A Box To Make History: Kirito-what-will-be-Yuuri

Or "Yuurito", as I sometimes like to think of it.

 

But yes, today, after waiting since May, THIS finally showed up at ten-to-five:

 

 

BOX

 

OH GLORIOUS BOX

 

 

It had much bubble wrap. I had fun stepping on it while I unpacked him.

 

 

He's got one of them slider boxes, and this one has a nice pearly finish to the cardboard.

 

 

Forgive me, but the dolly plastic wrap always kinda cracks me up--it reminds me of how bouquets of flowers are wrapped in cellophane.

 

"Yes, I'll take one dozen Dollfie Dreams, please. And throw some baby's breath in there for contrast."

 

 

And unwrapped! His mouth is actually not nearly as close to his chin as Volks' photos made it look, but he does have a pretty big forehead--gonna have to be careful when I buy/make his slicked-back skating hair.

 

 

I was surprised that I actually like his default eyes--and then was struck by the irony. Could I have liked Fate's, Nanoha's, or Miku's, where I wanted to keep them as those characters? Nooooo, it had to be the one I wanted to change to someone else right out the gate.

 

Also, his eyelids are a bit deep, albeit not as deep as Miku's; he'll probably do better with lighter-colored eye options because of that.

 

 

I heard some people want to turn him into a girl, so here he is in Agatha's hair for s***s and giggles.

 

You're welcome.

 

 

OOOH STUFF!

 

. . .by the way, those instructions are nigh useless. That lovely "booklet" in the bag with his grippy-glove hands? Yeah, that's not a booklet. It's one sheet, and only the back actually has instructions on it. It basically only helps for putting his swords on his back, and that's it.

 

 

Starting to get him dressed.

 

Do he got the booty?

 

 

Hm. . . .we need more data. . .

 

 

HE DO!

 

 

Shirt opens all the way down the back with teeny tiny black snaps. At least you don't have to take his head off? You do have to take his hands off for this thing though.

 

 

Pants are. . . interesting. For one, the fly uses that infuriating hook-with-a-bit-of-thread closure Volks loves so very very much, while the belt gets a much saner snap. And the fly is. . . on the left hip, not the front. Yeah. I don't know either.

 

Also note that the belt doesn't have the buckle on it. I spent a while combing through bags wondering if I was missing a part.

 

 

"What is this? Why am I dressing like an early 2000's middle schooler?"

 

Yeah, his pants turn into low-riders if you don't tuck his shirt in.

 

 

The "hard goods" came in these clamshells inside a white box. Seems to have done its job fairly well in keeping the swords secure.

 

 

Sheaths hid underneath the swords.

 

And. . .hold on, what's that little bit up there??

 

 

AHA!

 

THERE is the belt buckle!

 

Incidentally, the belt buckle is supposed to just sort of clip to the belt, but when I tried it was so tight that it started tearing at the belt rather than going on, so I basically said "screw it" and just dressed him without it.

 

 

"Look Ma, no hands!"

 

The coat is run through with wires, but the wires are thinner and softer than the ones Fate and Nanoha have in their outfits. I honestly think this is an improvement, because sometimes getting their stuff to lay right is a fight, and this is much easier.

 

(FYI, he did not come with those socks. I put them on him because who the hell wears boots without socks?)

 

 

And speaking of the boots, I can now officially confirm that his boots are actual, y'know, boots, instead of replacement foot parts. I had kind of thought they were, but couldn't tell for certain from the promo pics. In this case it works pretty well, and keeps me from having another pair of disembodied feet cluttering my dolly drawers when I decide it's badassery time.

 

 

Downside of the boots is that they have virtually no tread, so getting him to stand in them is pretty tricky. They just slide on many surfaces.

 

 

Volks, why did you put just one hand in one bag, and then stick the bagged hand and an unbagged hand in another bag? Did you hire Yzma as a consultant??

 

 

YAY, HAIR!

 

I'm low-key in love with that little tuft on the top that sticks up. I'm pretty sure it's deliberately styled that way, and even if it isn't, it's staying, because it's adorable.

 

That said, his wig was super tight, as tight as Miku's even though it's not as stiff. So, that was an adventure.

