Hooray! A new thread! I'll celebrate with another review! This one will have pictures, as I've come to the realization that pics taken from my phone are better than nothing.
This review will contain information that will be common knowledge to those who buy Banpresto figures, but may not necessarily be known by those who don't own at least one. As this is my only Banpresto figure (for now), Banpresto collectors, please correct me if I get some information wrong.
Again, I used my Voyager smartphone to take pics, and sunlight is used for the lighting. However, there is a change in location; the pics were taken in my living room, instead of my bedroom, so that the figure reviewed wouldn't be in a girly room.
On Friday, I got Will of D. Roger! I was so happy when I got him, and still am.
Here is a pic of the box when it was still unopened. I'm assuming this is what a typical Banpresto box looks like. Not sure if you can see it, but the box is a little worse for wear, but hey, that's SAL for you. I like the pics used on the box. Not shown: Angled views of Roger on the sides with the D. logo, and Roger and Ace on the back.
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Of course, Roger wasn't boxed for long. Out with him! This is the cardboard packaging that I'm assuming the non-WCF Banpresto figures have. Simple, yet effective for protecting Roger when his box is being manhandled by those who don't know what "handle with care" means.
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After the cardboard was untaped and put aside, I finally saw Roger, in all his disassembled glory. For those who don't know, Banpresto figures are comprised of multiple parts that you have to put together yourself, unlike POP's, which are in one piece (no pun intended ).
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This is Roger assembled, but without his cuffs. I really love this figure; it got his appearance and personality down really well, and the expression on his face is GREAT. The detailing on the shoulder parts of his coat and pants (which you unfortunately can't see, but I shall describe it anyways) are especially well done; they are dirty-looking and worn-out respectively, which shows that Roger has been through a lot on his adventures on the seas, but is strong enough to still be alive and be worthy of being called Pirate King by the world. The base is nice as well; a reddish-pink with the D. logo and "Those who are given the name of D." written on it. As a bonus, you get to see part of my kitchen.
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Finally, here is a pic of Roger with his cuffs on, in front of the box. I was trying to go for a 3D effect, like a "figure taken right from the image on the box" effect. I like the detailing on the cuffs; it really looks like wood, though it isn't. With the cuffs, Roger (in my very humble opinion) looks even better, especially with that intimidating expression; it's like he's saying "I may be killed, but I'll never truly die."
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The only complaint that I have with the figure is what the other non-WCF Banpresto figures have as well: the pegs are on the feet, not the base, meaning that Roger needs the base to stand. It's a nitpick, though. If this is really bugging you, and if you're good with a knife, you can cut off the pegs and glue them to the base.
Overall, this figure is AMAZING. It captures Roger really well, there are a lot of details on him, and he can enhance your collection, or be a great first figure. I HIGHLY recommend him to anyone and everyone. Get him while he's still in the lower double digits! You'll save quite a bit of money if you act fast! Look on the sites that sell Banpresto items, Mandarake, and the For Sale thread.
I know what quite a few of you who don't have Will of D. Roger are thinking: "There's going to be a Grand Line Men version of Roger in his non-execution attire, and it looks great as well. Which version should I get?" In that situation, it all comes down to money (if you don't get Will of D. Roger while he's still in the lower double digits) and personal taste. Which version of Roger do you want? The one where he's doing well and is on top of the world (GLM), or the one where he's about to be executed (Will of D.)? Personally, I'm going to get both, as I like both designs, so I don't have that problem. I also recommend getting both as well, if you can afford it.
This marks the end of my review. I hope it was good to read/informative for those who are interested in Banpresto figures!
The following are an Easter egg and special thanks respectively.
I took a pic of my updated collection. My tower is now at ceiling level. Elisabeth Heart, if you're reading this, you were right; I'll need to start a new tower when POP Kuma arrives!
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Last, but most certainly not least, are special thanks for those involved in the purchasing process.
Blacksmith and maggie - For convincing me to buy Will of D. Roger when I was on the fence about it. I'm really glad I decided to! See, your opinions DO matter!
Al!naJames - For letting me buy Will of D. Roger from you, and at a great price, no less! This opportunity will never be forgotten!
All of you: THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!