Plush assassin
This mid 90s, 8-inch plush rendition of Kage-Maru from Sega’s Virtua Fighter video game was likely a “UFO prize” (aka kids’ allowance bait in one of those coin-devouring claw machines). This is a character that when first introduced was a … Continued
An open letter to the Honda ninja girl…
Dear Cute Ninja Girl in the Honda Civic ad, Your adorable little action-oriented commercial has been around for what, SIX WEEKS or more now? I’ve been glued to my TV, watching for your Akakage-inspired red mask, contemporary urban take on … Continued
I wouldn’t keep a knife that close to my junk…
Despite the profusion of mail order ads and supply shops, the 1980s was actually a somewhat oppressed decade when it came to martial arts collectibles. And when you look at an ad like this, it’s kind of easy to see … Continued
A designer’s rant…
A reader sent me some anime movie poster scans, for which I was grateful, but one of them just struck a nerve – a wrong nerve – and I have to vent. Some day job background first – I pay … Continued
Ghana Ninja-rama on eBay!
This amazingness is on eBay right now: Ghana, West Africa – 1980s. Quasi-legal ‘mobile cinemas’ showed exploitation films on VHS around third-world villages, promoted by off-model movie posters painted by local artists. Luckily for the rest of the world, these … Continued
ARASHI paper dolls
I’ve featured all sorts of collectibles based on the early 70s property Henshin Ninja Arashi. These might be the cheapest of souvenirs, but they’re among the coolest in my opinion. When punched-out and assembled, these 8″ cards produce nifty 6.5″ … Continued
Enter the Red Ninja!
What’s going on in this picture??? Yep, you’re right! Another hapless red ninja gets pig-stuck by a movie hero. Well what did you think was happening? You people disgust me sometimes… honestly. Franco Nero impales a hapless jobber in the … Continued
Clip art source found
In the days before scanners, throwing “clip art” into a print advertisement took some work. You had to find a cool image to start with, then “threshold” it via a stat camera and toxic chemical-laden rapid processor. And what you were … Continued
Fighting Furies KUNG-FU WARRIOR ADVENTURE
OK, so there’s no direct ninja-ness to this post, but I have a serious love for weird 70s martial arts toys, and where else am I going to find a home for these pics? Circa 1974-75, Matchbox had ambitions beyond … Continued
Images from THE OCTAGON
When vengeance wore a mustache… Is it just me, or did Chuck Norris never look comfortable with a sword? Good career choice, sticking to uzis, nickel-plated handguns and heel kicks with cowboy boots. This awkwardly colored image of Richard Norton‘s … Continued