 

 

And now, SWOOOOOOOOOOOORDS

 

Seriously, these are cool. Crisp molding, pearly paintwork, love these things. (I kinda feel like I need to get some hooks and make a mini weapon rack for my wall, because between these, Nanoha's Raising Heart staff, and some odds and ends I've picked up, I've got some fun stuff that I feel sad just leaving in a drawer when not in use.)

 

 

Standing next to Agatha (DDDY-II in fairly high heels). So, he's reasonably tall--comes up to the same height as Ags even when she's rocking heels.

 

Unfortunately I found at this point my individual Kirito has loose elbows, and even looser glove-hand wrists, so he's gonna need some screws tightened and some thin coats of superglue added to things. So, that's why he's just kind of. . .stabbing the furniture.

 

 

And now Abby joined the party! She wants to be the healer, but honestly, with her ADD she'd probably be better on DPS.

 

 

I am so thrilled with his face, 1000x better in person than in Volks' shots. Yes, mine could use a bit of a tune-up in the arms and wrists, and his default outfit is a bit baffling, but the face is what counts in the end, and I am more than happy with that!

 

Now to plot his ice-skater-ization. . .

Ah he looks awesome! I can't wait to see him in person!

I just realized I forgot to show pictures of the aftermath, so. . .

 

 

Yeah, kind of terrifying, isn't it? LOL

 

Wait a sec. . .

 

 

Toothless!? What are you doing??

 

 

Toothless: *purr*

 

Pancake's gonna be mad you beat him to it. How are you even comfy in there?

 

If you fits, you sits, I guess.

Amazing! I can't wait for mine!

"What is this? Why am I dressing like an early 2000's middle schooler?"

 

HA!!!! *pets head* oh Kirito, wasn't that your entire aesthetic

 

I wonder if in their official photos, Volks deliberately tilted his head down for that "chin down, eyes up" specific threatening pose that supposed to make guys look ..more... u know.. that gruff vidya cover

 

Cannot wait to see his transformation into Katsudon ... will u get him a giant plush pupper to keep company?

Oh no, he looks so much better here! Ugh, regrets for not ordering setting in... But I'm glad you got him, and I look forward to seeing him turn into Yuuri Katsuki!

I wonder if in their official photos, Volks deliberately tilted his head down for that "chin down, eyes up" specific threatening pose that supposed to make guys look ..more... u know.. that gruff vidya cover

 

If so, they failed pretty badly. He looks much more masculine here, Volks made him look like a babyface.

 

But congrats, Poof! I'm sure it's great to finally get your hands on him for sewing.

He actually doesn't look half bad as a girl. Congrats on getting him, too bad he didn't show up last week so we could enjoy him on Saturday.

Nice box opening and review! Careful with those black clothes though *shiver*

He sure is handsome! Thanks for sharing. I like his wig style, too. Makes him seem more like Kirito.

 

I’ve had mine since 8/1 still in box because I’m too afraid to dress him with the dark clothes. Hoping a coolcat body suit will fit him but waiting for confirmation before I buy one and dress him. I’m getting a second of him today as a friend ordered him and Asuna from volks USA for me. Still nervous about stains

HA!!!! *pets head* oh Kirito, wasn't that your entire aesthetic

 

I wonder if in their official photos, Volks deliberately tilted his head down for that "chin down, eyes up" specific threatening pose that supposed to make guys look ..more... u know.. that gruff vidya cover

 

Cannot wait to see his transformation into Katsudon ... will u get him a giant plush pupper to keep company?

 

AHAHAHAHA! I guess it kind of was, wasn't it? Even more so in Abridged (which I unashamedly love more than the original)

 

That's exactly what I think they did, and then probably used a reflector to light his eyes up. . . which had the unfortunate effect of flattening his face and making it look like it was sculpted that way instead of tilted.

 

I've been wanting to make one of those posable art doll critters, so I've been kind of thinking that Makkachin would be a good pilot test. That'll have to wait a bit, though, because the best Makka-fur I've found is freakin' $25/yard.

 

Oh no, he looks so much better here! Ugh, regrets for not ordering setting in... But I'm glad you got him, and I look forward to seeing him turn into Yuuri Katsuki!

