HDS is turning over a new leaf with this post. Henceforth, this blog will actually have some content. To begin, let us examine two items from the not too distant past. Some time ago (Prior to Christmas of 2006, to be precise), I procured the limited edition volume one DVD of Hellsing Ultimate as well as most of the Last Exile Grandstream Box set of mini figurines. While I am ambivalent on the Hellsing Ultimate series itself (Another episode or two I need to view first), the relief figure that came with it I am not ambivalent on. The Last Exile set I had been looking for for some time now and happily found in mid December. Read on for some pictures taken with my snazzy new camera and some mild review of each item.

First up, the Grandstream Box.

The full set, sans vanship.

The set, by Alter, comprises Alex Row, Tatiana Wisla, Dio Eraclea and Luciola, Claus Valca, Lavie Head and Alvis Hamilton, randing in detail from near-bust to a complete mini-figure, all placed on chess-like bases.

Alex Row, Captain of the Silvana

First up, Captain Alex Row. My favorite character, in case one was curious. Having cosplayed as this one before, I delight in the detail put into his uniform. However, that detail comes with a price. Having a full right arm and his entire torso intact, less attention seems to be placed on his face. Not that it is horrible, mind you, but compare to Lavie or Tatiana and you’ll see the lack of focus.

Alvis Hamiton, key to Exile

The only full-body figure of the bunch, little Al remains too adorable for this world (Fortunately, she isn’t on this world). Like Alex before her, Al suffers a slight bit from having more of her seen, with fewer small details like Alex’s uniform. The goat, hair buns and simple but cute boots, however, more than compensate.

Claus Valca, vanship pilot

Claus is a true bust, no arms at all, and thus detail is concentrated in what of his clothing is visible. Have a look at those zippers and goggles! His hair, too, gains something from the focus on head and shoulders. His face, however, is a bit odd. I don’t know quite what to make of that expression.

Dio Eraclea and Luciola, Dio facing

Luciola and Dio Eraclea, Luciola facing

The limitation of automation becomes apparent with this one. Notice the butterfly that has landed on Dio; either that butterfly has had one too many hamburgers or I don’t know what. Faces make this duo, from Luciola’s little forehead glyph to Dio’s carefree expression. The butterfly, while not the best looking one, as noted, does bring out his personality well.

Lavie Head, vanship navigator

Faithful (If sometimes erratic and emotional) navigator Lavie appears dressed in her simple midriff-baring garb. Being a simple outfit, this is another figure to see more in the face than in the body. She, unlike Claus, has a ‘normal’ expression, and one I find quite well done for a figure of this size. Her eyes and little smile have much detail (Take a closer look at the eyes, eh?).

Tatiana Wisla, vanship pilot and, later, navigator

Ah, pensive little Tatiana. I like her uniform, especially the hat (Partial to military caps, this one is) and the layers of it; notice around her neck there is an inner layer, a tan second layer, and then the outer jacket. Even the little Silvana pin on her neck is present.

There is also a vanship that is part of this set but, being cheap, I was unwilling to pay extra for it. It aside, not a bad set! Certainly, these wee figures cannot match the detail of a larger PVC or resin figure but where else can you get so much of Last Exile together, eh?

Now, the second item, Arucard.

Arucard relief figure bundled with Hellsing Ultimate volume one, limited edition

Scary, no? =3 Arucard, surrounded by his swirling, regenerating self (Replete with US-exclusive coloration to boot. Take that, Japan!), complete with his ever-present ascot/tie. This figure came as a part of the limited edition version of Hellsing Ultimate, released back in December or thereabouts and, despite being an ‘extra,’ isn’t half bad! The figure itself is more of a wall relief, with the backing behind Arucard himself concealing a little stand in the back to balance himself at a slight angle. Coloration (So touted on the packaging) is well done, with appropriate orange and read highlights mixed with the darker blood (Apt, eh?) reds of Arucard’s normal outfit. The extending ‘arm’ of Arucard’s shifting self isn’t as fragile as it might appear, either: ’tis made of soft material and has give, so no worries if it get knocked over. The base itself complements Arucard, with etchings of his morphing form in the base as well.