The top 5 figures for 2009 are of course purely based on my personal opinion. The only criteria is that it has to come out during the year 2009 so those which has been announced in 2009 but only released in 2010 will not be considered.

Ok, let’s start!

5. Native’s Kotone Banana Girl

This figure originated from a Tony Taka artwork which was then taken up by Native on a limited run. Fairly hard to get and only if you are willing to ship it from Japan. Very good details and a coquettish yet sensual face at the same time. Comes with the banana, desk and fully castoff-able clothes. Potentially a very very interesting photoshoot subject.

For more pictures of this figure, please take a look here.


4. Alter’s Yoko Littner

Definitely one of my favourite PVC purchase for 2009, the Alter’s version of Yoko Littner comes with a detailed, sculpted base with Yoko bearing pistols as well as a wind-swept jacket. A more mature themed Yoko but very very well-made nonetheless. Can’t find any obvious flaws and her resolute expression on her face coupled with the pose of her with her rifle make this a MUST-GET for any TTGL fans. For my short review, please click here.

Gallery of Yoko Littner.


3. Goodsmile’s Haruhi + Mikuru + Yuki Extravaganza Version Set

This is technically 3 figures but the entire collection is a set so I’m including it as a single figure. The set features a very dynamic trio with Haruhi on her electric guitar screaming passion, Yuki with her usual calmness on her guitar and the air-headed Mikuru with her tamborines. Besides the nicely made instruments, the details on them (note the creases on the jackets and the stocking linings on Haruhi) make this set very very hard to find after it was released. Prices started shooting up and I really regretted not pre-ordering it. Interestingly, many people commented that Mikuru looks like a potential leaner but it turned out to be a false alarm which was a hugh relief.

Gallery of Haruhi, Yuki & Mikuru.


2. GoodSmile’s Saber Lily ~Distant Avalon~

No surprises here. This was one that many Saber fans were waiting for the entire year and turned many non-Saber fans into one. The dynamic pose, the fierce expression, the subtle tonal shadings and the elegant base. What more can you ask for? Best Saber figure in years, and probably ever.

More of the Saber Lily ~Distant Avalon~ figure at the gallery over at AkibaHobby


1. GoodSmile’s BLACK ROCK SHOOTER

Hands up if anyone, ANYONE, finds this a surprise. This made it into year 2009 barely by the skin of the teeth, launching on the 23th of December and only available in stores around the 28th of December onwards due to the Christmas break.

With all the rave reviews going about the internet, I guess it would be extremely sycophantic and redundant to even review the entire figure for the 9000th time. Just look at the cannon, the scar on the belly, the flame eye and of course, the marvelous detailed base and marvel at how far PVC figures have progressed ever since they started being produced. Paired with a careful touch of the paintbrush, this figure will no doubt be a classic in the PVC world.

When it was first shown unpainted, people have already started remarking about how fantastic it would be and how detailed it was. And when the pre-order was open, everyone in the know just started rubbing their hands in anticipation. After months of delay, this was finally released as the year was winding down. And I bet not a single one of them was disappointed by the end result or the waiting time after holding this in their hands.

Awesome gallery of Black Rock Shooter over here at Happysoda. I have been following his site for the longest time as he continues to amaze me with his stuff.


And there you go, my top 5 bishoujo figures for the year 2009! GoodSmile is certainly well on its way to world domination by the looks of things!

Pictures courtesy of Goodsmile.info, akibahobby.net, polyvinylcrush.com & happysoda.com

Related posts:

1. The Fast, the Furious and the Fake Saber Lily!!
2. GoodSmile Shiki
3. Yoko Littner 1/8 PVC

Goodsmile has announced the release of the Black Rock Shooter anime on their website! It is due to be out on 30th September 2009.

Some screenshots:

 

This short animation will only be out on either DVD + CD for 1,260 Yen or BD (Blu-Ray) + CD for 1,890 Yen. Reservations will be made available starting in the next few days at a few online websites, Amazon.jp being one for starters.

Many other websites have also claimed that this short animation project is more like an OVA to an even bigger project if it proves successful. No idea whether if this is true or not.


Some background/trivia regarding Black Rock Shooter:

* Created by self-declared freeter Huke and made famous by the PV he did of the character. This led to a few artbooks and recording deals, such as the rather popular Supercell album.

* Black Rock Shooter (that’s the character name!) is often marketed as the vocaloid Hatsune Miku twin or clone depending on how you look at it. Most people view it as her being Hatsune Miku darker alter-ego.

* In Huke’s PV, she is shown using a katana (Blade Blade) as well as a big-assed gun called the Rock Cannon to fight off yet another evil character. Cue the kongfu moves and acrobatic kicks.

* In actual fact, Black Rock Shooter was created even before artwork of Hatsune Miku was out. This is not a widely known fact but its true that she was conceptualised even before Miku. However, Miku cornered the twin pig-tails heroine market before Black Rock Shooter was even released. It didn’t help that both characters look remarkably alike.

* She has a long scar on her tummy as well as a blue flamed left eye (don’t ask why ^^)

* Goodsmile has already announced a Black Rock Shooter PVC back in March this year. That’s how popular the character is. Most places had their allocated pre-orders snapped out pretty fast and I booked mine after much deliberation. The paintwork, sculpting and the excellent modelled base was just too tempting not to get. It is slated to be released in October 2009.

Black Rock Shooter – Theme

Animation screenshots via dannychoo.com

Related posts:

1. Vocaloid Nendoroid Petite Announced
2. Hatsune Miku Figma
3. GSC’s Index Announced!