As with everyone else, my favorite character in Toradora! is definitely Aisaka Taiga, simply because she is such an anti-hero, adorable and frustrating at the same time. But she is actually so tender and affectionate at heart it's so irresistable! It is hard to imagine that no one would eventually like her when they finish the whole series. While I think it is always silly to give in to your friends if both love the same guy, you never hate Taiga for that. When the Toradora PSP game is released soon, it will feature Taiga as one of two perspectives available, and hers is supposed to be the more entertaining one (you get to fight guys). Fans might be excited to know that the game does come with a limited edition and you-can't-buy-it-anywhere-else Taiga Nendoroid figure. I am not sure if it is a Nendoroid puchi or the normal size - but judging from the pictures she is really cute and since you get to practice your Japanese with the game, I figured why not get myself a copy. Rather cheap too.
When it comes to the Taiga figures, I did blow a load getting my hands on them. Many of my favorites are from the Cospa range. For example, this was one of the first I bought - the Toradora! Aisaka Taiga PVC figure from Cospa. The best part of the figure for me was her hair - quite detailed and a bit of a nice flow. The wooden sword miniature was also a nice touch while fans would really enjoy the tiger at the base. The figure wasn't the cheapest, but there really aren't that many other well-made figures of Taiga available.
Honestly I have just about every Taiga figure available, unless they are limited editions which are harder to find. Therefore it's no surprise I also blew another $50 on this one from Chara-Ani, which is simply called the Toradora! Aisaka Taiga Chara-Ani Version pvc figure. What a mouthful. It's not much different from the Cospa figure, except the wooden cane/sword is missing, while her eyes are much larger and cuter. The angles are a bit rigid though and look slightly more artificial or unnatural however you may call it.
Another Taiga figure is this one that is 1/8 in scale. It is not from Max Factory (which I will talk about in a moment - that one is a real beaut). The thing that has this figure going for it is its pose, with Taiga in her arms folded and a stern scowl on her face, but still looking adorable as always. The base also comes with the now compulsory palmtop tiger!
Now the Max Factory Aisaka Taiga PVC figure is my favorite of the lot actually. Based on the cover illustration of the Toradora! manga's first volume of Aisaka Taiga which was drawn by Yasu, it is a perfect encapsulation of everything about her - tsundere, moe, scowling, frustration, delicate pose, fierce but with a submissive touch. The details are awesome and Hironori Tokunaga did a fine job with Max Factory in its sculpting. The palmtop tiger is actually on Taiga's palms and I just love her sitting and kneeling like that.
Finally, the last Taiga figure I have is actually the Aisaka Taiga Nendoroid Puchi figure that came exclusive with the NDS game known as A Cross of Venus which I don't play - yes, I bought it just to get hold of this cute little nendoroid Taiga. :)
Will write more about the other Toradora! figures of other characters (which isn't many actually after Taiga) and also other merchandise that I have. I really enjoy this manga, anime known as Toradora! and really recommend it to everyone. You will spend many hours laughing and crying with the characters and feel for them greatly.
