Medicom Stylish Collection - Lupin the 3rd : Inspector Zenigata

Wikipedia :
Koichi Zenigata (Japanese: 銭形 幸一, Hepburn: Zenigata Kōichi), usually called Inspector Zenigata (銭形警部, Zenigata-keibu) and formerly Heiji Zenigata VII, is a fictional character created by Monkey Punch for his manga series Lupin III, which debuted in Weekly Manga Action on August 10, 1967. He is named after the famous fictional Japanese detective Zenigata Heiji, of whom he is a descendant.
Inspector Zenigata was conceived as Lupin's arch rival to create a "human Tom and Jerry".

Monkey Punch has said that he believes the Lupin III story can never end but that if he had to, both Zenigata and Lupin would have to end as equals. They would either both fail, both win or both get very old.

 

Bought this figure from BBICN via TFH in 2007 for just $63/-. One part of a 5 pieces heist (Lupin III Green Jacket | Fujiko Mine Red Sleeveless | Goemon Ishikawa | Daisuke Jigen | Inspector Zenigata) at a single swoop. At that time, I wanted to have every character ever released. But due to it being not too popular - probably only so outside of Japan - it is not there for picking at leisure.

 

The wacky, goofy mood had hit me - like a shooting star - bright and brilliant for just a brief splendid moment and it is all back to normalcy. The good inspector goofy caricature somehow got into my mind and couldn't get out. Climbed high chair, move big boxes to retrieve the box, carefully tugged away at the back (with the rest of Lupin III figures) from storage.

 

10 years after the last Lupin III post in this Blog, the series has once again grace the field with Zenigata. Comparing to the last post, this input comes with a new and better camera, concept, idea. One thing that did not change is the figure itself. Still such a pain in the ass to pose with that "ancient" Medicom Spider body.

 

DESIGN - 4/5
Medicom recreated Inspector Zenigata as faithfully to the anime as possible with slim stick-like arms and legs. Cartoony hands with painted on hair on the back of it. And most of all, the goofy headsculpt.

Also special mention on the handcuffs accessories are made of soft vinyl material which can conform its shape onto the hand having it firmly "gripped". But the chain on the cuffs are metal, which is to be expected and realized.

The only complain are on those shoes with tilted-up tip. The figure basically "standing" on its heels. Could it be to extend the anime design all the way through? Possible. But personally, I'd prefer a flat "normal" pair of feet/shoes.
And a small nit that the jacket probably can be made with a softer finer yet dense material, with wired bottom seams for posing.

Further adding the product box design here as another special mention. I love the size of the box. Small, functional and storage friendly. The box actually form part of the attraction for me getting into this series in earnest. High score here.

SCULPTING - 5/5
Specifically on the (2) headsculpts and the hands. Stunning to say the least. Special mentioning the Pistol which is sculpted slightly oversize for extension of the manga/anime feel.
Especially for the handcuffs. They look metallic or at least hard plastic due to its clear crisp sculpting. When I pick it up from the tray then realize it is soft vinyl material. Very impressed.

PAINTING - 4/5
Not much here but the head, hand and a few other accessories. The head and hands seem to be in it's original plastic (flesh) tone colour. Black for the hair and white for the eyes are painted on. No bleeding and om point.
Pistol, handcuffs and shoes nicely painted and with black washed.

ARTICULATION - 2.5/5
Biggest heartache. While the body is supposed to be the right, and only body, to use, articulations are pretty basic. Posing it for photography is a chore, need patience and determination. Arms can bend about slightly above 90°. Knee joints are weak and unable to support the body when posed with it bent.
Striking a desired pose cannot be achieve 90% of time without a supporting stick behind the back.
This figure had sacrifice poseability for character design accuracy. I want this. Also I want that. Unfortunately for this figure, it can only have one.

ACCESSORIES - 4/5
When there is an alternate headsculpt to swap around, that is the ultimate accessory. Every figure should have this as a norm.
Box also came with a M1911A1 esque Pistol, a pair of handcuffs and a removable hat. BUT there isn't a holster for the pistol. Missing the icing on the cake.

OVERALL - 4/5

This Zenigata action figure is an excellent representation of the anime. It meets and exceed expectations except for the weak body which Medicom really need to look deeper into and making some improvement.

 

There are few other characters that I would love to have in my collection mainly Paical, Young Lupin , Cornelia, Ginko Fujinami & Racer Lupin.
Such figures are either you love them, or you don't. Prices has never risen nor will they ever will. In for the love of it, not for the resale value. Hope to scoop up some good deals along the way to complete the list above.