Muteking? Saizance? Doesn’t ring any bells??? Well, me too… It’s a shame though, because the anime gave Popy license to produce one of the coolest and uniquely designed toys…

Muteking? Saizance? Doesn’t ring any bells??? Well, me too… It’s a shame though, because the anime gave Popy license to produce one of the coolest and uniquely designed toys…

I had this toy from 1984. From the moment I had this toy until 2008, I don’t know what this toy was all about… until with the magic of the internet, I found the origin of this toy.

This toy came from an anime called Tondemosenshi Muteking (High Roller Muteking). It is an old anime that aired from September 1980 through September 1981 for 56 Episodes. The anime has the same spirit as the Time Gokan series - it’s a gag anime. The story itself is about Rin, who can transform into a roller skate wearing super hero, fighting the Crodacow Blazers to protect Earth. Muteking is aided by various animal-based robots. One of the robots is Saizance, a rhino that can transform into a plane. The person who is responsible for the mecha design is none other than Kunio Ohkawara of Gundam fame.

The Toy is made of plastic, diecast and rubber. The body is diecast mayhem, with plastic for the head, feet, wings (in plane mode) and some parts to cover the body. The landing gear is made of plastic with plastic wheels and rubber tires. (Note: I removed the landing gears because it’s in bad condition and the rubber is completely worn off). I say it’s about 45% diecast, 50% plastic and 5% rubber. The toy is well made and can take serious beatings.

The length is about 15 cm in rhino mode and 18 cm in plane mode. The sculpt of this toy is dead on with the anime counterpart; crisp with detail and lining with sculpted cockpit. The paint is very good. There is little use of decals, most details being painted. And there’s the must have of 80’s toys, it’s name on the toy. Saizance is painted on the left side while Muteking is painted on the right side.

The transformation process is fairly simple. Just flip the legs inward and press the tail. With the magic of mechanical springs, the shell will flip and become the wings while the head moves inside to reveal its cockpit, just like in the anime. Simple and very shape changing at the same time. And fun thing to do, watching it flip open.

Besides the transformation, Saizance is also able to shoot missiles from the missile compartment that is located in the wings section. Unfortunately, my missiles are long gone.

Articulation only exists in the jaw and cockpit. The jaw can open and close, while the cockpit hatch can be opened. Originally, there’s a pilot (Muteking himself) in the cockpit. But the 7 year old me removed Muteking and now it’s long gone.

The bottom line, it’s a great toy with good play value. Doesn’t shame the Chogokin name and had a great and unique design. Now, if I can find the other robot in the series, the squid one… I would happy as a chimp.

While the rest of the USA is watching the Super Bowl, here I am reviewing Gold Lightan.

I never "got" Gold Lightan. He was one of the many curiosities that I discovered on my journey through the world of Japanese Toys. Only in Japan would they make a toy out of a lighter.

Gold Lightan comes from the show Gold Fighter Gold Lightan (Ougon Senshi Gorudo Raitan - 黄金戦士ゴールドライタン), which aired from 1981 to 1982. The story revolves around Hiro, a young boy who fights evil with his robot buddy from another dimension, Gold Lightan.

This is a reissue of the classic Gold Lightan Chogokin originally released by Popy in 1981. This new version faithfully reproduces the crystal cut chogokin and comes courtesy of Angolz.com.

The packaging has been updated for 2007. Inside the box is a replica of the original box, as well as a velvet lined tray. The toy comes packaged in lighter form.

Transforming from lighter to robot is an exceptionally simple affair. Pull down the feet, flip down the top, fold out the arms, flip up the head. That's pretty much it.

Gimmicks include firing fists and firing missiles. The missile launchers are hidden under the front skirt of Gold Lightan.

If you think Gold Lightan looks like a brick then you are right. In terms or articulation it IS a brick. Sure the legs bend at the knees and ankles, it has elbows, but thats about it. The head doesn't move at all. But if you are buying this piece that is not what you are looking for. This is a big block of vintage toy design. If you dig this aesthetic than this is an affordable way to get a great 80s chogokin.

Gold Lightan is available at Angolz.com.

I picked up King Joe at the last East Coast Summit from my pal and fellow contributor Roger. I was jonesin’ for gokin and he had my fix.

I picked up King Joe at the last East Coast Summit from my pal and fellow contributor Roger. I was jonesin’ for gokin and he had my fix.

For those who have not read the previous three King Joe reviews, let me recap. King Joe is an evil robot from space, and an enemy of Ultra Seven. Ultra Seven, of course, is one of the Ultraman shows, airing in 1967.

