Bandai Super-Poseable Naruto Action Figures

Sephiroth · February 5, 2005

I've been a big fan of Masashi Kishimoto's Naruto manga ever since I read the first issue Shonen Jump over two years ago. I've never seen the anime, but if it's anything like the manga, I know I will enjoy it immensly as well. After surfing Google for Naruto toys and only seeing mini-trading figures and keychains, I stumbled upon a pic of the Bandai Sasuke action figure. At first, I thought it was just another statue-like figure with zero poseability...until I noticed the articulation joints at the legs and arms and then the extra accessories. My interest peaked; I started searching for more and found that Bandai released Kakashi and Naruto figures as well back in 2003. I searched all over eBay and internet stores and was able to pick up Sasuke and Kakashi for around $25 each, but that damn Naruto figure cost me almost $90 on eBay...and now that I have them in my possesion, I have to say they were worth every cent.

The window-boxes are gorgeous and remind me of the vintage Takatoku boxes for some reason. Although they are not textured, they do feature a great deal of artwork and detail on each side. They are unique to each character with it's own color and images. The back side displays photos of the actual figure in various action poses and includes instructions on how to attach the multitude of accessories and parts. The figures are contained in plastic trays that are covered by a molded top that secures the figure and accessories firmly in place. A third plastic tray cover then fits over both pieces and fits snugly in the colored cardboard tray.

Each figure comes with three extra interchangeable hands and an extra interchangeable "angry" head that allows you to display your figure in poses straight out of the manga or anime. Each figure comes with a standard kunai blade, ninja star, open and closed scrolls. Each figure also gets one unique item: Naruto has a bowl of ramen noodles, Sasuke comes with a large throwing star weapon, and Kakshi comes with his copy of "Make-Out Paradise." On top of all that, Each figure comes with a life-sized scroll that features a picture of each respective figure and can be hung on a wall.

Each figures stands around "5 tall and features articulation at each major joint. Even the feet are articulated. Ball-joints are used for the head, shoulders and hips. There is also articulation at the waist that is concealed. The sculpts are closer to their anime counterparts from what I've read, but they look just like the manga version to me. The scuplted detail is in one word, awesome! From the little pouches they carry to the logos on their jackets, everything is where you would expect them to be. The paint application and color-molded parts are flawless. Kakashi stands taller than the Naruto and Sasuke as he should, but I would have expected Sasuke to be a little taller than Naruto. They look very striking when displayed next to each other and I only wish Bandai had produced at least one more figure for this line...Sakura. A full line up of characters would have been perfect.

Here are couple more random pics:

I wish I had a better camera and more light to really show you guys how impressive these figures really are. HLJ has some pretty sharp pictures:

http://www.hlj.com/product/BAN912052