I've only happened upon two and they both went cheap because A) No mask, and B) mis-listing or on a non usual site. The Thundermask was on some alternative japanese auction site and I only found it by googling japanese characters and going to images. The Ultra Ace was on YJA but wasn't listed under Ultra Ace. If they have the mask and are correctly listed I'd never really be able to afford them. I've seen bagged ones get into the 70000-90000 range. I still think there is a generic head you see on that first pic of the Thundermask above that's the same head on every Bandai Giant size (well except Kamen Rider V1 & V2). Bullmark heads were different.
Well, these things only happen if you're constantly searching!! I hope you guys can make this happen, it'll be an interesting project.
Info seems alittle hard to come by on this guy. I'm looking for exact year of release and proof of original price if anyone has any ads or books showing that. The price I can guess by what prior giant size Bullmark went for. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks. Bullmark Return of Ultraman Giant Size Series by chimply kaiju
I am not 100% on it, but it looks like he might be covered in this issue of Hyper Hobby (courtesy of Moog). It kinda looks like there might at least be either a release date or price underneath (could be the size though). If someone has the issue or a lager scan, it might help. Another good source might be the Bullmark History Box, which I unfortunately don't have or I would check. The show came out in 1971, so it is a good bet that the figure came out this same year. I also know that it is referred to as the 550 version, which I think is actually a reference to the original price of 550円 - the price for all the Bullmark giant size hero figures. Hyper Hobby 2003 by The Moog Image Dump, on Flickr
Thanks ultrakaiju. My guess would also be between 1971 to 1972 when the show aired and the price 550yen. There was also a 650yen giant size. I believe the 650yen price either was for the those with removable helmets or came about because inflation. But I always prefer exact proof of release dates and pricing than assumption.
For some reason when I look at the Ultra Ace side by side with Thundermask, he looks like he has a different face: Bandai Ultraman Ace by Beautification Syndrome, on Flickr
Here is my giant Ultraman Jack. Not in perfect shape maybe (not as well as I had thought when getting him, but you can never really tell in some of those crappy pics). This was the first guy I tried the 'magic eraser' trick on, but it didn't seem to help on any of his paint scuffs. Not such a big deal, but I was hoping to clean him a bit. Proportions are really my thing - I have always loved this 'chubby' version and the giant-headed Ultraseven. Still hoping to track down the Ultraseven, and eventually some removeable mask guys.
Haha, thanks. So nice to see all these Jacks finding their way to new homes. I am sure there are enough out there of varying condition to sate the needs of the SBers who like them. One for us all I say! Hopefully we can help pin down the original release info, I haven't forgotten.
Steve, I also notice that the power indicator on yours and Geekabilly are a light blue vs the one I have which is much darker blue in color. Another mystery?
Great eye! I have seen some slight paint variations in the figures, but this is a definite different colour. I have noticed the Jack 'highlight lines' on the body pattern for the figures being of varying degrees of lightness (e.g. ranging from almost whitish to bright blue) but I think/thought it is largely from fading. Maybe not though, after seeing this difference.
I had saved a link to a Giant Ultra Jack auction and was really bent when I forgot about it then clicked on it the other day- only to find it went for around $69 bucks! Here it is: Saved the pic but deleted the link. Maybe it was a reissue? That's what I tell myself in regret.
Dang, was that guy on YJA? Looks very similar to a vintage one to me, but he is in excellent shape. I have seen reissued but can't think of the giant one though. I'll have to go with the same train of thought as you, else it will drive me crazy.
Bullmark did reissue their figures in the 70s but with slight color variations. I think the dark blue power indicator was a reissue in the 70s maybe same year of release as the light blue indicator or later. On the feet of the Jack is there writing on both feet or just one? On his right I have the Bullmark logo and in Japanese Bullmark. On his left I have in Japanese the word Ultraman and copyright to Tsuburaya. FYI - Picture for the Beautiful Book of Monsters by Satou shows the light blue version.
Yep, markings on both feet on mine too, so the same mold was used at least. I meant a 'modern' re-issue though, as I have seen some of them done for the standard sized and skinnier 450 heroes.
I ask about the foot markings because the markings are placed differently sometimes for reissues during that decade in the 60s and 70s. Sometimes markings all on 1 foot usually indicate the first issue. And markings on both foot can indicate a second issue. But not in all cases or all the time.
Hey, no problem with saturating with these guys either, still plenty of space to share the other hero figures too. Yours and the one Lixx posted are a good example of what I was talking about. In both cases, there don't seem to be the same light blue (or even white) highlights in the Jack pinstriping. It is always hard to be certain though because these subtle changes don't photograph all that well.
Well, yours seems to be a different figure. Look at the chest spacing and design. Definitely different from the ones everyone else posted here. Maybe a different size figure? How tall exactly is yours? EDIT: Sorry, I meant chimply's!
