Review: S.H.Figuarts Son Gokou Normal Renewal Ver. (A Saiyan Raised on Earth)

Front & Back View

More of SHF review and it’s another Goku figure which is S.H.Figuarts Son Gokou Normal Renewal Version or named A Saiyan Raised on Earth from Dragon Ball Z series! Son Gokou, better known as simply Goku, is a protagonist character of the Dragon Ball manga series written by Akira Toriyama. The figure features his appearance is in his normal state, where he mainly portrayed to be an easygoing person but, he can still fight… SHF Goku also came up with the same box design like the recent release of SHF Dragon Ball figures, which to have more simple looks. The box coloring was overally white & gray shows many promotional pictures of the product, the inner tray inside the blister was colored yellow orange-ish. On the back of the box, there’s 1 promotional picture featuring this Goku with Freeza Dragon Ball Super Ver. (sold separately). This Goku was based from Freeza saga of DBZ, which is why the box had Dragon Ball Z logo. Unlike the old version of Goku Normal, this Goku was another regular release and it was released in June 2018. Okay, it’s time to unbox this guy!

Contents

Son Goku only comes up with 6 option hand parts and 3 extra faceplates. Yeah, right… Nowonder he’s cheap….

Preview Pose

In his normal state but, Goku’s hair is black and got his unique spiky hairstyle. In this form you can make either Goku’s easygoing nature or you can also make him to battle. This version of Goku has different designed GI, which he has kanji symbol written 悟, pronounced “Go” (meaning “wisdom” or “enlightenment”) on the left side chest (small) and on the back (large). Goku sports on both the front and back of his uniform after completing his intense gravity training inside his spaceship on his way to Namek. Goku continues to wear this kanji until the arrival of the Androids, after which he stops wearing a kanji altogether for a while. Funny thing the symbol’s background was colored dirty white with pale yellowish, while in the series the background was plain white. This Goku also given with the latest molding, body build and joints although, there is some part that still recycled from the old body but, it’s barely noticeable I guess. There are also some changes on the outfit coloring which having darker orange gi with dark blue undershirt, blue karate belt, dark blue wrist bands, dark blue with yellow lining boots and red strings on the boot’s ankles. This version of Goku also available in his old fashioned body and is called Freeza saga version. Unfortunately, that Goku is only exclusive Tamashii Mexico Exhibition 2015 and SDCC (San Diego Comic Con) 2015 and I ain’t paying hundred bucks just for an SHF anymore period. Gladly they Renewed this version so, I won’t be drooling myself anymore on that version. The figure was made from PVC and ABS and he was based from his anime counterpart. Anyway, his pose was already set like this when he’s out from the box and he can stand perfectly without even need a retouchment.

Main faceplate on front, 2 sides & back view. Cheerful/Happy

Removable bangs & face

Alternate faceplate on front, 2 sides & back view. Standard Serious

Alternate faceplate on front, 2 sides & back view. Angry

Alternate faceplate on front, 2 sides & back view. Yell

Standard serious faceplate defective eyes position.

Despite never change his hairstyle since his childhood, Goku’s trademark black hair has some significant change as well which to have more spikes and made to be more 3D feels compared to his old version. The hair is pretty simillar to Dragon Ball Adverge Goku Normal figure but more detailed version. This Goku has 3 bangs hanging to the right of his forehead with 1 upper bangs on the right side and 2 bangs hanging to the left. His hair also stands up with 4 spikes on the right side, 1 spike on the center and 4 spikes on the left side. Goku is given with 4 faceplates in total, out from the box he’s already attached with his happy expression when he greets someone, yeah… Perhaps the only Goku’s faceplate showing his easygoing nature. The rests are mostly used for his fight/battle scene pose, 1st is a standard serious faceplate just like the old Goku had as his default face part, 2nd is an angry expression with his eyes looking to the right while his teeth showing serious grin and 4th one is yelling expression used for battle scene. They’re pretty much the same like his SSJ Super Warrior Awakening even his SSJ3 Renewal faceplates. The faceplates were sculpted and painted meticulously, they once again captured Goku’s face perfectly, the paintjob are quite decent although mine one suffered many black spots on several faceplates but, it’s barely visible when I see it directly. However, it does kinda bothering when looking on the close headshot photos. One more thing, I noticed there’s something wrong with his standard serious faceplate, which his eye position did not matched symetrically (Photo shown with red line above) but, you can’t barely notice it when he’s in the side position. The interesting part is they now added some face detailing on several face parts, you can see the lining of the face wrinkles in several faceplates. Fortunately, this Goku shares the same neck joint like his past releases except SSJ3 so, we can do headswap to his other bodies. However, the headswap may fit to his other figures but, the ball joint on this Goku’s neck is a little smaller so, if you headswap for example with the old Goku Normal’s head, the joint would make the head wobbly.

