Tomoe Mami Shinobu Version (Normal Color) Preview & Unboxing
Hello everyone and welcome to another figure feature on Tiro Finale! This week, we will be going back to our roots with the Church of Mami finally taking a look at a new Mami figure. It has been far too long since we last did a Mami figure review. As such, it would only be right to feature one of the newer releases of Mami figures. In this case, it is the 2016 Madogatari collaboration, Banpresto's Tomoe Mami Shinobu Version (Normal Color). This figure is one that has been in my collection for close to a year now and what better time to review it now that I am knee-deep in the Monogatari Series as well.
Taking a look at the front of the box, we get a look very commonly seen with Banpresto's SQ series of figures till the point where it has become almost a trademark of sorts. The all white box is decorated with images of the figure together with a lot of words, descriptions and logos. We can see Shinobu sitting in the background dressed in Mami's Magical Girl outfit because this is a collaboration (outfit swap) between the two characters.
The picture-on-white theme continues towards the side with ample white borders framing the close-up of Mami's figure. There are no transparent windows of any sort and I must note that the cardboard used by Banpresto this time around is rather thin which makes it particularly vulnerable to dents and bumps. You can easily spot a few on my box.
Every Madogatari collaboration prize figure comes in two color variants, Normal and Sepia color. While I do have the Sepia color version in my collection, the version we see here today is the Normal Color version. Shinobu too receives the same treatment as part of Shaft's 40th Anniversary with a Sepia Color Version. Celebration or cash grab? I will leave that up to you to decide.
The other side of the box, as show earlier, gives a better close-up of what you can expect from the finished product. Having already seen the actual figure, it certainly comes very close, if not identical, to the promotional photos on the box.
Flip around to the back and there is even more information and a photo of Mami and Shinobu together. When displayed together, their bases are able to combine to form a circular base. This is, of course, meant to entice collectors to get both figures. At the moment, I only have Mami and am strongly considering getting Shinobu to complete the collection.
The top of the box has a large SQ series logo assuring you with its seal of quality. Although, I am not sure how much that seal is worth considering the mediocre reputation of SQ series figures.
Carefully run a blade through the tape holding the box shut, lift another cardboard flap and you have your contents sitting on the inside. Yes, the first thing you notice, is indeed the lack of bubble wrap. Whether a cost saving or intentional measure, I do not know.
All these is to secure the figure is a cardboard brace, some tape and a clear plastic packaging. While the inner cardboard is rather thick, I found the exclusion of any bubble wrap to be a real disappointment especially considering how cheap bubble wrap is. No physical damage but, nonetheless, very disappointed.
One half of the base which links up to Shinobu's base to form a perfect circular base. Note that the base has no mounting points of pegs. This is just a base, plain and simple, for Mami to sit on. A little lazy? Perhaps. But, nothing out of the ordinary.
Which brings us to the end of this preview and unboxing. While I was left rather disappointed with the unboxing process, for the most part, the figure itself seems to hold up rather well. As I have mentioned earlier, the actual figures looks near identical to the promotional photos and display figures showed in conventions. In that aspect, I do appreciate Banpresto's honesty in marketing the figure. But, how well will it stand up against closer scrutiny? Stay tuned to the review to find out! Until then, thank you so much for reading and have yourself a wonderful day ahead.
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