While it isn’t uncommon for popular anime characters to receive more than a single figure adaptation, characters in the Gochuumon wa Usagi Desu Ka? (Also known as Is the Order a Rabbit? Internationally) have enjoyed many varied releases over the years. From the main cast of seven characters, a greater portion of those figures have been released for Chino Kafuu, the serious and reserved 13-year-old student who is a primary focus of the show.
These figure adaptations cover her not only wearing attire that you would expect her to wear, such as her normal outfit, work clothes and school uniform – but others that have been featured in (sometimes singular) pieces of manga/anime artwork such as her dressed up as a magical girl, a bunnygirl and a cheerleader. This is not taking into consideration others that have been announced, but yet to be more than a mere concept.
First released in 2017 and re-released in Japan just last month, this review focuses on the ‘Alice Style’ figure of Chino, which takes its core design from a piece of artwork present in the original manga, illustrated by author Koi. Coming in at 200mm in height, this 1/8 scale initially caught my attention due to its simple yet adorable charm. But at a retail price of around 12,800 yen (approx. $150 AUD), was it worth the purchase price? Read on to find out!
As usual before beginning this figure review, do not that there is always the possibility of quality differences between two figures of the same type. These comments are based on the figure I possess and may or may not be 100% reflective of what you will receive should you order one yourself.
Concept & Design
As mentioned above, this figure is based off a single page of artwork featured in the manga of Is This Order a Rabbit?, and adapts the design it is based off really well. The iconic clothing of Alice from Alice in Wonderland is hardly unique, having been done in many figures already. While a figure based on this theme may not be a unique addition to one’s collection, it can nevertheless be a cute one provided the concept and build quality is top notch. At least in terms of the concept, I liked the Gochiusa quirks added to this figure. The bunny ears are adorable and are an appropriate crossover for both series, while the colour scheme of pastel blue and white also matched both character and outfit perfectly.
One of the more distinct features of this figure, which gives Chino more of a fairy-like aspect to her appearance, is that she comes with a spoon that can be held in her hands as pictured above. The spoon works well with the 1/8 scale appearance of Chino. It is an attention-grabbing detail which, like her bunny ears, ties in well with the Rabbit House Cafe setting of the franchise. Despite this, it is very much a basic spoon with a rabbit motif or two. Given Chino’s pose, she is also designed to be holding the spoon, and looks a little awkward if displayed without one.
Outside of the few unique aspects to this ‘Alice Style’ figure, the production team have more or less done a good job at capturing the charm one would expect from this figure, sticking with the classic variation. Chino is depicted wearing a pastel blue dress with white pinafore (w/bow), the latter of which has a few creases in it. Heading down, she is presented wearing pastel blue/white striped knee-socks and black boots – a little cliched but effective. The ensemble is topped off with a pair of white wrist loops.
Like a majority of the figures released based on Chino to date, at the moment this seems to be a one-off design, with no announced plans for any other ‘Alice Style’ figures to be released in the future.
Build Quality
When looking at this figure from a distance, there wasn’t anything I could really complain about with regard to either its build or paint quality. Structurally it is sound, with no noticeable issues or imperfections with the sculpt work, nor would I expect any abnormal wear-and-tear issues. The only thing that caught me by surprise was that Chino’s bunny ears came separate in the packaging needing to be attached. Although this may have been to reduce the risk of transport damage, you are unable to choose Chino to go bunny ear-less, due to the prominence of the attachment points.
The paintwork on the other hand was special, nothing to rave about nor anything to complain about. As mentioned above, the quality of the paintwork and colour-choices helped make this figure adorable and something I feel is worth displaying.
The Base
A couple of other figures based around Chino have presented some great bases, one such example being Kotobukiya’s 2016 1/8 scale version which saw Chino and Tippy in-front of a window, which had an actual backdrop to it. Despite the possibilities surrounding its Alice in Wonderland theme, this base does not deliver. It is a standard white, circular base with a small logo printed on one half. While it serves its function and is sturdy enough, I feel like it could have been much more.
Final Words on Gochuumon wa Usagi Desu ka? – Kafuu Chino – 1/8 – Alice Style
As not the first nor the last figure based on Chino Kafuu from Gochuumon wa Usagi Desu ka?, Aquamarine’s creation certainly plays off the charms of both the character and chosen theme well. Although in my opinion hampered by the decision to deliver a nondescript base that does not evoke the ‘Alice Style’ theming, they do deliver an adequately designed, sculpted and painted figure which is adorable. Despite being nice and one I do not regret purchasing, there are arguably better figures based on this character out there, which retailed for a similar or cheaper price.
This figure was developed by Aquamarine and distributed by Good Smile Company. A copy of this figure was not provided by either company.
