Kasumi Dead or Alive - Figures
Dead or Alive is a series of fighting games that was first developed by Temco for the Sega Model 2 arcade in 1996 but ported to both the Sega Saturn and PlayStation in 1997 and 1998 respectively. The director, Tomonobu Itagaki, strove to create a unique experience by blending high-paced gameplay and character designs with more sex appeal than other franchises offered. This combination proved to be quite effective, as several sequels and spin-off games were produced in response to the first game’s success. As the player base of the game continued to grow, so did their desire for merchandise of the various playable fighters. Figures of the various Dead or Alive female fighters are especially popular, as the series became known for dressing women in rather skimpy costumes. One of the most popular characters is Kasumi, a recurring protagonist in the series. Out of the half dozen figures of the character, some of the most popular include the “Dead or Alive Kasumi: C2 Ver. Refined Edition 1/6 Scale Figure”, the “PLAMAX MF-32 Minimum Factory Dead or Alive Kasumi C2: Black Ver.”, and the “figma Dead or Alive Kasumi: C2 Black Ver.”
Dead or Alive Kasumi: C2 Ver. Refined Edition 1/6 Scale Figure
This figure from Max Factory is a revised version of a Kasumi figure that was released in 2004. It uses an improved mold that adds even more details than the previous iteration, like the sakura pattern that is unique to this specific costume. The pearlescent paints used to color this figure also give it a unique flair. Kasumi herself takes the same pose as the original figure and stands bent over as she pulls up one of her semi-translucent stockings. As a scale figure, this entry has an incredible amount of detail in it. Particularly notable details include the fine, individual strands of Kasumi’s hair, the appealing curves of her figure, and the minute folds in her outfit.
- Product Name: Dead or Alive Kasumi: C2 Ver. Refined Edition 1/6 Scale Figure
- Series: Dead or Alive
- Manufacturer: Max Factory
- Sculptor: Hiroki Katayama
- Specifications: Painted, non-articulated, 1/6 scale ABS and PVC figure with stand
- Height (Approx.): 210 mm
PLAMAX MF-32 Minimum Factory Dead or Alive Kasumi C2: Black Ver. Figure
This figure shares many similarities with the previous figure but is significantly smaller. Aside from the size, one other notable difference is that the sakura-themed outfit in the previous figure is replaced with an alternate black and gold palette-swapped version. Since the figure is incredibly small, it lacks in detail. In exchange, however, it is significantly cheaper, making it accessible to a wider audience.
- Product Name: PLAMAX MF-32 Minimum Factory Dead or Alive Kasumi C2: Black Ver.
- Series: Dead or Alive
- Product Line: PLAMAX
- Manufacturer: Max Factory
- Sculptor: Hiroki Katayama
- Specifications: PS 1/20 scale plastic model kit with base (assembly required)
- Height (Approx.): 60 mm
figma Dead or Alive Kasumi: C2 Black Ver. Figure
This figure from Max Factory’s popular figma line features Kasumi in her black Kunoichi outfit. Like many other figma figures, this recreation of Kasumi is articulated to let users pose her in a variety of different fighting poses. Extra parts like facial expression plates and her short sword are also included for even more customization possibilities. The included articulated stand will also keep this figure standing no matter what pose it is in.
- Product Name: figma Dead or Alive Kasumi: C2 Black Ver.
- Series: Dead or Alive
- Product Line: figma
- Manufacturer: Max Factory
- Sculptor: Max Factory (Seki)
- Specifications: Painted, articulated, non-scale ABS and PVC figure with extra parts and stand
- Height (Approx.): 135 mm
About Kasumi
Kasumi is a recurring playable character in the Dead or Alive series and acts as the protagonist in most games in the series.
Background
Kasumi was born into the head family of the Mugen Tenshin clan of shinobi. She largely lived an easy, luxurious, and happy life. She was second in line to become the leader of her clan, with her elder brother Hayate being the heir at the time. Despite her wealthy upbringing, Kasumi is a rather kind and humble individual. That said, she is more than capable of putting her foot down when needed. After her uncle Raido gravely injures Hayate, she decides to abandon her clan to chase down Raido and get revenge on her own.
Special Abilities
As a former member of the Mugen Tenshin clan, Kasumi was trained to use their signature martial arts style: Tenjinmon. This fighting style may not be the most powerful fighting style in the world of Dead or Alive, but its focus on defense and dexterity synergizes very well with Kasumi’s incredible fighting speed. Kasumi also uses a short sword called a Fuma Kodachi.
Other Important Dead or Alive Characters
Two characters that are incredibly important to Kasumi’s character are her half-sister, Ayane, and her brother, Hayate. The following paragraphs include brief overviews of their characters and their relationship with Kasumi.
Ayane
Ayane is the younger half-sister of Kasumi. Growing up, Ayane was heavily ostracized by many others in the Mugen Tenshin clan because she was the illegitimate child of Kasumi’s mother, Ayame, and Kasumi’s uncle, Raido. Although Kasumi and Ayane were best friends as children, neither knew they were related until much later in their lives. Enraged that she was treated as an outcast her entire childhood, Ayane trained extensively to prove herself to her clan. After Raido returned to the Mugen Tenshin village to learn the secret Torn Sky Blast technique, Kasumi was deemed a nukenin, and Ayane was tasked with killing her in order to preserve the secrets of the clan.
Hayate
Hayate is the elder brother of Kasumi and the first in line to inherit the title of Mugen Tenshin clan leader. When the story of Dead or Alive begins, Hayate and Kasumi’s exiled uncle returns and attacks the village in an attempt to learn the Torn Sky Blast. Hayate and Ayane are the first to encounter him, though he proves too powerful for the younger shinobi. In a desperate attempt to defeat Raido, Hayate uses the secret technique, inadvertently showing Raido how to use it. Raido then uses the technique against Hayate, leaving him paralyzed and in a coma.
Links
Dead or Alive Kasumi: C2 Ver. Refined Edition 1/6 Scale Figure
PLAMAX MF-32 Minimum Factory Dead or Alive Kasumi C2: Black Ver.
figma Dead or Alive Kasumi: C2 Black Ver.
Dead or Alive Figures
Dead or Alive Label
Kasumi Label