S.H. Figuarts Vicious (Cowboy Bebop)

Vicious was part of the Red Dragon Crime Syndicate of which Spike also was part of. He, Spike and Julia used to be friends while all working in the Syndicate. Spike convinced Julia to leave it all behind, triggering feelings of betrayal in Vicious and inevitable descent into being a primary antagonist for the series. The series portrays him as a clever, conniving, bloodthirsty opportunist who is willing to do anything to get to where he needs to. 

He doesn't change during the series but instead serves as a foil to Spike. 

The figure is another spot-on representation by S.H. Figuarts. They've got the proportions, evil grin, clothes, sword, and bird down to perfection. On any scale I think this is superior, even compared with the Play Arts Kai version. I'm glad they made an antagonist for Spike in figure form before anything else, but I would still love to see Faye and the rest of the team. 

Sculpt/Paint:5/5 This is an easy 5 for 3 reasons: 

1. It is a lot easier to take anime characters and change them into action figures 

2. the paint and sculpt are perfectly matching to the character 

3. See 2!

Articulation: 5/5 (30 Points) He's got similar points and range that spike has: the single jointed elbows and knees allow a swivel side/side and back/forth. The wrists and ankles are pretty good ball swivels. The hips aren't drop-hips like Spike but have a cap that does allow a range of turning. The ab joints are hindered by the design but work to give some attitude. The shoulders are decent but I'd say there's no true butterfly joint, just a cap to cover the increased double ball joint range. The head and neck have separate joints to move around so that's also pretty decent. 

Accessories: 4/5 He has all the key features of Vicious: 3 different face expressions (grim, shouting and insane on-drugs eyes), 3 pairs of extra hands to hold the sword, and make some poses, sword with a perfectly fitting sheath, knife, his bird and a small VERY awkward attachment piece to clip the bird on. Honestly, this has broken on many people and the only reason I haven't yet is that I'm using sticky tack since the plastic piece doesn't even fit properly in the back peg. Still a great set though! 

Fun Factor: 4/5 Definitely really cool to pose and change faces. I like the weapons and unlike Spike he's a bit easier to pose without a stand. They did him so well and he's great to add to that scale of figures in battles on the shelf. 

Verdict: 18/20 Great This is a great figure especially so if you're a big fan of the Cowboy Bebop anime and everything Shinichiro Watanabe (as I am!). Really cool figure anyway though even if you just want an anime swordsman in your collection. He's awesome and if you get him soon his price is still pretty reasonable for an SH Figuarts. 

Neutral face

Smarmy face

Angry face!

First time but I've lost the little
plastic plug for the bird. It didn't work anyway
so I affixed him with sticky tack.

Great accessories. Really love the sword.

Still pretty hard to do a one-leg stance unassisted.

Sword draw is pretty good! 

Had to recreate that iconic scene!