Thanks to Sjoen, I now need to find “α” and “γ” to go with my “β”! It’s all Greek to me.
Seriously, anyone got the others in the series? Please? Anyone? *sob* ANYONE? I’ll take ’em loose. I’m not proud.
(This dude sure seems to have the Albegas goods…)
You like that? The longest “Brog” title of all time.. As much as you might think I’m wasting your time, I’m really not. I’m going to reassure you of the fact that the magic does still happen, and when it does it’s unimaginably nice..
So I’m sitting around watching baseball waiting for my friends to show up from Hiroshima.. I just sent off all my shit to Shinjuku, Tokyo via Takuhaibin, so I’m left with nothing to accommodate my ADD.. I decide to get drunk as I know that there is a Hanshin Tigers game (I am in Osaka) tonight starting at 6:05 vs. the Chunichi Dragons. It’s about 5pm at this point. What the hell am I going to do for the next hour or so? I’m reminded of something I saw the day before at a local shop that’s across the way that I would really like to get for my traveling partner whom I haven’t seen for a couple of days, so I roll over there in hopes of putting the “own” on it.. I throw an extra 10,000 in the coin purse just incase..
Super Position, which is directly across from my hotel and literally 25 paces from my floor level elevator, is a massive toy store with a 50/50 approach of old and new. 3 MASSIVE stories of literally every genre of Japanese toy goodness. I don’t know the address, but it doesn’t matter. If you go to Osaka and hit “Den Den Town” you would will not miss it..
So, I head up to the 3rd floor which houses the Tokusatsu toys and make it a good 40 feet down the isle to the item I’m looking for and I see something calling me in my peripheral. It’s a fucking KING JOE POPY CHOGKIN GA-94!! What the fuck is that doing there I think, as all the good stuff is locked up behind glass? Well, as it seems some unassuming retail worker made a mistake. I throw it in my basket and walk on..
That’s right… A fucking Popy GA-94 Ultraman King Joe for 2000Y C8 in C8 box with accessories and paperwork. I walk up to the attendant, who is in her early 20s and she looks at me slanted.. She triple takes the Joe and proceeds to throw it in the bag and let me walk.
Honestly, at this point I’m more concerned about catching the first pitch so I run upstairs, crack a Suntory Reserve and start breaking my score out. As I take pics to share my experiences with you guys my batteries run out so I only get a couple of pics in. I hope you appreciate them suckers…
Believe it or not, the deals are still out there. How, why, when and where will always be suspect, but fear not, they will happen..
Baseball is calling.. Later! Over and out..
Sjoen
Well, it’s that time of year again.. The cherry blossoms are in bloom, the yen’s getting close to 100Y > $1USD and I’ve got the itch. So, off to the land of the rising sun for some toy shopping, toy shopping and drunken toy shopping (accompanied by pill popping if you ask Hillsy).
In the weeks prior to liftoff, I’m filled with hopes and dreams of what I might find in the slim pickings of what’s left of the Tokyo shops. This time around I’ll also be hitting up shops in Osaka, Kobe and several other stops that are off the beaten path in hopes that they might deliver.. If memory serves Roger scored all the Macross mini sofubi in one run in Osaka, so my fingers are crossed.
My over zealous list this year consists of some pretty out there stuff. For starters: Popy combining Golion “BIG” vinyl, mid sized Takemi Gingaizer vinyls, mid sized Takatoku Goshogun vinyl, any of the mid sized Bandai/Popy Robocon vinyls, Nomura “PlaDX” Baldios, Popy Chogokin Robot Jr boxed, Mach Baron Jumbo Machinder as well as a few random pieces that were on my list from last year but were unfortunately never found. Ironically, everything I just mentioned was on my list last year.. Doh!
Let me tell you, it’s god damned frustrating to be heading out with a list chock-full of stuff that you will most likely not be able to score to save your life, but there is ONE thing that is worse.. KNOWING the number one piece on your list is totally unattainable. What is it you ask?
Mange- type Psycho Armor Govarian (サイコアーマーゴーãƒãƒªã‚¢ãƒ³ Psychoarmor Gobarian).
I imagine the odds of finding this piece in shops at this point are nil and none. If it did surface, I feel it would most likely go straight to YJA.
Totally depressing, crushing, debilitating and whatever other adjectives describe the hell that is wanting this fucking piece. It’s like “chasing the dragon”, and from what I hear about heroin addiction, it accurately describes the pain I feel needing and knowing this piece..
I’ve been looking for this masterpiece of sofubi goodness for close to 7 years now to no avail. It goes to show that this hobby takes serious patience, which sometimes I feel totally devoid of.. Anyway, the last MT Govarian I know of came up about 5 years ago but was apparently out of my reach at the time. In the thread/link posted below I mention $800, which I would drop in a heartbeat today if I could, but have no confirmation that the auctioned MT Govarian went for that. If anyone remembers and can confirm the auctions end price, I would greatly appreciate it.
Aside from the pics above, these pics from Masato Shono’s Go Nagai book circa 1998? are the only I’ve seen.
