REVIEW SHFiguarts Kira Yamato [ Compass Pilot Suit Ver. ], Premium Bandai

This is review of P-Bandai Action Figure SHFiguarts Kira Yamato [Compass Pilot Suit Ver.] from Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM.

P-Bandai Action Figure SHFiguarts Kira Yamato [Compass Pilot Suit Ver.] Review

The overall proportions of the figure are faithful to the anime's image. The costume represents the Compass Pilot Suit from the latest series, SEED Freedom.

Head Sculpt

As expected from recent anime character figures, the accuracy is very high. The unique eye design by Hirai is well-reproduced without any awkwardness.

The sculpt of the bangs is sharp, and the contour of the head is natural. The hair color closely matches the anime.

Alternate Facial Expressions

Smiling Face: This expression features a refreshing smile that pairs well with the simultaneously released Lacus figure.
Shouting Face: Although there is a slight inconsistency in the eyes, it is not overly noticeable, and the overall quality is good.

Accessories

Helmet: Included with the pilot suit, it can be worn on the figure. It comes with two dedicated expression parts, including a shouting face.
Visor: Made of clear parts, there is a slight gap even when fully pressed in, and the small visible face makes the expressions hard to discern.
SEED Mode Face: The figure also includes a face in the well-known SEED mode with no highlights in the eyes.

Suit and Body

Unlike the Gundam character figures from Witch of Mercury, which wore uniforms, this figure features a pilot suit. The body is slim as imagined.

Articulation

Neck: Movement is somewhat restricted by the collar.
Waist: Offers a wide range of swinging motion.
Shoulders: Can be raised above horizontal.
Elbows and Knees: Bend well, and the hip joints move widely in all directions.
Feet: High ground contact.

Additional Options

Gun: Comes with the gun Kira carried while in the pilot suit during the series.
Torii: Designed to fit on Kira's shoulder, but it is quite unstable when placed.
Helmet Hand: Includes a hand to hold the helmet after removing the facial and neck parts.

Comparisons with Other Figures

Suletta Mercury: When placed next to each other, Suletta appears taller, but both are approximately 170 cm tall in the settings, so the scale is accurate.
METAL ROBOT Tamashii Strike Freedom: Can be displayed together.

Articulation and Posing

The joints are stiff, making standing a bit unstable due to the small ankles. Closing the legs for a salute pose is challenging. However, combat poses, even those featuring a punch (though originally depicted in casual clothing), are very well-executed.

Gun-Wielding Poses

Kira's flexible hip joints allow for natural kneeling poses, and the figure can also hold the gun with both hands convincingly.

Compatibility with Other Accessories

The cockpit from the Figma Eva series fits well despite the different designs. Recreating the iconic "Stop it, you know" scene is possible with a different character, Cui, released simultaneously.

The figure can hold the Strike Freedom’s rifle, though the wrist joints aren't designed to support heavy items, making it somewhat unstable.

Summary

The SHFiguarts Kira Yamato (Compass Pilot Suit Ver.) is an impressive figure with high facial accuracy and excellent proportions. The articulation is generally good, and the helmet gimmick is well-executed, offering a broad display range. The figure pairs well with Kira's mobile suit and other characters from the series, providing a high satisfaction level. With more characters like Lacus, Athrun, and Shinn set to release, there's much to look forward to.