S.H.Figuarts Portgas D. Ace Marineford ver. Figure

I was really impressed with the previous S.H.Figuarts Luffy Marineford Ver., so I had high expectations for this Ace release as well. Just like the previous figure, this version reuses much of the original body, with battle-damaged details added and a few minor modifications to better capture Ace’s appearance during the Marineford War. This approach makes sense, especially considering that the previous version was already based on the excellent Zoukeiou line, which had a very high standard of sculpting and overall appearance.

Fortunately, the sculpting on this new S.H.Figuarts Ace Marineford ver. Figure is just as impressive. The paintwork is also quite good, with no major issues to complain about. However, the biggest drawback is the loose articulation throughout the figure. Although it can still stand on its own, the joints feel rather soft and unstable when handling it. Picking it up gives you a slightly worrying feeling, and posing it requires a bit more patience than expected.

One of the highlights of this release is the newly included flame-effect parts for the forearms and lower legs. They look great and add a lot of visual impact, making Ace’s fire-based abilities feel much more dynamic. Even better, the facial expressions and limbs are interchangeable with those from the previous version, offering more flexibility for collectors who own both figures.

Another unexpected detail is that the chain included among the accessories is actually made of metal. It is a rather curious choice, and honestly, I’m not entirely sure why they went with real metal for this particular part—but it certainly makes for an amusing surprise!

Overall, the figure delivers excellent sculpting, attractive flame effects, and useful compatibility with the previous release. The loose joints are disappointing, but if you are a fan of Portgas D. Ace or are building a Marineford War collection, this version still has plenty to offer.