The Strongest Man (in His Prime!)
For today's Zoom, we're diving into the legend himself—the man known as the "Strongest in the World" after Gol D. Roger’s era ended. It's Edward Newgate, aka Whitebeard, captured in his younger glory days with the P.O.P Neo EX Ver.0 figure. Released alongside Gol D. Roger, this figure isn't just a collectible; it’s a tribute to the prime years of piracy itself!
First Impressions: Love at First Sight!
Opening the box and setting him up immediately triggers that overwhelming feeling—this figure is massive, powerful, and stunningly detailed. The colors jump right out at you, brighter and cleaner than the original-old-man release. Young Whitebeard stands tall with a fearless aura, flashing that iconic, wide, confident grin. His hair shines with youthful energy under his pirate hat, and his heroic pose practically demands a centerpiece spot on any shelf.
A Familiar Body with a New Shine
Upon closer inspection, veterans of the P.O.P line will notice a big déjà vu moment—the body sculpt itself is the same as the first Whitebeard figure. From the massive cape to the rugged boots, and even his massive bisento weapon, the structure remains. However, there are improvements: the colors are sharper, more vivid, and give a fresher energy that really suits a slightly "younger" Whitebeard. Yes, the scars are still there (and at 52 years old in this version, they make sense!). When posed next to Gol D. Roger, the figures tell an epic visual story—the era where titans ruled the seas!
The Hat Problem: Keep It On!
Now, let’s talk about the one major caveat. Pick up the figure and accidentally nudge the hat off, and... uh-oh. Without the hat, Whitebeard's head suddenly looks flat, awkward, and frankly a bit strange. The bandana sculpt underneath doesn’t have the same charisma or dimension as the rest of the figure, making it painfully obvious that Megahouse intended this figure to be displayed *with* the hat, no exceptions. It’s not the end of the world, but seriously—keep that hat on, captain!
Final Verdict: Old Era Magic
Despite the heavy reuse of parts, Edward Newgate Ver.0 absolutely earns its place in the lineup. The sheer presence, the vibrant recolor, and the connection it draws to Roger and Garp Ver.0 make it a must-have for anyone chasing the dream of a complete "Golden Age of Piracy" shelf. Sure, it’s a bit of a shortcut by Megahouse, but the end result is still visually stunning. If you love the old legends of One Piece, Whitebeard Ver.0 is a no-brainer addition—one worthy of the man who could shake the seas with a single swing!
💫 Figure quality: | 7.5 |
👺 Devotion to the Character: | 7.5 |
👑 Gadgets and alternative pieces (if needed): | 5 |
💸 Price: | 7 |
💓 Figure Importance in Your Collection: | 5 |
🎯 TOTAL: | 6.4 |