PACKAGING: “A box is a box is a box.” Hell no! The packaging fro Domo-kun is a real highlight for this product. Structurally, this is a basic window box and that is all that is basic about this box. Really, this is how it should be done. The product window, the interior, the materials, and the graphics all amazing.

The product view is about as clear as it can get, being as large as the figure, with a top wrap around allowing a good amount of light in. The mounting is done with moulded clear plastic, holding Domo-kun in place from the top and the bottom giving a maximized unobstructed view of the figure. True, the figure lends itself to this simple mounting method, but that doesn’t make it any less perfect. The minimal mounting could not be achieved without a firm box. Be it planned or a side effect, the use of high quality, sturdy cardboard is welcome in a world where card stock boxes are becoming more common. The box feels solid and rugged enough to take on a little bit of display abuse.

Inside and out the graphics are simple phenomenal. Full color bright graphics. No fancy blending techniques, no funky new age modular graphics. Just fantastic pictures of Domo-kun in the field being Domo-kun in full blood all round the box. What really brings it all together is that the same setting is used to line the interior, putting the figure right into the Domo-kun world; ultimately completing the Domo-infused package.

The package really completes the “package” for this product and deserves to be enjoyed.

SCULPT: Really, what can be said about the sculpt? It is simple, almost a little too simple. It almost has a LEGO feel too it. Just put down two stumps for legs, put on a body and stick on a couple of arms. Domo-kun himself looks like a cross between a muppet, a pillow, a couch and a sock puppet. None of that really does not come across in this figure. But all his features are there and in the end it is distinctly Domo-kun.

ARTICULATION: Poseability? This may seem like a bad joke, but all you can really do is swing his arms vertically. Before I opening this figure, I really didn’t see the point of even adding any articulation. Once I started playing around with this figure, I realized that Domo-kun is all about his arms. He has a facial expression that never changes, so Domo-kun really communicates his mood with his arms. Still, the change in emotion from arms lowered to arms raised is pretty subjective. Is he angry now? Is he happy to see me? Does he want a hug? It’s all in the imagination and, hey, providing a little narrative when showing it to your friends won’t hurt.

PAINT: The paint, where needed, is applied relatively clean. The sculpt really leaves a rather large margin of error, but this does not deter the painters from leaving clean, even lines.

For the most part, the true highlight (or gimmick) with the figure is that it is flocked. Flocking is not exactly common in the world of PVC figures. For those unfamiliar, flocking is the process of adhering small fibres to a surface. When done evenly, what is left behind is a fuzzy, velvety surface. Without the flocking, this figure would quickly lose its appeal. The flocking keeps this figure from being a huge chunk of plastic. By flocking Domo-kun, the figure is both rigid for display and “poseability,” while still providing a soft feeling and looking finish that is expected with the plushy hero. It is like having the best of both worlds. And if you decide to sit there and gently caress your Domo-kun PVC (which I did), you may just find it a soothing experience.

The flocking is applied as evenly as possible for such huge surface, but gaps and spots can be noticed from a couple inches out. This should not deter from the overall appearance and feel of the figure. The figure should, however, be handled with care. It should be handled gently avoiding contact with fingernails or rigid surfaces as this could damage the flocking, leaving unwanted discolouring or shadows. The interior plastic does leave compression lines in the flocking, but is mounted in a way that this is either minimized or reversible.

COST & OVERALL IMPRESSION: For Domo-kun fans it is hard not to recommend this figure. For everyone else it’s a matter of taste, but if your taste includes brown walking headrests, then I wouldn’t pass up on this figure either. The packaging is outstanding and worthy of display. The figure provides a stable desktop presence that a plush simply cannot, while still providing a velvet finish that a simple chunk of plastic never could. Domo-kun is just goofy fun, and this figure exudes all that goofiness.

And all that for 39.99 SRP. A fair price for a figure that’s all character. Plus, It’s a limited run, and for all those hardcore collectors a number color variants are available at extremely limited numbers. At 8.5 inches in height, and almost that in girth, Domo-kun will definitely stand out and can quickly dominate an action figure display. If you cannot swallow the price tag or the size, a smaller 5.5 inch version will be coming in a few months at a 25.99 SRP.

Domo-kun FTW!!!!

Review and Photos by Ariel Lazaro