Kamen Rider Faiz Axel Form

*Flicks wrist* The whole name for this figure is such a mouthful- SIC Kiwami Tamashii Kamen Rider Faiz Axel Form. whew. Just had to pick it up after watching Kamen Rider 555 and falling in love with this form; fast things are always awesome. Blaster what?

Overall packaging is pretty neat. Clear plastic outside, and cardboard stuff inside and then…

Metal twisties before you can get to the figure. Why oh why must you use these, Bandai? On a $15 figure? Really? I don’t like these things because they are unnecessary and if not careful, they can actually scratch the figure if you decided to cut them… the only way around this is if you spend the time untwisting all of them. Waste of time. Anyway, what you see is all you get in the package: one pair of open hands, the Faiz Gears, briefcase, and the Faiz Edge glow stick used for rave parties.

STANDING BY

*Flicks wrist* Despite its size (it’s no taller than 4.5″), the figure is loaded with details. This “re-imagined” version of Faiz is a bit more muscular, more “serious business” and cyborg-ish looking than its TV counterpart and I think it looks great. While the whole figure might be a hot mess, there are a couple very minor aesthetic flaws such as uneven shoulder pads and some messy paint spots that you can’t tell if it is intentional (weathering) or accidental.

Just look at the amazing details on his chest! Though one thing I don’t like are the holes on its body where you are supposed to plug in the Faiz gears.

COMPLETE

The very downside to this form is that it only lasts 10 seconds >_<. To make it sound better, Faiz can kick major asses in under 10 seconds in Axel Form.

START UP!

*Flicks wrist* I’ll say its articulation is just a hair short of “great”; the arms’ articulation is somewhat restricted by the shoulders and range of motion is decent at best. Everywhere else is pretty awesome though- the body can rotate 360 degrees, and the legs can kneel… but nothing on the foot (no biggie).

It is somewhat capable of pulling this kick (standing on one leg is the test). Just requires a lot of balancing.

One thing that might raise some eyebrows is that this figure doesn’t come with any closed fists for posing… so it punches with the Edge-holding hand. It looks a bit off from a live perspective though not too bad in photos.

No problems with loose joints and stuff like that. While the joints aren’t tight, they rotate pretty smoothly and feels sturdy enough for heavy playing. *Flicks wrist*

Size comparison with SH Figuarts Kamen Rider Kabuto

Size comparison with HG 1/144 Seravee. See… it’s not all that small.

FAIZ EDGE

His glow stick needs to be longer… and more edgy, less round. *Flicks wrist*

RAVE  PARTY!

Would’ve liked some effect parts… or maybe even just a large phi sign.

I like the sinister look while holding this thing ^^

EXCEED CHARGE

*Flicks wrist* The Faiz pose… I like how Kamen Riders can make any sort of simple pose look badass… even a squat ^^;.

“…”

“HAA!!!”

*Fires energy drill*

“YAA!!!”

“CRIMSON SMASH!”

Faiz has like one of the coolest Rider Kicks as he can seemingly jump again in mid-air to do the kick after shooting his laser pointer at the foe.

*Warps out*

VERDICT

*Flicks wrist* There really isn’t anything to complain about here. The lack of closed fist is a non-issue since I have him holding his Faiz Edge anyway. The figure is beautiful and works wonderful as both a display piece AND as an action figure- something very few, if any, figures can accomplish decently. Well, okay… so maybe it can probably be about half an inch bigger or so but for around $20, I don’t think you can really find anything even close to this unless there’s some huge sale or something. While the SIC line is known for its re-imagined designs and details, its looks might not appeal to everyone in certain cases though. I’m just glad I picked up this figure ^^.

TIME OUT