Posted by Stephen Donaldson on September 4, 2011 |
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I’m all for more male figures as well as dolls of anime characters provided two things 1) there’s an interest for it to happen and 2) even if it’s not being asked for, it’s done well. Well, Groove’s two latest offerings go completely against both of these, unlike say their Madoka line or Ika Musume. I don’t think I’ve ever once heard a single person mention that they wanted a doll of Kenshin or Black Jack (I’ve heard Real Action Hero and Hot Toys get thrown around, but they’re quite different) and I can most certainly say that these were not pulled off well.
Black Jack here looks like a cross between the Phantom of the Opera and Dr. Who and ever so vaguely like Black Jack, but that’s only due to the Taeyang’s distinctly Asian face. This full size doll comes with a set of scrubs and his medical bag as well, so he at least has some accessories to go with him. There’s also two versions, an original manga version in all black, and a regular version with some touches of red, which allows for people to pick which design of him they like better. I’m glad to see Black Jack merchandise come out as he’s often overlooked for other Tezuka characters such as Astro Boy, but I’d rather have no merchandise at all than… this. Also, along with Black Jack is his trusty sidekick Pinoko in Byul form, and let’s just say she didn’t really fare much better and leave it at that.
Next up is a docolla sized Pullip of… Himura Kenshin…? Yeah, never thought I’d be writing those words much less you reading them. This smaller sized doll features Kenshin in his standard red outfit with his trademark red hair and scar on his face. But that’s about where the resemblances to Kenshin stop. Yes, in the manga and anime there are numerous jokes to Kenshin’s feminine-looking face, but… that doesn’t mean that anyone literally wants merchandise of him looking like a female on a female doll type. To boot he also doesn’t have his signature sakabato, or reverse blade sword for those not in the know, and is suffering from a severe case of tiny-hands.
If you’re looking to add either of these to your collection, they’ll both be released in December with Black Jack and Pinoko retailing for ¥13,000 and Kenshin retailing for ¥3,800. I know I won’t be ordering either of these, but let us know your thoughts on them in the comments below as well as what male character you think would actually look well on one of Groove’s bodies.
[Pre-order Black Jack Regular Ver. at AmiAmi | Hobby Search]
[Pre-order Black Jack Original Manga Ver. at AmiAmi | Hobby Search]
[Pre-order Pinoko at AmiAmi | Hobby Search]
[Pre-order Kenshin at AmiAmi | Hobby Search]
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![<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-40262 slb_group[40256] slb slb_internal" href="http://www.plastikitty.com/home/tokidoki-pullip-luna-is-up-for-order/attachment/pulliplunaheader"></a></p> <p>While Pullips usually aren’t my thing due to how unbalanced their giant heads are, but <a href="http://www.jpgroove.com/shop/index.php/tokidoki/p083tokidoki-luna.html" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','http://www.jpgroove.com']);" target="_blank">the Tokidoki-designed Luna</a> was a definite exception. Her two-tone wig, dramatic makeup, chic clothing and awesome tattoo all spoke to me. She went up on Japanese sites, but of course that is crazy expensive for those in the US even with the current great exchange rate.</p> <p>Well, US stores have finally opened up their doors on this doll! Her retail price is $169.99, though you can find her a bit cheaper at some stores. She should be in stock very soon, and I am really considering ordering her!</p> <p>Pre-order At: <a href="http://www.jpgroove.com/shop/index.php/tokidoki/p083tokidoki-luna.html" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','http://www.jpgroove.com']);" target="_blank">Grove US</a> | <a href="http://pullipstyle.com/pullipstyle/product_info.php?products_id=1037" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','http://pullipstyle.com']);" target="_blank">Pullipstype</a></p>](http://www.plastikitty.com/wp-content/uploads/PullipLunaHeader.jpg "Tokidoki Pullip Luna Is Up For Order")
