Fake or Not? The Great Carue Bootleg vs Authentic Showdown!

Figure: Carue - P.O.P Neo EX

Fake or Not? The Great Carue Bootleg vs Authentic Showdown!

Hi, finally — the moment we’ve all been waiting for! Today we’re doing a full breakdown of the mysterious bootleg Carue figure that’s been circling around. At first glance, it’s honestly impressive: clean, colorful, and nicely sculpted. But when you bring it face-to-face with the authentic P.O.P Carue, the differences start to scream louder than Usopp in a horror movie.

Bootleg First Impressions: Not Bad, But Not Quite There

Let’s start with the standalone shots of the bootleg. From a distance, it holds up — the pose is correct, the figure stands perfectly on its base, and overall, it gives the illusion of legitimacy. If you don’t know what you’re looking for, you could easily be tricked. But that’s where our comparison magic kicks in.

The Side-by-Side: Bootleg Left vs Authentic Right

We lined up both figures, photo by photo, and looked at every little detail. And wow — once you start spotting the differences, it’s like playing a visual puzzle game. Here are the major ones you need to look out for:

1. The Base – Color Says It All

One of the first giveaways is the base. On the authentic version, the base has a richer, more saturated tone — you can almost feel the shine of the plastic. On the bootleg, the colors are duller, almost faded in comparison. It’s subtle, but once seen, it can’t be unseen.

2. The Water Barrel – Transparency Test

The water barrel’s pipe? Another tell-tale clue. The authentic one features a translucent, glossy finish that catches light beautifully. Meanwhile, the bootleg’s pipe looks more like cheap plastic — cloudy and dull. A small detail, but a big difference in overall finish.

3. The Bags – When Color Meets Quality

The travel bags on Carue’s side are also key indicators. The authentic bags have a stronger, more vivid color palette and the paint is applied smoothly, without blotches or uneven texture. The bootleg version? Slightly off in tone, and the painting feels rushed — you’ll even spot some rough edges or mismatched strokes.

4. The Manufacturing – Signs of Cheap Production

Look closer and you’ll notice it: the bootleg has tiny imperfections here and there. Mold lines that should’ve been smoothed out, uneven paint around the eyes or feathers, and just an overall feel of “mass-produced without care.” The authentic figure, in contrast, shows precision in every corner.

5. The Box – Sticker Shock (Literally)

And finally, the box. No matter how well they copy the figure, the box always betrays the fake. The bootleg Carue box looks rough: the print is lower quality, the colors are off, and worst of all — there’s no Toei sticker! That’s the ultimate stamp of authenticity, and if it’s not there, don’t even think twice.

Conclusion: Close, But Definitely Not Carue

So yes, the bootleg Carue is impressive at first glance, but once you compare it side-by-side with the real deal, the truth shows itself fast. From the vibrant base to the tiniest accessory details, the official figure remains the true king (or duck) of quality. If you're a collector, keep your eyes sharp — and your stickers sharper!

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