In the realm of Japanese Wrestling figures, there are few Wrestlers who can match the popularity
and merchandising appeal of Jushin Thunder Liger.
The Beast God returns once again for Blog #217 which covers the 16d Jushin Thunder Liger
figure.
Announced on September 6th 2019 (for pre-order) and officially released on December
of the same year, Jushin Thunder Liger is the 9th figure in the 16d collection.
Today, we'll be looking at the standard colour variant.
The right side of the packaging reads:
"Jushin Thunder Liger
Profile
...................................................................................................................................
Date of Birth: April 24th, 1989 (the birth of the Liger character in Wrestling form)
Birthplace: Go Nagai's house (the creator of the Manga/Anime Jushin Liger character)
Debut: April 24th, 1989
Signature Moves: Vertical Drop Brainbuster, Liger Bomb, Palm Bottom"
The very bottom of the box also contains the text
"(C) Go Nagai / Dynamic Planning". Dynamic Planning being the company Go Nagai
operates in association with the Jushin Liger namesake.
The opposite side of the packaging displays high quality photos of Liger.
The only difference in packaging between the two Liger variants is the coloured sticker at
the top of the box. In this case, the standard colour contains a gold sticker.
The second variant (referred to as the "limited edition color") contains a blue sticker at the
top of the packaging.
The bottom of the box contains Dynamic Planning, 16d's parent company and mention
of the Liger figure being made of soft vinyl (PVC).
Ever the character, the soft vinyl Jushin Thunder Liger figure is sculpted in a flexing pose.
Jushin Thunder Liger was sculpted by renown figure maker HAO. This would be the third
figure sculpted by HAO (the last being released in two variants back in the mid 2000's as
part of the HAO Collection).
The detailing with Liger's mask is well painted and accurate.
Even the grainy glitter-like effect is present in Liger's chest plate.
The intricacies of Liger's instantly-recognizable ring attire continues onto the back of
the Liger figure.
Go Nagai and Dynamic Planning are once again referenced on the bottom of the 16d
Liger figure.
In terms of movable pieces, Jushin Liger contains articulation at the shoulders and waist.
Closing thoughts:
Jushin Thunder Liger combines the colourful attire of a modern day superhero with the
allure of a Wrestling legend. A figure, in my humble estimation, that could even appeal to
toy collectors who aren't fans of Pro-Wrestling or Go Nagai's work.
.png)
While smaller in scale compared to HAO Collection's Jushin Liger figure from about 14
years ago (which are taller at 6 inches in height for comparison's sake), the detail for the
16d figure equivalents I personally feel are superior.
Collectors should keep an eye out for the limited edition 16d Liger variant which features
blue highlights on Liger's mask and ring attire. Though, as a scarce piece, the limited edition
usually sells for double the price of the standard variant from what I seen in the past.
Less than a month later, Jushin Liger would retire from being an active Pro-Wrestler on
January 5th, 2020; ultimately following Genichiro Tenryu, Riki Choshu and Abdullah
The Butcher in regards to figures made by 16d around the time of each legend's
retirement.
No comments:
Post a Comment