So under normal circumstances these days, I'd publish figure reviews over at our big-sister site, the UK Anime Network. However Mash here took so long to actually turn up thanks to surface mail that she's no longer "current", but I had to gush somewhere, so here we go.
Mash Kyrielight is a character from the ever-popular Fate series, in this case making her debut in Fate Grand Order, a mobile game and subsequent anime/manga that sees Mash fused with the heroic spirit Galahad to create a demi-spirit, making her unique as a neither a Summoner nor a Heroic Spirit, which is the usual role of characters within the Fate universe.
I picked mine up from Tokyo Otaku Mode for $213 (or around £170). It's on the higher side of what I'll pay for a figure, but the sculpt and finish looked worth it.
Mash with all the armoured parts, weapons and flowing cloth skirt applied.
Mash was sculpted by Deira and released by Stronger, marking the first of their figures I've seen in the flesh. First released in 2019 and re-released in 2022, the piece makes one hell of a first impression for numerous reasons, so let's go through what's in the box.
Firstly, you have multiple display options, which is always a plus in my book. You have two sets of arms, one more armoured than the other. There are two optional hip skirt pieces, so if you want to cover up her thighs (all on show thanks to the bikini-esque base design) you can have one that is just extra hip skirt armour, or my preference, the same again but with a sword attached and a purple cloth skirt billowing in the wind to add some motion to the statue. It also covers up her bottom, which for a prude like me (these are all on display in my office so I have to be careful what visitors come across) is a much appreciated option.
However much (or little) armour you end up with, Mash stands on a single foot leaning back against her signature shield, which is massive. A huge circle with a rail to hold onto, with a cross like flair across the back replete with gorgeous metallic paint, moulded silver details and cryptic faery text that's reminiscent of the text on Artoria's Excalibur.
An amazing paintjob on the shield is hidden on the back of the figure.
The quality of pose and sculpt are absolutely on point, with every plate of armour featuring both sculpted and intricate paint detailing. The hair has lots of strands and is suitably detailed for the size of the figure, while subtle elements such as the slight bulge along the straps and stockings lend an element of realism (and squishiness) to the figure.
What makes this stand out on the shelf (and ultimately got me to pull the trigger and buy her) is the paint. It's all levels of dual-tone sumptuous black, silver and purple lending an amazing sheen. Any light directed at the figure just brings out unbelievable levels of detail and warmth, drawing the eye like nothing else. The juxtaposition between her warm flesh tones and the armour is just lovely. There are some delicate painted details as well to give the figure a sense of scale, specifically the gold stripes across her sword belt which are nicely separated and consistent, at least on my copy.
The figure stands on a circular base adorned with a purple sky print. It's a curiously low dpi, but you don't see that unless you're looking up close.
If there are any negatives, it's only that the shield has a flat grey plastic on the reverse of the cross, but since that's the side she's leaning on, it's the one we see, and not the front of the shield with that glorious metallic paint. Just seems a waste that the meatiest part of the figure is hidden.
Overall then, this is a pretty glorious Fate figure, helped no end by the beautiful underlying design, but the interesting pose. sharp details and beautiful paint really elevate it to another level. Fans of the series or character would do well to find her.
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