We're tackling both Kamen Rider 1 and 2 in this review, as their strengths and weaknesses are remarkably similar!
As a die-hard, old-school Kamen Rider fan, the news of Hot Toys entering the Kamen Rider line was nothing short of monumental for D.M.S.! Collectors familiar with Medicom's RAH figures know the infamous issues: deteriorating pleather suits, less-than-ideal articulation, and early eco-friendly plastic bodies that would literally self-destruct. The big question now is: how does Hot Toys' quality stack up against Medicom's legacy?
Let's dive straight into areas that could use some refinement. The helmets for both Kamen Rider 1 and 2 deviate slightly from the iconic look fans are accustomed to. They appear somewhat rounder, and the mask sections feature a metallic paint application, a departure from the traditional matte finish. Takeshi Hongo's head sculpt offers only an average likeness, with noticeably thinner eyebrows. While Kamen Rider 1 thoughtfully includes a crossed-arm pose, the positioning feels inverted. Furthermore, Kamen Rider 2's mask doesn't feature the most recognized, larger, and more prominent design. (It's worth noting that Kamen Rider 1 and 2's mask designs have seen dozens of variations over the years, which adds to the complexity).
Additionally, the chest musculature feels a tad exaggerated, and the Henshin belt appears to be about two to three percent thicker than expected. Moreover, the decision to apply weathering effects to the suit is an unusual choice, as most Kamen Rider designs typically feature a pristine appearance.
Frankly, I consider the aforementioned points to be minor quibbles, not even genuine flaws from my perspective. The true areas for significant improvement lie in the following aspects.
Firstly, the scarf length is a concern. While its proportions are similar to S.H.Figuarts, the official promotional images clearly depicted it reaching the navel. However, the most significant issue is the thighs. They appear noticeably thinner, which unfortunately detracts considerably from the figure's overall aesthetic.
Despite these points, Hot Toys has undeniably poured considerable effort into this Kamen Rider series. The main body boasts commendable articulation; aside from the waist and hip joints, the overall poseability is excellent. A major win is the outer suit, which, unlike Medicom's infamous 'disintegrating' pleather, is crafted from real leather, completely alleviating any concerns about material degradation. Both the head and Henshin belt feature integrated light-up effects, significantly enhancing the figure's playability. A generous assortment of interchangeable hands allows for dynamic recreation of virtually any action pose from the series. Overall, the sculpt is genuinely appealing, with the exception of the aforementioned thighs.
Personally, I'm quite satisfied with Hot Toys' efforts on this release, though there are certainly still areas for refinement. I eagerly anticipate future Kamen Rider releases, hoping for improvements in the base body's proportions, particularly the styling of the thighs. It would be even more ideal if subsequent 'New' versions of Kamen Rider 1 and 2 address these points. I'll definitely continue covering this line. Frankly, for D.M.S., the mere mention of "Kamen Rider" guarantees a complete collection of this series!
Could Hot Toys potentially take on the Ultraman franchise next?
D.M.S. Play Scoring
Look (40) 33.5
Articulation and Poseable (20) 15
Accessories and Gimmick (20) 16
QC (10) 6
Price (10) 6
Total Score: 76.5 points