Good Smile Company Canaan PVC: CANAAN
What we have here in Canaan is a figure that’s easily in contention for a slot in the Best Figures of 2010. Pure and simple. She’s almost entirely the figure I thought she’d be and in some cases a little more than I expected. There was one area that I was left wanting a little more than we got but that’s not dampening my enthusiasm for her at all. Today we’re taking a look at Good Smile Company’s 1/8th scale Canaan PVC figure from CANAAN.
Crimson Hobby~
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GSC Canaan: Background
Good Smile Company’s 1/8th scale Canaan PVC figure was released in April of 2010 (was originally scheduled for a January release but was delayed) and retailed for ¥8800 (96 USD). Sculpted by Iwamoto Kunihito Canaan is the first of two figures that GSC is producing with Alphard scheduled to be released next month (yes, Alphard was delayed as well).
There is some concern about the production run of this figure not being up to snuff; concerns which came about due to some pictures posted on Hobby Search. Since the figure is relatively new to the market it’s hard to say what’s going on (whether that was some crappy mock-up or if the entire run itself has issues) but most owners who do have the figure are reporting that Canaan came out better than the Hobby Search pics. As for me? Well you can read my thoughts below!
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A Trivial Matter
I really don’t know where to begin with this figure. When I first got wind of her late last August I was floored by her and ordered her immediately. I even opted to go through HLJ this time around so I could get her that much faster (the place I usually order from routinely gets their figures 2-3 months after the Japanese release). Then the delays started and that got me worried. Then Aka pointed out how some of the production run was turning out and I worried even more.
But then I got her for myself and got a good look at her production values all my worries melted away…but one worry was replaced with a small disappointment. Don’t get me wrong I love this figure to death and she lived up to 90% of my expectations but she didn’t exactly turn out as advertised. Detailing, pose, energy, and construction wise Canaan lives up to the hype surrounding those promotional shots but when it comes to coloring she came out looking awfully standard. The color scheme on her isn’t bad per se but my issue is that it isn’t the gritty, stylized scheme we were first shown.
First lets talk about her skin tones. The promotional shots showed Canaan’s skin tones with a slightly rosy tint while the production run lost that tint and gave us a paler complexion. This pale skin tone is nice – like something you’ve seen on countless other figures – but that also means it’s no longer unique. This tint of skin might fit better for Canaan’s actual character design (and the few screen shots from the anime I saw seem to confirm it) but I miss the warmth the figure was originally meant to have. I also miss the depth. The skin tones in the figure we got are lacking a bit when it comes to shading. She’s not unpleasant to look at as the color is still nice but honestly I would’ve expected more from GSC in this area.
Skin tones are one thing but I was also expecting the rest of the color scheme to be different than what we got. The promotional shots showed a Canaan figure with darker, more gritty coloring that complimented the rosy skin tone but also made the figure stand out from the rest of the pack. The darker colors set a mood for the figure that seemed fitting for the character and the vibe of the show. The production run has bright, more anime like coloring. You notice it the most in her shirt but it also prevails in other areas on the sculpt. Again, it’s not bad and it’s certainly an acceptable color scheme choice, but it’s standard and not what was advertised. But at least GSC have these parts lots of nice shading.
The last issue I have with the whole ‘as advertised’ vs. ‘in actuality’ theme I’ve been writing about is admittedly a very small thing, perhaps even petty, but it’s one the bugs me nonetheless: her bracelet. It was supposed to be bigger, supposed to be shinier, and supposed to sit off center from her wrist. What we got? Not so much any of those. Again, that seems like a really nitpicky thing to point out, but it’s details like that which kind of bug me.
So if that was the 10% of the figure that didn’t live up to my expectations, what about the rest that did? The energy Canaan displays – brought on in part by her fantastic pose – is just as wonderful in person as the promotional shots made it out to be. Canaan’s pose is dynamic and, without a doubt, does the single best job of capturing the chaos of movement than any other figure in my collection. Her hair, legs, and coat all show the turbulence of the moment while her arms and her gaze remained fixed on her target. It’s also an amazing pose in that it tells a story; one of the few that do so.
The other element that helps that story along is, of course, Canaan’s face. In fact it is a critical element to the whole piece because, like Yoko, it provides key details to the story. Her face is fierce and you can clearly see an intensity in her expression, but I also see a hint of desperation or, at the very least, urgency. She has to make this shot but she’s not sure she can pull it off. Take this face together with the chaos of the pose and the story becomes even more vivid. Then, taking it a little further, contrast Canaan’s expression with the smug confidence of Alphard and a whole scene begins to emerge. Such masterful control of facial expression is rare and a real treat when you get one as fantastic as this.
There is also some very nice detailing on the sculpt but I’m most taken by the little “bits” which decorate the figure. Things like the zippers on her pants, the textured rubber on her soles to her shoes, the buttons on her pants, and even the grooves to her gun all work to give Canaan a sort of texture that ornaments the figure without getting in the way of the pose. That’s really important, I feel, because too much detailing can overpower a pose if the sculptor isn’t careful. Iwamoto Kunihito’s solution is rather ingenious.
I know there was some concern about Canaan and whether or not she would lean or come to lean because her pose was so off center. I wasn’t worried about it at first but as we saw Canaan’s release date continually pushed back I began to worry about that myself. Now that I’ve had her for a bit I’m not worried about that anymore. Her right leg is sturdy and is hard to the touch. It feels like the material continues all the way up to her waist. Plus, and like I originally thought, Iwamoto Kunihito designed it so you rest Canaan’s left foot directly on her cape which gives the figure some much needed support. Just be careful not to scratch it.
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Final Thoughts
I hope I didn’t come off as sounding too negative on the figure because I really do love the sculpt, but at the same time I felt like I had to put the review into context. That’s why I spent the first couple paragraphs talking about that whole ‘as advertised’ vs. ‘in actuality’ thing. For some people the differences between the two will be a deal breaker but for me, even though a part of me will never fully let go off the paint scheme we were promised, I like what we got because the energy, detailing, pose, construction, and story are all still there. Plus the paint scheme we got is nice, even if different.
I also like Canaan’s cape. As a sculpt feature it serves as equal parts base (literally supporting the weight of the figure) and prop (giving the figure a but of a diorama to work against). Reminds me of GSC Black Rock Shooter and her cannon.
Love & Piece,
Rico-sama
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Canaan’s Full Gallery
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“The skin tones in the figure we got are lacking a bit when it comes to shading. She’s not unpleasant to look at as the color is still nice but honestly I would’ve expected more from GSC in this area.”
This is a common problem that GSC figures share, at least when it comes to the overhyped ones. This is the main reason I got rid of my Hatsune Miku, it looked like a big piece of whiteish plastic. It looked like a bootleg and it was genuine. This is also the reason I cancelled Kagamine Rin. It’s also one of the reasons I passed on BRS. Saber Lily also lacks shading on the skin, though it’s less disturbing, and even though the actsta Nakajima Subaru looks well shaded on the promotional pictures it also lacks in this department.
I knew by the time Canaan was announced that this was going to happen, I still liked it and think it’s average GSC quality, but the price is a joke. This is a price I’d pay for a 1/7-1/6 scale figure, not a mass produced 1/8 figure that I know will have it’s flaws in the paintjob.
If it ever gets a good bargain price I will at least consider getting it, but I would most definitely not pay the original price. If it was something made by Alter I might think it through, but if it’s GSC then it’s an automatic pass for me.
I actually think a more common occurrence among their more recent figures; I don’t recall them being so weird about it in the past. But maybe I’m confusing them with Max Factory.
But again it’s not like the skin tone is an unpleasant color – just not a lot of shading.
I would argue that there are a few areas where the figure stands out – like her pose and face – but I do see where you’re coming from. I would definitely give some serious consideration to an Alter Canaan sculpt.
PS. Sorry it took me a day to approve your comment. >,<
Oh boy, another great site found through MFC’s blog network!
You raised some very good points in this review! The discrepancies you mentioned between the promo shots and the real thing may seem small at first, but they really add up in the end. Personally I’m pretty shocked by the paleness of her skin; I know she was never all that brown to begin with in the anime, but her darker skin tone is a really important indicator in her appearance that should be slightly emphasized. I wonder when GSC is going to snap out of its chain of delays… hopefully it’ll end before it rolls out its ambitious new lineup revealed at WonFes.
But I do agree that she’s a very lovely figure. The highlight of this figure for me is definitely her teeth, as they add a lot of energy to her already fierce expression.
Those little things really do make a difference. I mean I fully realize that the promotional images we see are photoshopped to look as appealing as possible and that a mass produced figure will never look exactly like the promo, but it should at least look close. I bought into the figure based upon a certain feeling I got when I looked at the promo shots – I still like the figure but some of that feeling is lost with the way the figure came out.
They seem to have gotten past whatever was aligning them, if Index is any indication.
I like the molded teeth too – adds impact!
PS. Sorry it took me a day to approve your comment too. >,<
I’m glad you like yours so much, I so far am not too impressed. Like you I’m very happy with the dynamic pose, but there are so many aspects that feel like they’ve changed.