This toy was released by Popy in 1978 as part of the Chogokin line of toys. Each chogokin had a number designation – King Joe is GA-94.

King Joe separates into four separate parts. The legs are sturdy and largely made out of diecast metal.

The abdomen is a small plastic part. Included are attachable antennae for when the abdomen ship is not attached.

The upper body is also largely metal. It clicks into the abdomen and features cool holographic stickers on the chest.

The head and shoulders attach to the top of the chest via a clip. The whole top assembly is plastic. Each arm features a firing fist which can be replaced with one of the included yellow missiles.

I love the funky inaccurate toys like this, with giant name stickers on the waist. It reminds us that these were toys and were primarily designed for fun, not collecting.

Raideen (also sometimes spelled "Reideen" or "Raydeen") must have been produced in great numbers.

Brave Raideen (勇者ライディーン) aired from April 1975 until March of 1976. The Jumbo Machinder was released in 1975. Other Jumbos released that year were the Getter G team, Getter Dragun, Getter Liger and Getter Poseidon and all three toys were packaged in boxes featuring strikingly similar artwork. Although Raideen has no other connection to those robots, it seems almost like they are a set unto themselves due to this similarity.

Raideen (also sometimes spelled "Reideen" or "Raydeen") must have been produced in great numbers because it remains one of the most easy to find Jumbo Machinders from the whole line, along with the first two releases, Mazinger Z and Kamen Rider V3. There are always loose specimens on Yahoo!Japan auctions and I think practically every shop I went into on my last trip to Tokyo had at least one, many with the boxes. It's been said that this toy even had a limited release in the US, which seems likely since it does show up on ebay from US sellers occasionally.

The original Japanese version of the toy (Raideen was released by two other companies, Mattel in the US and Europe and Jugarama in Mexico) is by far the best one to get. It's proportions are much nicer than any of the subsequent releases and the bow fist is a favorite among fans who grew up with the much less attractive Mattel Shogun Warriors version.

Popy Raideen

Mattel Raydeen

This guy sure seems enthusiastic about the toy!

Reideen comes with wheels on it's feet, removable hands and winged missiles that it shoots from it's stomach. This missile is unique to this Jumbo. This missile is usually yellow, but JoshB (who owns the specimen pictured in this review) has seen at least one missile that was cast in blue.

In the anime, Raideen could transform into a flying "God Bird" mode and you can represent this by turning the robot on it's side. Ok, ok, you gotta use your imagination a bit for that one..

Besides being released by Mattel and Jugarama, this main body sculpt of the Raideen Jumbo Machinder was also used on other toys. The Mazingger Z jumbo from Argentina uses the torso while the Argus toy from Brazil uses both the torso and the head. There is also a very cheaply made Mazinger Z from Mexico that uses the entire body of the Raideen Jumbo but replaces the head with a crudely sculpted Mazinger Z head. Truly, toy makers got their money's worth out of this mold!

As I said before, this is a pretty easy find as far as Popy Jumbo Machinders go. You can probably get a loose one in decent condition for as little as $100 while a deadstock example might be around $400-600.

General Monster was the main bad guy in New Kamen Rider (aka Skyrider). I really am not a big Kamen Rider fan, but I picked up this guy because his name is GENERAL MONSTER.

General Monster was the main bad guy in New Kamen Rider (aka Skyrider). I really am not a big Kamen Rider fan, but I picked up this guy because his name is GENERAL MONSTER.

GENERAL MONSTER

Do you hear me, GENERAL MONSTER!

The figure is the same size and style as the old Kenner Star Wars action figures (whis is what Popy was trying to do with this line. See the World Heroes page for more details). It features 5 points of articulation, and has holes on the feet. The stand shown in the images is NOT included. I just couldn’t get him to stand up due to some slight warping in the feet.

Also typically included with these figures are cards, stickers and a catalog, but this figure is missing them.

Say it again with me – GENERAL MONSTER!

I have always loved the vintage style Kenner Star Wars action figures. The simple sculpts, the neutral poses – they are embedded in my brain. I had always wondered how cool it would have been to have other characters from other series done up in the same fashion.

I have always loved the vintage style Kenner Star Wars action figures. The simple sculpts, the neutral poses – they are embedded in my brain. I had always wondered how cool it would have been to have other characters from other series done up in the same fashion.

Popy must have had the same thought. In 1980, Popy brought over some figures from Kenner’s Star Wars line and released them under the World Hero banner. These were identical to the US releases, just different packaging. Popy only released 15 Star Wars figures this way but they went on to make original figures with the same materials, scale and articulation. (see the full list here)

Skyrider (スカイライダ) comes from the 1979 Tokuatsu series Kamen Rider, also known as Skyrider or New Kamen Rider. The show was broadcast weekly and ran for 54 episodes.

