Microman MA-SP02 Devilman & Silene (Manga Version) Two-Pack Set (9/30/04)

Takara released special two-pack MA-SP02 Devilman & Sileen set in September 2004. This was the second two-pack released by Takara for the Micro Action Series. Unlike the previous Micro Action Devilman, these two figures were based on the original manga version of Devilman by Go Nagai. The manga version of Devilman was definitely more hard edge and adult oriented theme, though plenty of kids (me included) read the comic version when it came out back in early 70's). It was Devilman series that drew big outrage from Japanese PTA and let to censorship of the series. If you have ever seen or read the original Devilman, the materials were definitely gear for more mature audience. (I know I was pretty terrified as a kid reading Devilman comic) The original manga featured plenty of violence, demonic images and gratuitous nudity. This two pack featured manga version of Micro Action Devilman along with his infamous bare-breast female adversary Silene (also known as Sileen or sometime Sirene). This was the first manga based character for Micro Action line. While Devilman was no stranger to Microman line, this manga version set was probably released to coincide with Devilman live-action movie.

Devilman figure had several new parts including the head, new pelvic with hole for his tail and new demon (bare) feet along with demon (bat-like) wings. Overall, the figure was very well sculpted and look very nice and a big difference from the previously released anime version of Micro Action Devilman. The only main complain for me was the poor paint job on the heads. The bright white fangs also made the figure look a bit silly, like he was wearing one of those fake Dracula teeth. However, the wing pack was nicely made from soft PVC materials and convey nice bat-like demonic appearance.

One of the character that often got released along with Devilman was not his ultimate enemy Satan but rather the often nude or mostly nude (depend on which versions you get) Demon Bird Silene, so it was not a complete surprise to see Takara included Silene figure with Devilman Manga Microman Micro Action set. The figure was not as revealing (no painted on nipples) as some of the Fewture versions but she definitely is one nude Lady Microman. Microman version of Silene used the "Lady" female Full Action Body with new pelvic section and new bird-claw hands and feet. The head was probably the most elaborate with articulated wings that was nicely painted white and washed in light metallic blue. Surely, there were plenty of others, more accurate or more artistic rendering of Silene figures than this Microman version but the Microman really show the versatility of the new Microman 2004 body and how any characters could be turn into a Microman even one as unusual as Silene. The designer tried to balance the Microman look with that of Go Nagai rendering of Silene and overall they pull it off quite nicely. The paint job was pretty good but again the painted on fangs just made the head look a bit silly, however, this was less noticeable on Silene. The feet were newly sculpted and so were the hands but the paint job on these PVC parts were very sloppy in several places. Takara also included full set of female body hands (also painted in yellow).

Microman Silene, for some reason, had very loose joints. Part of the problem could be attributed to the design of the Female Full Action Body but the problem seem to be a little more severe than the Lady Microman series, especially around the knee and ankle joints (curiously the Bat-Girl figure from the MA-SP01 two-pack also had this same problem). The joints were made even more problematic because of her large head (which made her top heavy) and also her large feet which tend to tip over the ankle. It would have been better may be to re-sculpt a whole new lower leg section for the figure but the attempt to preserve as much of the Microman body as possible was certainly understandable from both the cost saving stand point and to keep the figure more "Microman-like". The figure however do still pose quite well despite the loose joints, especially with the aid of the included figure stand. Silene made a nice if somewhat unusual addition to Microman figure line-up.