I feel like I can say with confidence that this is “the” rarest super robot / real robot vinyl out there. I will gladly donate a kidney to anyone that can deliver one of these loose or boxed.. Seriously. Hit me up. I beg you.
– Sjoen
Gordian Warrior (闘士ゴーディアン ?) was a popular anime series aired in 1979 to 1981 in Japan. That’s the back story!
Well.. I actually had a lot to say about this piece.. The more I think about it the less I have to say. If you’re down with the Popy brand, and you are a completist, well obviously this is for you. If not, well.. It’s a solid diecast panther that was so dissed in the Popy lineage that its only other representation is made out of rubber.. A total cast off. A gem fueled panther. How 80’s. Nuff said..
– Sjoen
Happy New Year everyone!
I would go ahead and recommend this toy for TOTY but I’m not sure that it actually came out in 2008. I’ve searched the toy and box up and down and can not come up with any discernible information verifying what year this actual piece was released..
Ah well.. I’ll just go ahead and say, for me, it’s the coolest new toy I picked up in 2008 that was NOT vintage.
I’m sure we’ll be seeing a ton of cool stuff come out in 2009, as last year held some of the coolest new school releases thus far. That CMs Gakeen anime colored magnemo gokin came out! Also, there was the Bandai SOC Godmars, which is simply the most incredible modern day diecast toy ever made if you ask me. That was followed by the dominating Yamato Dangard A and the CM’s Baldios.. Man, if those GOKIN weren’t so dang expensive I would no doubt own all of them by now.
On the other hand, the Konami Lagann Impact Model I’m reviewing actually has NO diecast metal at all, but holds its own as a very unique piece if you ask me. You’re probably wondering where the hell it comes from? Well, much like the very popular anime Neon Genesis Evangelion, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann is another hit from the anime studio Gainax.
Honestly, I’m not a big fan of anime at all, but due to the interest here on TBDX and the fact that the show was playing on SciFi, I got a chance to check out GL via my DVR. I have to say, I barely made it through the first few episodes without getting incredibly bothered by the VincentZ fanservice bullshit. Well, luckily I stuck with it, as the series did actually have some redeeming qualities most of which being super robot madness. And YES, there was some seriously cool Super Robot shit.
When I finally got my hands on the Konami Lagann Impact Model Series the first thing I noticed is that it is a very sturdy and satisfying toy. No diecast to speak of, but still totally built and designed with care. Its construction reminds me of a vintage plastic Bandai toy from the late 80s, much like a piece from the Tobikage or Gallat series. Comparatively speaking, new toys seem to lack the playability of older toys, as they are designed to be displayed and not actually played with. This piece is clearly not a part of that ideology, as every piece is very interchangeable, solid and locks when put in place. This gives the piece a feeling of solid construction, and leaves the owner a feeling of satisfaction. This is important as the piece isn’t cheap. It’ retailed at 4950Y I believe, but if you’re looking for one you’ll most likely pay up to 10,000Y on YJP for one now.
Anyway, the aesthetic beauty one can achieve with this guy while in action on the supplied stand is incredible.. Luckily, for all the geeks out there that are into “anime accuracy”, there are multiple expressions and weapons that appear in the show included with the figure.
BUMMER.. No waist joint to speak..
As a collector of vintage Japanese toys, I have to say I am overall very impressed with this piece. Unfortunately there are only a few other parallels I have to compare this to within the lineage of our vintage Japanese toy family tree. First off there is the Daltanias Popynica, which is an incredible piece that features missiles and electronic lights. That piece was actually preceded by the Takemi Machine Blaster head/bust displays which are a superb mix of diecast and plastic, but are totally under-appreciated. On a lesser note, there is the Takara Jeag talking necklace that can be displayed with the aforementioned pieces in harmony, but just doesn’t really make the grade.. Also, more recently, Bandai released the PX-01 Soul Of Popyica Mazinger Z head, which in my opinion is extremely well done.
Hopefully we’ll see more “head” in the future, but I’m not holding my breath.
Erik Sjoen
Hello everyone!
As many of you might have heard, it’s a very sad, sad day. Kimono My House, one of the last remaining vintage Japanese toy stores in the US will be closing it’s doors come Feburary 1st 2009. The 25 year run of the so called Mecca of Japanese toy stores in the United States, is coming to an unfortunate end in the coming months and will be missed incredibly by a devout and maniacal following.
As the master of the run-on sentence, I feel qualified to bring you this very unfortunate news in a way that I am only capable of, so hold your breath.
Back in 1983, the dawn of “kanzen henkei” was in bloom in Japan, and Yuki and Susan decided to import and sell 1/55 Takatoku Valkyrie’s in the window of their Berkeley based Kimono shop. Who would have ever thought that their insight into these incredible toys would have led to the the toy phenomenon that might have led to the mainland interest in Macross that would eventually lead to the “Robotech” franchise. Did Carl Macek just so happen to walk by? Hmm…
Wow! Right? Right!
Well that’s just a lil’ taste of the stories that embody the intrigue that is KMH’s history. There is quite a bit more to tell, but you’ll just have to come to the party to hear these toy stories of yesteryear.