The figure is the same size and material as the old Kenner Star Wars action figures, right down to the holes in the feet. Skyrider features 5 points of articulation and includes a cloth scarf.

Included in the package is a fold out catalog, cards and stickers. It is rare to find these figures with all the cards and stickers included.

These figures tend to be hard to find. While the Star Wars figures can run in the hundreds of dollars each, the Japanese characters seem to run about $30-$40.

This toy was released in large numbers and is among the easiest to find Popy Jumbo Machinders today.

Kamen Rider V3 aired for 52 episodes in 1973-1974 and the Jumbo Machinder was released in 1973. It was the second figure in the line, following on the heels of Mazinger Z and this designation is actually noted on the front of the box. The box is also interesting for the fact that is shows the prototype of the toy and depicts it with a missiles launching hand, which of course it does not have.

Although it does not have a missile launcher, this Jumbo does have a few interesting features. First off, it has retractable antennae protruding from the soft vinyl head. Secondly, a white scarf is tied around a hoop on either shoulder. The only other Jumbo to feature a similar gimmick is the follow-up character, Kamen Rider X. His scarf is different, but these two are the only Popy Jumbos to have a cloth accessory. He also has a belt with a tin plated buckle on the front and a holder for what appears to be a flashlight on his hip. Now, it seems you can remove the belt, but it sure looks like a pain in the neck to do it. The only reason I could even think that you would want to do it is so that you can free the flashlight (which is otherwise trapped in place), but even if you did that, it's not like he can hold it anyway. All these parts should probably be considered purely decorative.

Both Kamen Rider Jumbos share the same mold on the hands and feet (although Kamen Rider X has holes in his hands to hold his whips.) Kamen Rider V3's chest details are molded pieces of plastic with the exception of the red stripes within the blue, which are just stickers. Pay careful attention to that if you are looking to buy one of these. It's easy to overlook a missing sticker here.

There is at least one known variation for this guy. Most specimens have a plain, unpainted back of the head, while others have silver paint extending back from the front.

Otherwise, this toy is typical of most Jumbos with removable hands (if you want to buy the missile accessory shown on the box), wheeled feet and minimal articulation. One thing to keep in mind though is that with the antennae fully extended, V3 measures 25" tall, a full inch and a half more than typical Jumbos. This could come into play if you are building a display case for your collection. Keep in mind you'll need a little more room for this guy, especially since he looks much better with the antennae out as opposed to in.

Kamen Rider V3 is a pretty nice Jumbo, but if you have big plans for your collection, it's probably one you can hold off on while you track rarer toys. Although it's not very common in the US, this guy is actually a pretty easy acquisition in Japan. Loose specimens abound and boxed ones do show up fairly regularly too. I'd say the average price for a mint in box Kamen Rider V3 Jumbo is probably something in the $800-1200, but I've seen loose ones sell closer to $300-400, maybe even lower. Unless you just desperately need to have this toy for some reason, I'd suggest you wait until you see it for the value and condition you're most comfortable with.

The least popular Mazinger Z Jumbo villain and probably the easiest to find, Spartan K5 is still a personal favorite of mine.

Spartan K5 (スパルタンK5) appeared in episode 14 of Mazinger Z and appeared in Jumbo Machinder form in 1973 as part of Popy's second wave of Machinder villains. Other second series Machinder villains included Rokuron Q9, Green Ghost C3, and Garada K7 from Mazinger Z and Taihou Buffalo and Lenzari from Kamen Rider V3. All 6 characters were on the front of the box, which they all shared.

Collectors stand divided in their opinions of Spartan K5. It stands out from other jumbos, even other villains, due to the fact that the right arm is permanently bent at the elbow to be ready to throw his spear. Also, he has no left hand behind that shield. And since it is really the only jumbo you'll find with a beard, it's understandable to hear that some think it's a silly toy.

Personally, I've always longed for this piece. Something about the eyes, the way they look so cartoonish, has always struck a chord with me. Furthermore, when I started collecting, getting Jumbo villains seemed like a unreachable goal. At the time, they were just too rare. But Spartan was considered one of the easiest to get. So not only did I like the character, but I felt he'd be my best chance to get a villain. I missed out on a couple of specimens early and in hindsight, I'm really glad I did. It would not be long before I realized that I just had to have one complete with the spear. To me it makes a huge difference in the appearance of the toy. I think it looks a bit odd with his hand raised in position, but with nothing to throw. The problem is that getting Spartan with his spear is infinitely more difficult than finding one without it. It would take nearly 6 years before I would finally acquire the piece complete (albeit without a box).

