ultra.fandom.com :
Seiji Hokuto (北斗 星司 Hokuto Seiji) is Ultraman Ace's male human host. His female partner and former fellow host was Yuko Minami.
Seiji was a truck driver for an orphanage, and was delivering bread for the children when the first Terrible-Monster Verokron attacked Tokyo. Seiji bravely continued on his way back to the Orphanage to evacuate the children with his truck but the missile Terrible-Monster obstructed his truck off to the side of the road. Undaunted, Seiji continued to the Orphanage. After arriving he help a nurse, Yuko Minami, move all of the children to a save bunker. Both Seiji and Yuko return into the Orphanage building to rescue any remaining children, however Verokron's missiles brought the building down on the two brave humans, killing both of them. Ultraman Ace saw the heroic action of the pair from afar and gave to them his life and the Ultra Rings, so that the three of them would fight against the Terrible-Monster and their evil master, Yapool.
I got this figure via TFH [tfh.com.sg]. Do not remember for sure if I indeed hand the ticket over to the guys there for enabling ordering of Seiji Hokuto. And it cannot be verify anymore since I have sold ACE some 13 years ago. Picked this figure up on the 2nd day into 2009. Paid a grand sum of $220/- for it. This amount back in 2009 for a 1/6 figure is really considered a top premium price. But I think it is worth it given the very exclusive nature and the required pre-condition to be "satisfied" before enabling a purchase.
Being a Gen X'er, Japanese Pop Culture plays a big part in my growing up years. Kamen Rider (up to Rider X) are the biggest part. Not too much into Ultraman actually cos I truly despise the short "battery life" of it when fighting the monsters. Now as a grown up, I appreciate it much better. It is trying to give a message to the kids that no matter how strong one is, there is always a limitation to the strength it can use. It is not infinite. Unlike Rambo's machine gun eh?
I appreciate late 70s, 80s Japanese super heroes design and their human form. Ultraman's franchise human forms are much more interesting than Kamen Riders in their unique uniform design and the helmet that exudes a very retro 80s design. Specifically this figure Seiji Hokuto really pops with the orange-grey uniform top off with a red motorcycly-ish helmet and 2 "antennaes" at each side.
Seiji is in storage for the longest of times since I moved away from my old flat some 10yrs ago. And it had stayed inside his box for this same period of time, out from the elements, out from itchy hands. But he was on my mind on and off. Took him out finally this week.
Cheek piece pleather from the helmet surprisingly held up. No disintrigation. But the chin strap has all but turned to powder leaving the cloth backing still hanging on flimsily. Helmet goes in with a small tussle but it now fits snugly. Now in a dilemma whether to remove it (after this photoshoot) or to keep it on. The latter may have black marks (inks from the black helmet linings) transferred to the face which is non-reversible. But the sculpts looking sub par without the helmet on. Dilemma dilemma... sleep over it a few days to decide again.
Don't think need to elaborate again and again on what a heartstopping experience it is to pose a Medicom RAH figure. I tried to move the thigh forward but both sides were absolutely "stuck" to a point position. I hold it near the top side close to the hip and using gradual force. A sudden loud "CRACK!" releases one side. I knew if immediately it is not broken. The other leg is the same. The rest of the articulation points are ok but still the utmost care is taken for each and every pose in made in these pictures.
This figure has a very nice body proportion which represent an Asian stature almost perfectly. Very pleasing to look at. Had it stand at the side of the worktable and notice I keep stealing a glance over at it. If Medicom uses a more sturdy body and improve the headsculpt (and headsculpt painting), it will be a winner.
Accessory wise, there are only another pair of fisted gloved hands and a right trigger finger gloved hand. Helmet and (laser?) pistol that looks like a lolly-pop. It also came with a staple clear figure stand - that is never use.
Last words
This figure is special because of the prior requirement to satisfy before it can be ordered. And then paying a premium amount for it. I believe there are only a handful in Singapore that own this figure and even lesser that could still have it in good condition like mine. With the lost of popularity for Medicom RAH figures, it is good time to buy such figures. If in luck, could have got it cheap. I won't be selling mine for sure.
GO! GO! ULTRAMAN ACE!
No comments:
Post a Comment