Couldn't find a proper Maruhachi Gangu thread, and I don't know much about them, so I don't want to start one. But I do want to talk about this doll, because it's awesome A bona fide Rokurokubi toy! It looks wonderful, with soft lines and loose paints that would fit in nicely with the Nitto or Tomy yokai sets. This is produced in collaboration with Shelterbank, so I'm unsure if it's Japan-made sofubi or the vinyl-like resin they use. Here's a video of the neck in action; click the image to see:
I’m happy to see a Maruhachi Gangu thread. I got to meet him and talk a little at DCon last year. Very nice dude. I’d suggest, if I may, taking out the Rokurokubi from the title so we can continue to add their toys in general as they’re released! I have three myself, and they’ve got a few more I’d like to add to my shelves! I’ve previously mentioned that they produce with Shelterbank quite a bit, so thank you for reiterating that’s fact. I think it’s important pertaining to Maruhachi’s toys! This specific release is amazing, though. I’m so used to seeing the monstrous or terrifying yokai made into toys it’s rad to see one that’s a bit more obscure(as obscure as yokai already get). The stretching neck aspect of the lore is represented pretty awesomely here, and I think there’s some fun ingenuity to the form and feature. Only thing I would’ve maybe done differently is having the pillow be a separate, actual cloth omake. But I’m completely unbothered by it being a part of the actual sculpt.
Haha! If you want to talk other Maruhachi toys here I'm happy to be along for the ride. Title changed. What I love most about this is how well-hidden that extending neck seems; hopefully it looks just like a normal joint in person. I think I prefer the sculpted cushion, since doing the bottom of her legs might have made the sculpt too technical for my liking. Still, no way to know without seeing it, and an omake cushion is an interesting prospect.
Now I’ll have to reshoot my Maruhachi toys for the thread, since I don’t like the photos I took a year ago. I’ve only the two Daruma and the Lucky owl. I’d really love to get a hold of the Vader and Marman set! I too found the neck extension very interesting. I was glad he included a video demonstration of how easy it is to extend, and I’m glad to see there isn’t an uneven distribution of weight that would cause it to topple! And, as you mentioned, it sits so well that you wouldn’t know of the hidden feature otherwise!
He is one ot my favoritre toy makers at the moment. I'm a big universal monsters fan, so seeing his take on those is really fun. I especially love the Metaluna monster from This Island Earth, which looks like Vader. I was actually fortunate enough to win the most recent Frankenstein lotto and was given the opportunity to purchase blanks of Marman ane Vader and couldn't pass them up. i can't wait to get them. Oh and the Rokurokubi looks amazing, you better beleive I entered that lottery as well. <fingers crossed>
Okay, here are my three Maruhachi Gangu toys I own! Unless some super rad versions of Daruma continue to come out, I’m pretty good with this pair. I’d like to add a couple more Lucky to the one, though. It’s a nice, single pull figure!
Man, that mouse is so cool. Major Tom & Jerry/Danger Mouse vibes. I think he’s only got the one green release, but it’s another awesome single pull. Hopefully he comes back to another US event with a larger arsenal.
That Owl is total Showa-era porcelain looking! Cool stuff for sure. I was always sort of hoping someone would fill the vintage Nitto Yokai gaps and make the rest of the gang. I hope to see a side by side shot with the Rokurokubi if anyone has one!
Mahuragi Gangu made fantastic toys, I dream of a Rokurobi for a long time and I was never able to get my hands on this Tomy set : I have this great set : View this post on Instagram
@Paulkaiju The Nitto Yokai toys are so amazing. I’d love to hunt a handful of those down when I get back to a position of being able to spend a bit more. Good call on the porcelain look with the Lucky! There’s a painted version on black vinyl that reminds me of Archimedes from the animated Sword in the Stone film. @Fedhai That Tomy set is pretty awesome lookin’! Seems like a tiny portion of the gap can be filled by the Maruhachi Rokurobi! Your Marman/Vader set is my favorite to date that he’s released, too!
That owl is amazing, never seen it before! Also love the black and white daruma. Been trying for a while to get my hands on one of their Frankensteins.
My first Maruhachi sofubi arrived in the mail today. And I also received the winning notification and invoice for the Rokuro today.
Very nice, Anthony!!! I’d love to get my hands on the original green version, but this colorway reminds me of some cereal mascot stuff! Congrats on the Rokurokubi, as well! I’m hoping to see a version with white, ghost like skin and a blue dress!
Probably one of my favourite toys this year. Had a winning streak on other lottos just beforehand however so I hope this sculpt eventually makes a comeback.
@skaldavsatanssol He’s been pretty consistent with releasing numerous versions of all previous sculpts, so I’m sure all those hungry will have a chance! I’m lookin’ forward to photos once they land in collectors’ hands!
Thank you. The made in China foot stamp threw me off. I have the franken guy but am searching for the others. https://page.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/p789666949
@bryce_r Maruhachi is based in Nagoya, Japan but produces some toys out of China. The Daruma pair, Frankenstein, Vader, Marman and Fly are produced in China, while the Mouse, Rokurokubi and Lucky are locally produced in Nagoya.
Thank you. There are so many bootlegs and toys produced it's hard to keep track. Love the vinyl on these guys.
@bryce_r Especially as of late! I’ve held all of Maruhachi’s toys, except the Frankenstein, Mouse and Rokurokubi, and they’re all great quality! His production is done through both Headlock and Shelterbank, and they’re top notch as well.
I received mine, that's really a great toy but I did not manage to fit the neck into the body, it was resistant and I did not want to force, the vinyl that Maruhachi Gangu uses is quite hard as usual so I'm afraid to break something. View this post on Instagram
