Mayoi Hachikuji by Good Smile Company
Project details
The youngest of the bunch, Mayoi Hachikuji is the fifth Bakemonogatari scale to escape Good Smile’s factory and penultimate to Shinobu Oshino who rounds up the initial full cast of figures. The original illustration of this figure may lead thoughts to imminent incarceration but in reality it’s much more harmless than what meets the eye. Having bumped into male lead Koyomi Araragi, the clumsy yet energetic Mayoi looks up in a rather surprised and embarrassed state.
To gain a mental upper hand Mayoi quickly addresses her senior as “Arararagi”, something that vexes the male protagonist. Despite name harassment and the occasional verbal abuse he agrees to help her find her way home as she is inevitably lost.
It took a good while before Good Smile unveiled the actual base for this scale and while it’s true to the original concept with the exception of recoloring it feels they could’ve skipped it completely. The upside of using it surely is Koyomi’s cast shadow despite it barely being noticeable.
The figure is leaning on a giant backpack, a pink birdlike creation holding what appears to be vital luggage for everyday trips around the city. It was somewhat tricky to attach this accessory to the figure as the loops are as stiff as the figure is without her supporting bag in place. Additional accessories include a folded map and a tiny teddy bear that goes in the backpack’s side pocket.
SCALE
1/8
ART DIRECTION
Fear
PHOTOGRAPHY SETUP
Flash, graduated backdrop
wieselhead
Quite the loli figure :p
I liked her character a lot in the anime and have a figure and a figma of her ^^
This figure of GSC looks very well made with all the details and the pose.
The expression of her mouth appears a bit emotionless though.
Seductive lolis aren’t really my thing, I guess I’d rather like the ones which are just cute and innocent =).
Nightmare
I knew I was going to hell the day Good Smile showed off the prototype version of Mayoi and it became official that the character would be released as a scale. Considering they’re all based on the dvd cover art it became apparent that this figure would be misunderstood. If you’ve seen the anime, you know exactly where this scene takes place and it’s really a spur of the moment kind of thing. So naturally, if you haven’t seen the anime you look at this figure with a different set of eyes.
You’re right about the mouth but then again the original illustration wasn’t that amazing to begin with. It’s still a good looking figure and I’m glad I decided on completing the set because at the end of the day, they all look great next to each other. The figma version does indeed portray her adorable self far better than seen in this version, it’s the one thing I really miss with this one.
I’m not sure I can take that last part seriously after your Kotono-chan review though wieselhead. ;D
wieselhead
I don’t think that this figure of Mayoi is lewd and I wouldn’t blame anyone who’ve ordered her. It is just a matter of personal taste.
Haha I know that part would backfire at me XD
Kotone had quite the loli appearance and was castoffable on top of that, maybe I just feel uncomfortable with elementary loli’s.
Miette-chan
I like it, I think this or the Shinobu figure might be my favorite of the line. I like the pose, it really fits my impression of the character.
I like the little details such as her eyes looking upwards and the different bits such as the map and shoe.
Nightmare
I’m somewhat surprised over the massive attention Shinobu is getting considering how good the rest of the figures look. She’ll be an interesting object to shoot though and something I’m looking forward to.
It’s hard not to appreciate every little detail Good Smile tends to add to their figures these days and Mayoi is no exception. Her backpack looks amazing up close and the work put in in props like the map is quite a treat to behold.
BioToxic
There’s a lot of bulk in that backpack, it takes quite a bit of attention away from Mayoi. At least it’s littered with little details from all angles to keep it for looking dull. GSC have been doing a fantastic job with these Bakemonogatari scale figures and Mayoi is no exception. Too bad I’m not a huge fan of the series to want any of them :(.
The base is quite interesting, it’s a good idea anyway. Maybe the execution isn’t all that great but it certainly helps recreate the scene this figure is based on. In a way it inhibits what you can do with the figure – Araragis’ shadow will always be there – but since it’s optional you can always use any base. It’s like you’re getting a figure and scene rather than just a figure where you create the scene/context. GSC have been shifting towards these kinds of figures it seems – not that it’s a bad thing mind you.
Aww poor Mr mini teddy. At least he can now travel the world in his red-shoe-mobile.
Nightmare
Not a Bakemonogatari fan, what is this blasphemy.
This scale is no Nadeko or Suruga but it’s certainly a figure well done regardless. I agree with the base and I admit that I’m being extremely picky being spoiled by previous releases. I still feel Mayoi is lacking that extra punch, similar to Tsubasa but with the difference in Good Smile actually pulling off the original illustration (while not the most exciting) of Mayoi.
The last scene hints revenge and may act as a “To be continued” shot. I can’t seem to find that other bear anywhere though.