I’m glad your pictures put her in that darker colour that was expected, others have been lighter and appeared as though she was lacking the toning and shading she should have had. Additionally other shots gave her the same skin toning as yours, I’d just hoped it was their cameras/lighting but it seems not. I wish she had her rosy skin, it was much more attractive. Did her face change between prototype and production? it feels like it at times.
I wait for mine to arrive for the final verdict.
I’m sorry she’s not living up to your expectations. Hopefully you’ll get one of the “good” batch, whatever that ends up meaning.
No, she is definitely lacking shading when it came to her skin tones. It actually kind of reminds me of the way Kotobukiya does skin. Fortunately in Canaan’s case GCS gave her a nicer base color so it’s still pleasant but still lacking. I also miss that rosy skin we should have gotten. I was happy with the shading over the rest of the figure but, like I said above, it didn’t have the gritty, darker vibe and some of that was due to shading.
You know I’m not sure about her face. I had a similar thought as you but I couldn’t find and real reason why I thought that. I think it’s more the case of I was able to produce more varying angles than the dozen or so official shots we saw prior to release.
Look forward to your review of her!
It looks like you got a good copy! Unfortunately not everyone was as lucky judging from other reviews I have seen. That’s a shame GSC couldn’t make the colors as vibrant and rich like the prototype. And I don’t get why they opted for the smaller bracelet instead of the big one. What were all those delays for? :[
Well, as long as you’re happy with her nothing else should matter. But GSC really needs to step their game up. Now I’m a bit worried of getting their other figures being released later this year. Honestly, I shouldn’t have to worry over minor flaws like this happening when I’m spending $80-$100+ on a figure. That’s not cool. This is exactly why I prefer Alter over GSC. Alter gives you what you pay for.
I have a pet theory that’s entirely speculation and derived partly from the physical evidence presented in some of GSC’s recent figures and partly from my own wild imagination but I think GSC was (maybe still is) having major issues with their factories. Who knows if they were in the middle of finding a new one or they are trying to find a new one because the old one went to shit, but that’s what I think. I’ve seen a pretty varied sampling of figures of theirs recently. White Album Yuki had pretty bad skin tones, like Kotobukiya level bad, and she wouldn’t stand up on her own. White Album Rina had much better skin tones (and coloring overall) but the mold engineering on her caused her to come out looking like a completely different figure. Then there is Canaan, which either had a bad batch slip by QC or she was produced in separate facilities.
Of course, the far more reasonable thing to think I guess would be that the issue was related to one of the numerous technical variables and/or human factors brought on through the production process, but hey this is a blog on the Internets – I wont get readers if I’m “reasonable”.
No, I definitely agree. GSC is a far, far better company than this and I definitely have issues with Canaan’s color scheme and skin tones (and a lot of their recent figures). The fact that Canaan isn’t horrible is a saving grace but for the price I definitely expected more.
Sometimes. I have a beef with Alter recently too. Their Kudryavka Noumi came out with a yellowish tint to her skin tones and their Yoshika had good coloring but not a lot of warmth. That said, they haven’t had molding issues like GSC.
Here’s another hair-brained theory: maybe it was an industry wide problem, whatever it was. Maybe more companies had to out-source to another factory or set of factories due to some unforeseen accident? China (where I’m assuming most of these figures are actually made) has been rife with natural disasters recently.
I’m not going to give GSC the benefit of doubt this time. There’s no way for us knowing about the factory situation anyway. This type of bad quality control for such a big company is unacceptable. What’s the point of doing such amazing new figures if they can’t deliver on quality? It’s very worrisome. I’m just praying they get their shit together soon. There’s a lot of upcoming figures I want to buy from them.
Also, I still don’t see the problem with Yoshika. I never paid much attention to skin-tones or “warmth” as you call it. I think Alter has been doing great with all of their new releases.
Fair enough, and very good question. I wasn’t trying to excuse GSC but rather just trying to piece together how this could’ve happened. Even if it was a factory issue (which you’re right we’ll never be able to confirm) you’re right that it’s still inexcusable to let this happen.
I have small issues with the two Alter figures I mentioned before, but I tend to agree with you overall. Alter has much better consistency than any company on the market.
My copy of Canaan is on-delivery to me. I guess I won’t scrutinize it that much in order to live happier. Anyway, this is gonna be my 2nd figure. Just got my 1st figure from mail order today.
I still think she’s still a mighty fine figure, even with her flaws, so I doubt you’ll have to try too hard to enjoy her. A worthy figure to be your second ever purchase. Way, WAY better than the one I bought for my second purchase at any rate.
Out of curiosity, who was your first?
I’m sure Canaan gonna be a nice figure that will go into my collection. I even pre-ordered Alphard on the whim, cause they seemed inseparable.
