Nendoroid Hatsune Miku Absolute HMO Edition Part 1

Miku the beginning
A new review series follows right after the completion of Lego Technic No. 9391 Tracked Crane's main model, featuring a cutesy moe figure from the Nendoroid series, which has been completely gone from this blog since Chiaki Minami in February. ^^;


I like the Nendoroid series just as much as Max Factory's Figma and Kaiyodo's Revoltech series. All of them are non-Gundam collectibles I only started "venturing" into a few years back. ^^ I like the Revoltech series for its crazy articulation enabled by tough, durable joints. I like the Figma series for its lovely realization of anime characters coupled with articulation. For the Nendoroid series, there's always that "magical" touch where all the figures that come out of this line show the much cuter side of the characters they are depicting, no matter how serious the characters may be in their anime series. ^^ Some work well than the others obviously, but generally, most of them are just incredibly cute. ^^ I only collect the ones I really like, but I love to see pictures of new or upcoming Nendoroid figures when they are announced, especially the second or third option face parts which often feature wacky expressions. ^^

I buy Nendoroid releases explicitly to fill up my can't-take-hotbloodiness-forever-the-need-for-moe gauge. XD And this particular set can certainly fulfill that task. ^^



The n^th variation of Hatsune Miku I suppose, XD this is the Absolute HMO Edition. Looking at the text on the box, HMO is the acronym for "Hatsune Miku Orchestra". According to the the product description on Good Smile Company's website, this version of Miku was designed by manga artist Kuu and was used by YMO (Yellow Magic Orchestra) as the cover art for their album "HMO".


Image is from CD Japan.
Released in January 2011 at 4,000 Yen (inclusive of tax), this version of Hatsune Miku is quite special to only appear in Nendoroid form at this moment. ^^ Seeing how most versions of her have a normal fixed figurine version, a Figma action figure version and a deformed scale Nendoroid release, that "exclusiveness" is noteworthy. ^^ A few other Nendoroid Mikus like Snow Miku Fluffy Coat Ver., the upcoming Yutaka Ver. and Sakura Miku don't have normal fixed figurine and Figma equivalences as well, not yet maybe, but they are limited releases. This HMO version on the other hand, is not. Thank goodness for that really, or I might not be able to get her at all. ^^;

Personally, I'm not a big fan of Hatsune Miku. I know more of her merchandises than her songs. ^^; I suppose since she's not set in any anime series, her designs and costumes can be changed constantly, allowing an endless stream of merchandises to be released. I don't suppose that's actually a bad thing, because there are a few designs which I think are very beautiful, in certain merchandise formats. I like the Yutaka Ver. and Sakura Miku in Nendoroid format, but I like Racing Miku 2011 Ver. and the Append Ver. in scale figurine format more. Like many other things, you can pick and choose the ones you like the most. ^^

Another very special feature of this HMO version is the articulation design. This is the second Nendoroid to feature extensive joints for the entire body I think, after Saber Super Movable Edition. I do have that version of Saber, but it seems I get to experience the articulation design through this Miku first. ^^



The figures and some of her accessories can be seen clearly through the front window of the box.






Images on all sides of the box.




Introduction of the figure on the back of the box.



Comparison with Miyuki's box.



Comparison with Saber Super Movable Edition's box.
The extra box width isn't to accommodate her hair, (XD) but a huge array of accessories instead, as you will be able to see later.


Box open.


A larger-than-regular box flap is the first thing that greets you when the box is opened. ^^


Content.


Top view of the content.


Just one tray isn't enough to hold all the accessories apparently, a few of them are placed on a separate tray stored behind the main container.


The two trays of figure and accessories.









A look at the figure and all her accessories on the tray.







Rear view of the tray.






A look at the accessories on the second tray.



A pink backdrop for Miku.


Taped to the back of the backdrop is a sheet of eye expression stickers.



The stickers are meant for Kagamine Rin and Ren (sold separately) to match their expression as seen in a promotional video I think.


An instruction sheet is included.


List of parts for the entire set.


The instruction sheet also shows how to swap between the hand units, headphone and sun glasses.


Prize for first batch purchase customers: a special ticket with a set of serial codes that would provide access to a special movie on Nico Nico I think.







With the cover of the tray removed.





Straight out-of-box display of Miku.
Like many successful figurines and action figures, this version of Nendoroid Miku has fallen victim to piracy as well due to her popularity and high demand. Good Smile Company released an extensive comparison between genuine and bootleg versions of this figure earlier this year as a PSA to Nendoroid collectors.

More images of this Nendoroid figure coming up in the next posting.