Alright! Due to the holiday, I'm going to do this a day early, so that we have this up and out of the way. ^_^ This week, we're going to look at the simple, Children's Cosplay Tiaru.
What it looks like: Well, I really wish I could say it's packaging was something worth while, but alas, this item comes in a simple plastic bag, with a stapled tag of "Eternal Sailor Moon" with the typical pink background on it at the top. Unfortunately, I guess Bandai ran out of those nifty boxes that they were using for the Stars season. But, the box isn't always what we as collectors look for. But more so, what's inside, right? Well, this item is a little simple for most tastes. Being all it is, is the Tiaru staff seen briefly in the Anime, and in the Manga's. There's no lights, no batteries, and certainly nothing to move. Though, the detail on it is rather nice, the accented nearly translucent glittery plastic area's on portions of the wand really add a nice bit of flare. Much needed for something so simplistic for the typical Sailor Moon market.
What it does: Aside from look good, and be an awesome cosplay toy? Nothing. It's excellent for a cosplay toy for a toddler to young child. Being somewhat in proportion. Though, for an adult, it's nothing more than a short (emphasis there) staff. It's really not TOO much longer than the electronic wand.
For such a simple toy, you can bet paying anywhere from $15-$120. Let me explain. You see, because of it's rare nature of NOT being wanted among the Sailor Moon Stars Toys, it makes it a rare item. Especially still in the packaging! The toy is rather amusing to have, and makes a wonderful addition to your stars or Sailor Moon collection in general. It's quite classic, and sturdy enough to handle a good play date (or, so it seems). It's detailed accents really give it something, as opposed to many toys we've seen now-a-days to which the detail on 'cheaper' toys are close to nill.
Honestly, if you're looking for a cheap means of cosplaying Eternal Sailor Moon, without the payout of all the electronic's, this is the way to go!! Typically you'll find this item on Ebay from time to time, and typically at a high reserve. On the one side, this item is actually quite attractive, but because of it's plastic nature, and cheap structuring, the screws are more than clearly visable on the other. Still, it's a real gem to have amongst the many Stars toys that were released.
Personally? I give this toy an 8 out of 10. Why? Because this toy is truly amongst the top of it's class. Though it may look as if it's inexpensive ($15-$20 at best), it's one of those items that is highly sought after during the right season. It's a wonderful addition to anyone's collection, and more so, a very attractive alternative to the battery operated verion of the Tiaru. (And best of all, if you're coplaying as JUST the staff, it's only ONE piece, instead of the power and eternal Tiaru!)
That about wraps up this week's toy. Though short, it's definitely not one to pass up!
Next week we'll take a look at the less sought for, and overlooked toys from our beloved Stars season. . The Sailor Moon Stars Food items!
See you then!
This update is brough to you by YesAsia. Grab the Sailor Stars and Live Action DVDs before they're gone!