As many of you guys/gals are already aware of, we are planning a “TBDX ten year anniversary, RIP KimonoMyHouse” get together that will be taking place on the roof of KMH in Emeryville Ca at 2pm Sat 1/24. We would love to see you on the roof that Sat. afternoon for some killer conversation, refreshments, shopping and a collector based swap meet. So, bring your odds, ends and general trading fodder to partake in our very own swap meet. But beware, toys are not to be bought or sold as the only changing of money should and will only be done inside KMH. If we catch you swapping cash we’ll break your arms..
ACHTUNG!! There will also be a SERIOUS kind of debauchery that will ensue afterward, which only the hardcore TBDX crew elite can deliver. Otherwise known as the “TBDX 10 Year Roast”, this invite only event requires an RSVP to attend, so please continue reading if you’re interested.
Anyone and everyone that IS interested in the post party event should email me directly. Please include your first/last name and any other personal info, ie email, phone number and astrological sign, as it would be nice to ping you late night when I’m drunk and crying over the tragedy that is KMH’s end..
Please keep in mind we have only allocated about 40 spaces for said after party so far and we do need to hear from you in advance if you are in fact interested in attending.
This WILL truly be the quintessential meeting of the Japanese toy collecting minds in the USA, and I feel that it’s only fair of me to say that no matter how many “summits” that occur domestically or “group trips” that go to Japan that happen, this meeting will most likely be the one and only opportunity for all, or any of us, to meet and hang out together.
That being said, I look forward to a full inbox. I ALSO look forward to anyone who can help me with my run on sentence problem. Seriously, please help me..
On behalf of Alen and all of us here at TBDX, we look forward to seeing you all there.
Best,
Erik Sjoen
esjoen@gmail.com
Kimono My House
1424 62nd St.
Emeryville, CA 94608
510 654-4627
510 654-4621 fax
info@kimonomyhousetoys.com
It’s the end of an era: the first vintage japanese toy store to hit the web in the ’90s shuts its doors in January 2009. On January 24th 2009, join us and Open Kimono for the very last time as 50 well-known freaks from the Tribe of Vintage descend upon San Francisco. This is your chance to drop the mouse and finally give them that reach-around and/or punch in the face you’ve been blabbering about.
A catered mandatory vintage toy masturbation session follows. Details forthcoming. RSVP’s go to Sjoen: esjoen (a) gmail.com. Seeya!
Tiger Mask II (タイガーマスク二世?) is a Japanese manga that was adopted into an anime series that aired from 1981 to 1982 as a sequel to the original Tiger Mask.
An episode from this series just so happens to be included on a VHS tape of shows that came to me from a distant aunt that I poured over as a kid back in the early 80’s. Needless to say, those NHK recordings have had a serious influence on my collecting..
Nuff said..
Overall, this toy is just fantastic! It’s delivered in a DX Popy style box and it bears the spring loaded action and killer accessories that one would expect from any DX Popy toy. This toy is actually very similar to it’s Popy DX Chogokin super robot counterparts, as the box, accessories and paperwork are totally over the top. This 18″ bad ass toy totally delivers. Spring loaded madness, vinyl head/cape and some kick ass accessories really add up to an awesome vintage toy. If the chance presents itself, I totally encourage you to buy this if you are a fan of Popy. Honestly, it’s Popy at it’s best.. Believe me, you will not be disappointed.
Erik Sjoen
Also, here is a comparrison shot with the Chokinzoku Tetsujin 28 SG-01 for scale.
You know.. I’ve always been a big fan of tracking life enjoyment (see lower part of Robotora box).. I mean, who isn’t? Right? Right…
I’m not exactly sure what tracking life means, and I’m not sure enjoyment stems from it. What I can tell you is that I own almost every toy associated with 8chan and I can honestly say that I enjoy every piece. Seriously. From zenmai to chogokin to tricycles, I have everything 8chan.
The DX Robotora is a very rare piece. Who would have thought? It’s proven so, as it only took me 5 years to acquire one. Was it worth the wait? I’ll let you be the judge:
So, if you already own the 8chan stuff this review should only lead up to one conclusion.. Find a Robotora and own it.
– Erik Sjoen
So, what’s the story with Robotan? Hell, I don’t know… I’ve been privy to many of the 70’s and 80’s shows geared towards younger audiences that produced many awesome toys including Robocon, Time Bokan, Medaman, Yattaman and some of the Popy Meisaku series, among many others.
Personally, I don’t really “get” most of these shows. Maybe it’s because I am a grown adult and not a 5 year old boy. Either that or I am a grown adult who doesn’t take hallucinogens. The Robotan anime, from the looks of the box, actually looks like a pretty down to earth show. But, much like Robocon, I’m sure appearances can be deceiving…
Robotan was made by Robin in 1986. It stands about 4 inches tall and overall does absolutely nothing but just stand there and look cute. It’s chest opens up to reveal an open slot for you to insert a floppy disk (included in the box). Wow! Being “Action Gokin” you would think this “kawaii” lil’ guy would be heavy. Not so much.. It’s legs are the only diecast, but boy is he cute. If you are into the cute stuff it’s a must have (hint, hint Corey). Nuff said.