Osaka Swimsuit ver. was my first. Just received her yesterday by post. I couldn’t resist the innocent look on her face and the similarity with the anime. I guess she got me seriously starting this figure collection thingy. Hopefully, someday they’ll make Chiyo-chan’s figure as well.
I’ve always wanted a Rei (Ayanami Rei) figure back then, but was too poor to spare the amount of cash for her. Unfortunately, most of the nice Rei figures are out of commission. Though there’s a local store still has the Rebuild of Eva’s Rei. Will grab it next month, together with Alter’s Yomako-sensei. Hopefully I’m not too late.
Ah, an Azumanga fan, eh? Nice. I got Osaka, Kagura, and Sasaki-san too. While I do want a Chiyo-chan, I really want Tomo to be next. I’d buy a Yomi just to complete the set.
That Rebuild of Eva Rei is one of the best Rei figures on the market. If you can make it happen you won’t regret getting her. Yomako-sensei is also nice but I’d grab Rei over her in a heartbeat.
Yup, love Azumanga Daioh anime a lot. Osaka was so darn funny and Chiyo-chan was cute. Unfortunately, I can’t afford to collect them all, hence I could only collect the DFC’s figures. lol.
I’ve planned to grab both Rei and Yomako from the same shop. And they happened to have Alter Hazuki (Tsukuyomi) and a great discounted price ($26.20). I guess the box must have been in quite bad shape as the Yomako’s box isn’t in mint conditions either.
Crossing my fingers they’ll remain there until my credit card statement closes for this month’s spending. lol.
Have you tried asking the proprietor of the store if they’ll hold those two you for? Maybe they’re cool like that.
Will write in to them, hopefully they’ll respond.
Just inspected my Canaan. Very satisfied with it. I get more thrill looking at Canaan more than Osaka now. The details on it were awesome. I guess that’s why people are so into this hobby. I’m afraid I might get stuck and be addicted.
Awesome, glad you like her so much.
Come to the dark side…
You devil.
This figure has an awesome pose and I’ve been looking forward to it ever since it was announced. I’ve never found the paint jobs on pvc figures to be that great given their prices and the leaning issues I’ve read about in more dynamic poses.
I suppose that’s why I only go for resin figures though. If you want an awesome paint job i recommend getting this one in resin!
Yeah, leaning sometimes does happen but I’m not too worried about that in Canaan’s case.
Did they even make this one in resin?
yup, recast from pvc though. but the allows a more durable figure and the flexibility of any paint job you like =)
Wow, weird. I didn’t know a recast could actually be made from PVC. Neat.
Now that you mention the bracelet, I’m a little disappointed with that. But overall, I love this figure and have no problems with it. I love the sculpt of her back especially. :3 And the expression on her face is awesome.
I was a little worried about the only point of contact with the base being that little metal bar connected to her foot, but it seems very stable to me and I’m beginning to feel confident that it will be fine for the long run.
I’m very very happy with the purchase.
Weird how little details like that will get to you, isn’t it?
I’m not worried about her leaning either. I almost think Alphard will lean before Canaan does.
I bought recently Nadie (Alter), and when I made my review, everyone told me that I had to wait Canaan who looks like Nadie (for the pose for exemple). I said that I don’t like short hair, and then, I don’t really like Canaan chara design. I am happy because all copies are not good (pictures on Hobby Search show that) ^^’ Thanks a lot for this review ^^
Well I guess you didn’t like Canaan that much then.
No worries though.
Narika is a fine figure in her self but the one area I think Canaan is superior is in the way in which figure meets base. Canaan had one metal peg, cape, and textured base while Narika had two metal prongs and a plain plastic base.
Narika has much better skin tones though. Much, much better.
She looks really good.
very detailed, GSC sure make it special in a way ^^
nice pics!
Nice pics and review! I pretty much said the same thing in mine, too bad the production quality isn’t as top notch as the prototype we saw. But I still like Canaan a lot, great pose! I hope she doesn’t end up leaning though.
Did you have to play around with the foot peg to find the right positioning? I did and thought I found one that worked out – but judging by your pics, it seems like your peg direction is different than mine. lol Is Canaan’s right foot suppose to rest on the cape? Cuz I set mine up so she isn’t touching the cape, I found the finish/coating on the cape tend to scratch easily.
Maybe they’ll do a re-release with better production values? Actually wait. If they did that I’d be mighty pissed, lol.
I did fool around with the foot peg some as the directions weren’t very clear. I did position mine so that her right foot rests on the cape. I think it’s “supposed” too to that yes but there is no rule about doing it another way.
Personally I find resting her foot on her cape helps with the support for the figure but you’re right it can scratch easily.