Fans of the anime series Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS will be glad to hear that the Fate T-Harlaown True Sonic Form PVC figure is available for preorder at most anime figure stores (including those outside of Japan like Big Bad Toy Store). Fate is definitely one of the most anticipated figures being released this year (proven by the fact that she’s ranked 3rd most popular figure on Hobby Search’s figure rankings), fans have been eagerly anticipating her release since the first photos of her initial sculpt made their way online last year. This figure is being manufactured by Alter, one of the better quality anime figure companies in my opinion. According to the Alter figures page, Fate is sculpted to a 1/7 scale and stands approximately 35cm tall. Fate comes with the two interchangeable weapons that she used in episode 23 of Nanoha StrikerS, her Riot Blade which is approximately 27cm, and her Riot Zanbar which is approximately 56cm.
Those of you not familiar with anime figures might wonder what’s so special about this one. Although the popularity of the character does play a big role in selling anime figures, the quality of the figure is also taken into consideration. Unlike dolls or action figures, a lot of detail is put into anime figures. I think this is obvious when looking at how Fate’s hair has been sculpted to look like it’s blowing in the wind. Her body proportions also seem to match what is shown in the anime, which is (from what I’ve seen) harder to achieve with characters wearing tight clothing. From the sample images, Alter also seems to have done a good job with the paint. Some figures don?t have many layers of paint on them so the colours look uniform, making the figure look bland. On the other hand, figures that have been painted well will have different shades of a colour (you can see this clearly on the black stocking on Fate?s leg).
With so much attention to detail put into this figure of Fate, it’s no wonder that her starting retail price is a whopping 12,800 yen (~130USD), double the cost of the average figure, but I’m sure that won’t stop devoted anime collectors and Fate fans (speaking of which, are there any here?).
The figure is scheduled for release at the end of August 2009.
I want this so much! First I want the Guthpunk Mikuru though. :D
Who wouldn’t want Gothpunk Mikuru :)
In girls fantasy figures, I like Nanoha figures most, They are sleek and much attractive.
Wow that is one beautiful looking action figure, I’ve not come across Alter figures before, thanks for letting me know about this fantastic range of figures. If I can scrape the penny’s together I may just be getting myself a Fate T-Harlaown, she is absolutely stunning!!!