Pullip Youtsuzu: Pullip Makeover - Ichihara Yuuko

Roughly a month ago, I got the idea in my head that I wanted to buy Pullip Youtsuzu for the sole purpose of transforming her into CLAMP's Ichihara Yuuko! I picked Youtsuzu because I thought the accessories and even parts of her outfit would really come in handy, plus, I thought that the way her eye makeup was painted was pretty close to Yuuko's eye shape! I just felt I had to do it no matter what, and so I got started on her right away, and just a couple of days ago, I had completed her! For comparison purposes, here are some pictures of her before I got to work on her!

As you can see, she is a very beautiful and elaborate doll! She's absolutely perfect to keep on display. I was actually almost hesitant to start this project when she had arrived, but I'm glad that I decided to go through with it!

There actually weren't too many changes I did on her to achieve Ichihara Yuuko's look, but it was still a time consuming process. What I had to do was change her wig and style it a bit, replace her eyechips, give her thicker and longer lashes to help make her eyes appear more narrow, remove her blush, and of course, re-do her lips! (The lips were actually the most challenging part, as I used acrylic paint on them. It required a lot of going back and forth painting on multiple layers and then sanding it down to create a smooth, clean, and even appearance, and it was so hard to do all this while trying not to ruin the shape I had created for them!) Also, you guys may not be able to tell in her current outfit, but she was also re-bodied with a large bust 27 cm Obitsu body! I felt it was necessary, considering that Yuuko is fairly busty, but still really slender. 

If you are familiar with Yuuko, then you can see how close this body is to her body type! The only thing it's missing are those long, willowy limbs that CLAMP characters are so well-known for!

I'm actually really happy with the outcome! I personally feel that she quite accurately portrays Yuuko's character! She's already become one of my most favorite customized dolls so far!

Pullip Sailor Moon: Announcement Date and First Impression

The much anticipated Sailor Moon doll, which has already been released here in Japan, will have an official US announcement of her release is expected in just days! Some time around June 10th, a date will be given as to when she will be available for pre-order/purchase by JPGroove. Unfortunately, rumor has it that unlike with the Japanese release, Pullip Sailor moon will not be coming with a little plush version of her feline mentor and companion, Luna. it's a little bit disappointing in a way, as you can't have Sailor Moon without trusty Luna by her side to help give her confidence and guidance!

Personally, I'm on the fence about Pullip Sailor Moon. I've been a huge fan of the anime since the age of five, and I love the manga and am excited for the anime reboot. That part of me really really makes me want to like this doll, but much to my dismay, I find myself to be underwhelmed over this Pullip. No, it's not just because she doesn't come with a plush Luna, but I feel like that her design was poorly executed. I can't seem to get over her wig. The way it's styled seems sloppy, especially her buns. The bright yellow color of it doesn't look so nice to me, either. I think it would have looked better in a more natural blonde color. It just looks cheap and like it's bad quality, in my bluntly honest opinion. 

I also am not a fan of the material that they used for her skirt and the bow and brooch on the front of her sailor uniform, either, or of her boots. They look flimsy and like they wrinkle and crease easily. I do, however, really like her earrings. That's pretty uncommon for a Pullip to come with! She also has a very pretty and versatile faceup! Overall, I think that they could have really done better and I don't think I'm going to be adding her to my collection. We'll see though, maybe some owner photos will be able to change my mind. 

Sources: 

http://pullipsandjunk.com/2014/05/24/pullip-sailor-moon-is-not-a-bandai-exclusive/

http://www.pullipstyle.com/resource/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=38023