Bishoujo: Sadako (The Ring)

Fancy to see a Bishoujo this year! It's been a long time, hasn't it? I've always liked Kotobukiya's work with their Bishoujo line, and getting Sadako, the haunted lady from the movie The Ring / Ringu, is something that isn't out of the norm for me. Ever since the announcement, I've kept my eye on this, and finally, after a year, I nabbed her! Let's get into the review, shall we?

I love the box art style. I will always appreciate Bishoujo for sticking to their guns with box designs while also maintaining some identity from the property they are licensed to make sexy statues out of.

At first glance, this Bishoujo Sadako does resemble the character. It has a nice pose, lots of good details, and it looks unique as a Bishoujo. It looks accurate to the character, too, so that's another plus!

This is the case for the alternate faces. It's a neat and unique little case! They went out of their way to make sure we have a significant accessory that isn't entirely attached to the figure, and the VHS cassette tape is something that works well with this character, considering the story. I know! VHS is now a relic of the past, but back in the day, it was a prominent piece of equipment that horror characters used to their advantage!

Speaking of alternate faces, Sadako comes with three, and they're distinct in subtle ways but noticeable enough to see the difference. The one above is a serious and a bit lustful, yes? Probably the best fitting variant on this Bishoujo. I haven't seen any of The Ring movies, but I feel like this would be Sadako's main expression.

A wide-eyed look. I don't see Sadako getting scared of anything since, ya know, she is some ghost... but I'm thinking that expression is just to be a bit more scary. My second favorite display.

Last but not least, there's this version with Sadako's entire face is covered up. I get what it's doing, but not one I'll display her with.

Sadako Yamamura has a backstory that states that she is a ghost who hungers for vengeance. She had a tragic death and so she haunts the world using VHS Cassette tapes as a means to connect her to this world... I'm sure in this day and age she'd have to adapt, but let's forget about that for a moment. Other than making her look more haunting with make up, special effects, and other movie magic, Sadako really doens't have the most complicating design known to woman. She's got a long white dress, long black hair, and cold-pale looking skin, which implies her ghastly status. So, making a Bishoujo out of her shouldn't have that much flair, right?

Those who know how much I love Bishoujo know what I'm going to say next! So much attention to detail! So much sculptwork! And while I mentioned that Sadako isn't wearing anything extravagant, the work on her plain white dress allows for us to appreciate the little things like the wrinkles, the extra length of her dress hanging from her lithe frame, the sculptwork just gave a simple attire so much attention that it makes it look organic--like it's cloth but frozen in time. It hugs Sadako's body, giving us a sense of her build, and, without beating around the bush, it gives Sadako that Bishoujo-sexiness that we are all expecting.

She has a lot of hair! A LOT! And Bishoujo didn't shy away from giving her long black hair depth and layers.

So many details!

Sadako's pose is, without a doubt, taking full advantage of what Bishoujos are known for: sexy, implying, and very feminine. Hovering over a bunch of VHS cassettes, it can be surmised that the suspiciously attractive ghost is making her presence known through archaic physical media. Since she's known to haunt old VHS tapes, floating above a stack of them does fit. The way it is done is also impressive since her dress is used as a stand, which gives an illusion of Sadako floating. Great stuff!

It's like this vengeful ghost is trying to be seductive or something. The way her legs are drawn to her chest and her arms are hugging one of her legs it's provocative. Her other leg draping over her arms, most likely moving about in a way that gives Sadako innocence and appeal all in one motion.

Implications, indeed.

Much like her outfit's design, Sadako's colors are pretty simple. Consisting of white for her dress, black for her hair, and that cold-dead-like skin tone, this Bishoujo also excels in this department. Something that I will always appreciate about Kotobukiya's work is the way their paint job gives colors depth. The white dress looks old, somewhat dirty, strained, and worn, which are all results of both the sculpting and the coloring.

Sadako also had time to get a mani and pedi.

Her skin tone, pale and cold-looking, completes that undead look. The paint job on her face (for whatever it looks like) has that horror visage; once again, all thanks to the paint job. While she does get that ghastly image, the smooth

Those VHS tapes are also sculpted with a purpose. The floating cassette tapes are a nice touch, giving in to the idea that this beautiful poltergeist means business.

It's been a while since I've seen Bishoujo's signature translucent tips. Glad Sadako got the treatment, though! I've always liked this, but since Sadako doesn't have a lot to offer color variety, this is perfect for this vengeful spirit!

So many angles to enjoy Sadako's beautiful (but scary) presence.

A great photo to take in all the work with her clothes, the wrinkles, and the strain. The hair, flowing against and with her, hovering 'motion'.

That VHS looks like it's floating, doesn't it?

I swear, for a spirit of vengeance, Sadako Yamamura knows how to tantalize, doesn't she? Also, her dress does a great job of preserving her modesty, right?

I don't have many horror bishoujos, but the ones I do have clash with Sadako's dark and dreary vibe. Sadako is a nice contrast next to Chucky and Pennywise.

Bishoujo: Horror

• Bishoujo: Chucky

• Bishoujo: Pennywise

Without the VHS stand, it really does look like she's floating, huh?

I don't get a lot of Bishoujos nowadays. Honestly, their price point got out of hand (somewhat justifiable), and I'm running out of room. But when I do get them, I try and gamble in the notion that it's going to sate my appetite for these pricier pieces. Needless to say, I'm happy to have bought Sadako. This is an awesome piece! Great sculpt work, a somewhat fitting pose (but sexy), display options available, and colors that are subtle but still prove that Bishoujo can still do what Bishoujo does best. I haven't seen the movies, nor do I have any connection with the character; however, I can't recommend this piece enough. There are a myriad of things to like and appreciate, and I'm sure for fans of Bishoujo, this one will hit the mark. Sure, she is a slight departure from her original aura, but all in all, it's a great Bishoujo statue. An A or A- recommendation, for sure.

Until Next Time!