Maker unknown. Sellers, long forgotten. Year — probably sometime in the 1980s. Logic… a mystery. Another fantastic, crap-tastic, relic from the days of blanket vendors outside subway stops, swapmeet junk toy booth and Chinatown gift shops. This head is actually … Continued
Originally published August, 2011 This line of rather poorly sculpted and often more poorly painted porcelain statues was EVERYWHERE during the 80s craze – Chinatown video shops, flea market vendors, martial arts supply stores, the Smithsonian’s souvenir stand, ball park … Continued
Medicom has released two new sofubi of Kaiketsu Lion Maru and Tiger Joe, designed by Bear Model. Not in love with these myself, as they are a bit too detailed and modern in their sculpts. Sofubi are supposed to look like … Continued
So yeah, man did the month of December sneak up on me in the dark with a piano wire… This was planned as three individual posts, but today is the first day I’ve been able to breathe in three weeks, … Continued
A recent score, this 7-inch generic from the 80s is a rare knock-off the famed action figure body from Mego — the company that defined the 8-inch scale in the 70s, giving us The World’s Greatest Superheroes, Planet of the Apes … Continued
Renowned customizer of Star Wars and G.I.Joe 3.75″ figures “Obi Shinobi“ created this great Sho Kosugi figure from the finale of Pray for Death. Love the dragon helmet’s articulation! Obi Shinobi also crafted this nifty scale diorama of a classic … Continued
I’ve said repeatedly here that the wild and unknown territory that is generic and bootleg figure collecting affords a lot more joy of discovery and amazing mutated finds than tracking down better known and licensed collectibles from the past. The … Continued
Superbly sculpted and detailed 6-9″ figures from Toy Crowd (2001) of Shiranui and Shouki from the 1988 effects-romp we know as Cyber Ninja. I dig these toys as much as I do the film, an indie that spends its modest budget … Continued
Little known fact – American Ninja is the only 80s boom film to have properly licensed mass-produced merchandise. These grocery store / pharmacy register tchotchkes were obviously for kids, despite being branded with the an R-rated film’s imagery. A “two-penny-toy” … Continued
For the past 15 years or more, Chinese toy company Chap Mei have been the absolute masters at cashing-in on current hot trends — from soldiers to pirates to dinosaurs, depending on what’s been in theaters. More than merely knock-offs, … Continued