Over the last couple of years we saw five different Universal Century girls released as PVC figures in an excellent series of Banpresto prize items. While the figures were not to scale they did have a similar style and theme featuring Newtype characters, each from a different series - Mobile Suit Gundam, Zeta, Double Zeta, Char's Counterattack and Unicorn. I was curious if this range would be allowed to continue and the item I was especially hoping for was for Cecily Fairchild to make an appearance. Instead, Banpresto appears to have let go of this series but instead introduced a non-Newtype figure in March 2024, the figure we are checking out today.
At first glance this box looks very similar to the recent U.C. and Witch of Mercury figure releases but it is quite a bit larger. This is mainly caused by the size of the figure itself which is quite tall compared to the other recent prize items.
The packaging style is also familiar. We have an inner thicker cardboard piece wrapping the figure tightly and each component is held in a compartmentalized plastic bag. The outer box itself is quite thin.
It is when we begin examining the components more closely that we can see just how little this figure has in common with the other recent Banpresto releases. First of all and most obvious, we have a brand new base colour, the U.C. Newtype girls sported opaque white circular bases and the Witch of Mercury figures came with translucent blue bases. Rather than using pegs Aina's entire right foot fits into a similar hole on the base and a rather sturdy support for the left leg which clips to the left thigh is also included. The most obvious different however is the choice of material; this figure is considerably softer and "bendier" than the other U.C. and Witch of Mercury figures. Almost to the point that it feels rubbery. I'm not a physicist but the PVC mix is clearly different here.
I believe the main reason for this material change is to create a rubbery latex-impression of the red flight suit. Notice how the other components of the figure aren't shiny in the same way but have a matte finish similar to the other recent Banpresto figures. The sculpting and colouring is overall excellent but personally I am really tired of this unzipped flightsuit thing they have going for Aina, this theme has been used on several figures already. Come up with something new! In its own right however this is an excellent sculpt with very good character likeness and its low price on the secondary market (currently available in droves at Mandarake for ¥1500) makes this a perfect choice if you are just looking to get an Aina figure for your shelf.
While I normally do not use the supports for the figures when doing the photo shoots this time it really felt like I was putting unnecessary strain on the figure even if it only lasted for a few minutes. This figure with its long and thin legs definitely needs the support to avoid damage over time if you put it on display. Personally, I was not so happy about this figure due to the changes in size (Aina is around 22 centimetres tall) and rubbery material, not to mention the introduction of a new base colour. Lately Banpresto are doing set of SEED Freedom character figures which are more similar to the previous offerings so I have a feeling this was a one-off thing.
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