Tuesday, December 26, 2023

Pokémon Face Off Figures - Charmander and Mew

Having taken a foothold where I am, it is expected that Pokémon would come out with some unique(ly tailored) merchandise for the local market. A couple of items of merchandise that I've recently obtained seems to be rather indicative of that. They're both from the same series, and it's a merchandise series that is as quirky as it is attractive, especially regarding its depiction of Pokémon and how that is manifested in the form of the merchandise items themselves.

The two items are (mini) figures from a series called "Pokémon Face Off", which as expected has quite a bit to do with faces, specifically that of certain Pokémon species. This series, produced overseas and distributed locally, contains six featured Pokémon: the three starters from Kanto as well as Pikachu and Eevee (two "pseudo-starters") plus Mew, all selections from the first generation. The ones I obtained were of Charmander and Mew; they appealed to me as the very first starter I chose and the very first Mythical Pokémon. In that sense, it seems rather appropriate.


Now, the series is called "Face Off" because the expression on the face is changeable, the quirk and gimmick of the figures. For the figures in this series, the inset part of the face can be rolled to show one of four different expressions, at least two of which are neutral and happy. Of the ones that I possess, I like the happy expressions of both Pokémon, although I also enjoy seeing their "content" expressions as well. Other fans might have a liking for the expressions that some of the other Pokémon possess (like the pensive Pikachu and winking Eevee), and this probably explains their interest for those particular figures as well.

Uniquely, the figures in this series come with their own Poké Balls. These Poké Balls are unlike the ones that I obtained some five years ago; these are two-piece affairs with a transparent red top, obviously meant to display the iconic figures and their expressions. Since they're tied to the figures, I would not use them for anything else, and especially not for cosplay (although as a concession, I did eventually end up using the previous ones for that purpose). They are to be displayed as they are, with the figures they are associated with.


I do have to say that I obtained these figures courtesy of a friend who was seeking a particular Pokémon from this set but had not been able to obtain that Pokémon even after repeated purchases (effectively incurring a gacha). That friend, knowing that I am an avid Pokémon fan, went on to offer the undesired ones to me, which would be the ones above; I of course accepted and the rest was history. In actuality, I had intended on accepting only one due to certain constraints, but I ended up accepting both, due to interest and leniency. That situation seems to have worked out quite well.

As a fan, I'm pleased with these figures and their quality; they have an official license, so that is effectively a testament to their pleasing nature. Though the figures are limited only to my local market, any Pokémon fan who decides to procure the figures ought to be considered dedicated as well as fortunate. The "Face Off" gimmick might present itself (a little) strangely in these figures, but it might be considered to be part of the local flavor that could just be what Pokémon is seeking in my area.

Four years ago: More on Sunner and Me
Posted by at
Labels:

No comments:

Post a Comment

Hi folks! Feel free to comment, but know that I'll be selecting only the most appropriate and relevant comments to appear. Think before you post.

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)