If you’re a collector of action figures or just a fan of the genre, you’ll be well aware of the phrase articulated figures – those flexible little people that can be posed in all sorts of dynamic positions. You’ll also probably be familiar with the numerous series and brands available on the market, each with their own pros and cons. However, there are a few models that set themselves apart from the rest – and one such example is the Amazing Yamaguchi series, which redefines what it means to have an action figure with artistic precision.
The Amazing Yamaguchi line is made by Japanese company Kaiyodo, which has been in the business of creating collectible figurines for over 50 years. The series began in 2015 with the release of Spider-Man – or rather, Amazing Spider-Man, which was fitting given the name of the range – and has since grown to include characters from a range of franchises, including anime, comics and video games.
So why are these figures so special? Firstly, their articulation is on another level – most figures can move at the shoulders, hips, and neck, however, Amazing Yamaguchi joints offer an unprecedented amount of movement, allowing for impressive poses that would be impossible for less articulated models. For example, the figure of popular anime character All Might from My Hero Academia has over 50 joints, giving you the ability to create moments from the show where All Might punches the air with his fists or flexes his muscles as if using his Quirk.
Not only do these figures have more points of articulation, but the joints themselves are visually attractive and fit in with the aesthetic of the model, rather than sticking out like a sore thumb. This adds an additional level of detail and realism to the design, meaning you can pose them to look as true to their original source material as possible.
Of course, a figure’s articulation wouldn’t mean much if it wasn’t paired with high-quality craftsmanship – and thankfully, Amazing Yamaguchi figures excels here too. Each figure is painted and sculpted Amazing Yamaguchi Model Figures to exacting standards, with meticulous attention to detail given to the smallest elements, from creases in clothing to facial expressions.
Moreover, the figures’ proportions and body language are carefully chosen to help convey that character’s personality and nature. So, the Batman figure has a hulking, intimidating appearance, while the My Hero Academia protagonist Midoriya has a more youthful and earnest expression.
The Amazing Yamaguchi range is as much about artistic expression and bringing characters to life as it is about functional design – and they’re highly sought after for that reason. Each release is limited, with secondary-market prices often doubling or tripling in the months after the initial release.
If you’re a seasoned collector, you owe it to yourself to add an Amazing Yamaguchi figure to your collection. And if you’re new to the world of action figures, this line is the perfect place to get started. With such an incredible range of poses and a high level of craftsmanship, these figures are the perfect embodiment of what it means to be a true collectible item – functional, high-quality, and incredibly aesthetically pleasing.