Big. Huge. Gigantic. These are all words that can be used to describe Bandai’s Orochi. Released in 1994 with a slew of other figures in conjunction with the release of Yamato Takeru, Orochi is easily Bandai’s biggest Toho-related figure that is supposed to be part of their (previous) standard toy line at an eight inch scale. Despite coming with an attached tag, Orochi was actually sold inside a large box which I, sadly, do not have. Not only does this figure have tremendous size, but also a hefty weight. I believe this could be the heaviest Bandai figure in my collection. In other words, this guy doesn’t just deserve shelf space. It demands it.
Details
Orochi has a very nice sculpt with scales patterned across its entire body. The teeth are done amazingly well with each fang sculpted in all eight jaws. There is tremendous texturing and attention to detail down its entire body, including its underside. Its hind legs are sculpted directly onto its body and its main body is also one large sculpt. The tail is sculpted in two pieces, the base and then a mid-section at the curve. Additionally, each neck and head is its own piece. All except for one head (the center one) seem to be the same exact mold, giving it’s a great sense of symmetry.
As for scaling, it really depends on how you look at it. I do not have Bandai’s Utsuno Ikusagami (yet), but from what I have been able to gather, it does scale well with that figure. However, in context of the kaiju size itself in the film, Orochi is only twenty-two meters tall. Thus, despite being a smaller kaiju, it does completely dwarf most of Bandai’s previous (and future) releases. However, it does seem logical for a kaiju of this stature to completely tower over the likes of Godzilla and this is exactly how it is generally portrayed in fan-written stories and Toho Kingdom’s very own KWC. So, this is really a mixed bag. I personally like the fact Orochi towers over everything, but if you want a true “in scale” Orochi… you won’t find one. This is the only vinyl figure of this guy ever released
Accessories
Orochi comes with no accessories.
Articulation
While the figure has great size, it doesn’t have the best articulation in the world. The front legs are capable of rotating, as is the tail at both the base and the mid-section curve. All eight heads are also capable of swirling around and the heads are also capable of independent movement. Overtime, these joints (especially on the necks and heads) can become loosened. The very one I am reviewing has both tight and loose joints on the heads and necks, something that seems to be common among this figure.
Paint
If there is one flaw with this guy, it is its paint. Something of this tremendous size (and detail) doesn’t necessarily demand an X-Plus-style paint scheme, but a few highlights here and there could have helped tremendously. Orochi is molded in a crimson color with the only paint applications being a metallic gold on its claws, tail spikes, horns, and a highlight running down its necks. It has orange eyes and a brief, lighter shade of paint on its chest. It doesn’t look bad and the golden crowns surely do pop, but some paint application on its very nicely sculpted teeth could have gone a very long way in making it look even better. Just a few sprays of a darker shade of red across its body could have gave this guy the stuff to be an even more legendary figure for kaiju fans.
Overall
In short, this is a tremendous release. Now over twenty-years old, if you want one, be prepared to pay. I spent nearly $150 on mine. Was it well spent? Well, I always wanted one so I would say yes. However, do not expect this guy to match with the likes of an X-Plus or a MonsterArts (can you imagine an Orochi SHMA, though…). As I said in the beginning of this review, this guy doesn’t just deserve shelf space, it demands it. So make room before hand. This is a very nice figure. If you’re a casual collector like myself and looking to add something really big and old to your collection, and something that not everyone has, you can’t go wrong with the Bandai Orochi. It is easily one of the best of the mid-1990’s Bandai figures.
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