@Mr. Humphreys Thank you so much for taking the time to take those photos of the inside of the book Grace, and share them here. It is definitely one of his that I would like to track down eventually, even if I couldn't read it (might be good practice for lessons though!). It makes me so happy to see his creative style comes across in these two, colourful, fun, and engrossing on every page - all I could ask for from a children's book.
You are very welcome Stevie! Just wish I had access to a scanner and my old graphics workstation, then I could have made a decent PDF I did find the link to Ohashisan's books. You could've even gotten them on Amazon, but they are sadly out of print... Books that are illustrated by Mr. O can still be purchased! Ohashisan's books on Amazon USA (search url) https://www.amazon.com/s?i=stripbooks&rh=p_27:Shigenobu+OÌ„hashi&s=relevancerank&text=Shigenobu+OÌ„hashi&ref=dp_byline_sr_book_1 Ohashisan's books on Amazon JP (search url) https://www.amazon.co.jp/s?i=stripbooks&rh=p_27:大橋+重信&s=relevancerank&text=大橋+重信&ref=dp_byline_sr_book_2 ***Note that the remaining books that can be ordered are NOT authored by Mr. O, they are illustrated by Mr. O Pig book (out of print) https://www.amazon.com/Futottanokanā-Shigenobu-OÌ-hashi/dp/4774611239/ref=sr_1_131?dchild=1&keywords=Shigenobu&qid=1594983705&rnid=2941120011&s=books&sr=1-131 Sadly, I forgot to order the Cat book (authored and illustrated by Mr. O) https://www.amazon.co.jp/ごくらくねこ-内田-麟太郎/dp/4333023246/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&qid=1595019476&s=books&sr=1-3&text=大橋+重信 I meant to order it when it first came out, but never got around to it
Fantastic shots, neighbor! This is actually more of a news and wild speculation thread. Fresh, in-hand pr0n should generally be pointed at Lixx's memorial outpost.
Oops! I had a feeling this isn't the best place to drop these photos. Can a post be moved by a mod, or should I just delete and repost myself?
Lucky Rock-Paper-Scissors Battle Ultra-Monster Painted Doll, from Ultraman Jack about 5.5cm tall Set of 10 characters, released as blind bags I "severely" dislike blind bags Maybe if they were dollar store toys, it would be "fun", but when toys cost serious money, it would be nice to know what you are buying (sorry, I am a grinch! ) Pic from Mr. O's blog
I agree with you Grace, I just think - although 'we' don't see it, the intent is actually that very thing, which is a good one on the part of Oohashi-san. I am guessing these are similar to the previous R-P-S battle sets of micros, making [presumably unpainted, though we don't know yet] easily available and fun packs for fans' accessibility. In other words, these toys, being both micro and unpainted, are just the analogue you are referring to, the type of cheap, blind boxed fun toys you can grab in a handful and have a little 'surprise' when opening, and do battle with each other in the same vein as many, may historical Japanese (and other) toy lines. The only issue which actually sort of corrupts this is not having the access to them, which then pushes these into the aftermarket territory out of the gate and is contrary to the entire spirit of it. It's honestly so sad, because Oohashi-san seems to go out of his way to try and offer a variety of different sales mediums, but always it turns to the same result. As a fan I am incredibly disappointed of course, but I don't lay it at his feet at all. (sigh, just remembering when the first gacha toys and then Ultra micro sets were actually available to people who wanted them..... seems like so long ago)
I think the new releases are painted? Also I think there may be more than 10 variations/characters. Only thing is each person is limited to 10 pieces which make completing this series nearly impossible....
Ah okay, thanks, I didn't see this confirmed, but interesting to know. Has anyone seen what the proposed price point of them is then? (painted being understandably more invested to produce for him)
Cheers man, thanks. If anyone knows of any release info for these (other than the previous mailer not-so alluded to) please post it here for information and posterity. Aaaannnnd, in the event it does need to be said overtly, if someone has a line on them, no doubt there are a bunch of us on here who would be all too willing to pool resources to snag and share some lots, and also assist in whatever was needed to making this happen of course. Just putting it out there.
Thank you for the explanation Stevie! Yes, it's true that it's a fun concept for "grab and surprise me" point of view. I agree that Mr. O is trying to make this a fun thing, but from a collector's point of view, it's a bit frustrating. Saw the sale go up on Mr. O's webstore, and it sold out at a blink of an eye! Sigh... More tantalizing lovely pics from Mr. O's blog Thursday, July 23, 2020 Fun Fun Rock-paper-scissors Battle [/paste:font] There were many requests Colored rock-paper-scissors battle "Returned Ultraman" It's fun to see what comes out. You can purchase from 1 piece, up to 10 pieces. If you want to purchase 10 pieces, please set the quantity to 10. Please order once. Please refrain from ordering several times. These brightly painted Kulindadoromesarus look fab! They went so fast, I doubt if you could order several times!
It's such a shame, I really wish I could have grabbed some. Would have happily spent the funds for 10 to help support him, but then I would have just as gladly welcomed just 1 package, to allow the joy to share around for others. My concern here is, look, we've already seen the flipping that takes place for all other Buta toys, which have always had a limit of one per purchase. Since this sale had option to increase that to 10, I honestly expect that the amount going to fans hands - at least directly - is far less than even normal. It's hard because frankly I don't know what the hype at this point is even going towards. Buta toys have always been popular, but how did it get manufactured to this whole other level, and who are the ones trying to outdo each other by hoarding these toys? It's an old gripe at this point, but this used to be fun; and I think specifically the small scale stuff and idea behind this release is the epitome of that. I selfishly wish the market would crash and all those driving this ridiculous inflation could go back to Nag/HxS/MVH whatever, so some of us can get back to enjoying simple toys for fans of Ultraman. And yeah, it would not affect my appreciation for these toys at all if the market was flooded with thousands of them. Could not. Care. Less. Anyways, for what it's worth, embiggenable pic from the sale (before it's gone):
Cuties! Also agree with Steve. I don't even want to know what the secondary market looks like for Buta right now and to be honest I can't afford them sooo I'm just not looking anymore.
@ultrakaiju I don't think it's at all selfish to hope for the hype to quieten down. There are plenty of makers who sell out consistently, continuing to attract newcomers alongside dedicated fans, without ascending to hype prices. I know you know this already, but I used to think absurd aftermarkets came part and parcel with the artist's success, and know plenty of people who still see things this way. It's not the case at all, and I think the outlook betrays a particularly American vision of success where you're not doing well unless you're profiting hand over fist. In reality plenty of artists continue to charge low prices for toys that change hands for much more, indicating they have little interest in that idea of success. I really appreciate all of the older collectors who, on receiving a bunch of DMs from me raving about something I've just discovered, told me to slow my damn roll and wait for the right deal. Realised over time that it doesn't just benefit me, but every collector who might buy that toy from me in future, or use my sale prices as a precedent.
source: IG image from oha0884 p.s. Manny's first image also from oha0884, and second image from tw-jerry, all on IG Those cotton bags are the bee's knees! The first Lucky Bag and now these blind bags are a stellar attention to detail by Mr. O! For the original price of 1400 JPY, the these toys are top notch (can't be making too much profit on these!) ! Right down to the little costumes (with pockets!), just look at those teeny tiny perfect stitches! And those lovely cloth bags (fabric looks great!). I wonder who produces the bags? p.p.s. any one recognize the band members?