Narutaki recently found an article about a poll that the figure company Good Smile is running to see what characters people are interested in seeing represented in their various product lines for their 10th anniversary. Since Nartuaki and I are big toy fans I figured that we might as well use this as an opportunity to muse on what we would like to see made into figures.
I have to say even as Saber Fan #1 I am very disappointing that Saber Lily is the number one choice. No matter what the form they will always continue to make new Saber figures. They have made everything from dozens of figures of the King of Knights in a bikini to Saber in a Lion costume. As someone who contributes to this phenomenon I can assure you that you never have to worry about them not releasing some new form of Saber figure.
This is an opportunity to show Good Smile what niches are going untapped. This is a chance to be bold and innovative. No wisdom or glory is gained by explaining what someone already understands. So we each made a list of 5 characters that don’t get enough love when it comes to toys.
While I’m not nearly the figure collector Hisui is, I’m starting to get a good collection going. That being the case, I never pass up a chance to have my opinions heard on what I want made, even if it is a long shot to actually happening. Also while the figure market for male characters has grown in recent years, there is still a sever lack of them!
I am a big fan of the cute and goofy Nendoroid line from Good Smile Company, so all my requests are for Nendoroids. In fact, in some cases I’m requesting a whole new theme for them to take on with my pick as the one I’d like to see most. And some of Hisui’s ideas on the list are ones I would totally get behind as well.
Amelia Wil Tesla Seyruun from Slayers [Nendoroid]
Without a doubt Amelia is my favorite character from Slayers. Since Lina is the main character of the series she undoubtedly gets the lion’s share of the merchandise, and Naga gets attention for two extremely obvious reasons, but sadly Amelia largely goes unnoticed. But with the recent resurgence of Slayers merchandise including a Gourry figure maybe all the secondary Slayers characters will get some attention. It would be nice to see the dynamic duo that is Amelia and Zelgadis finally get their time in the spotlight. While a totally candy land suggestion I would also like a Martina figure but I know the difference between unlikely and nearly impossible.
Black Jack from Black Jack [Nendoroid]
More classic figures is a simple suggestion which I think would be popular. The first in the line might not be Black Jack, but that is certainly my request when thinking about Tezuka’s iconic characters. And his simple designs would translate well to the big-headed form of the Nendoroid. Alternate body/head should include surgical hat and mask with accessories for surgery, and let’s throw in a Pinoko for good measure.
Mickey Mouse is classic and Japan has nearly as much of an obsession with the Disney icon as I do. In a surprising twist Good Smile company announced their 100th Nendoroid would be none other than the mouse himself. Two of my favorite things colliding, it must have been fate.
