Monday, January 10, 2005
Rei Ayanami is my dream girl
Here is another picture from my Japanese toy collection. The characters are the famous females from Evangelion; Rei (L) and Asuka (R). These particular statues represent them in slightly modified outfits than they wear in the anime/manga. However, they are ultra-kawaii. These finely detailed statues are popular and collectible in Japan. Some are commissioned by the copyright holders (in this case, GAINAX) to be designed by independent artisans... this is called Garage Kit. Some turn out very good, as these did, while others turn out very strange. It is not uncommon to find statues/figurines of popular characters in strange and unusual representations. One common representation is in sexy poses and costumes, sometimes themed like "romantic trip to beach," "bath time," or "sexy school uniform." But luckily, these statues are close enough to the real deal, and far from pornographic (otherwise I wouldn't have bought them).
Rei and Asuka are popular characters in toys and collectibles because of the huge worldwide popularity of Evangelion, because they are attractive/cute females, and because GAINAX is very aggressive, and open, with its licensing and product placement. There are even huge amounts of underground products featuring these characters. Of all the products, commissioned and otherwise, these statues are among the best I have seen. There are also a pair of dolls from the incredibly popular Pink St. line that I would like to get, as well as a series of small figures featuring these two (and two other women from the Evangelion world) features as brides, which I wouldn't mind getting for the odd novelty of it.
There are a few clever in-jokes on these statues... notice the animal clinging to Rei's leg. This is, in the series, an embryonic form of a powerful and dangerous being. Here, it is portrayed as Rei's pet. Both girls are given tails and animal ears, which is a common theme in Japanese art (when portraying cuteness). Also, Asuka is holding a creature on the end of a wrench. The creature looks like a monkey (monkey wrench, get it?) and the monkey is white and wearing an odd Noh-like mask. This is a reference to the Adam creature in the series (the next step in man's evolution). Also, I think the monkey theme for Asuka is funny because she is mischievous, where as Rei is solemn and cute (like a kitten). Anyway, enjoy the picture. Horn's up!
Rei and Asuka are popular characters in toys and collectibles because of the huge worldwide popularity of Evangelion, because they are attractive/cute females, and because GAINAX is very aggressive, and open, with its licensing and product placement. There are even huge amounts of underground products featuring these characters. Of all the products, commissioned and otherwise, these statues are among the best I have seen. There are also a pair of dolls from the incredibly popular Pink St. line that I would like to get, as well as a series of small figures featuring these two (and two other women from the Evangelion world) features as brides, which I wouldn't mind getting for the odd novelty of it.
There are a few clever in-jokes on these statues... notice the animal clinging to Rei's leg. This is, in the series, an embryonic form of a powerful and dangerous being. Here, it is portrayed as Rei's pet. Both girls are given tails and animal ears, which is a common theme in Japanese art (when portraying cuteness). Also, Asuka is holding a creature on the end of a wrench. The creature looks like a monkey (monkey wrench, get it?) and the monkey is white and wearing an odd Noh-like mask. This is a reference to the Adam creature in the series (the next step in man's evolution). Also, I think the monkey theme for Asuka is funny because she is mischievous, where as Rei is solemn and cute (like a kitten). Anyway, enjoy the picture. Horn's up!
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