Deep into otaku mode, I've been wish-listing and buying more figures and at this point, I've discovered several hobby and games store through Facebook that are actual partners for Banpresto Malaysia thanks to a friend who showed me the official Banpresto distributor sticker. Yes, getting official and original merchandises at affordable prices (less than RM150) with attractive designs are my top points when I started my collection. Why? I'm all for supporting my favourite animation studios like ufotable, MAPPA and Bones that are partly responsible in making the figurines to be realised from manga to anime to live action, etc.
This week, I'm going to talk about another figurine for Demon Slayer anime and it's for my top favourite character Giyu Tomioka (冨岡 義勇 Tomioka Giyu). I'll be honest with you guys, the main reason I've started watching Demon Slayer last year was because of this guy thanks to the character's voice actor Sakurai Takahiro. I'm a big fan of him thanks to his work as Claude Faustus in Black Butler's Season 2 anime like 10 years ago; the last time I've watched anime then fast forward to last year when I'm back to watching anime again so I was kinda surprised when I've found out that Sakurai Takahiro is known as veteran voice actor these days. Not going to lie, his character in Demon Slayer totally got me hooked on the anime although Giyu's appearances are like less than a whole episode for the whole first season.
Indeed, this figurine is part of
Demon Slayer : Guardians of the Night (鬼滅の刃フィギュアー絆ノ装 Kimetsu no Yaiba Figua - Kizuna no Sou) designed by Banpresto Co. Ltd. (toy company that has merged with Bandai Spirits Co., Ltd. since 2019) and at this point, this is the second Giyu's figure in my whole collection with another being part of Banpresto Q Posket petit as I've shown in my previous post.
Now, let's talk about the packaging!
As per usual, I've done extensive research on official websites and online shopping platforms before finally found this figurine on Shopee; the best platform for buying figurines released prior last year and only after making comparisons to the photos posted on
myfigurecollection.net, I'm confident that this figure is indeed authentic so it was a huge relief as I've found a lot of fakes and counterfeits i.e bootlegs also sold on the very same platform.
I've noticed that the front elevation of the figurine being printed on both smaller sides of the box with the right side featuring the A version or the Sepia Colour version of the previous release of figurines; Inosuke Hashibira Fourth Form in Sepia Colour version was featured along side the Fifth Form of this figurine line which is the B version in normal colour as shown above.
At the back of the box, there's the front elevation of the figurine being printed again along with the manufacturer address at the bottom part of the box. Also, there's the manufacturing date printed at the bottom side of the box which is June, 2020 hence this figurine that I've gotten is actually a re-release version of the figurine as it first came out back in November, 2019.
At the top side of the box, there's the official anime logo with the figurine's name printed on it. There's also the indicator (white box) that this figurine is for Sales Outside Japan Only. According to a Shopee seller, an authentic figure always comes in a box and there's serial number stamped on the inner side of of the top (sometimes bottom) lid of the box so definitely check yours before cutting open the plastic cover.
Now, the figurine came with an inner packaging that supposedly hold the unassembled figurine inside so even when the outer box get smashed into half of its size, not to worry as the figurine should be safe for you to unbox. Well, I'd sure hope so as I've already gotten one figurine with torn outer box at this point and it's still in perfect condition although the Shopee seller sure got a long review with multiple photos and a video.
Of course, the figurine came in unassembled parts as shown above sealed in clear plastics; usually in 3 to 6 parts depending on the design but for this Fifth Form, there's the black oval base, the body and then the head and these took me less than a minute to assemble.
When it comes to Giyu, him standing straight while looking sideways and clenching his fists are indeed his signature pose so this figure has definitely captured the essence of that. Up to episode 3 of the first season, I was wondering why he's wearing a haori with different halves and of course I've noticed the very design on Sabito whose appearance came to that very episode voiced by Kaji Yuki; yes, the voice actor of Eren Jaeger from Attack on Titan. If you don't read the manga for Demon Slayer then it's possible that you won't find out the reason not until Season 4 (hopefully!).
Side elevations of the figurine. I've compared Giyu's haori finishes to Tanjirou's and they have a bit of similar feeling; mattified and quite smooth to touch.
Back elevation of the figurine. There are wrinkles on the haori which is a nice detail but looking at this angle, I kind of want to have a figurine where Giyu was actually holding out his nichirin blade.
I've noticed that both Giyu and Tanjirou wear similar white kyahan with buttons like that whether it's because both of them were Urokodaki Sakonji's apprentices or it just happens for all Water Breathing users, I have no idea. Still, those look neat!
Giyu was featured on the cover of the fifth volume of the original Japanese manga and official English translation comic released by Viz media; both purchased via Kinokuniya webstore. I suddenly noticed his deep, sapphire-blue eyes as looking sideways even on the cover.
Of course, I can't help myself featuring both hashira together here. Shinobu Kocho is known for her fondness of teasing Giyu and I love when they're together on missions whether under their patronage's order or mere coincidence as shown in their spin-offs Tomioka Giyu : Gaiden depicting events sometime after Giyu's first encounter with Tanjirou and Nezuko.
I guess that's all of it! What do you think of Giyu as character? Have you ever encounter an anime character that just taken over the main character despite minimal appearance i.e. few cameos before? Definitely share with me if you're following Demon Slayer by leaving comments down below.
Disclaimer | This figurine was bought and shipped to my door with my own money. My opinions expressed here don't represent any party and I'm not responsible for any misinformation as I'm just sharing them as it is but feel free to let let me know if you want to add or correct anything here. Sharing is caring!
