Shana Enpatsu (Shakugan Version )

Hi, my name is Siren, and I am completely new to this review thing so please bear with me. I am a friend of Atom's and I wanted to prove that there are girls that like this stuff too! I don't consider myself to be an anime buff, but I do have a good sized collection. My sister gifts me with 30 disks of anime from her library every year for x-mas (not that I'm complaining :D) I hope you enjoy reading my review, feedback is appreciated.

Today we are looking at Shana Enpatsu from the manga turned anime Shakugan no Shana and a newer release in the Nendoroid line of super deformed figures by Good Smile. Shana (but sadly no melon bread) came courtesy of Anime-Export.

The story follows a high school boy named Yuji Sakai as he gets pulled into the ongoing battle between light and dark (order and chaos, good and bad, you get the idea…) as he discovers he carries a secret and a unique “tool” within him that can tip the balance of things.

Thus enters a ” Flame Haze” that he takes to calling Shana (Flame-Haired Burning-Eyed Hunter) a warrior for the “balancing force” who takes to watching over and protecting Yuji with her katana. Shana is a no-nonsense girl who takes her role as a Flame Haze very seriously. As the series goes on she becomes close to Yugi despite the fact she is constantly yelling at him to shut up, even showing a goofy side when it comes to her love of melon bread.

Packaging is a basic shadowbox style with windows on the front and each side showing the figure, accessories and alternate arms. Pictures of the alternate pieces on the figure are displayed on the sides and back of packaging.

The figure stands 10cm (about 4 inches) tall and comes with two alternate faces and sets of arms to help convey the true nature of the character.

The accessories include...

Shana's sword (Nietono no Shana)

Her Necklace (Cocytus) and a clear plastic display stand to hold the figure upright. The only thing missing is a package of melon bread.

Articulation is limited to the neck, shoulders, waist and legs. Her coat severely limits movement in the shoulders, so when using the alternate arms you may want to take it off for better placement.

The stand provided holds Shana securely enough to display just about anywhere. My favorite spot for her is on my desk with her angry face on, hand pointing accusingly with Nietono no Shana raised to strike (coat off of course.)

Shana is my first piece and my biggest impression so far is… wow I suck at this! I've never had a poseable figure before, and I've gotta say the temptation is always there to toy with it. For example, when I try to make a minor change and say… switch an arm. The head pops off! I get a little frustrated.

Although it’s not “clutz” proof, the figure is durable. It has withstood my bumbling dismemberments with resilience and grace (totally accidental, I swear!) You might be amazed at how many separate pieces this figure has for something so simplistic (and cute.)

The paint is well done with a few minor imperfections that are not apparent unless you are searching for them. However, with play, the paint seems to transfer from the coat to her hair and from the coat to her shirt. The first is not something you'll notice unless you're changing parts, the second stands out like a sore thumb.

I think this is a great starter piece (I may be biased), and a fun "just because" collectible for any fan of the series. The alternate expressions do much to capture the essence of the character and could only succeed more if they had included a face with the soft big eyes (or eyes closed in bliss and mouth full) and melon bread half eaten, held in her hands. You can get Shana at Anime-Export.