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S.H.Figuarts Himura Kenshin
Contents... one figure, a total of five face expressions including the one on the main body, several pairs of hands, one Sakabatō (reverse-blade sword), one Sakabatō hilt with scabbard, but the scabbard cannot perform a drawing action...
Actually, about ten years ago, REVOLTECH had already released a Kenshin figure. I bought it back then. Compared to now, the current one is naturally more aesthetically pleasing; you can compare them.
Older toys also had their playability!
If judged solely by appearance, this SHF Kenshin is quite good. However, since there aren't many accessories, it's like "a clever housewife cannot cook without rice," so I can only do my best.
First, let's look at the articulation. As a standard "plastic figure," many poses are already "fixed" from the start. This one seems to lean towards a "calm" style, so the textures of the clothes are relatively peaceful, and it wasn't designed for many dynamic poses.
There are multiple options for facial expressions.
However, just leaving it like that really won't do; it would be a waste. So, I still put in some effort to pose it. The whole process wasn't easy. Therefore, I specifically referenced the manga to try and recreate some signature moves.
Ryūtsuizen (Dragon Hammer Flash) — A move where he jumps and strikes downwards. When using the Sakabatō, it's just a normal striking motion. However, in the "Trust & Betrayal" arc, seeing Kenshin's movements during his early assassin days, a single downward strike of Ryūtsuizen was enough to take a life. Due to insufficient leg articulation and limited bending range, posing this move was a bit challenging.
Ryūshōsen (Dragon Flight Flash) — An upward striking motion, similar to a "Shoryuken." Ryūtsuizen can be combined with Ryūshōsen as a combo. If using a normal sword, getting hit by Ryūtsuizen and Ryūshōsen would surely be fatal, wouldn't it?
Ryūsōsen (Dragon Nest Flash) — Since there are no other props, I don't know how to represent it, so I can only make him stand there...
Doryūsen (Earth Dragon Flash) — A move to strike the ground and attack enemies with sand and stones. Actually, doing this, wouldn't the sword get damaged?
Sōryūsen (Twin Dragon Flash) — First, a quick draw with the right hand, followed by striking the opponent with the scabbard in the left hand. The live-action movie adaptation once demonstrated this move in detail, which was quite good. Hiten Mitsurugi-ryū techniques are two-stage; they don't stop after a single strike.
Hiryuusen (Flying Dragon Flash) — This is using finger strength to flick the sword out to attack the swordsman. Actually, being able to flick a sword with a thumb means the thumb's strength must be quite terrifying.
Ryūtsuisen (Dragon Coil Flash) — This is turning around to strike the opponent.
Ryūmeisen (Dragon Cry Flash) — A rapid sheathing technique that generates powerful sound waves to affect enemies. Indeed, a lot of effort has been put into creating different techniques for a single sword.
Kuzuryūsen (Nine-Headed Dragon Flash) — A rapid, continuous attack; I'm not sure how to represent it. When Kuzuryūsen was used to attack Makoto Shishio, the ninth strike was with the sword hilt.
Amakakeru Ryū no Hirameki (Heaven-Soaring Dragon Flash) — The strongest Ougi (secret technique) of Hiten Mitsurugi-ryū. Kenshin was already capable of being an assassin before mastering this move. It's a rapid drawing technique that defeats the enemy in one strike. The key is to step forward with the left foot, then draw the sword with the right hand and strike. Makoto Shishio once blocked the first rapid draw, but unexpectedly, after the draw came a turning strike — Amakakeru Ryū no Hirameki Second Stage. Indeed, there's no reason to stop immediately just because the first strike was blocked, right? (Attempted to recreate the pose during shooting)
Overall, the toy still has room for optimization. However, since it's Kenshin, there's no helping it; I obediently paid for it immediately.