakko's poseability was a nice touch
-The attention to detail on small parts like the phone is really nice
-The paintjob is very solid. No crooked lines or anything like that.
-Price was very reasonable. Hibiki was $33 + shipping
Cons:
-Hibiki's regular hair is SHARP AS FREAKING KNIVES. Handle with care and never accidentally squeeze down. He will poke your hands very hard. Like a freaking sea urchin or something.
-Only 2 faces
-Hoodie doesn't completely close around the faceplate unless you get it perfect
-The bunny ears on mine are a little loose and fall off easily
Overall, I give Hibiki an 8/10. He is one of my favorites because his little face is just precious and I do like all the poses he can be put in.