![<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-37141 slb_group[37136] slb slb_internal" href="http://www.plastikitty.com/?attachment_id=37141"></a></p> <p>I’ve mentioned before that I am not the biggest fan of Pullips: I don’t dislike them, but I find many to be really similar plus they’re hell to dress and display. Those big heads do NOT balance well! In fact, I only own two: the Lunatic Queen and Melissa (because she looks just like Lady Blackhawk). But every once in a while one comes along that really grabs my attention, and Queen Rosalind (or Rosarind, depending on how you translate the Japanese r/l) definitely fits the bill!</p> <p>This regal girl has it all going on: stunning faceup, a gorgeous stock outfit, a lovely wig that doesn’t look like it would be too hard to manage. Of course the good ones always tend to be 1) limited or 2) expensive, and sometimes a combination of both. To buy this beauty you’ll need to contact <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MagmaHeritage" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','http://www.facebook.com']);" target="_blank">Magma Heritage</a> directly, and I can promise you it won’t come cheap. But look at that face, she’s totally worth it!</p>](http://www.plastikitty.com/wp-content/uploads/PullipRosalindHeader.jpg "Bow Down Before The Queen Rosalind Pullip")
![<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-34139 slb_group[34133] slb slb_internal" href="http://www.plastikitty.com/?attachment_id=34139"></a></p> <p>Tokidoki is definitely one of the more successful vinyl companies, branching out to do collaborations with everyone from Sephora to Barbie. Now they’re heading deeper into the world of dolls with a Pullip named Luna! I love everything about this design, from the slightly over the top faceup to the little plush to her awesome tattoos. This is never a crossover I would have thought of, but it really works perfectly. Let’s hope this isn’t the last doll we see from Simone Legno!</p> <p>[via <a href="http://groove.ws/news.groove.ws/?p=19117" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','http://groove.ws']);" target="_blank">Groove's Blog</a>]</p>](http://www.plastikitty.com/wp-content/uploads/TokidokiPullipHeader.jpg "Tokidoki And Groove Collaborate On Pullip Luna")
![<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-33726 slb_group[33725] slb slb_internal" href="http://www.plastikitty.com/?attachment_id=33726"></a></p> <p>You know, Christmas is still pretty far off, but we’re already being bombarded by ad campaigns. Heck, Target had an Christmas ad out 2 weeks before Halloween! Crazy. Apparently some figure companies are hopping on the bandwagon as well and we’ve got an announcement from Groove today for a Christmas-themed Pere Noel Pullip.</p> <p>To be totally honest, I thought for a second that this was Princess Tutu and got really excited. Let’s just take a moment to think about how awesome a Princess Tutu Pullip would be. Well, Pere Noel might not be a dancing magical girl, but she’s certainly quite pretty! You know, despite being named after a fat guy in a red suit. I don’t usually go for Pullips but I might just have to pick her up!</p> <p>[via <a href="http://groove.ws/news.groove.ws/?p=18928" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','http://groove.ws']);" target="_blank">Groove's Blog</a>]</p>](http://www.plastikitty.com/wp-content/uploads/GroovePereNoelHeader.jpg "Groove’s Pere Noel Pullip Is Ready For Christmas")
![<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-30196 slb_group[30195] slb slb_internal" href="http://www.plastikitty.com/?attachment_id=30196"></a></p> <p>A few years ago, Groove released a successful line of Steampunk Pullips. It seemed, like many of their projects, it would be a one-shot deal but now they’re coming back with a second series of Steampunk beauties! This Second Season, named ~eclipse~, features only one female doll, so bishonen lovers rejoice! First up is the lone girl, the Pullip Aurora. I am head-over-heels in love with this doll, she is just so gorgeous! And pricey: she has a retail of ¥18,000.</p> <p>As for the boys, we’ve got the TaeYang Pluto and the Isul Helios. I always find it hard to believe that Isul is a boy sculpt, but I do love the androgynous look they went for here! Pluto doesn’t really do it for me, though his intricate outfit is very impressive. Like Aurora they are ¥18,000 each and the line will be coming out in December.</p> <p>[via the Groove Blog <a href="http://groove.ws/news.groove.ws/?p=18195" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','http://groove.ws']);" target="_blank">1</a>, <a href="http://groove.ws/news.groove.ws/?p=18197" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','http://groove.ws']);" target="_blank">2</a>, <a href="http://groove.ws/news.groove.ws/?p=18199" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','http://groove.ws']);" target="_blank">3</a>]</p>](http://www.plastikitty.com/wp-content/uploads/GrooveSteampunkHeader.jpg "Groove’s Steampunk Project Comes Back For More")
