Why did the prices on Blue Box Elite shoot up from around $23.00 for the first series to Dragon-level $35.00-$40.00 on the next series? One reason might be that the facial expression mechanism was removed from the newer figures. And the quality of the clothing and gear improved a lot. Blue Box Elite seems to have stepped forward to give Dragon a run for their money in the competition for Collectors' dollars! Increasing quality is always a plus for the consumers. Blue Box Elite has produced an outstanding set called the Imperial Japanese Navy Pilot, Lieutenant Sakae.
Packaging: The box has lots of graphics and clearly illustrates how the figure should look once it has been properly put together.
Headsculpt: Lietenant Sakae has the look of serious dignity that most westerners have come to expect to see in a Japanese person. Whether it is the media, movies, or traditional stereotypes; usually a Japanese man is portrayed in Western media as a person who is dedicated to honor, tradition, and respect.
Articulation: The body is Dragon-style, so it is extremely well articulated.
Clothing: The figure brings a standard Navy Pilot uniform; which is a brown jacket and pants, boots, and a fur-lined flyers' cap. Everything is nicely tailored to a good fit. The cap fits perfectly, and it looks very realistic. Lt. Sakae also brings a sumo-type underpants. This attention to detail made me chuckle when I saw it, but it leaves an impression that the figure was very well researched, and that Blue Box did not cut any corners in producing it. Additionally, three iron-on transfers are included. The Japanese flag, the group insignia, and the Navy insignia. These should be easy to transfer, but I managed to burn a hole in the flag. I would have preferred that these insignias had already arrived on outfit. The last clothing item is the Zero head-band that is wrapped around the flyer's cap. It looks great, and Blue Box included a reasonable amount of fabric so that it was easy to place it on the figure.
Gear: Brings a Ceremonial sword and scabbard, a pair of extremely well detailed gloved hands; Pistol, magazine, and holster; binoculars and leather-like case; goggles, a wristwatch and a stop-watch or altimeter; life vest and what I presume to be the harness which could also have included a parachute. Everything is a true work of craftsmanship. This set is stunning in capturing the details. The paint applications are perfect, no drips or runs here.
Price: I paid $36.00 including shipping. This is one outstanding set! This is a legitimate collectible, and it will probably go up in price after production ends.
Overall: This Imperial Japanese Navy Pilot is a work of art.
