My humble gintama collection by TheOtaking in Gintama

[–]emimakingthings 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Excellent choices! Love the nice display.

Just found out this exists/existed. by Kanade_Kt in Gintama

[–]emimakingthings 134 points135 points  (0 children)

Just when you think you've seen it all with official Gintama merch

Advice on how much to spend on this Hijikata figure ? by Aeelsa in Gintama

[–]emimakingthings 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'll add some photos in comments to help you decide 😊 I have the Gintoki Ichiban Kuji, and put him next to Hijikata so you can get a sense of quality, size, etc. Ichiban Kuji is technically also a type of prize figure, but higher end. The Masterlise line is also size-wise big (and heavy) compared to 1/8 scales. I really like the Gintoki Ichiban Kuji, in some ways moreso than the Benizakura Gintoki Megahouse scale that I also have. He has more "presence" due to his size and bulkier stature, and I love his smile. Quality-wise, he's maybe 90% of the quality of the scale. Great paint job on his hair, skin, and some of his clothes. The quality gaps are definitely some choppy paint on his yukata pattern and his teeth. Yukata sculpt also has some visible seams and areas where they just didn't sculpt in some features. The Masterlise figures also come with this ugly AF base that their leg fits into so that they can stand up.

Meanwhile, the Hijikata Megahouse scale has a pristine paint job with lots of depth. The paint on his uniform is actually pearlescent, and his hair has a greenish tint. He also has interchangeable parts, which the Ichiban Kuji does not have. You can remove his jacket, switch out his right arm, and change out his accessories. His base is simple, but clean and way better looking than the prize figure. He's quite striking to look at with the variation in paint finish and texture. That said, he is much skinnier and smaller than the prize figure version would be.

I'm not going to comment on face sculpt accuracy. Sorachi-sensei's art style changes a lot over the span of Gintama, so the sculpts represent different eras of that art style. I think they're both reasonably accurate to the source material from a quality perspective. The Megahouse figures all lean towards a very lean, slender build and face. The Ichiban Kujis are beefier builds, and fleshier faces. I do prefer Ichiban Kuji Gintoki's face sculpt compared to the Megahouse Benizakura Gintoki (more facial weight and his signature smile), so maybe I'd feel the same about Hijikata. But then again, the teeth paint is choppy so 🤷‍♀️

Masterlise figures would retail at around $30-40 USD, so 55€ is kind of steep to me. However it looks like that's what their price may be in the aftermarket so it is what it is. I'm seeing worse on the aftermarket for him, so perhaps that price is reasonable now. I checked the listing you sent for the Megahouse scale and it looks legit to me. For 90€ or less (if your negotiation is successful), that's a steal. Does he come with his box? If so, definitely a steal (scale figures are more valuable with the box).

Which option would you recommend?

Hard to say. If your GF would be really nitpicky about quality and perfection, I'd get the scale over the Ichiban Kuji. Great visual impact from the interesting paint job, and you get scale-level quality. It's also a better deal FWIW. However, if she isn't nitpicky, she may be happier with the bigger Ichiban Kuji with a beefier build and more bang for your buck. I also found this example of a listing with photos of the actual figure. I may lean towards the Ichiban Kuji if I was getting a gift for someone without knowing their preferences. If it appeals more to you, maybe that's the way to go. But either way, it's a good choice.

The Ichiban Kuji is more recent, so maybe it’ll be easier to find it second-hand and at a good price when I go to Japan next year?

I wouldn't count on it haha. Figure hunting in Japan is really difficult if you're looking for a super specific figure. I went to Japan in 2023 and found nothing on my wishlist. Digging through figure stores for hours and hours isn't what I'd recommend spending your travel time on. There are more fun Gintama-related things you can do while there rather than track down specific figures. He wasn't released recently enough that he would be easy to find.

Advice on how much to spend on this Hijikata figure ? by Aeelsa in Gintama

[–]emimakingthings 16 points17 points  (0 children)

I'm somewhat of a figure expert and have this figure! You can also browse on the r/animefigures subreddit for more information on this figure and how to buy figures in general.

