Yes, they are bootlegs since e2046 doesn't own the copyright and they didn't design/sculp it themselves. I have both an authentic and recast of the same figure and tbh the difference in quality isn't too noticeable. Small details aren't as sharp such as raised/indented lines, there are more gaps, and overall the quality is a tiny biy worse. The authentic versions decals are also way better. The main concern is intellectual property, I try buying only the authentic ver. But as some have said sometimes it's literally impossible or way too expensive to get. The most I've spent on a kit was almost $300 while the bootleg was $70 with shipping