One of the more pleasing developments in figure collecting is that a number of manufacturers are now producing figures derived from the artwork of well-known illustrators, especially those of ero publications. Misaki Kurehito’s artwork has received a number of figure adaptations, Cle Masahiro Murakami Suigun recently got one each, Oda Non’s work is getting a bundle of figures from a variety of companies, and so on – all good stuff. Here we have a figure based off of an illustration by Homare, an artist who has been released image packs on DLSite and similar sites under the circle name FOOL’S ART GALLERY. This is the first figure to be released that is sourced from his work, which is curious as he’s been in the business for years, even designing a Queen’s Blade character, though it never was turned into a figure. A real disappointment, that. I kind of think this costume would have made for a fine figure, even a mainstream one. But although it’s a tad belated, we finally have a Homare-designed figure, so let’s take a look.
This figure is based off of a cover illustration done for a monthly hentai comic anthology. It’s sculpted in 1/5 scale, which is a bit of an oddball scale size; 1/6 is as large as most figure manufacturers go, while 1/4 is a popular size for Western polystone statues and FREEing’s bunnygirl figures, but 1/5 is rather rare. Regardless, the larger size gives her impressive presence compared to 1/7 and 1/8 scale figures. The figure is about 20 centimeters in height, even on her knees in a relaxed pose. It comes with a large circular base topped with some soft gray faux fur material, which should protect her knees and feet from any paint and grime that might be on one’s shelf.
Although anime art characteristics tend towards the generic, Homare’s style is singularly distinctive and more recognizable than most. His style typically includes noses and lips (often painted with lipstick, which is a bit unusual as it is principally used in other artwork to characterize older women) and very full body forms, often with narrow waists and particularly thick thighs. Ayane shows off most of these traits and the art style is very identifiable as Homare’s.
The body sculpting is superb – surprisingly so, as I haven’t seen Kaitendoh or Lechery produce anything close to this caliber before. The muscle detailing is excellent; perhaps most obviously on her abdomen, but also on her legs, where her quadriceps and hamstring muscles are both represented, most obviously on her left leg. Other welcome details include the roll of flesh on her side as she flexes her torso and the way her bikini straps press into her skin, adding a conspicuous element of realism. This aspect reminds me of Rocket Boy’s Slingshot Babe, which featured a physique with an equally impressive level of detail.
It may not be immediately obvious but her bikini can be removed. I didn’t know that was the case until I saw the cast-off pictures on Moeyo, as the bikini fits tightly enough that it looks like it’s sculpted as part of the figure. However, it does indeed come off and the process is easier than I expected it to be. Her arms come off at the armbands encircling her biceps and her head detaches as well; from there her top slides right off. Her bikini bottom attaches to her body via those little silver circles on each side of her crotch; you can use your thumbnail to pry them out and then the bottom comes off. The waistband stays in place, which looks a little strange, but four additional silver rings are provided to plug up the empty sockets.
One note; paint transfer is a huge problem while removing her head, as the brown paint of her hair will leave unsightly streaks if it scratches against her skin. I would recommend placing a sheet of plastic film, paper tissue, aluminum foil, or something else under her hair while detaching her head to minimize the chance of this problem occurring.
With the swimsuit removed we can see her body in all its glory, though that waistband really does look misplaced. For those interested in this sort of thing, she is fully anatomically detailed.
That includes a realistically-sculpted anus. Not that you’d get to see it during normal viewing.
Her breasts show this odd dark dot in the center of each nipple. Without her swimsuit, her right hand is offset from her breast, which looks a bit odd.
I prefer to display this figure with the swimsuit on, even though the level of detailing while nude is laudable. The swimsuit doesn’t actually cover up very much but I think the composition of the figure comes together better while she is (ostensibly) dressed.
The back side of her bikini also looks very appealing. The thong is another common element of Homare’s artwork and it adds to the sexiness of the statue while preserving the least amount of modesty. It doesn’t actually go all the way between her legs, which isn’t all that surprising. That does technically mean that her anus is always exposed.
The level of detail extends to her hair, which is intricately sculpted rather than presenting a smooth spherical surface of helmet hair.
This is a fantastic figure, one that I didn’t think would turn out this nicely given Lechery’s level of quality. That is not to say that they’ve been bad, just that they’ve never been this good before. Akane is a superb figure, one that faithfully translates Homare’s style into three dimensions while displaying impeccable production values. It appears that they have at least one more figure based off of his art in the pipeline, and after receiving Akane I’m very much looking forward to it.
I’m also looking forward to Native’s Mikoto Kisaragi figure, which I have to admit I didn’t actually recognize as being from Homare’s artwork at first. However, I have no doubt it’s going to be great.
