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Background

Tomenosuke – a Japan based designer toy shop – recently celebrated their 4th anniversary with the release of several exclusive figures. One of those exclusive vinyl pieces is the Marching Band Seahorse & Rider from Paradise Toys and artist Amanda Visell. The white and gold version is one of a handful of variant Seahorse & Rider figures from the artist.

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The Facts



Marching Band Seahorse & Rider
Manufacturer: Paradise Toys
Artist: Amanda Visell
Material: Rotocast vinyl
Dimensions: 8.5” tall (Seahorse) 1.5” tall (Rider)
Points of Articulation: 2 (neck and tail)
Edition Size: 100 pieces

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Packaging

The Seahorse and Rider is packaged in an upright rectangular box. It features a small plastic windowpane on the front. There's some great artwork from Visell on all sides of the box, including the various Riders that are available with the different colorways. Inside, the figures are secured by a plastic tray with a cover.

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Our Opinion

This is the first time I've gotten my hands on one of Amanda Visell's vinyl figures, and my initial reaction was...impressive. The Marching Band Seahorse & Rider ships in two pieces (err...Seahorse and Rider). The Seahorse has a small seat, with a magnet stowed away someplace inside the vinyl, while the Rider has a visible magnet in her bottom. Also, the Seahorse is being controlled by those reins strapped to its mouth. (I can't tell if they're leather or faux)

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I like most of the sculpting work on this vinyl piece. I'm not sure if there was a need to have points of articulation on the Seahorse, since it looks a little weird when turned. (I didn't even take photos of them turned) There's also a seam on the tail (the bottom segment), which probably has something to do with installing the magnet. But the curled tail and all of the little scales are sculpted extremely well. And this baby won't fall over, thanks to those two fins. There are no problems with the Rider sculpt, as she looks like she hopped off of one of Visell's canvases.

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And while the sculpting is good...it's the paint application that makes the Marching Band Seahorse & Rider shine. It's hit with a weathered white base that gives the piece an antique look. The gold portions also have a slight weathered look, with the entire piece having a matte finish. The little Rider, with her horn and band outfit, isn't given those same weathered effects.

OVERALL: While Amanda Visell's character style is probably polarizing (it's cutesy, but I like it), it's difficult to not like this figure. The Marching Band Seahorse & Rider is very well-produced, featuring one of the better paint jobs that I've seen on a roto vinyl figure. The only issue you might find is getting this Tomenosuke Exclusive piece if you're located in the US.

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You can pick one up at the following:

Tomenosuke: ¥7,350 (about $89 with tax - between $113 and $130 including overseas shipping)

Marching Band Seahorse & Rider Grades

Figure Quality: 9/10
   Sculpt: 8/10
   Paint: 9/10
Accessories/Outfit: N/A
Packaging: 9/10
Durability: 9/10
Fun Factor: 9/10
Value: 7/10

Overall: 9.3/10

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