Strong World

I knew that as soon as I decided to cut back on figures that someone somewhere was going to make a set that would really challenge my new resolution. I was actually expecting it to be one of my favorite figure manufacturers doing a Lucky Star set…but I guess that bomb is going to be saved for another day. Instead they hit me in my weakest of weak spots, ONE PIECE! The scum!

Luffy

After all those re-releases I knew that Megahouse was being pretty quiet with regard to the P.O.P One Piece figures, and here I naively thought they might be done releasing regular figures of the crew members for a while. Lately they’ve only been announcing secondary characters and the Mild P.O.P figures. But then they announce this AMAZING looking Luffy that I went for hook, line, and sinker! No hesitation whatsoever! And I still stand by that, I WANT that Luffy and I’m willing to sacrifice other future potential pre-orders to get it!

Zoro

I went for Luffy, and a couple weeks later I realize that the Luffy hook I’m caught on has 10 other tempting P.O.P Megahouse Straw Hats on the rest of the line! AAHHHHHH! I’ve never been so happy and horrified at the same time! I REALLY like the look of Luffy, Zoro, and Robin. I’m particularly tempted by that Robin because I feel like it will end up looking a LOT better then her Skypia outfit. Plus who can resist Usopp in that outfit?

Nami

But I’m not sure I want the entire set. Nami’s expression is a little dull for her explosive personality in this picture, and I’m not sure I like the look of the rest of her figure that much either. Also I ADORE Brook…but that figure is hardly any different from his regular release self, it looks like the same figure except with a gun in his hand and an added orange shirt with a popped collar. But I will assuredly be getting Luffy, Chopper #1, and one of the Zoros at the least.

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Now for the haul! My most recent haul is made up of mainly One Piece items! How fitting! I’m REALLY fond of these Mild figures, I’m a sucker for my favorite characters made deformed and Chibi, a fact that only Bandai and GSC have taken advantage of with me so far. Although I must admit I’m partially regretful of getting these little One Piece figures (top left). I saw how the prototype pictures were set up, saw the price, and stupidly thought these were the size of prize figures. That’s the first time I’ve made such a silly mistake, after all it’s the rule of thumb that you should ALWAYS check the size of a figure before buying. BUT at least the quality of these trading figures seems considerably better then what I’ve seen of the Styling Bandai line, but if I fully understood what I was buying from the start I would have decided to not spend $13 a piece on them. I know, I know, I cringe at revealing the price just as much as you’re probably cringing reading it. It kind of stings all the more because I sacrificed other figures to get them. But I can never really be too mad with One Piece, after all Oda owns me.

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This haul has two highly anticipated figures for me! Bounty Hunter Yoko (Alter) and Rogue (Kotobukiya) based on the Shunya Yamashita illustration. I have to admit Kotobukiya isn’t my favorite manufacturer but they’re really good at picking out my favorite illustrators (Tony Taka and Shunya Yamashita) and producing the HELL out of all their magnificent illustrations. It’s nuts and it’s hard for me not to get swept up by all the figures. Currently I want to collect all the Marvel/Kotobukiya Shunya Yamashita figures…but I’m worried I’m looking down a rabbit hole as long and involved as the Shining Kotobukiya line…so we’ll see. At the very least I’m in love with both Black Widow, and Rogue. I’m mainly fond of the Scarlet Witch just because she is Magneto’s daughter.

I know I’m not 100% sure on ordering the whole Strong World One Piece set because I don’t think I would be able to sacrifice getting Maid Saber! In which case I probably shouldn’t even humor the thought of going after the whole set.

Alter Saber Maid