So I'm sure I'm not alone in that I've had to cut back a lot on my toy shopping in the last several months. I've really been bummed about it, but it has made me appreciate my collection that much more. Also, when I do find something and buy it...I end up REALLY appreciating it.

I was browsing in the store the other day and found this insane mini green Marusan Garamon:


Not only did I know instantly I had to have it, but also that it was among the best toys I had ever laid eyes on.


The sculpt is so wacked out it's amazing. It was surrounded by tons of bigger, slicker, and more expensive toys...and stood out like a golden god.


so, this little guy made me remember what collecting is really about...and I was a happy camper bringing this dude home and opening the bag...I'd be interested to see other people's pics of toys they love that they ended up with by chance. We all have our want list and our "grails," but what about the toy that really didn't fit in or wasn't sought after that makes you feel like a kicking your heels up in glee?

You know m3k, one of the things that makes me hesitant to visit SB sometimes (especiall while watching $$$), was the way SB would sway my buying of kaiju...I would usually buy on my personal feeling alone, or buy what figs I liked from tokusatsu shows. When I visit SkullBrain, sometimes I'll catch myself going..oh this toy is so hot right now I better have it too, or just get caught up in the excitement over certain figures and regret it later.

The figures that continue to give me the greatest joy are the ones I just happened on or 'spoke' to me... if you will. I'm finding more and more that it's easier to just let some go and keep waiting, because something special always pops up and I end up forgetting all about the other 'passing' fads.

Case in point...my (not even kaiju) little vintage 70's Mazinger ($15)...beat all to hell, but I love this guy...and he stands funny.

So awesome that you would post this because not only is it a great idea for a thread but because I can also relate to your feelings about this specific toy. I have the GID version and LOVE him to pieces. It was a chance buy on YJA and one of those toys that on first seeing him in person immediately became a favorite.

i don't have access to a camera right now,,but thought i would add to the thread..

-red honey bee with clear wings (sent as a freebie from a board member)
-all the mini yamanaya garamon (randomly bought in tokyo for super cheap)
-amapro gold head fightus (randomly found on grumble)

Smile-a-saurus.

I've been tightening my belt a bit recently, too. Focusing on more of the mini figures.. A recent purchase that I fell in love with as soon as I got it. The T9G Bear Hunter.

That's excactly what I'm feeling now, m3k. I mean eating at a gourmet restaurant is great, but sometimes its that good old hotdog that does the trick.
I'll be hitting Osaka year-end and thats what I'll be doing. In fact, that exact Garamon is whats I'm looking for.

Got this guy too. Great little figure.

Lorne,
I've got this guy too and completely agree with you....for the same reasons.

This little sculpt is so bizarre and seems like someone's DIY basement version that I couldn't help love him. That has to be the gnarliest Gara-frown I've ever seen!

Plover,
I've never seen that GID version..... very cool score!

Jeff, those are cool lil dudes--2nd and 3rd pic.

Any info on these toys?

Great thread. I have lots of nice little goodies but mostly stored. I have to get them out one day and do a shoot.
Any know the name of this?


This Garamon's tail is really cute. It was a present to my wife, she loves the Garamon. She also loves quirky sculpts and colors.

I've decided to take a break from buying $100 to $250 Henshin Cyborgs and start collecting more Microman. They're mostly cheap, fun to play with and there's sooooo many to collect. I just got these guys for less than $8 each.

i love going to super7 with my wife because i know that whatever she picks out is straight to her liking. she doesnt know what is "hot" or "in" or what is not popular. she goes for what she likes (and 9 times out of ten she comes out of the store with something).

last night she came out with a gezora (lovingly nicknamed gliddo). i had never seen her so excited about a toy. she placed him on the dashboard on the car on our way back to napa. the way the lights were hitting it it looked like it had a party inside. and going through dark spots on the road you can see it glow.
plus the glitter was a plus for her.
8/26/11 EDIT: pictures of the gezora were replaced with picture of chili LOL

whats the story on those Garamons? who makes them?

Marusan

lalo,

that little dude rocks. I always wanted to try one out, but I'm trying to keep myself on a strict diet of [see sig].

awesome toy! this thread pretty-much rocks.

Non Kaiju still rocks my socks.

This is an awesome thread! When I get back home I want to post some goodies!

Makes me want one too! But, hey that's too expensive to qualify for this thread.

whats the story on those Garamons? who makes them?

I think they are made by Nostalgic Heroes and are mini representations of the old Marusan play model kit toys. I have, I think, all the glows. Will try to remember to post a pic tonight. They also made standard size versions of some of them but not sure Garamon was one of them.

Ha, this garamon mini RULEs. Made by Marusan, right? The hunt is on...

I love this tiny woo very cheap and cool

This little guy is one of my favorites.

that booska spaceship rules and reminds me of my diecast groverplane. an atypical favorite of mine: