When looking at a figure, there are moments when you sometimes think, “Perhaps this is not just meant for display, but rather something to change the space itself.” The “Azur Lane Cleopatra: Stars and Roses” this time is precisely one piece that gives such an impression. The moment it is placed on a shelf, it doesn't just mean that a character has increased, but there is a sensation as if a slightly mysterious and slightly graceful atmosphere flows into that place. Before you know it, your eyes are drawn to it first, and though you only intended to pass by casually, you find yourself stopping to gaze at it. It is finished as a three-dimensional work that possesses such an attractive force.

What has been made into a figure this time is the skin “Stars and Roses” worn by Cleopatra from “Azur Lane.” It is not just a reproduction of her swimsuit appearance, but designs reminiscent of Egypt are blended throughout the whole piece, exuding a unique gorgeousness. It features a somewhat mysterious and calm atmosphere, which is slightly different from the brightness and sense of openness that general swimsuit figures possess. With the addition of glamorous decorations and accessories, it does not become excessively flashy, but is rather sublimated into an elegant beauty. Looking at it makes you instinctively nod in agreement, thinking, “I see, there is also this kind of way to showcase it.”

The pose also catches one's eye considerably. The posing of raising both arms in a relaxed kneeling posture has a strange amount of dynamism, despite not being a violent movement. Even though it is supposed to be still, there is a sign as if the hair will sway and the body will start moving further in the next moment. The lines of the body are also carefully expressed; her voluptuous style is a given, but it is not emphasizing just that alone, and instead exists naturally within the overall flow. Furthermore, with the addition of the expression of suntan lines, it lets you feel even a realistic atmosphere that does not end with a mere color division.

Personally, what left a considerable impression was the sculpting of the long hair. The long hair that reaches below the knees is composed of two colors, black and purple, and it is not simply long. A great deal of attention is directed toward the flow of the hair strands, giving it a naturalness as if each strand is catching the flow of the wind. Moreover, because clear parts are used for a portion of the bangs, a lightness is born in the long hair that tends to become heavy. A figure's impression changes significantly with just a single hairstyle, but I felt that the hair itself is one of the highlights in this work.

The charm does not stop only at the main character. From the lovely Manjuu arranged around her that look like attendants, to the sculpting of the ears and small accessories, everything is firmly crafted, and you forget about time once you start looking at the detailed spots. It is a composition where you are first attracted by the overall beauty, next you notice the fineness of the decorations, and after that, discoveries continue like, “Oh, there is this kind of play here too.” I believe the enjoyment of a three-dimensional work is not just the impact of the moment you see it, but whether there are elements that make you want to direct your gaze to it over and over again, and this figure firmly captures that part.

Furthermore, the included interchangeable expression parts cannot be missed either. When changing to an expression that looks flushed with a faint tint on the cheeks, the impression changes significantly even though it is the same Cleopatra. Although you should have been feeling a calm elegance until just a moment ago, it creates a sensation as if the distance has suddenly become closer. The fact that even the atmosphere changes just with a slight change in expression is an interesting part of three-dimensional expression. Enjoying different charms depending on your own mood, such as a quiet atmosphere today and a slightly softer air the next day, might also be a way of enjoying that is unique to this work.

The presence-filled size of 1/6 scale and approximately 220mm in total height is just the right size to thoroughly appreciate the charm that Cleopatra possesses. It is brought together in an exquisite balance where it does not create a sense of pressure from being too big, nor do the details get buried from being too small. First your eyes are captured by the beauty, next you admire the carefulness of the sculpting, and finally you are drawn into the charm of the character itself. It can be said to be one piece that you will want to get along with for a long time, becoming fonder of it bit by bit while going through such stages.