 

Not gonna lie, I was a little worried he wouldn't work out, but took a chance because I figured I could always just sell the head and keep the body if that were the case. (My backup head plan was to get an 09, so even selling his head at a loss would probably make me even at worst.) But turns out this was one of the most egregious case of Volks failing at promo photos in years.

 

Thanks! It'll be a slow process, but I'll be sure to dobleepent the transformation in my thread in Character Concepts.

 

I wonder if in their official photos, Volks deliberately tilted his head down for that "chin down, eyes up" specific threatening pose that supposed to make guys look ..more... u know.. that gruff vidya cover

 

If so, they failed pretty badly. He looks much more masculine here, Volks made him look like a babyface.

 

But congrats, Poof! I'm sure it's great to finally get your hands on him for sewing.

 

Agreed--frankly, he looks more PROPORTIONATE in person. He looked half melted in some of the Volks photos.

 

Thanks! Now I have to decide which nightmare of a skate costume to start with: the asymmetrical bodysuit, or the jacket with all the rhinestones and the bizarre closure?

 

He actually doesn't look half bad as a girl. Congrats on getting him, too bad he didn't show up last week so we could enjoy him on Saturday.

 

Yeah, I know of at least one split where the person wanted his head to turn him into a girl; the thick eyelashes help make him more androgynous. That's actually the main reason he's getting a full re-faceup, though, instead of just redoing his eyebrows.

 

It'll be my first dude faceup, so, um, wish me luck.

 

I'll probably be bringing him to the Doll Show on the 7th, so hopefully he's presentable enough that you can see him in person then.

 

He sure is handsome! Thanks for sharing. I like his wig style, too. Makes him seem more like Kirito.

 

I’ve had mine since 8/1 still in box because I’m too afraid to dress him with the dark clothes. Hoping a coolcat body suit will fit him but waiting for confirmation before I buy one and dress him. I’m getting a second of him today as a friend ordered him and Asuna from volks USA for me. Still nervous about stains

 

Thanks! His wig just kind of springs into place, which is really entertaining. *pokes the floof on the top again*

 

I would think a bodysuit would work just fine? If Coolcat offers one for SS bust, as opposed to DDDy, though, I'd grab that one. He's pretty twiggy.

 

I just shoved him in all the black--not the first time I've done this kind of thing to a doll, nor will it be the last. Given my experience with Fate's navy-and-black set, I'm actually more concerned about the T-shirt than I am about the coat or pants. The worst staining part in Fate's default is hands-down the stockings, no question. Seems her navy coat, which is lined with a very similar material to Kirito's coat, is less likely to stain if it's cool and dry out.

 

In the meantime, you could always have him sit around commando or in an oversize shirt, just chillin'.

His face seems a lot more masculine than Len's was. The first owner photo's of Len, and I immediately said to myself he'd make a great girl.

 

I'm sure you could make him into a girl with the right face-up, but Kirito feels more like he was made to be a boy.

 

Meaning he's not allowed near my V1 Asuna.

He's super adorable! I hope he turns out more Yuuri-like than my grumpy little edgelord.

Thanks for sharing his photos, Poofiemus! He looks great in that wig! His gear is awesome too.

 

I like his face sculpt much more than I did in Volks' photos.

 

Linda S.

galatia9

Kirito is super cute (don't tell him I said that!) I like him much more in owner pics as well. Can't wait to see his transformation into Yuuri. I'm a big fan of YOI and I hope eventually we will see official dolls. *Crosses fingers*

Wow! he looks so much better then his promo shots... Volks is really terrible at those He's definitely more masculine looking then Len too.

 

Hopefully he doesn't get stained up too bad, with an outfit like that I think a body suit should have been included

 

Thanks for sharing, still so surprised at how much better he looks

Hey guys! Thanks again for all the congratulations. It's pretty satisfying to have him here!

 

On that note, I wanted to mention that customization has begun, and here are the current updates: viewtopic.php?f=13&t=15917#p222255

 

I also did some eye and wig swaps before I wiped him, but those shots need some color and light rebalancing before I post them. That will probably have its own thread, which I hope will help other Kirito owners figure out what they want to do with him.