TAMASHII NATIONS Bandai D-Arts Black Zero Megaman X Action Figure

Before we begin the review of D-Arts Black Zero, a quick history of it is in order.Black Zero debuted on the game MMX4 for the Sega Saturn and PS1 at the time as a code you need to input on, however in that game all it did it was just change Zero's color from red and yellow to black and and a grayish yellow color. This color pallet would then turn as an official power up form of Zero on MMX5 ( 2 ways to get it, either by putting a code or finding the hidden capsule before the door that you would enter to fight either X or Zero), MMX6 (you need to input a code), MMX Command mission (he already has it as a hyper mode) and MMX8( input a code or unlock the Sigma blade after collecting all the items and Zero's power ups and finish the game, save it and start a new game+, purchase the Sigma Blade on the shop and this will unlock it).Now a thing to point out is that the color scheme of Zero is a reference to MMX2 although not entirely. When you collect all the Zero's parts in the game you would instead of seen the real Zero you would see a Fake Zero. However, the fake Zero had a different color scheme to Black Zero, he had like a dark grey hunter green color in the armor instead of Black, all that was yellow is grey and the blue jewel in the helmet is red, so color scheme wise of Black Zero to his Fake counterpart from MMX2 is a bit off but still pretty cool to see a reference to it nonetheless.Now that we did the quick history of Black Zero, now on to the review:Just like Bandai release X's Ultimate Armor, now they release Zero in his black armor power up form on the D-Arts line. D-Arts Black Zero is pretty much the same as the Zero type 2 version that they release in the past, since is the same mold the articulation is the same so nothing to say much about it except that any issues that the previews Zero type 2 figure had are gonna be present on this one as well since is the same mold ( if you wish to know about it, check my review on the Zero type 2). However, the most noticeable changes would be the color scheme and 1extra part in the accessories. In the color department as you may have notice is the biggest change, Zero's Armor is black instead of red, everything that was gold or yellow is now like a grey gold except for the saber handle-grip, instead of been gold is copper finish (it looks pretty cool). The jewel in the helmet is a bit more of a darker blue than the regular Zero type 2 which it was just blue, the color of all 3 saber effect is purple instead of green(which it looks nice, and really awesome because now you can have the regular Zero type 2 using the purple saber effect parts like when Zero in the games gets an upgrade into the saber which makes it look purple). Now for some strange reason Bandai decided to change the color of the hands, while Zero type 2 had white hands, the Black Zero version has this white pearl finish color in his hands (i don't really mind about it, but is kinda of a strange choice to me really).Accessories count wise is just the same as the regular Zero type 2 except by one thing which was added, an extra face, a winking face to be more precises ( If you wish to know what are the rest of the accessories that Black Zero comes with, go an check my review on Zero type 2, all the parts are listed minus the extra face the Black Zero comes with). Black Zero comes with an extra face that is a just that, its a winking face, you might also notice that the face mold does not look like the others. The reason to this is because this face alone is base on the style of a Manga version of Megaman X that is done by Yoshihiro Iwamoto. This is the representation of his art style sort to speak, however i have to say that this is the most weird and weakest accessory to add to this guy and to be completely honest i feel that it does not belong to this set at all. I mean i understand that they added it so they could just try to make up for a companion for the d-arts MMX manga version which its base on that same manga done by Yoshihiro Iwamoto, however that version of X figure it had 3 faces representing his manga( serious face, crying face and a bleeding face), his hands where lighter blue instead of white, the side parts of the chest armor is more of a darker purple instead of a lighter purple grey, the helmet where it was light blue color is silver instead and i think it also included and extra X-Buster but like a damage version of it. So if Bandai was able to make the manga version of X as a separate thing so why not the manga Zero as well? all they needed to do is make a separate version of the Zero type 2, but instead of sporting the basic faces that it comes with just change them to his manga style version (winking face included) as well an extra head that is not sporting the helmet but instead a full hair piece which it would represented it better ( as awkward as it sounds, Yoshihiro Iwamoto likes to sport Zero a lot without his helmet in the mangas, i really have no idea why to be honest).I feel that this winking face that they added with Black Zero shouldn't be in the set at all, the extra winking face is the odd ball on the set and to be honest i feel that it looks to girlie to me. I mean, you have this sets of faces that look more serious and menacing then suddenly you have this one that is....well to feminine all of the sudden, i know where there trying to go with but i feel that it didn't translated well when it was been design and since you have 4 sets of faces that match with each other in the style, the extra one does not have a place on this set at all. I would really have much prefer that Bandai should have added on the set an evil grin face and an extra front helmet piece sporting a red Jewel instead of the dark blue one, that way anyone could make the Evil Zero or the Fake Zero (which ever you wish to call it) and have him more naturally fighting the Zero type 2 or have him going berserk than just having this extra winking face.Pros:- Solid figure.