Goku in the anime & manga

Yaaahh!!

Posing comparison between the artwork 03

Posing comparison between the artwork 02

Posing comparison between the artwork 01

Comparison with Son Goku in Dragon Ball Super

Comparison with Son Goten

Goku’s face was also done to be strongly like his anime or even manga counterpart especially from his later appearance in Super and Heroes but, still can’t beat the classic like Toriyama did on the manga. But, Bandai already did more than enough I think although, I don’t really feel like he’s the Goku I used to know… Probably due to that new sculpted hair. Goku’s hair wasn’t made to be like how he looks in the original manga and anime but, it was referenced from Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball Art Book illustrations which Goku’s spiky hair got more 3D feel such as more spikes and bangs. However, this hairstyle appeared in the Dragon Ball Super anime and also in the latest movies, it was shown when Goku in his Super Saiyan God state. Originally, Bandai already did SHF Super Saiyan God Goku with this hairstyle and, it was probably reused in this Renewal and SHF Gokou Black’s hair but, I don’t have SSJG Goku or even Goku Black so, I can’t do a direct comparison review… As for posing, the figure’s articulation could recreate the pose accurately although, there’s still some problem on dealing some part. Anyway, his cheerful expression of Goku also looked very similar to one of Son Goten’s cheerful expression in the anime, I kinda want to make my own SHF adult Goten but, my own version using this Goku someday.

Front, 2 side, & back view

Yes, like every Goku base form figures, his black hair would be looking awkward in certain angle. The biggest changes are on his new body with updated joints which made him have more accurate looks and well proportioned build. His neck also given with a new sculpt that allows his head move/swivel much easier, his shoulder cut was also made to be rounder like the one in SSJ Goku Super Warrior Awakening and the SSJ3 Goku Renewal version. However, the only thing remains the same is his arms which directly a recycled from the previous releases of Goku but, it’s still looks good so it doesn’t matter I guess. The most important is his knee joints got some big changes, like my SHF Kamen Riders, Goku now has knee pads and they’re removable. Frankly, I’m more fond with this instead of the old one, his gi also has some slight shading finishing, you can see some gradation on his gi. The whole paintjob on the body was done very clean, I didn’t spot any single paint defect at all except the faceplates.

Movable shoulder pads and rotatable karate belt tie

Movable ab crunch

Movable head

Movable torso (bend up)

Movable torso (twist) and movable arms

Movable head and torso (bend to side)

Crossed arms 01

Crossed arms 02

Movable shoulders

Movable shoulder (swivable) & elbow

Movable head and neck (looking down), arms (rotatable), elbow, torso (bend front), legs, knees and toes.

Movable arms/crotch (open wide to side) and ankles

High Kick

Split Pose

Movable thighs and ankles (twist)

Cross legged sitting

Articulations still works the same like the Super Warrior Awakening version and SSJ3 Renewal version, this Goku was also given with articulated ab crunch which we can move up, down, bend and even swivel it a bit. The shoulder pads also movable like the old version using ball joint. His karate belt tie is also movable rotatable 360 degrees which allows us to recreate his posing more dramatic. His head can moves pretty good, you can make him looking up or down. Goku has butterfly joints for his arm’s movements, he can do crossed arms pose perfectly. We can also bend his elbow joints, another change is on his crotch which was articulated that allows his thighs do extreme split pose. The joint connection between his crotch and thighs looks something like attached pegs, you can see the gap inside his crotch looks like a peg. Unfortunately, the movements to do side split was a bit limited compare to the previous releases, we can also swivel his thighs but, not quite much. Goku’s double jointed knees are now made to be looking natural with better articulation works. His feet articulations are much the same like the predecessors but, that hinge jointed toes weren’t able to move down anymore.

Option hand parts.

Swapping the hands

Yo! I’m Son Goku!

Kamehame…

HAHH!!

Not bad!

You looked strong, this should be a good fight!

Let me search Bulma!

…. It’s hard to sense her ki.

