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Wondering what’s up with this strangely avocado-esque rendition of Garamon? This alluringly internal-organ-esqe rendition of Takkong? They’re reissues of toys from Popy’s “King Zaurus” series of kaiju vinyls — major hits in 1970’s Japan. Why do you care?

Because they’re being sold by Popy, that’s why.

Yeah, THAT Popy. It’s true — Bandai’s dusting off the hallowed Popy brand-name! What this means in the “bigger picture” isn’t exactly clear. Details are scarce at the moment. For the time being, however, it appears that Popy will be taking the place of “B-Club,” the brand Bandai has used up until now when reissuing ’70s vinyl toys.

Garamon and Takkong will hit the streets later this month at 2,800 yen a pop; look for Ultraseven and Eleking to follow shortly thereafter.

Will Popy remain a marginalized brand of reissue vinyls? Or will we start seeing some diecast reissues, too? One can only hope… Stay tuned for more info!