![<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-30083 slb_group[30076] slb slb_internal" href="http://www.plastikitty.com/home/groove-is-bringing-a-harley-quinn-pullip-to-nycc/attachment/pullipharleyheader"></a></p> <p>In the past year or so, Groove has been doing a lot of US-exclusive Pullips for conventions, all of them featuring popular comic characters like Catwoman, Batgirl, and even Batman! For New York Comic Con this year they are bringing my favorite one yet: Harley Quinn! I think they did a fantastic job on her outfit and faceup: she looks pretty darn evil for the usually-cute Pullip mold. Plus, it’s nice that they went with her actual outfit instead of the… uh, more controversial New 52 design. There will be only 400 of this devilish cutie, so be sure to grab her quick if you want one! I think she’d make a nice display with the <a href="http://www.plastikitty.com/home/sdcc-2012-kotobukiyas-dc-bishoujo-harley-quinn-gallery" target="_blank">Bishoujo Harley</a> who, coincidentally, should be showing up on Plastikitty in the very near future.</p> <p><strong>[UPDATE]</strong> We now have pricing on Miss Quinn, and it’s $149.99. Ouch. She’ll be at Toy Tokyo’s booth, #3303, though they have also opened up <a href="http://www.jpgroove.com/shop/index.php/comic-con/harley-quinn-new-york-comic-con-2012-exclusive.html" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','http://www.jpgroove.com']);" target="_blank">online orders</a> for those not attending.</p> <p>[via <a href="http://www.pullipdolldreams.com/blog/pullips/october-2012-harley-quinn-pullip-ny-comic-con-exclusive_3580" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','http://www.pullipdolldreams.com']);" target="_blank">Pullip Doll Dreams</a>]</p>](http://www.plastikitty.com/wp-content/uploads/PullipHarleyHeader.jpg "Groove Is Bringing A Harley Quinn Pullip to NYCC")
![<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-12918 slb_group[12911] slb slb_internal" href="http://www.plastikitty.com/home/get-your-groove-on-with-the-lol-miku-hatsune-pullip/attachment/lolmikuheader"></a></p> <p>About a year ago, Groove produced their first <a href="http://pullipstyle.com/pullipstyle/product_info.php?products_id=748" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','http://pullipstyle.com']);" target="_blank">Miku Hatsune Pullip</a> and she was met with mixed reviews. Her hair was too heavy and looked odd, and there was an ugly bald patch on the back of her head. The concept seemed solid, though, and the execution on the other Vocaloid dolls from them seemed a lot better. I was hoping that they would revisit Miku so that we could get a better rendition of her, and here it is!</p> <p>Groove is producing a new doll of Miku based on her look in -LOL- lots of laughs. We’ve already seen <a href="http://www.plastikitty.com/home/hobby-stocks-vocaloid-collection" target="_blank">a figure of this Miku</a>, but the doll puts her in a totally different outfit from the video! Miku has an adorable bunny hat and a rather stylish circus-inspired dress. She also comes with the same nightgown that the figure is wearing and a plush bunny! As you’d expect, these extras and her elaborate stock give her a rather hefty price for a Pullip, and Miku will cost you ¥13,650. She comes out soon, too, with a mid-December release expected.</p> <p>Personally, I think she’s worth the cost as she looks so much better than the first Miku. The hair in particular is just beautiful! She sold out at AmiAmi and is not up on Hobbysearch yet, but personally I’d recommend waiting for <a href="http://pullipstyle.com/pullipstyle/index.php?osCsid=53ee56b828822ffc8d709590dbdaf254" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','http://pullipstyle.com']);" target="_blank">Pullipstyle</a> to open up orders as their exchange rate is amazing and you get cheaper shipping. I tend to be really picky with Pullips and I only own two so far, but Miku certainly might be my third!</p>](http://www.plastikitty.com/wp-content/uploads/LOLMikuHeader.jpg "Get Your Groove on With The -LOL- Miku Hatsune Pullip")
