[Den-O]

TokuNation is back with another review of a classic character. It's time for us to take a look at a recent Tamashii Web Exclusive, none other than the Nemesis of Android Kikaider, S.H. Figuarts Hakaider! Released as a companion piece to the recent S.H. Figuarts Kikaider, This evil android was actually created by Dr. Komyoji to destory Kikaider under coercion from Professor Gill & DARK. Though Komoyoji built the Android known as Saburo his brain would later be implanted into by Professor Gill, thus creating the character we all know. At one point Hakaider actually was Professor Gill as well but this figure primarily represents the first Hakaider, Saburo.

Packaging
As a companion piece to Kikaider S.H. Figuarts Hakaider features the same wonderful style of minimalistic packaging art. As with Kikaider it's a unique slim style box that's nowhere near the normal dimensions of SHF boxes. Just as Kikaider's does, it looks fantastic.

Main Figure
After the extensive wait endured by many for an S.H.Figuarts Kikaider, a beloved hero by Japanese and western fans alike, the turn around to get his arch nemesis was comparatively quick. But first things first, S.H. Figuarts Hakaider is definitely a step up in quality from Kikaider. Where Kikaider seemed to be plagued with QC issues both minor & major for many collectors, Hakaider has surprisingly few issues.

As many recent sentai & rider S.H.Figuarts releases have done, Hakaider features gorgeously sculpted in "fabric" details. The real suit was a bit of a leathery vinyl material and while that kind of look can't be entirely replicated in plastic, this is an excellent attempt to do so. Since Hakaider's primarily black as well there aren't very many paint apps to worry about, but what's there is done just right. A few small inconsistencies exist in the yellow apps on mine.

The real excellence of this figure is all in the head though. Not only is Hakaider's brain sculpted beautifully, the electrical wires are painted as well, and the skull cap is removable! And the brain is too! That's right, Hakaider's brain is entirely removable to replicate any and all wacky mad doctor scenarios you wish! Such as I have below. This is an incredible bonus feature of the figures design. Meanwhile the other incredible bonus of how the head is designed is that Hakaiders' eyes have incredible light piping. Since the skull cap is open and clear his eyes capture a ton of light and almost appear to glow.

Perhaps the only complaint I can levy against the figure is the shoulder design. Though the shoulder pads are accurate to the suit, they are molded as one gigantic piece that stretches across the chest. It can angle upward somewhat on either side to give the arms a bit more room, but ultimately this shoulder/chest piece hybrid interferes with the arms movement a bit. Otherwise this figure is pretty excellent and a wonderful companion/rival piece to Kikaider that greatly exceeds Kikaiders quality.

Accessories
As with Kikaider, S.H. Figuarts Hakaider is a little lite on the accessories. But it's definitely a better selection:

3 - full sets of extra hands. Complete with an expressive hey I'm pointing at you hand which I always love to see.

1 - Hakaider Shot handgun. A beautiful silver chromed handgun that's as comedically long as it is in the show. It looks like something the Joker would be packing except Hakaider's gun is deadly and awesome. The next accessory is directly tied to the gun.

1 - replacement shin. This shin can be attached to by removing the previous one at the knee and ankle joints. The advantage of this one is that it has a built in holster for the Hakaider Shot. I love that this is included but my Hakaider is almost always holding the Shot so it's just a bonus to me. But a welcome bonus none the less.

This selection of accessories including plenty of useful expressive hands, a nice side arm, and a leg section replacement catapult this release well beyond Kikaider's limited accessory count.

Final Thoughts
As the second release in this line from Jinzo Ningen Kikaider Hakaider didn't have a very high bar to surpass. But I think we all hoped for Hakaider to be better than Kikaider anyway. And indeed he is. While the sculpt and paint apps may not be as dynamic as Kikaider, the personality, functionality, and accessory count of S.H. Figuarts Hakaider put him far above his predecessor. Hakaider isn't just a wonderful addition to a fledgling Kikaider collection, but also to your toku villains collections in general. And I eagerly await the next releases in the Kikaider line of S.H.Figuarts, the next couple being Kikaider's Side Machine & Hakaider's White Crow!