My sister, who also collects figures, complains about the lack of testosterone in the lineups of the better figure companies. Sure there are a ton of action figures, but action figures are ugly. A while ago, it looked like MaxFactory would answer her call with the “Spirit of Guys” line, but after several months the line consists of only one figure, a highly stylized Van from GunxSword.
While Van is indeed a guy, I don’t think he’s the Roy Mustang or Renji that fan-girls squeal over or write the nastiest of the nasty slash. He’s just the guy from that show with robots for every day of the week — that show kicks ass, by the way. So while this is a sick figure of Van, it’s probably not the manservice the ladies want for their reverse harem. Of course, I have no actual idea what ladies want. If I knew that I’d have no time for a blog because I’d be swimming in lovin’ or I’d be getting rich designing perfect handbags.
It’s times like this where I wish I had been a ReMent collector. These are my condiments…all of them. It’s a gag in the show for those wondering what that was about.
The likeness of his face and the super long and lean proportions feel right. Sculptor Taichi Kato gave Van these rubbery limbs that are both quite odd and cool looking. I wish the sword was the cut-outs version, rather than the solid blade version that comes with the figure — that would have made this an even better figure. Van is definitely a figure that should go on the shelf above your computer, since he’s all hunched over. You have to get your eyes at his knee level before you can see the figure’s eyes.
Overall
Nice, but not essential, unless you’re a fan of GunxSword or are starved for manservice. The figure itself is stylish with MaxFactory build quality. For those with a lot of figures, this Van figure is a good change of pace.
Product Information
- Product: Spirit of Guys, Van
- Sculptor: Taichi Kato
- Maker: MaxFactory
- Scale and Material: 1/8 PVC
- Released: Late October 2006
- List Price: 6,500 JPY
- US Release: Yes
- Affiliate Link: Van at RightStuf
Alternate Angles
SbebiWan has a more comprehensive set of Van pictures on his blog (French language).
Haha, great setting.
Well, you’re completely right about the lack of male figurines but I have to admit that I can bear with it.
Also, although I’m not the biggest Gun x Sword fan, I found the whole Max Factory GxS line very much to my liking. It even helped me making up a bit with the anime.
I’m not too bothered by the lack of manly figures either. I think there are enough girls out there who would collect figures if they had bishie figs.
To be honest, I have no male figures in my collection what so ever, except for a Firebat from StarCraft. Does your sister have as many figures as you? It would be interesting if she does. If she wants more manly figures, try looking towards the One Piece figures from the Mega House range, if you can find them.
Also I notice I’m not on your blogroll
Adun: Sorry about that, will add you after I post. I’ve been visiting your site for a while so I just thought you were on there. >_<;
I think she has around a dozen 1/8 scale figures and a few trading figure sets. She only gets figures of characters she knows, well except the eB Archer which she got before seeing Fate/Stay Night. She doesn’t really go for the girl figures, except the Alter Kos-Mos and she ordered the Alter/Vice Motoko, but even then I suspect The Major is just a Tachikoma accessory.
What do ladies want? Ouran High School Host Club, that’s what! Or go look at any random yaoi title. (Ick!)
Lol, I don’t even have a single male figure unless you want to count Hakuoro from my Utawarerumono trading figure set. Lol.
This was to be my first male figure. But I cancelled it. Wheee.
Not counting all the action figures of course.
I’ve noticed that lack of male figures, but I have to commend the great job Max did capturing the essence of Van. I like it, and I agree that the cut out sword would have been better.
BUT HEY! FUCK THAT! LADIES ARE BETTER! You have a sister who collects figures, rats? AMAZING!! So few ladies collecting them thar figures. Give her a thumbs up from me.
Steven: I’ll trust you on the yaoi.
Tsubaki: I also have Spike, but other than that this is it for the dudes.
tj han: But now your Wendy is all lonely.
Randall: Will do.
I admire his flexibility (both in taste and physical).
[...] super rats applied for Brother of the Year status by outing his sister's figure obsession to the world at large. Luckily, he made sure not to our her yuri tendencies by using her MaxFactory Van figure for the shoot. [...]
hey
I just saw the link you did, thank you !
My pics looks crappy after yous :p
And I agree about this Van, Max Factory did a good job. But for Carmen 99 I prefer the Orchid version
Looks like ‘Van that Weird Guy who Helped Out’ turned out pretty cool! I love your pics – very creative and fitting for Van. ^_^
GunXSword was a great series – I would love to see other figures!
I still haven’t gotten Carmen. Some of the other characters would make nice figures as well…
[...] Van of the Dawn I have always said that there’s a lack of male figure in the Japanese pvc figures scene. We always get female figures even though in some of the animes the figures are based on, the lead character is a male. So I was quite happy to find that a figure of Van from Gun x Sword was release by Max Factory. This figure was release in Oct 2006, you can read the view some great photos at super rats blog here. [...]
[...] we saw it on Happy Soda or lately on Toys Workz, this figure is really well made, and has a very special ample pose. Love [...]
[...] we saw it on Happy Soda or lately on Toys Workz, this figure is really well made, and has a very special ample pose. Love [...]