So, it looks to me like there are 2 more companies doing Zag type monsters based off the same drawing. At first, I wasn't so sure this was a good idea... I think I've counted 4 companies doing the Zag since it became a popular figure... Anyway.. so at first I was thinking that this was a bad thing... but then I started thinking about how many different companies do all the Godzilla, Ultraman etc etc etc.. and how that is kinda what is great about them. So, maybe it is good that other companies are picking up on these old public domain monsters!?!? I'm curious to hear what others think. <-- from target earth... I'm a big fan of there original toys...
unlike godzilla toys, i think these other companies are trying to capitalize on gargamel's success with this obscure monster but that said, i think anyone that wants to should throw their hat in. the more the merrier... let the consumer decide on what they want
I really like a couple colorways of the gargamel standard zag, but in general, i think the sculpt is just OK all in all. I think the body sculpt they use suits the bako better. zag minis are cool though. gargamel's got that down pat. I think if other companies did a standard zag, it would be interesting, but I probably won't bite.
Target Earth is doing a Zag sculpt as well??! Shikaruna Koubo is also apparently slated to release one at the next Wonderfest; together with Gargamel and Hukkokudo, this makes 4 in total. Regardless of who had first dibs on the unauthorized/authorized use of this character, enough already. EDIT: (from datadub) Shikaruna's sculpt. Slightly different, and fairly true to the original artwork. Despite my above comment, I like this one.
The Target Earth sculpt seems to be a mix of the Gargamel and Hukkokudo sculpts. Another lame cash in if you ask me. I guess they've got as much right to make them as anybody else so I don't really care.
I think there should be less too. But if there was a choice, the only companies I'd trust with releasing a Zag would be Dream Rocket and M1GO.
I think its safe to say that Gargamel has the market corned in the Zag category. Hukkokudo and Target Earth zags have always been also rans. Let them find their own public domain monsters to bootleg.
Dear Dream Rocket, Please do not make a Zag toy. Ever. You are better than this. Your loyal fan, akum6n
More options empowers me as a consumer and a fan. it is interesting though to see other interpretations of an iconic figure/character. if it ends up cashing in on some success by other companies, karma has its way of balancing things out...the best will always shine.
Here are some more pics of the Shikaruna Kobo one. I'm OK with the fact that it looks like there take on the drawing, not there take on Gargamel's sculpt... It still has the feel of there other toys.
Hell no! This ain't no Zag. More like a Godzilla/Zag wannabe. Who's gonna jump on the band wagon next? KFGU??
The Shikaruna one rules. Their stuff is also super high-quality. Hmm, I may have to re-think my Zag-free policy. Thanks for the pics- I've never seen those before!
I own Zags by 2 of the companies. Love them all. I can't for the life of me understand why there is any controversy, or the need to defend Gargamel over theirs. The Marmit guys (Or Hukkokudo) found the old molds from the original and purchased them fair and square. A lot of us are quite happy they decided to re cast them, as there's no way we could get an original without hacking off a limb or selling a kidney. If you were to obtain vintage molds of some obscure Kaiju. What would you do? Melt it or blow it up? Use it as a planter? .........I really doubt it. I think that was the original intent and purpose of "Patch Kiju" in the first place. "Oh look, it's Red King with one eye!"
I like seeing those with paint. I also love the hokkukudo one as well. good for them for using the original molds i say. i still need to get a hokkukudo smogun too..hmmm
This version KILLS! I still prefer the Garg one most of all, but I love the illustration and basing a figure off of it is cool.
Whell... It seems to be a lot closer to the original drawing.. Can anyone confirm when those drawings were made?
I'm all for free domain, I'd love to see more versions. That doesn't mean that I won't stick to the Gargamel version exclusively, however. But that being said, I am really liking Shikaruna's sculpt.
Well for me I put a strong association with Gargamel & Zags. So if other companies started introducing their versions it somewhat ruins the feeling of exclusiveness. Sorta like how common Godzilla kaiju's are nowadays.
Everyone knows that the Gargamel Zagoran is a "bootlegged" version of the original Zagorah figure, right?
Yes we know Loco but it's the most unique representation (in my opinion) that sets it apart and why I liked it in the first place. I bought a version of Hukkokudo's (I know it's based off of the original cast) but just didn't like it and sold it right away. Gargamel's may be considered bootlegged but u'll have to admit they're the ones that put the Zag in the limelight.
Actually I completely forgot that tidbit and didnt know what Paul Kaiju mentioned earlier either. Learn something new every day!