Finger Beam!!

Oh well…

YAAHH!!

Take this!!

Goku only comes up with 8 option hand parts in total. Heck, from time to time his accessories becomes like Kamen Rider BLACK’s accessories!! However, that is to be expected from Bandai so, it’s no wonder why he was so cheap back then hence Bandai being a cheapskate as well. Out from the box, Goku has his open chop hand attached on the right and fistful hand attached on the left. The rests would be 1 right fistful hand for completing into 1 pair of his fistful hands for battle scenes or recreating Ryuken Bakuhatsu/Dragon Fist Explosion, 2 open splayed hands for recreating scenes like Kamehameha or Ki Blast, 2 open gesturing 2 fingers for every DB character’s notable battle stance and 1 open wide 2 fingers for instantaneous movement or finger beam. Yes, another same hands with same purposes like the predecessors. Well, if you have the other SHF Goku such figures, you can just use their option parts for this one. It’s very convenient that every SHF Gokus hands are made to be the same.

COMPARISON

Height Comparison between Son Gokou Normal Ver. and SSJ3 Son Gokou Renewal Ver.

The height stands quite the same with SSJ3 Goku but, compared to both the old school Goku Normal is the tallest one. The sculpting of Goku Renewal body was overally identical to SSJ3 one but, there are several differences. The most spottable is Goku renewal is wearing karate belt instead of sash, the gi of Goku renewal got kanji symbol while the SSJ3 doesn’t, the coloring of his gi has darker orange and blue and his dark blue with yellow line and red strings boots was the most noticeable for me to tell this is Goku of Freeza saga. Because, his 悟 symbol was later used again by Goku in DBS saga but, the boots and sash remains the same like he used in Android to Buu saga. However, in the upcoming Broly movie he wears his obi belt tie once again but, the boots remains the same from Android to DBS saga. Frankly, I like Freeza saga better for Goku, because it’s more original to Goku.. He had been wearing this since his first adult seen in Pikkoro Jr. saga, although the kanji symbols are vary. Another thing that differ between SSJ3 renewal body even the normal body is the sculpting on his chest collar on the renewal version is smaller, making his blue undershirt less visible.

Comparison between Son Gokou Normal Ver.

There is no denying it anymore… The new body makes the old one look like a trash but, in terms of articulations I still prefer the old one’s crotch articulation since he can do side split better than the renewal one and perhaps the only part that I still like from the old body. Although, each body has their own pros and cons… If you want to compare their articulations, you can check my old SHF Goku Normal review here.

Head and Faceplates comparison between Goku Normal Ver.

Yeah, aside having different hair sculpt, Goku’s faceplates also got a changes which made to be slightly smaller than the Normal version. So, judging from this differences, that makes us cannot do the face swap but…

Face Swap 01

Face Swap 02

Face Swap 03

It’s not entirely true as I can still do some headswap but, on Goku Normal’s hair the renewal faceplates reveals some gap as the faceplates are smaller than the Normal one. While the renewal hair attached with Normal’s face parts looks too tight fit but, other than the larger size of his faces the Normal’s faceplates got some peg on the side which obstacled the attachments. But, overall they still looked good if I saw them on the front angle….

Head Swap with Goku Normal Ver.

Hehee!

Head Swap with SSJ Goku SWA Ver.

Every living things in this planet, gather me some of your energy…

GENKI DAMA!!!!!

HOLD IT!!!!

Kore wa Supaa Saiya-Jin!

Bring it on!

Get ready!

Here I come!

DAAHH!!

Unlike SSJ3 Goku renewal, this Goku still got the same neck joint like the past SHF Goku figures So, we can do some head swap but… But why? It looks good so far, huh? Well, yes with the exception of the ball joint on this Goku’s neck, the head swap would make the other Goku’s head became wobbly. They may won’t easily fall but, it’s definitely annoying to handle however, with a glue tack that should fix the problem. On the contrary, If we attach the renewal head, the movement is good.

Hand comparison between Goku Normal Ver.

Well, comparing the hands the size and coloring are slightly different. The renewal one has smaller size and the skin tone tends to be more yellow-ish but, there is no shading at all. While Goku Normal one the skin is paler but, the hands got some shading. However, despite the color differences they still looked vaguely resembles when we attach them.

Goku: “Yo! This tyke? Well, he’s my boy.”

Goku: “Come on, say “Hi”, squirt.”
Gohan: “Konnichiwa.”

