Is there a dedicated thread for Gatchaman toys already? I searched and didn't find anything. These are all I have - so far! Lets see what you've got...
i have the G1 there, w/box, but it's been packed up since like, 4 moves ago...wish i had a lot more. would like a decent phoenix, and anything Jun. when did those last 12" dolls come out? 2001-2002 ? those were pretty lusty.
I'm sure I wasn't the only one watching these on YJA auctions this last week. Listed the end prices too. G1 (¥25,500) G2 (¥77,001) G3 (¥62,500) G4 (¥92,000) G5 (¥41,501)
Axolotl - Randy and I scored Bryce's Nakajima / Bullmark minis between us - not sure what else he had... Brian - yeah I've got that one thanks Mondocoyote - I was watching those too, would be nice to have a full set!! Here's a nice selection in Brian's photo - From this thread- http://skullbrain.org/bb/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=14371&start=50&hilit=gatchaman
That is an older picture, but still fairly accurate. Keyop/Jinpei is easily the hardest nodder to track down, Princess/Jun Swan is the next hardest and then Tiny/Ryu. Those three are bananas hard, Jason seems to be easy enough to find but always expensive, while Mark/Ken Owashi is easier easy to find. That said, the nodder prices keep climbing and climbing. Complete figure are tricky to find. My Ryu is missing one glove, Keyop is still missing a belt and cape. It's a pain to track down. I thought we had a Ryu at teh store that was missing it's cape and gloves, but had the rest (but I don;t see it on the site). I will see if it is still there. The Ken on Yahoo that went for 25,500 would be $370+ after fees and conversion. We have a lovely complete one in the vintage section for $350....!
Nothing all that new or spectacular, but I recently got my first vintage Gatchaman toy. He is not in great shape, but after I saw his expression, I don't know, somehow I just couldn't resist - introspective almost to the point of melancholy (yes, I read a lot into my toys ) I am not certain, but I think this is different than the Nakajima mini, not sure who issued it.
I only really have a few vinyls, and one in particular is in piss-poor pre-loved condition, but it does provide the basis for a good story. I wrote this article last year: http://robot-japan.com/item/the-archaeo ... a-toy.html And I just finished an update today on this story: http://robot-japan.com/item/its-a-small ... erall.html I also have a bootleg Ken vinyl, but its is not in this photo. But I do have a number of diecast toys (sorry - this photo is quite outdated and I have acquired a bit more since then).
Very cool story indeed, and I love that toy! I totally agree with you that for me, part of the major appeal fo collecting vintage is having something that has a history (even if I don't know it) and has been loved. If only all those Japanese kids could know where their toys would end up in the future, I think they would get a kick out of it too.
very interesting Myles. I had not heard from (or of) Jason Park in quite a while. A few of the toys he sold to Japan have actually come back to me from Japan. Small world!
I have a gatchaman tattoo I've had for 20 years and used to own the Popy Godphoenix but some guy stole it. I had this boxed model kit of the G1 Jet as well but that went missing when I moved house last year.
Funny! These were specifically Hawaiian versions? Yeah, he mentioned that he put many top pieces into the hands of big-time collectors. He also mentioned another rare toy: "In the picture, you may notice a large sized Kikaida vinyl figure in my arms as well as a standard size Kikaida 01. The large Kikaida is a very rare non-talking Masudaya Kikaida (Hawaii version). The back of the toy has no talking device, instead it has a simple vinyl cover on his back. It's a way cool piece and was very expensive compared to the 12" figure that was mass produced back in the day. I've only found 2 in the many years of buying, and it is always a score to get one of those. Hated selling it, but it's nice to see one in the picture again." I am not an expert on these, but that is interesting to hear. I think I had seen several talkers without the holes before. I was not aware these were possibly Hawaiian versions. He also told me about some of the recent items I picked up from him. They were from the estate of a legendary tattoo artist, Mike Malone (a.k.a. Rollo Banks). Personally, I am not familiar with him (not into the tattoo scene), but many of you might be, considering how popular tattoos seem to be here. He was an avid collector since the 70's when he owned the infamous China Sea Tattoo Parlor (of Sailor Jerry fame). He died a few years ago, and the toys were shipped back to Hawaii to his lifelong friend in Hawaii. She sold the collection to Jason. He knew Mike and bought some of his rarest Kaiju way back over 10 years ago. He used to go to the local swap meet to look for these toys in the 80's.
Love your diecast stuff too... i would've killed for toys like that as a kid. Things like that, and the little secret bases style stuff...excellent.
If you look at the Super7 issue that covers the talkers, we mention the three hawaii talkers - Kikaida and two Rainbowman dash forms that have the solid backs with no holes or talk boxes inside. The Kikaida talker is hard to find in any version, but the Rainbowman figures are easier to find. Of all the stuff in that photo, I would want that Kikaida talker as well!