Steampunk Project Pullip

June 28th, 2010
by Sue

When Groove Inc revealed that they were embarking upon a Steampunk Project, I’m sure I wasn’t the only very excited doll collector. The dolls are being released one at a time, the first being the Pullip Eos. Each release is limited to 2000 dolls and I was lucky enough to get Eos number 682.

I’ve admired Pullips for quite some years now, and I’m not quite sure why I’ve never owned one. I think it might be because their wigs often look a little too ‘wiggy’, that is, they are obviously wigs rather than hair. Rooted hair is so much more realistic-looking and style-able (if that’s a word). I have to admit, wigginess is something Eos suffers from. She has no parting; her hair all falls outwards from the crown, right on the top of her head. It also feels a tad dry and nylon-y. It’s much longer than I had expected from the promo pics, right down to her ankles.

Worryingly, a few pieces came out of the wig when I took her out of the box. Fingers crossed a good combing and maybe a wash will sort it out, otherwise a cut is on the cards. I love the colour – not blonde, but very very white.

I may also have been put off Pullips initially because of the look of her joints, but the latest body (type 4, I believe) has inconspicuous smooth joints, white retaining a great deal of flexibility, much like a Sekiguchi Momoko body. I’m charmed by her delicate little hands and feet too.

Make up wise, she’s absolutely perfect. I love the way her black and white painted lashes reflect the shape of her wings (more on those later) and emphasize her big dark eyes. Her cheeks are softly pink and her lips are a natural pinky-brown with a light gloss. Her eyebrows are also a natural-look mid-brown with a lovely arch, although they are mostly hidden by her fringe. The bronze colour on her eyelids is a nice touch, coordinating with her outfit and accessories.

And what an outfit she has! The Steampunk details are just non-stop – even her suspenders are wire. The hat is fantastic, a patchwork affair in canvas and faux suede with studs, tiny chains and screw-head features. Some people have reported that some of the clothing has had loose studs and fasteners, so I was relieved that the only problem mine has is loose velcro on her headband. It’s not great to have a piece of velcro just drop off, but at least it’s an easy fix. The headband itself is very cool, with a magnifying monocle-type piece that fits over one eye.

The wings are truly fantastic; they appear to have been stolen from some kind of clockwork valkyrie, although they are difficult to keep on her delicate shoulders. She also has a gun and some kind of staff, both bronze-coloured, long black gloves and a pair of armoured knee-pads. Remember when Blythe came with lots of clothing and accessories? It seems like so long ago now….

All in all, Pullip Eos is definitely equipped for survival in a post-apocalyptic world. She reminds me a little of Tank Girl, although that might just be the effect of Suemomo’s fabulous gallery of promo photos for the project. When the zombies take over, I’m sticking with this girl. And the Dal, maybe we’ll bring her along too…