Good but, definitely not the best Goku figure for me.. He’s cheap because Bandai’s cheapskate, he came with fewer accessories than his old release but, this Goku still not disappoint me I’m pretty satisfied with the updated body with new fashioned joints. This Goku is very fun to play so, I highly recommend you to buy this, it is another major improvements that Bandai did. My other complain is they once again didn’t maintain the quality control… Currently, this Goku sold pretty fast so, if you found him in a good price don’t think twice, get them while you still can! This Goku was actually included with Nyoi Bo staff with option hands for holding it but, sadly it was only available for SDCC 2018, which I will never be able to snag one along with the exclusive SHF unmasked MMPR Red & Green. Man, I really hate SDCC exclusive… Because I live too far….😭

Pros:

• Outstanding sculpt work and details.
• Clean Paintjob.
• New body and new joint so, no more body reused.
• One of the decent and accurate Goku action figure ever made.

Cons:

• Faceplate defects on my Goku which suffers many black spots and asymmetrical eye position.
• Wobbly head swap.
• Cheap accessories.

Design: 4/5
Movement: 4/5
Small Parts: 3/5
Substance: 4/5
Accuracy sculpt: 4/5

OMAKE:

PART. 01

Gohan: “Father”
Goku: “Yes?”
Goten: “We wish to train with you!”

Goku: “Good! That’s the spirit sons!”

If only Gohan & Goten was like this in the end of Z and GT….

Now, show me what you’ve got first!

Gohan & Goten: “Alright, Father!”

– Gohan & Goten move fast –

Whoaa!!

HMPH!!

Gohan: “HAH!!”
Goten: “TAHH!!”

Outstanding! Goku just blocked that speed attacks!!

Goku: “Not bad at all, sons!!”
Gohan & Goten: “AGH!!”

Ah!! Goku managed to hit both!

Man…

It’s counter attack time!!

That’s some spirit you’ve got, Goten! Show what you’re made of!!

HAH!!
– Goten flies –

– Goten in the sky –

What’s this?

This should be good!

Don’t tell me…

CHARGE!!

HAAAAHHHHH!!!

Cool! It’s Goten Assault!!

– Goten charge down to Goku –

My ultimate assault!!

Go for it, Goten!!

Let’s see how you handle this!

Gohan: “GEHAKH!!”

Oooww… Another punch from Goku to Gohan!

Goku: “What’s wrong, Gohan?”

Goku: “I thought you can do better than that!”
Gohan: “AARRGH….”

And a slap!!

Goku: “???”

Well done but…

Goku: “GIIIHHH?!”

Watch out!!

Goku: “Oooo….”

Goku: “OOPSIE!!”
Goten: “HWARGGHHH….”

What was that?! Did you slip your foot?!

Gohan: “HAAAAHHHH!!”

MAKE GOHAN GREAT AGAIN!!

Goku: “EEEHHH?!”
Gohan: “You’re wide open!!”

HEH?!

Goku: “OUCH, MY FOOT SLIP!!”
Gohan: “GIEEEHHHH…..”

OUCH!! This made Gohan pathetic again….

Goten: “DAHH!!”
Goku: “HIEEEHHH….”

HYOI!!

Goku: “Watch out!!”
Goten: “GEHH!!”

A Knee kick!!

Goku: “And this one too!”
Goten: “UGHH!!”

Ow!!

Goku: “And not forgetting this!”
Goten: “GWAARRGGHH!!”

Dammit, Goku! First you’ve hit your Master’s head now you hit your own son?!

Gohan: “HIYAHH!!”
Goku: “Aiyayayah…!”

Gohan unleash some kick!!

Goku: “Watch…”
Gohan: “GUHHH!!”

OUCH!! Goku successfully hit Gohan with his elbow!!

Goku: “When you’re going!”
Gohan: “GAUGHH!!”

Owh, SHIT!! Another punch on the head!!

Goten: “Gaa… Gahh….”
Gohan: “My head….”

Seems like both sons are starting to teeter…

Gohan & Goten: “UGHH….”
Gohan: “As expected…”
Goten: “Our Father….”

They can nolonger continue….

Goku: “See?! This is why you lacked some training! If you can’t even keep with my speed, you won’t be able to attain greater level of Super Saiyan!”
Gohan: “Understood, Father…”
Goten: “We promised to train harder….”

Now, make them great again!!

Thank you for reading! 😀

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