>>11114111I love Yamaguchi's design philosophy. They lean into tactical aesthetics because functionality is a top priority. They provide high-quality sculpts that don't sacrifice articulation or poseability.
My biggest issue with brands like Figma and SH Figuarts is that they prioritize the fluidity of their sculpts over their figures articulation, which leaves them feeling stiff in hand. Their figures feel closer to articulated statues than action figures. It's ultimately a preference thing, and each brand caters to a specific consumer. In Yamaguchi's case, they cater to those who appreciate high-quality sculpts, while also wanting top-notch articulation, which gives the figure more shelf life.
My only gripe w/ AY is sometimes it feels like they lean too heavily into anime aesthetics, so some of their figures look out of place when next to domestic figures. Though in recent years, they've gotten better at implementing more classic design aesthetics to appeal to a wider audience.
Modern AY is probably the most solid line of action figures being produced in the current market. If they keep going this route, AY might pull off the best development run we've ever seen from any toy brand.
I love that they're re-releasing old classics with updated designs too. It shows how much they've improved as a brand and how committed they are to providing the best possible product to their consumer base. The only other brand that comes close to their level of quality is Mezco, but comparing the two is like apples and oranges.
Mezco makes figures for people that like display pieces and sometimes take them off the shelves to pose in hand, while AY makes figures for people that buy figures to pose in hand while being high enough quality to display on a shelf.
I recently got the AY Agent Venom, and it is easily THE BEST figure I've ever bought. Currently waiting the AY Deku re-release to come in the mail, and I know I won't be disappointed.
