Anime production house Gainax’s latest original work, Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt was a definite surprise. With a unique, Western-influenced style, two trashy and profanity-spewing heroines, and a thumping techno soundtrack to boot, it was a jarring clash of culture and sensibilities that was unlike anything in anime before it. And I loved it. I’ll admit I was a little surprised when Good Smile Company announced they would be releasing Panty and her sister Stocking, but once I saw the Nendoroid versions, it all made sense.
Already disproportionate in the show, it’s hardly a stretch converting the Anarchy sisters into a chibi form, and frankly, they look great. Man-eater Panty has slut written all over her with a little red dress that’ll catch any lecherous guy’s eye. Matching this is a pair of red high heels, large red hoop earrings and a gold necklace and bracelets. Interestingly, the earrings must be swapped over with each face you use, are there is only the one set offered.
It makes sense in a way, as they’d possibly get broken when changing faces if still attached. By taking the earrings off and then swapping faces, you’re assured a minimal chance of breaking them. Though they can still be at times a little finicky to attach, it’s a smart way to side-step the issue. That said, I also wouldn’t have minded having a spare set just in case anyway.
Panty has very stylish yellow hair, with an oversized fringe that flicks off to one side with a light shade through it in the shape of a lightning bolt. At the back it’s like a bunch of bananas, flaring off in opposite directions, showing that a lot of Panty is simply hair. Though it might not seem much, it looks great. Also stylish are Panty’s limbs, with widen as they reach her hands and feet. It’s a distinct design that makes Panty’s feet look more like hooves, and her square-edged fingers are a strange yet distinct look.
In this Nendoroid form, they look superb, and offer something a little different to all those round, wholesome schoolgirls that litter the line. Three expressions are provided for Panty, showing a greedy, self-serving personality who isn’t afraid to scrap. The first face has her looking to her right, eyes half shut in an almost mocking gaze, or maybe she’s just noticed a slightly cute guy that she must absolutely fuck (no, seriously).
The next face is more subdued, with Panty looking slightly to her left, mouth open in the middle of some half-arsed excuse or simply belittling her foes. The final face has Panty relishing a challenge. A satisfied and mischievous grin shows as she looks to her left again with relish. All three expressions are wonderfully realised, especially in regard to the heavy makeup she wears and an almost Looney Tunes style. You can use any of these faces in a multitude of situations too.
Because Panty uses her own panties as a weapon (they turn into magical handgun named Backlace, wouldn’t you know), we not only get the usual crotch piece with her pink panties in view, but a panties-less one too! Though you don’t see anything but a bit of a butt, it’s still great to know it was included. Backlace is identified by the pink bow just above the end of the barrel. A second Backlace is produced when Panty borrows Stocking’s panties (try and keep up), and has blue strips on the sides.
These are blocky pieces too, and are held by a pair of dedicated hands. The other included hands can be swapped around with any of the arms provided, though be careful because on some of these those gold bracelets can and will fall off and potentially get lost. Lastly, there’s a cocked left leg; it’s the left one only, as the buckle on the strap of her shoe is on one side, and would look wrong if used as a right leg. Still, it’s an extra option.
A small (but well-realised) Chuck is here too. As a homage to GIR from Invader Zim, Chuck is a green, dog-like creature who can only say his name in a semi-tortured voice. Which is fair enough considering he’s like a living stress toy for Panty & Stocking, though he has other interesting traits in the show. A small clear base plugs into Chuck’s rear to prop him up, and has an articulated neck to move his head about.
In terms of uniqueness, Panty’s stand puts up a fight. It’s pink, has many insertion points, and gives good head. Wait, I worded that right wrong. The base is loaded with plug holes, though some are bigger than others and I’m at a loss what they’re for. Instead of a plug, Panty’s head is magnetised, with the stand arm using science to hold her in place. It’s a surprisingly strong magnet too, as it’ll jump to the magnet in the back of her head without worry. A small amount of padding covers the magnet too, protecting any potential damage done to the figure.
As a Nendoroid, Panty is fantastic. She’s almost perfect for this form-factor, and her character design has been easily transitioned. Her hair is spunky (and possibly spunk-ridden), her expressions bang-on, the magnetised stand is a wonder, and we even get GIR. I was a little disappointed with constantly replacing the earrings and picking the bracelets up off the floor, but these are petty woes. If you’re a fan of the show, I can definitely recommend this and her sister, which we’ll be looking at soon.
