PVC Review: 1/8 Scale Mai Kawasumi (Kotobukiya)

Does anyone see a pattern here? Out of my five figures three have been distributed by Kotobukiya. I didn't do this intentionally it's pure coincidence. I guess I must really like their figures! O.k. Today we're taking a look at Mai Kawasumi from the 2006 animated version of Kanon. (There are two versions of Kanon and a video game. This figure is from the second rendition of the series). It's difficult to say exactly how much Mai retails for because you can't find her very easily anymore. She's been out-of-print for sometime and I happened upon her at eBay. The eBay user whom I purchased her from sold Mai to me for only $27.99 plus a few bucks for shipping. If you browse sites like HLJ you can find her (although discontinued) for around 4800 Yen. Now onto the figure.

The packaging, like the figure, is simple but nice. The subtle shade of blue perfectly captures the scene in which the figure depicts. All in all it's a really basic box; there are no pictures of the other figures on the line just a few words on the underside, but no one buys a figure for the box. Mai comes with a platform that is shaded white and blue to complete their winter-y effect. Mai doesn't come connected to her stand and it was a bit difficult to wedge the pegs into the holes in her shoes.

Also included in the package is a sword and a pair of bunny ears. Now I do own Kanon and Mai is on the cover of the fourth single holding her sword but I haven't actually seen it yet so I don't know the story behind the bunny ears. Mai has taken a knee and her right hand is made to hold that sword she comes with. She looks like she's ready to gut someone if it weren't for that smile on her face. There's really only one negative about this figure and that's its simplicity. It makes her seem a little on the ordinary side, but in all honesty it's not really a big deal.

As far as I can tell the paint job is great and the sculpting is also done well. The only thing I can't understand is why she's wearing such a short dress in the winter! There must have been a breeze as well because the back of her dress is hiked up revealing her white unmentionables. For the price I paid there's little cause for buyers remorse even if I didn't like the figure too much (which I do). If there's one thing about this figure that makes me unhappy is that the other Kanon figures are also out-of-print and will be difficult to find at any price.

I didn't take too much time in finding the perfect spot for Mai. She fits in perfectly between Uratori and Gekisou Haruhi. Not much else I can think of to say. Onto the judgment.


Paint and craftsmanship: 10
Packaging: 9
Price: 10
Likability: 8
Overall: 37/40

Like I've already stated there's really not a whole lot wrong with this figure. I took away a couple points from "Likability" because she's a bit bland, and a point from "packaging" for the same reason. I can see others not being impressed with this figure if don't know of or like the Kanon series. That about does it for today. Thanks for reading again, take care.