[Infinitevirtue]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPLIT LIP

But in Japan model kits is a huge, and I mean huge demographic, and a lot of collectors would likely easily go for a model over an expensive Figuarts if they were closer in quality. I mean it's already that way for Gunpla, where despite the Robot Damashiis being categorically superior figures, the model kits are still more popular due to being cheaper, covering more characters, and with the effort can look just as good or better. The only difference is the models came first in Gundam, while Figuarts is the established brand in Kamen Rider with models only really now gaining traction/popularity.

I mean, it's not without precedent even in the US. Toylines can "compete with themselves" if they have two sublines arguably achieving the same goals with little distinction.

I think the history of the franchise plays a part too as Gunpla is a pretty big part of Gundam merchandise where as for Kamen Rider it's mostly the DX Roleplay toys and figures. Although I do wonder how well received the FRS Kamen Rider kits are among the Japanese collectors and how popular they are with the general public. At least it's cool that they are trying different things with the Figure-rise line though. Being model kits means it's easier to modify and customize to your liking. Something I'd definitely not want to do with expensive figures.