![<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-5802 slb_group[5796] slb slb_internal" href="http://www.plastikitty.com/home/groove-gives-a-double-dose-of-wtf-with-black-jack-and-kenshin/attachment/blackjackandkenshingroovedollheader"></a></p> <p>I’m all for more male figures as well as dolls of anime characters provided two things 1) there’s an interest for it to happen and 2) even if it’s not being asked for, it’s done well. Well, Groove’s two latest offerings go completely against both of these, unlike say their <a href="http://www.plastikitty.com/home/groove-introduces-pullips-and-a-dal-of-the-madoka-magica-girls" target="_blank">Madoka line</a> or <a href="http://www.plastikitty.com/home/groove-and-azone-give-a-double-dose-of-anime-dolls" target="_blank">Ika Musume</a>. I don’t think I’ve ever once heard a single person mention that they wanted a doll of Kenshin or Black Jack (I’ve heard Real Action Hero and Hot Toys get thrown around, but they’re quite different) and I can most certainly say that these were not pulled off well.</p> <p>Black Jack here looks like a cross between the Phantom of the Opera and Dr. Who and ever so vaguely like Black Jack, but that’s only due to the Taeyang’s distinctly Asian face. This full size doll comes with a set of scrubs and his medical bag as well, so he at least has some accessories to go with him. There’s also two versions, an original manga version in all black, and a regular version with some touches of red, which allows for people to pick which design of him they like better. I’m glad to see Black Jack merchandise come out as he’s often overlooked for other Tezuka characters such as Astro Boy, but I’d rather have no merchandise at all than… <em>this</em>. Also, along with Black Jack is his trusty sidekick Pinoko in Byul form, and let’s just say she didn’t really fare much better and leave it at that.</p> <p>Next up is a docolla sized Pullip of… Himura Kenshin…? Yeah, never thought I’d be writing those words much less you reading them. This smaller sized doll features Kenshin in his standard red outfit with his trademark red hair and scar on his face. But that’s about where the resemblances to Kenshin stop. Yes, in the manga and anime there are numerous jokes to Kenshin’s feminine-looking face, but… that doesn’t mean that anyone<em> literally</em> wants merchandise of him looking like a female on a female doll type. To boot he also doesn’t have his signature sakabato, or reverse blade sword for those not in the know, and is suffering from a severe case of tiny-hands.</p> <p>If you’re looking to add either of these to your collection, they’ll both be released in December with Black Jack and Pinoko retailing for ¥13,000 and Kenshin retailing for ¥3,800. I know I won’t be ordering either of these, but let us know your thoughts on them in the comments below as well as what male character you think would actually look well on one of Groove’s bodies.</p> <p>[Pre-order Black Jack Regular Ver. at <a href="http://www.amiami.jp/shop/?set=english&vgForm=ProductInfo&sku=FIG-DOL-3274&template=default/product/e_display.html" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','http://www.amiami.jp']);" target="_blank">AmiAmi</a> | <a href="http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10160169" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','http://www.1999.co.jp']);" target="_blank">Hobby Search</a>]</p> <p>[Pre-order Black Jack Original Manga Ver. at <a href="http://www.amiami.jp/shop/?set=english&vgForm=ProductInfo&sku=FIG-DOL-3280&template=default/product/e_display.html" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','http://www.amiami.jp']);" target="_blank">AmiAmi</a> | <a href="http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10160336" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','http://www.1999.co.jp']);" target="_blank">Hobby Search</a>]</p> <p>[Pre-order Pinoko at <a href="http://www.amiami.jp/shop/?set=english&vgForm=ProductInfo&sku=FIG-DOL-3275&template=default/product/e_display.html" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','http://www.amiami.jp']);" target="_blank">AmiAmi</a> | <a href="http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10160174" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','http://www.1999.co.jp']);" target="_blank">Hobby Search</a>]</p> <p>[Pre-order Kenshin at <a href="http://www.amiami.jp/shop/?set=english&vgForm=ProductInfo&sku=FIG-DOL-3276&template=default/product/e_display.html" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','http://www.amiami.jp']);" target="_blank">AmiAmi</a> | <a href="http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10160176" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','http://www.1999.co.jp']);" target="_blank">Hobby Search</a>]</p>](http://www.plastikitty.com/wp-content/uploads/BlackJackAndKenshinGrooveDollHeader.jpg "Groove Gives A Double Dose Of WTF With Black Jack and Kenshin")