- Clean paint applications.- Accurate to the game.- Accessories are compatible with the previews Zero type 2 since is the same mold.- 1 extra accessory included (winking face part).Cons:- Since this figure is base on the old mold of the Zero type 2, any issues that mold had are gonna be present on this one as well because is the same mold- Its a recolor so people might be turn off about this and walk away.- the extra face is a disappointment and not something worthy to have it included in the set at all really.D-Arts Black Zero is a great addition to the line of the D-arts Megaman X figures, it complements really well with the D-arts Ultimate Armor X as well the basic X or any other megaman character. It also can substituted of been the Fake Zero if you wish to pose him fighting the Zero type 2 if you have him as well the parts are compatible since there the same mold so you have the playability value in it. However i have to say this might not be for everyone, as good as the figure is, at the end of everything its just a recolor pretty much straight forward unlike X that might sport a different armor design which makes it more appealing to the eye. The extra face part accessory is a let down to be honest and it doesn't really make it up for the figure been a recolor, if it had and evil grin face or and extra helmet front piece with the red jewel like they show a long time ago in a comicon ( i think it was in the SDCC not sure) instead of the winking manga face to make it pass as the Fake Zero then i would say its totally worth it.But as its stand i can't totally recommend this figure completely to everyone but sure go a head and get it, if you can bypass this issues then you will not be disappointed because its a solid figure. i bought it because i was expecting this figure to be made after they announce Ultimate X and i need it to complement it and complete the armor set per say ( on D-arts megaman figures im only missing the MMX manga version and the MMX metallic version which i do not care for this 2, but other than that i have the rest so far). This also serves as a replacement for those that miss Zero type 2 until Bandai decided to re-release it again if you never got in the first place.

Black Zero. What a beast. I was looking to get more D-arts Figures, and I wanted to get Zero V2, however I found out that V2 has had its prices raised through the ROOF (about 200 as of this writing), so I was out of luck, but found this. And that's why I got it, plus Black is a cool color. So about the figure, as everyones already pointed out, it's just a repainted Zero V2. It's the same figure just in the color scheme of Zero's ultimate armor. NOT, I repeat, NOT the "Fake Zero" from X2 (as Fake zero from X2 had a red jewel on his forehead as opposed to the blue one on here). It comes with the same sword accessories, where it differs is where it gets weird.As you know, all the D-Arts figures (minus Vile because well, he doesn't have a face!) come with alternate faces. With this one, theres a feminine face. This is a reference to his bishonen appearance in the Rockman X Manga adaption. They even have "Comic Version" figures of X and Zero that are your standard X1 Normal Armor X and Zero (I think) V2 but they have the bisho faces only and not the "Inafune" style drawing on our figures. Why did they throw this one in? Who knows. That's only a minor gripe that has no affect on my score, I wish it had come with a better face for the last one.Still, the figure itself looks BEAUTIFUL as you'd expect out of these figures. It's sleek, smooth, and just perfectly well put together. All the details are great, the Z on Zero's shoulder looks so cool, and he just reeks of awesome. Posing again, he has so many things he can do, but like with all the figures, there are some things you'll need to get used to. Like his hair can be a problem, and the age old problem of getting him to stand up straight, possibly due to how the hair is done. Now, I dont know if its just my figure, but i feel that posing his head is very hard if not impossible. I have Zero V1 and i have much more range with him as opposed to this Zero. You can hardly even see his eyes! That's kind of a bummer with this one, in the pictures they seemed to get it right, but mine always seems like he's a little slumped down.Overall though, it's a perfect figure, but I will say this. If you have Zero V2, unless you are a hardcore Zero Fan/Complete Collector, you should keep your V2. I got this one of course, because I love Zero, had the cash, and just so happened V2 was out of stock.