You're never too old to stop playing with toys!
I'll start things off with some photos of the Lenneth Valkyrie Trading Arts figure I received today.
I'll start with the unboxing, then some comments on the toy itself. You probably don't care, but I thought I'd document it since the figure is somewhat rare.
It arrived with very nice packaging. There was so much tape I had to use a knife. The eBay seller momiji-k put a nice thank you note on top. She's a passionate fan, or a passionate eBayer at the least.
The packaging consists of a thick cardboard back and a blister case. Once it's off, you won't get it back on. I do prefer boxes that surround the blister case. Vivid, sharp printing makes it obvious this is the real thing. Nice touch with the feathers behind Lenneth.
The twist ties were really stiff. I was afraid I'd scratch the figure if I pulled them out, so I cut them off with the knife.
Front
Back
Feather print
Looks like the sword's blade is detachable. You stick it onto the small nub protruding from the hilt. Since Lenneth's right arm is really close to her body, it sticks out at a strange angle. I wasn't expecting that, but it looks pretty good from most angles.
On to the piece itself. It's about five inches tall, including the base. Smaller than I thought it would be, but a for toy with this much detail at a low price, I can't complain. There are no reliable numbers for the US MSRP, but it was definitely under $30. There are no moving parts.
The original sculpture must have been exquisite. While this isn't a perfect reproduction, it's still nice to look at. I think the armor, heavy skirt, and hair all speak for themselves. The color scheme matches the original illustrations perfectly. I especially love the pose - I think it fits Lenneth's disposition really well. Everything works together to give the impression of her gracefully floating over the Weeping Lily Meadow.
The flash from my camera obscured some of the detailing, but you can see the windswept shape of the skirt on the left and right sides.
Now for the flaws. There are some seams in the paint on her skirt and the space between her fingers is orange for some reason. But that's no big deal. You won't see it unless you're looking for it. The paint job could be smoother an the metallic colors could be shinier. For the price range it's very good.
The real problem is her face. Seriously dopey. Profile is wrong too. You won't be seeing much of it, but come on! Does that look like the intelligent, dignified Lady Valkyrie to you?
They also forgot her bangs, which are a good part of her charm. Oopart probably thought no one would notice since she's looking down, but I did and I'm disappinted. Maybe I'm just a hair fetishist.
So, Valkyrie Profile is awesome, it has awesome art, and it has awesome figurines too. The only real problem with this one is where to put it. It looks better near eye level, if you ask me.
Originally I was going to put it next to GUMI, but it's shorter than I thought it would be and they look ridiculous together anyway. For now, she'll stand guard over the PSP games until I can find her a more permanent home.
It arrived with very nice packaging. There was so much tape I had to use a knife. The eBay seller momiji-k put a nice thank you note on top. She's a passionate fan, or a passionate eBayer at the least.
The packaging consists of a thick cardboard back and a blister case. Once it's off, you won't get it back on. I do prefer boxes that surround the blister case. Vivid, sharp printing makes it obvious this is the real thing. Nice touch with the feathers behind Lenneth.
The twist ties were really stiff. I was afraid I'd scratch the figure if I pulled them out, so I cut them off with the knife.
Front
Back
Feather print
Looks like the sword's blade is detachable. You stick it onto the small nub protruding from the hilt. Since Lenneth's right arm is really close to her body, it sticks out at a strange angle. I wasn't expecting that, but it looks pretty good from most angles.
On to the piece itself. It's about five inches tall, including the base. Smaller than I thought it would be, but a for toy with this much detail at a low price, I can't complain. There are no reliable numbers for the US MSRP, but it was definitely under $30. There are no moving parts.
The original sculpture must have been exquisite. While this isn't a perfect reproduction, it's still nice to look at. I think the armor, heavy skirt, and hair all speak for themselves. The color scheme matches the original illustrations perfectly. I especially love the pose - I think it fits Lenneth's disposition really well. Everything works together to give the impression of her gracefully floating over the Weeping Lily Meadow.
The flash from my camera obscured some of the detailing, but you can see the windswept shape of the skirt on the left and right sides.
Now for the flaws. There are some seams in the paint on her skirt and the space between her fingers is orange for some reason. But that's no big deal. You won't see it unless you're looking for it. The paint job could be smoother an the metallic colors could be shinier. For the price range it's very good.
The real problem is her face. Seriously dopey. Profile is wrong too. You won't be seeing much of it, but come on! Does that look like the intelligent, dignified Lady Valkyrie to you?
They also forgot her bangs, which are a good part of her charm. Oopart probably thought no one would notice since she's looking down, but I did and I'm disappinted. Maybe I'm just a hair fetishist.
So, Valkyrie Profile is awesome, it has awesome art, and it has awesome figurines too. The only real problem with this one is where to put it. It looks better near eye level, if you ask me.
Originally I was going to put it next to GUMI, but it's shorter than I thought it would be and they look ridiculous together anyway. For now, she'll stand guard over the PSP games until I can find her a more permanent home.
