REVIEW: Art of War's Guts & Zodd "Desperate Attack" Statue

Berserk fans add another masterpiece to their collection...

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For those that don't know, I'm a huge Berserk manga and anime fan. And though I came late to the party and didn't start watching the anime or reading the manga until 2001, there's no doubt one of my all time favorite characters is Guts, the scarred warrior whose adventures are chronicled by writer/artist Kentaro Miura, creator of Berserk.

In fact, my first review for Figures.com was of the Art of War Guts: Hawk Soldier boxed figure I picked up overseas while in the military. Since then, I've watch both the manga its main character Guts - continued to evolve and there's no doubt Guts - be he defending Midland as a Hawk Soldier, hunting demons as a Black Swordsman, or wearing the cursed Berserk Armor - is still one of the coolest characters in modern-day manga and comics.

Thanks to Art of War, who continues to release numerous statues, figures, and collectibles based on the manga, most collectors have a stead supply of Berserk memorabilia - including the recently released Guts & Zodd "Desperate Attack" statue.

PACKAGING: The statue is packaged surrounded by molded protective foam in a very solid, simple and attractive black box featuring red and white graphics. The graphics and text on the box describe the box's contents as well as reveal the edition number (this particular statue is limited to 350 pieces).

Overall, fans and collectors have no need to worry about this statue arriving broken as its near-bombproof box and interior are sure to protect it from any problems it may encounter on its long journey from Japan to your home.

SCULPT & MANUFACTURING: The sculptors at Art of War are some of the best in the industry as this piece proves. However, besides the high-quality of the sculpt, this statue also shows the company's ability to manufacture a piece with this much detail in a small scale and size. The statue stands approx. 20 cm (8 inches) tall and measures 40 cm (16 inches) wide by 24 cm (9.5 inches) deep; overall, not a very large piece.

However, and as you can see from the photos both here and in the photo gallery, the minute details such as the sculpting on the 2 cm tall Guts figure are captured perfectly in this three dimensional masterpiece. The wind/cloud base on which the figures float give the intended impression of the monstrous Zodd flying, his passenger Guts with drawn sword ready to strike atop his back.

Meanwhile, other details - Zodd's wind-blown fur and detailed mouth (including fierce teeth) as well as Guts' multi-faceted Berserk armor and unhelmeted head and face - are all featured as well. Zodd's massive wings also show off an amazing level of detail, including the various wrinkles and scars see in the manga (below).

COLORS & PAINT APPLICATION: Though based on a black and white manga, the statue comes in a realistic paint scheme in which Zodd features reddish brown fur and wings. The shading effects on the wings and body give the piece a realistic feel and add even more depth to the already amazing sculpt.

However, the most realistic part of the paint application is Zodd's mouth, which features yellowing "stained" teeth as well as a pink and red tongue and mouth cavity (below). Again, these minute details add to the overall feel of this incredible piece.

Today, Art of War announced the "Repainting Project" in which three of their amazing statues - including the Guts & Zodd "Desperate Attack" statue - are available in a new repainted color scheme. The repainted version of this particular piece features a new purple accent which more accurately reflecting the color image (drawn buy Mr. Miura himself) on which this statue is based.

COST & OVERALL IMPRESSION: Priced at 38,000 yen (approx. $350 US), the casual Berserk collector will probably pass on this stunning piece. Its smaller size and higher cost will discourage the fan who collects less expensive pieces.

However, due to its limited availability and considering the masterful detail and amazing paint application, there's no doubt die-hard Berserk fans won't want to miss this statue, which represents two of the most popular characters from the manga working together to defeat a common enemy.

Its small size aside, this wonderful statue makes a great display piece and addition to any manga or anime fan's statue collection and Berserk fans in particular will not want to miss out on a single statue showcasing two of their favorite characters and one of the most exciting moments in Berserk history...

Be sure to read our in-depth interview with Art of War as well as check out the extensive photo gallery (below) which features 40 photos of this amazing statue!

Art of War's Berserk Guts & Zodd Desperate Attack PHOTO GALLERY