Ghost Files Yu Yu Hakusho: Botan action figure by IF Labs, review by Andrew Lenahan

Series Overview:
Licenced by IF Labs from Funimation, Ghost Files Yu Yu Hakusho is a small series of four characters from the popular anime TV series. The figures are quite large-scaled at around 9" each. Each comes with a flimsy plastic stand.

Character Overview:
Botan is not actually named after Botan Rice Candy. They're both named after a type of flower. She dresses in a very cool traditional pink kimono with traditional flip-flops.

Action Figure Sculpt and Paint: 10
Rather than going for a ludicrous amount of lifelike detail, the sculptors clearly went for a strong likeness of the cartoon character. And boy, did they ever pull it off. Her face is bright, vibrant, and expressive. Her hair is intricate and fluid, as though in motion from being blown by the wind. Her long kimono has details like a bow at the back, and huge exaggerated sleeves. Even more impressive than the fine sculpt is the wonderful paint job. Her hair includes two shades of blue to give the impression of highlights. Perhaps best of all, her kimono is dully reflective, almost metallic, giving a very realistic plastic impression of fine silk. The facts cannot be understated: this is truly a great figure. Botan is like a living cartoon character invisioned in a 3D form.

Articulation: 7
As far as articulation goes, Botan is not a strong figure, even compared with others in the same series. Her head turns, as do her shoulders, wrists, waist, and ankles. Her shoulder movement is of limited use, though, as her kimono sleeves are obviously meant to hang down and look silly sticking straight out or up. I do think, however, that adding more articulation would not have helped this figure, and may have detracted from the excellent sculpt. Finally, she stands up easily even without her base.

Accessories: 4
Lack of accessories are indeed the low point for this figure. Her only real accessory is a long staff, which is simply sculpted and unpainted, but is moulded in a somewhat metallic-looking copper-coloured plastic. Like the other Ghost Files Yu Yu Hakusho figures, she comes with a a flimsy plastic base. It's easier to stand her up without the base, in fact. The base is painted blue on the top, to accentuate the Ghost Files Yu Yu Hakusho logo.

Packaging: Average
A large figure needs a large package, which Botan has. It's a standard bubble and cardboard combo, though it is big and allows a good view of the figures inside.

Overall score: 8
Botan is truly a diamond in the rough. If you can look past the dearth of accessories and the weak articulation, you'll find that the core figure is a truly great sculpt. Recommended for series fans and neophytes alike.

Availability:
Botan might be somewhat of a challenge to find, though if you're lucky enough find her, she should be fairly cheap. We've only seen her at certain K. B. Toys stores, outlets in particular. If you don't have one near you, try eBay instead.