REVIEW: Art of War Guts, The Black Swordsman PVC Statue

Another version of the now classic, fan-favorite Berserk statue...

To purchase the Guts: Black Swordsman *normal version* PVC statue or other amazing Berserk collectibles and statues, check out Art-of-War.co.jp.

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I've said time and again one of the most intriguing of all modern pop culture characters is Guts, the protagonist in Kentaro Miura's manga Berserk. Appearing monthly in Hakusensha's Young Animal (for those that read Japanese) and available in trade format from Dark Horse in the USA, Berserk tells Guts' story; from his days fighting as a mercenary member of "The Band of the Hawk," to his days as the merciless Black Swordsman, to his most recent adventures wearing the Berserker Armor...

No matter if you're a die-hard otaku or never seen an anime in your life, there's no denying the striking visual generated by a finely crafted collectible of Guts in any of his various forms.

My first review for Figures.com way back in 2001 was of the Art of War Guts: Hawk Solider action figure and, though I've learned to write and shoot photos a little better since then, it's obvious my passion for all things Berserk has yet to change...

Enter Art of War's latest statue - the new Guts: Black Swordsman PVC.

An "R3" (repainted, resculpted, revisited) of sorts, this new version of the the now classic Guts: Black Swordsman - Episode of the Birth Feast resin statue is coincidently, an update of the 2005 Black Swordsman - Battle Damaged PVC statue (which I reviewed HERE).

Made using what Art of War calls "a brand new type of mold with much higher accuracy," Art of War also states their "artist spent almost twice the time recreat(ing) the cool metallic feeling of real armor..." And so begins a look at this latest incarnation of Guts: The Black Swordsman...

PACKAGING: I received an early production sample and thus the final packaging design will change. However, there's no doubt the figure will come in a similar 12" wide by 12" high by 9" deep window box, the statue visible through the front. The statue is safely stored inside a form-fitting bubble and is wrapped in a thin piece of plastic to prevent paint smears or wear.

It's a safe bet the box's exterior will feature black and red graphics as is routine with Berserk collectibles' packaging and the interior features the red 'brand' logo along with the words "Guts Black Swordsman" in white.

SCULPTING: As per Art of War's vow, this piece shadows the previous release. Cast in a solid PVC, every detail has been improved upon - from the noticeably sharper appearance of Guts' uniform to the edges of Guts' armor and sword; each is present without a single piece out of place or nonuniform.

What makes this version of Guts most impressive is the newly added wind-blown cape which makes for a very visually striking image; the ragged edges of the cape captured in a single instant prior to battle...

PAINT APPLICATION: There's no doubt this piece features a much more accurate and carefully applied paint application as well when compared to the previously released Black Swordsman PVC. In fact, the paints on this PVC are comparable to many polystone and resin pieces with a much higher price tag.

The armor's gunmetal metallic steel shines and the different tans and browns which make up the leather pouches, sheaths, and straps on the character's outfit look both sharp and brilliant (above). The minute details - such as the silver belt and strap buckles and cuts on Guts' face (below) - again show the amount of detail present.

Likewise, the cape too catches the eye thanks to the amazing realism. The gray cape features light brown and tan 'wear lines,' which make it look almost like cloth when examined up close (below). This again adds to the statue's overall appeal and impressiveness.

ACCESSORIES: Though essentially a smaller part of the whole, Guts' massive Dragonslayer sword is considered an accessory as it isn't a molded part of the statue. The sword is placed in the statue's hand via a "peg in hole" handle, which can be inserted and firmly placed without worry of breakage.

Unlike the first PVC version of this statue, the base is glued to the statue's feet, preventing any leaning or breakage issues.

COST & OVERALL IMPRESSION: At 12,800 yen (approx. $115 US), this isn't really an entry-level piece; though for fans looking to start a Berserk collection, there are few pieces better at this level. Long-time Berserk fans and collectors may look at this piece as repetitive...and they'd be right. There's really no need for this statue considering Art of War's previously released versions in both resin and PVC; and, though this piece is by far the better of the PVCs, collectors - new or old - may find it difficult to pay twice the cost of the original PVC for this new statue.

No doubt an impressive and beautiful collectible, the Guts: Black Swordsman PVC statue comes in two versions - a limited-edition "bloody" version and a normal version (reviewed here), both bringing to life the fan-favorite sword-wielding warrior known as Guts, the Black Swordsman...

Be sure to check out the photo gallery below for over 60 images of this new collectible. Those interested in pre-ordering this piece need only head over to Art-of-War.co.jp.

Art of War Guts: Black Swordsman PVC Statue Photo Gallery