![<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-2720 slb_group[2713] slb slb_internal" href="http://www.plastikitty.com/home/groove-introduces-pullips-and-a-dal-of-the-madoka-magica-girls/attachment/madokapulliporderheader"></a></p> <p>Last night we showed you <a href="http://www.plastikitty.com/home/good-smile-companys-18th-madoka-is-looking-quite-cute" target="_blank">Good Smile Company’s scaled Madoka Kaname figure</a> that went up for order, but that’s not all that exists in the world of <em>Puella Magi: Madoka Magica</em> merchandise! For those who are bigger fans of dolls with their tiny fabric clothing and poseability over static figures, you’re in luck! Groove has announced 2 Pullips and 1 Dal from the <em>Madoka Magica</em> series! The main character herself, Madoka Kaname, will be made in the slightly smaller Dal form, whereas Homura Akemi and Mami Tomoe will be made using the Pullip body. I’m not really sure why Madoka is a Dal when she’s supposed to be the same height as Homura and Mami for the most part, but I guess we’ll just take what we’re given.</p> <p>The outfits and wigs on these dolls are all phenomenal; the attention to detail is incredible and each girl comes with both their magical girl outfits as well as their schoolgirl outfits. The one area that seems to be an issue for some though are the faces, which are much rounder and expressive than the characters are prone to showing and outside of their very angular and stylistic art design, but I must say, their faces have really been growing on me and I feel like they’re a very good interpretation of these characters. Each of these girls will be out in November of this year and each retails for ¥13,000, which is a great price for an approximately 9″ tall doll. Are any of you readers thinking of picking any of these up or are you holding out for alternatives such as Azone’s line or for Volks to get the license for Dollfies?</p> <p>[Pre-order <a href="http://www.amiami.jp/shop/?set=english&vgForm=ProductInfo&sku=FIG-DOL-3219&template=default/product/e_display.html" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','http://www.amiami.jp']);" target="_blank">Madoka</a>, <a href="http://www.amiami.jp/shop/?set=english&vgForm=ProductInfo&sku=FIG-DOL-3217&template=default/product/e_display.html" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','http://www.amiami.jp']);" target="_blank">Homura</a>, and <a href="http://www.amiami.jp/shop/?set=english&vgForm=ProductInfo&sku=FIG-DOL-3218&template=default/product/e_display.html" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','http://www.amiami.jp']);" target="_blank">Mami</a> at AmiAmi]</p>](http://www.plastikitty.com/wp-content/uploads/MadokaPullipOrderHeader.jpg "Groove Introduces Pullips and a DAL of the Madoka Magica Girls")
![<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-566 slb_group[523] slb slb_internal" href="http://www.plastikitty.com/home/sdcc-2011-pullip-booth-overview/attachment/pullipsdccheader"></a></p> <p>Getting around SDCC is quite a feat, and the aisles around the vinyl toy section were usually flooded with people waiting in line for signings at the adjacent TV and game-related booths. As such, it’s usually best to take an alternate route, either through the lobby or around the back rows which tend to be pretty empty. The latter is how I found out that Jun Planning, maker of Pullips, was attending SDCC!</p> <p>I was quite surprised and pleased to find them there, because SDCC is definitely pretty empty when it comes to the doll scene. They had tons of dolls on hand, including their exclusive Batgirl and Catwoman Pullips, who sold out almost immediately! They also had special convention pricing on all of their other dolls, and I ended up walking away with a Lunatic Queen and Melissa… just because she looks like Lady Blackhawk! So hit the jump and check out all that they had to offer!</p>](http://www.plastikitty.com/wp-content/uploads/PullipSDCCHeader.jpg "SDCC 2011: Pullip Booth Overview")