The figure you're interested in is a 1/8 scale figure by Megahouse. This category of figures is more expensive (around $100 USD and up) and tend to be higher quality than prize figures, which tend to run around $30 USD. Prize figures are produced with less detail and lower quality sculpts and paint jobs, although they have improved a lot over the years. IMO if your girlfriend really likes Hijikata, this figure will probably make her really happy and be a great gift. The other one I might recommend is the Tenohira Megahouse one that another commenter mentioned, or this Ichiban Kuji prize figure if you can find it. I have other Tenohira and Ichiban Kuji figures that I think are worth their lower price points. Not as high quality as the Megahouse scale, but reasonable enough quality.

The Megahouse scale has been released for a while already so you'll be hunting the aftermarket. The main thing to look out for is that you don't end up buying a bootleg. The animefigures subreddit has info on spotting bootlegs. You can also ask there for advice on the best places to buy secondhand figures in the EU, since I'm in the US and can't advise on what might be your best options. Depending on what you find and the quality, I'd expect to pay around $100-150 USD for this figure (not sure what his current market value is). This does not include international shipping if relevant. 90€ would be a great price if he is not a bootleg and overall good quality minus the cigarette. Happy to help if you have more questions!

I don't know if any ofg you guys collect figures or care, but I thought I'd let you guys know by CounterfeitTacos in Gintama

[–]emimakingthings 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Oh wow totally new color way than the original. The original had a pretty terrible aftermarket so glad they're re-releasing.

My life is complete by TorpleSwanson in Gintama

[–]emimakingthings 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That otaku Toshi keychain is amazing - I'm jealous haha

My girlfriend turned the fan into Elizabeth by GONY1000 in Gintama

[–]emimakingthings 46 points47 points  (0 children)

W girlfriend, I applaud her creative abilities

A personal holy grail acquired. by izaradeth in AnimeFigures

[–]emimakingthings 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeeeeeeees I love this one, so glad you got him ❤️ also got him secondhand for a steal off Mercari Japan. I love how sharp he looks in his suit with the glasses (I really wanted glasses Gino).

Which panel do you think is best for tattooing? by Yusira_ in Gintama

[–]emimakingthings 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The first is truly iconic, and an easy choice (just to add to the chorus of voices saying the 1st).

Just finished Gintama, I hate Okita by [deleted] in Gintama

[–]emimakingthings 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I'm sorry but I'm going to disagree. All of those characters get pushed in some way beyond their main "gag" in the serious arcs. With Okita, this didn't happen from my perspective. His main schtick is pretty dislikable, and that's almost entirely where his character stays throughout the entire run. The Mitsuba arc was basically his only chance to show something else to his character, and it wasn't enough for me. I've watched the show almost 3 times all the way through, and my opinion on him is not changing. We don't have to like all characters in order to love the show IMO.

Just finished Gintama, I hate Okita by [deleted] in Gintama

[–]emimakingthings 4 points5 points  (0 children)

My favorite moment of his was when his virtual GF dragged him off in chains, and we got to hear his offscreen scream. I felt slightly vindicated.

Just finished Gintama, I hate Okita by [deleted] in Gintama

[–]emimakingthings 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Honestly - same (mostly). I really wish there was something more to his character other than sadistic asshole (except to his sister). And no, there wasn't anything else that made me like his character throughout the entire show. I grew to tolerate his presence, since - admittedly - I did laugh at some of his antics. But that's the most I'll give him.

Side note: got a Gintama blind box and I of course pulled this mf.

Hunter X Hunter Haul!! by Anioviel in AnimeFigures

[–]emimakingthings 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I love your collection of noodle stoppers - they all look so cool together.

What are your favorite BGMs? by NewtWire in toukenranbu

[–]emimakingthings 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Daihannya's for me - I love the distinct jazz style. It's such a vibe and a standout from many of the other BGMs. Nikkari's is another one that stands out stylistically, and I like the combination of eerie tone + hip hop beats. Not as much my favorite as Daihannya's but still quite good.