And in case you're wondering, yes, Spartan CAN actually launch that spear through the air. It features a simple metal rod and spring mechanism very much like the one in the chest of Green Ghost C3. Pull the rod back, twist it to hold in place and load the spear before twisting the rod again to release the spring.

Spartan K5 is approximately 19" tall and the body is made out of green soft vinyl with painted details. Some areas are noticeably hand painted, like the eyes and waist. The spear and shield are made of polyethylene. You can position both arms and legs and in fact, many collectors do not realize that the right arm can be lowered. It is almost always seen in a raised position and that shoulder joint his hidden by the armor.

Like the other Jumbo villains, Spartan K5 has his name as well as copyright information etched into the bottom of his feet. The left foot says "Popy" and "Spartan K5" while the right says "Dynamic Pro" and "Toei Animation".

Right Foot

Left Foot

There's not much else to say about this toy. Like most jumbos, vinyls or vinyl jumbos, it's a simple toy that doesn't do much and whether or not you like it depends mostly on your own personal aesthetic tastes. I will say this though, if you want one and see one with a spear, I suggest you act because it might be a long wait before you see another. Spartan K5 typically sells for about $1000 loose with no spear and about $1500-2000 loose with a spear. I've never seen it for sale complete and in the box so I can't speak from experience, but something around $3000 seems likely for that.

Spartan K5, along with the legendary and impossibly rare Garada K7, appears in this Mazinger Z Jumbo Machinder commercial!

This is a great toy, but tough to find in excellent condition.

I didn’t have a lot of the Shogun Action Vehicles when I was growing up. I had plenty of the smaller robots, and a few jumbos, but for some reason I never got the small action vehicles. I did however drool over the images on the back of the packages I did have.

One of the cool designs that caught my eye was the Sky Jet. I noticed how similar it looked to the Grand Car, and I was enamored with these weird smiley faces on the front of the vehicles.

I know now that these Shogun Action vehicles were repackaged toys from Popy’s Popynica series of chogokin vehicles. Mattel got the licenses and sold them in the United States in the late 70s.

This particular vehicle, the Sky Jet, was one of two vehicles that came from the Tokuatsu TV show Kyodain. Each vehicle featured Skyzel and Granzel in one of their alternate forms.

Sky Jet features a diecast top ship and a plastic launching missile. The Top ship is almost entirely metal. The nose is made out of rubber so as to meet safety standards. The back features 2 missile launchers and another button that launches the missile below.

The missile actually has wheels of its own. When launched, the missile will roll away across the floor. The black sections of the missile are made out of rubber, but do not turn.

This is a great toy, but tough to find in excellent condition. The eyes and mouths of each vehicle are just stickers, and often fall off over time you will notice that on my specimen, the eyes are painted on the missile. This was done by the previous owner, not the factory.

Also, the latch that holds the missile in is fragile, and can break. This results in the missile not locking in. My Sky Jet has a broken clip, so the missile does not go in all the way.

Sky Jet is a very cool, very funky old toy.

King Joe is one of the Ultraman Sofubi to end up sold in the US as part of Godzilla’s Gang. These toys were individually bagged and came with a header card that listed all of the figures in the line. At the time, these sold for about 99 cents each!

Back in the late 70s, American toy maker Mattel struck a deal with Japanese toy maker Popy. Mattel got the rights to sell a bunch of Popy  Chogokin and Jumbo Machinder figures under the Shogun Warriors line. In addition to the toys that became the Shogun Warriors, Mattel also had the Godzilla license.

Mattel once again looked to Popy for toys to add to their new line of Godzilla toys. This line would be known as Godzilla’s Gang. These toys were taken from Popy’s series of standard soft vinyl (or Sofubi) figures. Of course, Godzilla was included in the line, but in an odd move, the rest of the series consisted of Ultraman villains! These figures were made by Popy in Taiwan, not Japan.

King Joe (キングジョー) is one of the Ultraman Sofubi to end up sold in the US as part of Godzilla’s Gang. These toys were individually bagged and came with a header card that listed all of the figures in the line. At the time, these sold for about 99 cents each!

The figure itself is nice. King Joe is molded out of a purple-brown vinyl and is highlighted with sprays of silver, blue and light purple. The figure is articulated at the waist and arms.

One thing to note is that this figure is often found with its antenna broken.