Yeah, that seems like a decent comparison.

annnnd my wallet just gave me a dirty look. :p

I like that prototype looking pic of Build with the robes.

..and I think I need that Grease and Rabbit-Tank combo for my desk.

If the paint on Evol is comprehensive, I'm up for that.

Also, can I dream of Super Sentai figures in this format?

I am getting back into collecting, but still trying to figure out what I want to go after. Someone brought up Marvel Legends, so I have a question as how they relate to Bandai's recent offerings.

So I haven't bought a new Bandai toy since SHF Abyss, but are still mostly the same? I ask since I was able to get some recent Marvel Legends (Warlock wave) super cheap, but I hate them. It may be my imagination, but the limbs and joints seem soft. It just feels mushy whenever do anything with them. My question really is would I have similar feelings towards Bandai's recent offerings (BCR and SHF)?

Well depending on answers I get, I am really looking forwards to that Cross-Z. Now while a sister Sentai line would be awesome, I would die if they came out with a Metal Heroes one. Also I am surprised Kamen Rider hasn't done anything with the B Fighters.

At first, I couldn't figure out the appeal of these, but then I realized that they're freed from the gimmicks of their individual toylines. Several recent gimmicks (Gamer armor in Ex-Aid, Ghost's hoodies, and Build's entire gimmick) had a significant negative impact on articulation. These figures appear to be free of that. On the other hand, they also follow the "it only looks good from the front" design aesthetic re: paint that I guess might be a leftover from Sofubi? Also, the thing about weapons and Drivers having minimal or no paint. The molding on the hands looks identical (with cheaper pastic) to the Figuarts, except it looks like this Build comes with holding-things hands the SHF release didn't have. The similarity is clearest on the Cross-Z fists. Wouldn't be surprised if these were based on the same digital models (in terms of proportion) as the SHFs.

These are kind of a compromise between the existing retail figures, SHF, and the candy toys. The candy toys at least strive to make the rear of the figures look good using stickers. I suspect the plastic quality will be the same as the retail lines, meaning more solid than recent Marvel Legends. On the other hand, recent Marvel Legends figures are significantly more thoroughly-painted than these.

More than anything, it seems like this line is attempting to put together an inexpensive way for people to put together a collection of Heisei Rider figures that are compatible with one another. I also suspect that the Rider Kicks line won't end when Zio does, given that they're at least floating doing secondary and tertiary Riders, villains, and form changes. Come to think of it, this lineup is probably a statement of intent, although whether they'll continue with the secondaries, villains, etc. will probably depend heavily on how this first wave sells.

I've got no idea. The basic retail figure for Ex-Aid was roughly equivalent to this, albeit not with the swappable hands. Well, and that release was more expensive, bundled with the Level 1 form. *thinky*

These pictures (er, rather the ones in the "in-hand pictures" article) indicate the paint isn't comprehensive for any of them. Decently-painted in the front - belts and weapons aside - and minimal-to-no paint in the back. Just check out the lower legs on each figure.

They're $15. instead of $60-$120

I think that's the biggest appeal to these.

I wouldn't put a $120. SHF Grease on my desk where something could happen to it,..I will put a $15 Grease on my desk though.

Win/Win

( HLJ already has listings for them. )

I'll be interested in what all they come with. I'm a fan of the gimmick figures, but for some more articulation and some accessory options, I'll definitely give a few a look. Cross-Z build form has my interests peaked at the very least

A £10 Cross-Z? You've interested me, Bandai. Keep going with this line, maybe give me some stupid obscure figures I didn't know I needed, and I'll give you more money.

I'd bet on Zi-O introducing some exclusive forms or characters for older series and then those forms being released through RKF. Juuuust a thought.

Heck, if this DOES end up being something like Transformers Generations/Power Rangers Legacy etc. and ends up being just a general collector's line that goes on beyond one show, I could see this being where new forms and characters from the likes of Returns movies are released. I can't wait for Gaim Gaiden 3 you guys