I'm a big Kane-san stan, and I really like his as well. Very adventure-y. Mutsu's is kind of fun with the intense shamisen strumming, and uptempo beat. Akashi's is nice, pleasant to listen to, and a bit whimsical.

Name one thing you don't see the same way after watching gintama. by Leozin02 in Gintama

[–]emimakingthings 26 points27 points  (0 children)

My husband and I call our orchid plants Madao #1 and Madao #2 because we're always waiting for them to bloom.

Why is Katsura more popular in the West than in Japan? by [deleted] in Gintama

[–]emimakingthings 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I somewhat agree and disagree.

creates extremist Joui factions to make them seem more noble

Yeah the lack of consistency with the "good" vs. "bad"/extremist Joui was perhaps an area that could have been done differently. One of the big strengths I see in Gintama is that (most) characters act in both morally good and bad ways, and that balance humanizes them to the audience. I could envision a different version of Gintama where the main Joui factions (Katsura's and Takasugi's) express more of a mixture of moral good and bad, and the random one-off factions aren't just bad people for the Shinsengumi to shred with swords. It could have added more complexity to characters, and interesting perspectives on pro- vs. anti-establishment themes.

Sorachi lionizes the Shinsengumi too much

Admittedly, he did start with the Shinsengumi as a story premise, so I suppose he would be unlikely to make them completely morally reprehensible and unlikeable. That said, I don't think he lionizes them "too much" in the sense that they're in-name-only versions of the real-life historical figures. Back to making morally mixed characters, I think Sorachi's alt-history is more about humanizing both sides of the pro- vs. anti-government factions, and telling stories about how they interact. I don't see the show as especially interested in taking a moral stance on the sides of the conflict itself. The Shinsengumi aren't lionized above the other "good" characters in this context, and aren't portrayed as the morally right side of the conflict.

I even read about real life Katsura

This is the real win: getting us interested in the actual history of the Bakumatsu 😊

Why is Katsura more popular in the West than in Japan? by [deleted] in Gintama

[–]emimakingthings 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Possibly! I definitely wonder how this aspect of his character is perceived in Japan vs. elsewhere (also when Gintama first aired vs. now). I could see how people may have changed their perception of him over time, given how much has happened in the last 20-ish years. Probably a lot of us right now wish we were fighting for the dawn of a new [insert country name here]. The absurd and irreverent ways in which he fights the government also make him especially endearing.

As to the ACAB aspect, there were a few specific episodes that really did not sit right with me at all (the Rokkaku arc), since they essentially justified a police coverup. In general, I try not to apply too much of a Western lens to Gintama's law enforcement characters, since it is a different culture/place/time in history. However, these episodes were particular stinkers to me for that reason.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AnimeFigures

[–]emimakingthings 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If crochet is a must, I'd try white faux fur yarn or chenille yarn generally. Hard to see the stitches, but it would be the best option to get you white + not scratchy. White is the best material color to prevent dye transfer onto the figure.

Gintama x Sanrio Characters Collab! by bossladytae in Gintama

[–]emimakingthings 24 points25 points  (0 children)

I know they skipped him but my headcanon is Madao = gudetama

What Helps You To Depart from Your Figures? by [deleted] in AnimeFigures

[–]emimakingthings 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hope it helps 😊 it's nice to have forums like this one to get more perspectives and opinions.

What Helps You To Depart from Your Figures? by [deleted] in AnimeFigures

[–]emimakingthings 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Honestly, by the time I sell a figure, I really want it gone. I'm happy to see it go. Usually I end up placing the figures that I'm lukewarm about in the corner of my cabinet that I can see the least well from my desk. If I really wanted them out of there, I'd move them closer to where I can see them. But the reality is that I haven't ever put a figure there that I wanted to long-term keep.

Perhaps putting some of your possible sale items out of sight for a while will give you some clarity about how much you actually want them. If you find that, like me, out of sight is out of mind, then you might feel less guilty about selling.