Neutron Jammer: Review: Tsume XTRA

Hey, guys! Figmation is kind enough to provide us a copy of Tsume XTRA - Uzumaki Naruto to review. We actually have Tsume XTRA - Pain and Sasuke as well. So I'm going to have a series of reviews for these three first XTRA figure product line by Tsume.

For those who don't know yet. Unlike most anime figure manufacturers, Tsume is a European company based on Luxembourg. They have acquired anime/manga licenses such as Bleach, Fairy Tail, One Piece, Saint Seiya, Soul Eater, and some other famous series which of course includes Naruto. They currently have three product lines called HQS (High Quality Statues), HQF (High Quality Figures) and XTRA.

Their high-end products falls under HQS. These are huge statues with intricate diorama styled bases and are made of resin. The HQS product line are 1/8th scaled PVC figures similar to standard scaled figures which are normally produced by MegaHouse, GSC, etc. And lastly, their XTRA is their most affordable product line which are 1/10th scale figures. And the first released figure under their XTRA collection is what we are going to talked about today. So let's get started with the main character himself - Naruto.

This figure is based on Naruto's appearance during his epic battle against the six paths of Pain in the Invasion of Pain Arc. Naruto is attacking with his Rasenshuriken while on Sage mode. Tsume did a great job in capturing that pose and expression.

This is actually meant to be displayed against XTRA Pain in a face to face duel. He's wearing his usual orange tracksuit under a short-sleeved red coat, similar to Minato's white coat while carrying a large summoning scroll on his back. For me, this is the best outfit of Naruto throughout the series.

This figure is said to be limited to 3000 pieces only. We cannot really confirm that since these aren't numbered unlike some really limited edition collectible. It is priced at 44.90 € (Inc.Tax) in the Tsume website, but of course, price will be different outside Europe.

As I mentioned, Tsume XTRA product line is a 1/10th scaled figures. It's height is about 170 mm, bigger than non-scaled Figuarts ZERO figures but smaller than 1/8th scaled figures. See the size comparisons below.

Height comparison between Tsume XTRA and Figuarts ZERO

Height comparison between Tsume XTRA and G.EM. Series

As you can see on the shots above, it is a lot bigger than the Figuarts ZERO. But comparing to the G.E.M. series, the size is almost close.

Box Art and Contents

(click any photo to launch the images in Lightbox)

The packaging is a plain non-windowed box, similar to those Banpresto Grandline Men/Ladies. And also similar to GLM/GLL, the parts require simple assembly. Box size is 111 mm x 121 mm x 171 mm, and weighs 315 grams.

Front shows the prototype photo with a nice graphic design, series and figure title. It says XTRA 01, indicating that it's the first release under this product line. Right and left side shows another angle of the figure prototype along with XTRA 02 Pain, just giving you the idea that it's meant to be displayed together. At the back part, you can see some close-up shot of the figure, with some description that's seems to be written in French which I cannot read.

Box top has some kind of breakable seal, similar to those cereal boxes. Once you break it, you cannot undo it to make it look brand new. Some of you might not want to destroy the box and keep it as it is. The best way to take out the figure without breaking the seal is on the bottom part, which is only glued. This way, you can still preserve the original look of the box.

The box designs look presentable and attractive, but the problem is that you cannot see the contents itself. You won't be able to choose the best looking figure if you had a chance to get it from a hobby shop. Not really a big issue though. Unlike Figuarts ZERO, I believe these Tsume XTRA have a good QC, ensuring that each figure doesn't really have major defect and looks really close to the prototype. So far I haven't seen any issue on their releases.

Bringing the Parts Together

(click any photo to launch the images in Lightbox)

Let's build the figure. You don't really need to be some kind of whiz kid just to put it together. It doesn't even have a manual. No need to think, just trust on your collector's instincts.

Start with the base. The base is just a plain rounded plastic with holes for the foot pegs. Just peg-in the lower half-body first.

Then, the upper half of the body, followed by the scroll.

The head, then the Rasenshuriken effect part. Notice the small hole on the Rasenshuriken.

There's a peg on Naruto's right palm. Just attach the Rasenshuriken's hole properly on that peg.

The whole assembly isn't so sturdy. Some parts can easily be detached by simply knocking it down. So just like any other collectible, just handle it with care.

Personal Impressions

So what can I say about the figure? I say it's really cool.

Let's start talking about the face. Its got that real Naruto look and what's more is that the eyes have that very detailed Sage-mode. The expression really matches the pose. You can even see the wrinkles between the eyebrows and nose-bridge, giving that expressive attacking look.

You may notice some black paint smudges on the edges of the metal part of the forehead protector but not really a big deal. The hair spikes, while not as fine as that in the anime, it still captures that Naruto's spiky hair. The whiskers on the face is just the right size, not too thin nor thick.

Ears are also nicely detailed as you can see on this shot. Also visible on this angle are the hair spikes that are flowing backwards a little, giving it an illusion of motion.

The flowing in air red-coat also add up to that dynamic look. I like Minato's white coat, but this red-coat gives Naruto his own personality while at the same time reminding us that he's the son of The Fourth. You would also see the tailcloth of the forehead protector flowing in the same direction as the coat.

The huge scroll sits nicely at his back. The details are spot-on, giving you a sense that it's actually a rolled up paper.

I love that flame pattern on the coat.

The Rasenshuriken effect part is made out of semi-clear plastic, with a subtle paint detail. Really nice. I just kinda wish that it had some light-up effect.

While the right arm is attacking with the Rasenshiriken, his left arm is in the shinobi running gesture. Really authentic Naruto gesture. Those little fingers are nicely sculpted.

The sandals, though it's plain black, it has some nice lining details.

You would also notice the bottom part of the sandals are detailed.

A good shot where you can see some more details in the scroll. The shuriken holster that is attached to his right knee is also true to the anime.

Notice that the Rasenshuriken effect part is touching the edge of the coat and is being supported. This should be fine cause the right hand might droop down over time if there are no other support. Remember that this is a PVC.

A good look on the right side.

And just some slightly top angled top view.

Like I mentioned, it is meant to be displayed along with Tsume XTRA Pain. They're really nice to see together. It would work best if they are in a diorama. Immortalizing that epic battle in Konoha.

There's a lot of Naruto figures out there, but you don't really see much where he's in this outfit and kick-ass awesome pose. Being a product of a European figure manufacturer and being a limited edition figure, it's understandable that it got a higher price tag than a usual 1/10th scaled figure. But I say the price it justifiable with the quality they produce.

The figure itself has a good collector's value. If it's true that it is limited to 3000 pcs. only, then you won't really see a lot of this elsewhere. And it's definitely not going to be in any bargain bins. The quality might not be on the top of it's class, but it's something that everyone is going to admire in their display shelf. There isn't a lot of noticeable paint issues nor defects. Paint application is nicely done. It's as good as what you see in the prototype.

I really love the pose, especially in some angles. I love how they made it look dynamic. It looks like the best moment of that epic battle captured. The overall sense of motion is outstanding. For an avid Naruto fan, this is a must have. But if you're not really a figure collector, be careful if you're deciding to get this one, cause you might end up getting the rest of the Tsume XTRA series.

That's all for now. My next review will be the Tsume XTRA 02 - Pain (Deva Path). Watch out for it.

Check out the complete photo gallery below.