New Release Photo Review: POP Neo-EX - Sir Crocodile (Repaint Ver.)

Enter Sandman.... No I'm not talking about the Metallica song but the release of the sandman himself, the POP Neo-EX - Sir Crocodile (Repaint Ver.). Released officially by MegaHouse today, 25th of July 2014. And to celebrate that, we have here some final product photos courtesy of blog.livedoor.jp.

It's really looking nice compared to the previous Neo-DX release. The repaint reflects the crisp and techniques of MegaHouse's recent releases. The sculpt though isn't something new. It still has that nostalgic feel. Which isn't so bad since it supposed to relive the past - the Alabasta Arc.

The New Look of Mr. 0

Crocodile's POP DX repaint version, the POP Neo-EX - Sir Crocodile (Repaint ver) has went out for preorder the same time as POP Neo-DX - Nefertari Vivi. It may not be that special compared to the original DX version but it also immediately went sold out on most Japanese hobby shops.

That's probably because the DX version has also become a hard to find figure that its price have been soaring up high lately. It called for a re-issue, and MegaHouse not only grant us our wish but gave us a better version. Well, it's not a ver. 1.5 but it's actually a very welcome release to those who are waiting for a re-issue.

Looking at the official photos, you can see that there isn't any significant difference between the DX and this newer EX version aside from the colors. Obviously is because it's only a repaint. I was thinking before why they didn't go for ver. 1.5. Well, its probably because there isn't anything need fixing on this figure aside from the colors.

For those like me who didn't own the DX version, this is the best chance for us to own Mr. 0. But if you happen to own the DX version, I don't see the necessity of getting this repaint. Don't give me that look, that's only me talking. I know that there's a lot of purist out there who want to get every single POP release. 

POP Neo-EX - Sir Crocodile (Repaint ver) will be coming out on January 2014 along with POP Neo-DX - Nefertari Vivi. With a price tag of 8,400 yen, even it's a little more expensive than the initial release price of the DX version, I believe this is still a great chance for all the POP collectors to get this badass former Shichibukai. Check out these links for preoder (though some of them were already sold-out) - HLJ, Amiami, Hobby Search, Animarket, Hobby Frontier and Figmation.

Bringing Back the Memories of Alabasta

Rewinding a few years back to give way to some of the characters to remember in the world of One Piece. This month's MegaHouse's POP preorder offering are the two characters from the Alabasta Saga. POP Neo-DX - Nefertari Vivi and POP Neo-EX - Sir Crocodile (Repaint ver.). Preorders for these two POP starts next Wednesday, 11th of September 2013 at 18:00 (JST).

We've seen the completed prototype of these two figures before during the previous MegaHouse exhibits. POP Neo-DX - Nefertari Vivi is so pretty with all those nice colors. This is a great chance to own a POP Vivi figure without spending too much on the now absurdly expensive POP "Neo" Nefetari Vivi. And unlike the Neo, this time she is dressed to show her royal status. I hope a new POP Carue will also be released sometime soon.

POP Neo-EX - Sir Crocodile (Repaint ver.) isn't entirely new but as its name implies, it is a repaint of the older POP Neo-DX - Sir Crocodile. It's pretty obvious that Crocodile is being released to go along with Vivi as both were characters of Alabasta. Well I also noticed earlier that POP Shichibukais were being re-issued or being revamped for some reasons. Starting with Boa Hancock ver. blue, then Blackbeard 1.5, Mihawk ver. 2, Trafalgar Law re-issue, Doflamingo re-issue, and now this Crocodile. Jinbe, Moria, and Kuma were the only ones missing from previously released Shichibukais. Does this mean we're gonna be able to finally see a Buggy POP? Oh, sorry if that's a spoiler to you.

Anyway, back to Sir Crocodile (Repaint ver.). As most of the revamped POPs, this is under Neo-EX. I wonder why they decide to do just a repaint and not a ver. 1.5. I really don't notice any difference compared to the previous release aside form the much shinier gold hook. I don't have the original so I can't really tell much. Well, I'll be getting this so I don't care much about the older version.

Both figures will be released on January 2014. POP Neo-DX - Nefertari Vivi has a price tag of 8,190 yen, while POP Neo-EX - Sir Crocodile (Repaint ver.) doesn't have any pricing details yet, so make sure to check this blog post or my Facebook page for updates.