Sasara Kusugawa from To Heart 2 (School Swimsuit Version)

I liked Griffon’s first Sasara so much that I picked up their second. This particular offering retains the school swimsuit motif, albeit in a more conventional manner by dolling Sasara up in a standard-issue blue swimwear under her school uniform.

When it comes to figures, Alter, Max Factory, and Good Smile Company are often regarded as the best of the best, consistently synthesizing flawless sculpts, outstanding paintwork, and dynamic poses into quality products ^{[citation needed]}. Griffon is considered by most ^[who?] to occupy a lower rung on the manufacturer ladder, and I wouldn’t disagree with the common view. I have a couple of their Kanu figures, one of which is alright and the other is the worst figure I own, as well as a Ryofu which has its share of issues. The first Sasara, though, I do like.

Happily, Sasara #2 is more akin to Sasara #1 rather than Griffon’s Ikkitousen figures. For starters, she’s big; she’s listed as 1/7 scale and she’s a solid 24.5 centimeters from the bottom of her shoes to the top of her head, and she’s surprisingly heavy for her size.

Oftentimes anime characters are given stylized, slender body builds. Sasara veritably scoffs at such presumptions of anorexia; she is strongly built, with noticeably thicker thighs than is the norm. I like this very much. I also like her facial expression; unlike the pouty Sasara #1, Sasara #2 offers up a coy smile and a saucy cock of the head. It’s my favorite part of this figure.

The paintwork is good, with her swimsuit given a glossier finish than the rest of her clothing. Her hair is a bit dull, I suppose, and I didn’t take a lot of pictures from the rear because of how her hair dominates that view.

Her skirt isn’t attached to her, like Yamato’s old Kanu Unchou. Unlike Kanu, the skirt can be removed completely, which I didn’t notice until just now, so I have no pictures of her sans mini.

I have to admit, her pose really isn’t all that exciting. I like how she tilts her head, but she isn’t going to earn any plaudits for dynamism in figure sculpt.

I also have to admit, her boobs do look strange. Not saying that’s a bad thing – I admire a nice rack and she is definitely sporting a superb example of such – but I don’t think that even a garment as tight as a swimsuit wraps around breasts like that. Not that I would know myself, lacking breasts. On the other hand, I suppose realism isn’t really something to expect regarding anime figures.

I really do like Sasara, boring pose and all. My opinion is mixed regarding their Ikkitousen lineup, but I’ve got no problem at all buying their To Heart figures; perhaps the remainder of their product line will someday be as good as them.

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