Friday, May 25, 2012

Flash Back Friday - Banpresto Sailor Moon Stars Color Light Figures

Banpresto Sailor Moon Stars Color Light Figures

Quality - ♥♥♥♥
Appearance - ♥♥♥♥
Packaging - ♥♥♥
Art - ♥♥♥
Functionality - ♥♥♥♥
Fun - ♥♥♥♥♥
Cost - ♥♥
Availability - ♥

It's another Flash Back Friday and this week we're looking at the Banpresto Sailor Moon Stars Light Up Figures from 1996. These figures do in fact have the Toei sticker on the back of each. These particular figures could only be obtained through a UFO type game.  
 
Quality - When it comes to quality, these are probably the best you'll see for an electronic figure from a UFO machine. Although the base seems easy to open (and likely to open when you don't want it to), the figures themselves are rather nicely done in like a clear plastic material. They are set atop a stand with a light below to light up the figure the appropriate color. Although, very hard to see in the daytime, it's downright spectacular in the dark!    

Appearance - While looking up close at each of these, there are some flaws. Which has to be taken in account for a UFO toy. Regardless, they are almost impossible to see unless you're looking for them because of the fact these items are clear all the way through. Each senshi is nicely posed as classically as possible, with nice details added, despite it's clear cast nature. Though these figures aren't exactly the easiest to see in daylight, in the dark, these truly are spectacular. Which leads me to believe that these were more "nightlight" figures than anything else. One misconception is that these figures are rather large in size, when in fact, they aren't much bigger than one's hand.

Packaging - For a UFO toy, the packaging is nice. It's not spectacular by any means. With these open gaps on the sides, it leaves for easy caving in on the front specifically. Otherwise, we have twist ties holding each figure in securely and even when opening the bottom, there is a piece of cardboard slit into the actual battery area so that it won't break and so you won't forget to leave the batteries in.

Art - The art on the box is a bit lacking. With the classic Stars pink all around and what appear to be half moon's all over it, the only real artwork we see is on the top of the box, with Eternal Sailor Moon striking a pose. Otherwise, we have of course the Sailor Stars logo placed on various sides of the box. Finally, we have the picture of the figures all lit up on the back. Which really doesn't do the figures justice at ALL. 

Functionality - With just two AA batteries, the magic really begins. While these figures are elegantly done to sit nicely to attract the light during the day, once it gets dark is when the real magic happens. These figures light up and create a beautiful nightlight than anyone is sure to enjoy.

Fun - The fun factor won't end for these figures. How cool is it to go to sleep with 5 senshi lighting up your room in their signature colors (except Sailor Moon, who is yellow, like the moon in the anime of course)?! 

Cost - I've seen these going for anywhere from $35 to $50 EACH starting price to about $400 - $600 for the entire set.

Availability - Unfortunately, these figures can be a bit tricky to find. Typically your best bet is to check out eBay or the LJ group; SeraSell. Otherwise, you can always try a 3rd party service to help you bid on an item directly from Japan if you're willing to pay some extra in shipping and fee's. 
 
 
To sum this up, these figures totally are awesome. During the day they just radiate and sparkle even with little light! While in the dark these figures really have their chance to shine! And with colors to match ANY of your moods, why not?! 
Just turn these on, snuggle up with your Sailor Moon plushie in bed and listen to soft variations of Sailor Moon opening and ending themes while falling asleep, only to dream of joining the senshi to fight the forces of evil!! ..  I can't be the ONLY one who does that .. can I?! .. 


Sailor Moon Chan Says!

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