PVC Review: 1/8 scale Haruhi Suzumiya Gekisou Ver. (Max Factory)

Today we're taking a look at a Haruhi Suzumiya Gekisou - or in English, Extravaganza Version. This will be one of three upcoming Haruhi Suzumiya Gekisou figures sculpted by Max Factory, which I'm considering getting. Haruhi was released March 31th 2009 and retails for about $84.90.

After taking Haruhi's box out of the UPS package the first thing I notice is how cool the box looks. The box is a shiny hybrid of red and black with multiple pictures of the figure, as well as the other two figures to be released on the sides. Removing Haruhi from the box I am immediately drawn to the guitar- specifically the strings, which to my surprise are real and not simply painted on. On the guitar, the fade from orange to black has been painted especially well, and the overall detail is great.

Now onto the negative. Firstly, I noticed that there is a small spot on her upper most hair strand that hasn't been fully painted in. This does bother me because it's in such an easy-to-see area that I can't think of any reason why it wouldn't have been painted in. Secondly, her skirt seems to be overly frilled out, unlike the episode in which this figure depicts. This also takes away from the figure because it makes the back of the skirt, which is supposed to be a bit long in the back anyway, seem that much longer. Finally, the 'chain' on her necklace is too long and makes for a crowded upper-chest and neck area.

Now that the bad is out of the way, I'd point out that this figure does sport some amazing detail, and not just in the guitar. I'm glad that they included the subtle pink shading on her top that would have been easy to overlook, not to mention the fact that the top is occluded slightly by the guitar. Haruhi's leg stockings have been painted on and are consistent. Max Factory did a great job capturing the essence of Haruhi Suzumiya; the figure doesn't just look like Haruhi, it feels like her too. That about sums it up for the main review, and now onto the judgment.

Paint and craftsmanship: 9
Packaging: 10
Price: 9
Likability: 10
Overall: 38/40

I'd say that I'm glad I pre-ordered this item, the month wait was definitely worth it. Although I admit I was hesitant to buy this figure because I wasn't sure I'd like it. Let's face it, pictures can only tell you so much. Now I'm torn deciding whether or not to order the other two figures. I'm really not all that impressed with Mikuru, the second figure to be released, but Yuki, the third figure, looks promising. Lots of pictures this time, I hope you enjoy them despite their poor quality. One day I'll get a digital camera and retake some of the pictures. Thanks for reading, take care.

Update: I've retaken the pictures for the review with my new camera.