Bandai SIC Vol 49: Henshin Ninja Arashi & Majinsai

[JessHorsley]

Super detailed figures from classic TV show on super sale NOW...

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For a great selection of import action figures and collectibles, check out HobbyLinkJapan.com.

To order this amazing set - on super sale now! - click HERE!

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Bandai's line of Super Imaginative Chogokin (SIC) figures is no doubt popular with fans and collectors. Even fans who don't watch the live-action Japanese TV shows upon which the figures are based find the figures appealing, which is probably why the line has been around since 1998. In fact, there are over 50 volumes of figures in the series and it doesn't show any signs of slowing down anytime soon...

Now, fans of the line can pick up the Vol 49: Henshin Ninja Arashi & Majinasai set from HobbyLink Japan for the unbeatable price of $34.00, which is over 60% off the original retail price!

For those who are unfamiliar with Henshin Ninja Arashi, the original TV show was on Japanese TV in the early 1970s and was created by Shotaro Ishinomori, the man responsible for the popular Kamen Rider series. The show was set in feudal Japan and followed the adventures of Hayate, a ninja and member of the Blood Wheel Clan who learns of an evil set loose upon the world. Hayate's father, using magic, transforms Hayate into Henshin Ninja Arashi (or Transforming Ninja Storm) in order to fight the evil.

Now while most fans might wonder why Henshin Ninja Arashi looks like a sword-wielding chicken on acid, that's no reason to not consider picking up this set of figures, especially considering the amount of detail, articulation, and accessories included!

PACKAGING:

The figure set, like all of Bandai's SIC figures, comes packaged in a solidly constructed window box which features attractive graphics as well as photos of the figures posed on the sides and back. The front features a large window through which the figures, base and accessories are visible, allowing collectors to actually see the product.

Attractive, simple, and easy to display as well as open, the packaging is top-notch. Thanks to the form-fitted plastic inside, the figures and accessories are well protected, ensuring minty mint figures upon receipt.

SCULPT:

Originally created by sculptors Takayuki Takeya and Kenji Ando, the SIC line features some of the most impressive sculpting of any toy line anywhere. Takeya, one of my personal favorite 3-D artists, brings to life this Japanese spirit ninja beautifully with a generous amount of minute detail, including a variety of feathers covering the warrior's body.

Likewise, Takeya has exaggerated the look of the ninja's beak, legs and arms from the show, giving them much more realism.

Majinsai - Henshin Ninja Arashi's archenemy - comes to life in his detailed armor and mask. Takeya again exaggerates the character's original look from the TV show, giving the evil old man - with his massive claw and flowing cape - an ornate suit of armor with overlapping pieces.

Overall, both figures feature the expected level of detail from the SIC line and deliver not only an abundance of intricate sculpting, but looks that are overly realistic considering the original source material upon which they're based.

PAINT APPLICATION:

Henshin Ninja Arashi comes with a detailed paint application, his many feathers, beak, arms and legs featuring beautifully and carefully applied colors.

As previously mentioned, the warriors looks (somewhat) like a sword-wielding chicken on acid and these colors are just more proof that wherever Henshin Ninja Arashi is present, there's truly a storm a comin'! His flame-red chest feathers are framed by his snow-white leg and arm feathers. Likewise, his yellow beak, arms and legs again give a balanced feel to the overall look of the figure.

Majinsai, on the other hand, personifies evil in his dark armor, expertly painted with shades of metallic silver. Likewise, the evil being's shaded blue cape provides an impressive backdrop which helps bring out the shine of the armor. Finally, the ancient evil entity's yellow-white hair frames the frightening mask, which hides the face of the Henshin Ninja's arch enemy.

ARTICULATION:

Both figures feature a generous amount of articulation, including various ball-in-socket joints, ball-joints, and hinge joints which allow each figure to be posed in a variety of positions.

ACCESSORIES:


The Bandai SIC Vol 49 figure set features a variety of accessories, including Henshin Ninja Arashi's spirit sword, "Faster Than The Wind," and sheath (below).

However, Majinsai features the most accessories, including his massive claw, his sword and sheath, his tri-blade spear (with real chains hanging from the staff!), and a base featuring the evil warlord's lieutenant, Gaikotsu Maru, crawling out from a grave.

Both figures also include interchangeable hands allowing them to hold different accessories and be posed differently. Also, and this is worth mentioning, the Majinsai figure includes an interchangeable unmasked head and split mask which replicates the scene in the original TV show when Arashi uses his special sword attack to split the evil old man's mask (below).

Overall, the set includes a generous amount of accessories that allows for a wide variety of posing and play options which will not disappoint.

PRICE & OVERALL IMPRESSION:

Considering this set is on sale for over 60% off its original retail price, it's a steal. In fact, even if you're not a fan of these particular characters, if you're a fan of the SIC line or if you've ever wanted to find out what so many people are talking about when they mention the Bandai SIC series, this is a great place to start. For $34.00, you can't go wrong...

That said, I'm sure there will be those who, upon seeing the Henshin Ninja Arashi on your shelf, will say, "What's up with the funky, sword-wielding chicken?" This will of course provide you with the perfect opportunity to explain to them the awesomeness that is the Bandai SIC line...and how you got the figure for less than 1/2 price!

And let's not forget the Majinsai figure either. After all, it's really the stand-out of the pair. With an awesome armored suit, massive articulated claw, huge spear, and super detailed (and creepy!) base, this is one baddie that overshadows his rival...

Be sure to check out more awesome photos of this set HERE!

Click HERE to order your Bandai SIC Vol 49: Henshin Ninja Arashi & Majinsai set from HobbyLink Japan today!



- review by Jess C. Horsley

- stylized photos by Ed Speir IV