A classmate who before you know it spends all her time hanging out in your room to read manga. If there were a girl that close to you, you couldn't help but be a little intrigued, right? “Hikari Kuroda,” an original character created by popular illustrator Manno-sensei, arrives as a 1/5 scale figure with plenty of presence! Kuroda-san possesses both the approachable charm of a black-haired gyaru and a somewhat devilish atmosphere. The highlight of this product is that you can enjoy that unique charm through three-dimensional sculpting that looks as if it jumped right out of the illustration world. What's more, this time Manno-sensei, the original author, fully supervised the project. Crafted down to the finest details while treasuring the character's personality, a finish that makes those attached to the original illustration want to take their time appreciating it can be expected.

When choosing a character figure, what you care about most is probably the accuracy of the facial reproduction, isn't it? Even if the hairstyle and outfit are similar, just a slight difference in expression changes the impression drastically. In that regard, with this product, Manno-sensei themselves was involved in supervision to express the facial features and atmosphere typical of Hikari Kuroda. A sense of familiarity like someone who casually drops by your room all the time, and a charming expression felt in a fleeting moment. It is definitely worth paying attention to how that exquisite balance is expressed as a three-dimensional object. Precisely because of its relatively large 1/5 scale size, another great point is being able to check the facial sculpt and paint nuances up close. Just changing the viewing angle slightly seems likely to reveal a new expression.

Speaking of Hikari Kuroda's trademark, it is undoubtedly her glossy black hair. In this figure, clear parts are used for the bangs to express the beauty of that hair. People tend to imagine a heavy shade when thinking of black hair, but incorporating transparent material creates a delicate texture that conveys light, which is a key feature. Being able to enjoy a soft translucency and natural gloss that cannot be fully expressed with simple solid black is an interesting touch. Depending on the lighting where the figure is displayed in particular, differences in how the hair looks will likely be born as well. In the dedication to reproducing the beautiful hair expression unique to illustrations by taking advantage of material characteristics, one can feel the fascination unique to sculpted objects.

Following the hair texture, another point you cannot miss is the skin painting. Kuroda-san's translucent white skin is given careful gradation painting, adding a natural three-dimensional feel to skin tones that tend to become monotonous. By smoothly connecting the color tones of light and shadowed areas, the key point is aiming for an expression that evokes softness despite being a figure made of hard materials. The color contrast with her black hair is also beautiful, enhancing the impression of the character overall. Furthermore, pay attention to the wisteria-blue undergarment. The calm blue-violet shade serves as an accent, making it an exceptionally eye-catching finish within the outfit. Anyone particular about color expression will likely have their eyes caught by such detailed color separation.

This product also features a gimmick that lets you change its appearance by swapping parts. Designed so that you can reproduce not only the usual uniform look but also a state with increased skin exposure through interchangeable parts, it features the ability to enjoy Hikari Kuroda with different impressions. Being able to choose multiple ways to present a single figure broadens your display options, which is a great point. Being able to appreciate it while shifting your focus—from the uniform sculpt to the skin painting—can also be called the fun of products with interchangeable parts. Pay attention to how it incorporates expressions unique to three-dimensional models while valuing the atmosphere of the original illustration.

And what makes you want to say, ”Do they really reproduce it that far?” is the detail of the manga Kuroda-san is reading. Surprisingly, the design of Volume 1 of the original work is printed on its cover! It is a presentation that conveys the character setting of coming to the room to read manga, not just through her pose but through props as well. With such detailed gimmicks, the enjoyment of recalling scenes from the original work while gazing at the figure is born. The fact that dedication to the work is packed not only into large sculpted parts but into small items too is an unmissable point for fans.

”Hikari Kuroda illustrator: Manno” is a 1/5 scale figure equipped with various highlights, including sculpting under the complete supervision of the original creator, black hair using clear parts, delicate skin gradations, an impressive wisteria-blue undergarment, and even props conscious of the original work. What is most appealing is being able to enjoy the everyday approachability that Kuroda-san possesses through careful three-dimensional expression. Not to mention those who love Manno-sensei's works, it is a figure that even those collecting bishoujo figures with a focus on hair and skin texture expressions should definitely check out. How about welcoming her to your favorite collection space and thoroughly taking in the presence unique to Hikari Kuroda?