Steve that Giant Ultraman is spectacular. I've always wanted a glow one as well but that regular version is anything but...I love Giant Sized toys! Put it to you this way Purple Bat, Yuji has a real museum housing his collection apparently: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=33539&hilit=yuji%2C+museum To add on to what Sanjeev said, I think everyone should collect a little bit of vintage sofubi (shhh wait did I say that?- yeah don't collect vintage ) at least to get an idea where all these toys came from. Yuji (M1) is a super vintage collector and turned his obsession into making sculpts of toys that never got produced via filling gaps left by Bullmark etc- i.e. say Gamera, Chibull, Gargantuans, Matango etc, or turning the old Bullmark molds into classic colors never realized or glow versions. Nothing he does seems by accident, and he knows his history. He's also very skilled at painting toys and clear coats like nobody's business. Here is Dennis (Shirahama) paying him a visit:
^ Nicely condensed, fellas! I've put a similar info pack together for folk in the past, as well. Looking into Yuji's story was my first and best window into the storied history of the wonderful world of Japanese toys at large. No other way to say it.
Yuji's collection is definitely an amazing one, and just how much he loves and appreciates the original stuff comes across in all he has done through M1, both with the reissues and his original sculpts. The fact that many cannot discern the Bullmarks from Yuji's own is a testament to his artistry and skill. As far as his personal collection goes, I also recently learned that he has some of these giant monsters, which may have been store displays, but could have been for sale in some shops, including this Jirass (seen in one of Koji's classic photos).
I know Chris just posted a shot of this guy, but he's one of the best mushies to ever sprout out of the undergrowth, so I'd say that he's worthy of a few more photos. There is a field of strong contenders, but he might be my favourite M1 Matango. As we were on the topic, while there are already some excellent GID versions, I can imagine a rainbow one to match that set as being something pretty spectacular to behold too.
Speaking of Matango, here is tribute to the wonderful actress Kumi Mizuno from the film of the same name. My client and I chose the colors for the M1 Lucky Bag Matango based on the clothing she wore in this classic scene from the film. The eye lashes give it a feminine touch to help make the connection (idea from my client). This was a fun project to work on this past year!
Thanks for the behind the scenes stuff guys! I had actually meant "I wonder what Yuji's collection of his own work looks like?" However, as cool as that collection might be, I had no clue of the true extent of his entire museum. Maybe we should refer to it as the Yuj-eum from here on out? I'm afraid that I beat you to the punch there Chris. I've mentioned before that I've actually been "collecting" this stuff since it was new in a few cases. Just one of the benefits of having a Dad that's got multiple collections and a brother that used to frequent Asian Towns and bring you back cool stuff! I find that I'm drawn to particular characters in Vintage, not necessarily manufacturers. The glaring exception being Bullmark, because of course it is. Here's my small M1 collection: "Not in this filthy sink you sadist!"
^^Was that Zazahn actually M1? I think I have that...but I thought it was Popy/B-Club/Bullmark/whatever they're calling themselves today. Jonee, that Matango's great. Very clever working in that "lady's touch" into the eyes. Man, Kumi Mizuno was SO hot! And she was *awesome* in that movie!
Yep, 'ol Zazahn is of nu Bullmark; but I'm feeling too lazy to dig out a pic of the header to prove it. The preorder for it was back in late '10, I believe. edit: http://kaijuchronicle.blogspot.com/2011 ... azahn.html Mmmm, Kumi Mizuuuuuno.
Indeed Zazahn is a Bullmark. I was wondering how long it would be before someone noticed! Although, unless I'm mistaken, Yuji was integral to the New Bullmark's paint and other non-sculpt design choices. So he's kinda like an honorary M1.
So you guys wanna fight, or what? 'Cause I am coming fully prepared with a pocket full of capsule monsters. * Yuji-san, please, please, can we get some [toy] love for Ultraseven with a Sebben figure and a Windam! That would make my friend and I very happy fellers.
^ Sure! How does four against one sound? Miklas Mikuras Miclas Guts U-tom Godola Ultraseven capsule snow sno
So I just got this set from Mandarake and it's still sealed but the 2 human heads are not in there.??? Did some not come with the heads?
Actually, all of the other releases of these figures had only the regular monster heads. Maybe you just got the first release? The colours are noticeably lighter, and in addition you can see the fleshy colouring of the vinvyl base on the hands and feet. If not, and you got the same ones as these with the thin squishy heads, I can only guess someone held on to them themselves before selling the set to Mandarake. I think I do recall seeing one for sale that did not have them pictured. I think it was cheaper, but still, that is a real bummer to not have them, and a lame thing to split up the set.
There the squishy heads so it's the right set but since it was still sealed I figured they were in there. I'm so bummed. It was a good deal. It was like $150 for the set. Fuck.
Man. That is really too bad Greg. I guess it might have been the set I saw on there, because I recall them not being pictured, which is unusual. I remember thinking at the time it was a potential gamble. I don't like to split up sets ever, but it really sucks in this case particularly. I will keep my eyes open and let you know if I happen to see a pair of the heads - it may be unlikely, but you never know what shows up sometimes.
Actually saw that pic and it was pretty dark. It was hard to tell if they were in the bag but since the colors matched the removable head set I just assumed they were in there- as no sets were sold without them.
I'm so pissed. Worthless set now. Incomplete sucks. It was hard to tell and the bags are sealed. Each figure is bagged with a header and both of those are in a big bag with header.
Here's the link greg: http://ekizo.mandarake.co.jp/shop/en/it ... 37204.html Yeah nowhere does it say missing removable heads. All it says is header is damaged, if you use google translator it only comes up with this: Bag header damaged pain header bag: Monster Battle Set Sandaga Ira I'd contact Mandarake and complain. Get them to sort something out as there is no mention of the heads being missing and no set were sold without the heads. Seems bizarre someone would just gank the heads!
Pulling out some big guns now. This is my kryptonite. T-28 is at the top for me collecting-wise, and the M1 versions are sublime. There is nothing about them I do not love. One of those toys I can really not only be a kid playing with, but can just stare at for hours and enjoy too.
