Alter Narika Shihoudou PVC: Beat Blades Haruka
I was pondering which figure to review today as I had quite a few that came in while I was doing my school applications; many of which remain un-opened. However, I happened to glance at my shelf and soon realized that I had gone months without giving this phenomenal figure a proper review. A tremendous error on my part to be sure but one that I’m correcting today. Today we’re taking a look at Alter’s 1/8 scale Narika Shihoudou PVC from Beat Blades Haruka.
Beat Blades Hobby~
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Alter Narika Shihoudou: Background
Alter’s 1/8th scale Narika Shihoudou PVC was first released in August of 2009 and retailed for ¥7800 (84 USD). Narika was sculpted by Aketagawa Noboru, who is the same talented hand that brought Alter’s previous Beat Blades Haruka (Choukou Sennin Haruka) ero-ninja game figure to life.
I don’t know much about Beat Blades Haruka but apparently this sculpt showcases Narika’s alternate/powered-up gear. There were a few minor changes to her outfit but the biggest difference is that she originally wielded a large throwing star and now she wields what looks like an entry plug cockpit with a laser knife. I wish Alter had included the giant throwing star with this Narika, as non-canonical as I assume that would have been.
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The Dragon One
Let me get this out of the way first: brightly colored jumpsuits do not a ninja make. Oh, and that entry plug laser knife thing…I really don’t know where to begin with that but it doesn’t exactly say ’stealth’ to me either. The whole outfit is just so patently eccentric…and I love every inch of it.
My enthusiasm for this figure hasn’t dampened in the slightest since we first got wind of her a few months back; in fact it’s actually grown. Narika is even better in person than the official images made her out to be. She surpasses Alter’s Haruka as not only the best Beat Blades Haruka sculpt out on the market, but also stands as one of Alter’s best sculpts.
The entire coloring scheme is what really sells me on Narika. It ties together the three big disparate elements – the detailing/pose, the outfit/weapon, and the energy of the sculpt – and makes them work seamlessly in unison to create one astonishing figure. A certainly masterful work on Aketagawa-san’s part.
The coloring on Narika is as polished as I’ve seen on any other figure. The red, which normally might be to bold by itself, is toned down with the use of dark accents which makes it work with the rest of the scheme. Narika’s skin tones are also exceptionally done and have fantastic subtle variations that make it look warm. There is a little large range of colors in her hair than I’m used to seeing in figures, but it works in this case to tone down the pink.
Narika’s pose is really captivating and is my second favorite aspect to this figure. I think it captures the essence and the energy of the character quite nicely but, and most importantly, it allows for the maximum exposure of her pan…erm…outfit.
Detailing on Narika is nothing short of phenomenal. There is so much good detailing on Narika that I swear to you when I first saw her I thought she was a mecha girl because all the intricate little parts and details. I may still not know what the whole entry plug laser weapon is supposed to be but it’s wonderfully detailed. What I really like though are the little written decals on her – it takes detailing to the next level.
Narika’s face is the one area that I’m a little disappointed in but that’s mostly due to personal opinion. Her face is sculpted and detailed wonderfully and it’s spot on for her character, but I kind of wish we got something other than a typical big, blank smile. I don’t really have an alternative in mind when I say that, but when I look at Haruka and see a more unique expression it makes me wish the same for Narika.
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Final Thoughts
One of the seemingly small things about Narika that I really like is that you can view her from 360 degrees and still have something interesting to look at. While not such a big deal for display purposes, it made photographing her a lot more fun. 
wondering if there are any more girls from the game that Alter can make into figures,
Rico-sama
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Narika’s Full Gallery
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This figure is really cute and adorable. I love her colors, and her dynamism. Alter made a beautiful work with her ! Thank for this beautiful review
I tried a slightly different lighting set-up this time and was worried the Narika shoot wouldn’t turn out right. Thankfully she came out beautifully.
<3 pink hair.
That is such a cute figure; I really love the pink hair. I’ve been debating on picking her up for months, but I think I may have missed the train.
Maybe I’ll get lucky and find her on eBay for a decent price.
By the way, I brought my blog back from the dead, so if you want to check it out and maybe re-establish a link exchange, the link is on my name.
Wow. Just checked for myself and you’re right that you nearly missed the train. Nearly. I did find that both Toys Logic and Hobby Fan still have her in stock if you’re serious about getting her.
<3 pink hair!
Oh, and I think we can work something out.
I managed to find her for a reasonable price (albeit a bit more than ToysLogic) and already ordered her. Thanks for checking, though, and thanks for the link!
Great! Hope you like her! :3
WOW! She really does have some amazing details but I think what kept me from getting is her pantsu. I kind of prefer it when a figure’s pantsu isn’t so noticeable. That way I don’t have to feel awkward if any of my friends or family see her. :0
But if I had the chance to get her at her original price I would. I never noticed how amazing she actually is until she was released. Now I feel regret for not ordering her. T_T I noticed Narika sold out before Haruka did. Maybe it’s the pink hair or the power of pantsu? xD
Aww, but the exposed pantsu are such a essential element! It’s about the only way you know you’re looking at an ero-game design.
Seriously though, despite what the pictures may show, it’s really hard to tell that her panties are so exposed when she’s sitting on your shelf unless you’re specifically looking for them.
Like I told Titan_X above she’s still available at ToysLogic and Hobby Fan if you’re still interested in her. In both places she’s about $20 more than “retail”, but that’s about what I’d expect any US store to charge for her.
Pink hair and pantsu power is a winning combination, that it is.
As soon as I got to the comments section and you pointed out there was stock, I put in an order for her. You bastard.
Nice figure though, I’m so out of space for all of them now, I’ve got like 13 on my desk right now and no room to move my keyboard. I need to organize.
Wow. Made two regulars purchase a figure with a single post. A new record!
I have a few suggestions for that.
I know you constructed something similar using one of the half-wide Billy’s, so why not build a second one of those?
I was thinking of buying a full width one. I have limited space, but I think I can manage a full width and my half-width. Beyond that I’ve got no space… so once those are full, I need to either reconcider how my space is organized, or move lol.
Spend some time thinking about re-organizing your space. You’d be surprised at what something seemingly simple like moving your bed can do.
I speak from experience on this; I’ve reorganized my room more times than I can count in the last 3 years, lol.
Couldn’t agree more. I love the coloring and I love the energy of the design and the intricacy of the design (all those tiny little design elements — some figures I love because they’re just simple and elegant because of that …. but I love the business of this figure alot!
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Despite all the business, you’re never distracted for long from a few focal areas. Her face, her panstu, etc.
Not sure how they managed both, but it’s pretty neat.