Got this awesome bootleg Zaborger recently. This was definitely one of those guys I should have taken before and after shots of, he had quite a layer of grime on him, but cleaned up very nicely. I call this one 'homage to Scott.'

Absolutely love that bootleg Zaboga! Certainly more than my Bullmark mini. I often find I like bootlegs more than regular licensed releases.

Yeah I feel the same way Lixx. The bootlegs always have so much charm, and this guy is no exception. I love how 'different' the bootleg figs look, and just check out that toughguy sneer, haha.

That Zaborger is really cool , I have tried to get him in the past but he is one of those figures I just cant seem to ever win

Jirass: "if you don't help me rob the bakery, there won't be any cookies for YOU!
Garamon: "noooooooooooooooo!"

Ohhhh!!! Having a lust attack here! These are so nice
Gojigirl, can you please tell me if these were made the same time the Popy green Kanegon was issued?
Thank you!

Yes it was Grace, these are all from the King Zaurus series (some covered here), of which some were released in the US under a line with the Godzilla Gang name.

^^^ Ooooh, i love that Kanegon . . . i've nearly pulled the trigger on that one a few times but it was always just a little bit too expensive!

Wow that Kanegon and the Garamon from this series are great. Never took notice before because I guess I never really saw them. Hmmmmm.

Thank you Steve! Seeing GojiGirl's photos reminded me that I had a JYA box that I hadn't even opened yet! I found it last night and it has been sitting under a bin for over a year . I have the very same Kanegon, except that I have two, BUT!!! Mark K mentioned that one might be a repro (thus I had to go scrounging around around for a second auction , and it was difficult to tell unless I had them side by side for a comparison. One is ever so slightly taller. The shorter one has a "sunken chin" when you look underneath. I need to post a pic for help to confirm an imposter or if they are both real. Got to find the carpenter--he has a camera . I have a feeling that because they aren't the exact same height, that one is indeed a repro, as our vintage guru suggests...

I must say that I've always love that "primitive" look from the texturing of the Popy sculpts. They are very under appreciated, and when you have them in hand, you wonder why more people don't go gaa gaa over them...

Chris, you should find them, they're like candy!

Yep, Popy did reissues of these guys recently, though not all of them. I don't have any of the newer versions with their vintage counterparts to make a direct comparison, but if you see any in the package with the pink headers, they are the reissue ones. They can actually be had for great prices, and are an excellent alternative to the very difficult hunt for the original KZ figures. I just wish they had covered more of them.

Front

Back


By comparison, here are some shots of the original packaging. In addition to some slightly different text, you can see each came with a little catalogue featuring the series, which is also not there in the newer versions.

Front

Back

Vintage advertisement from back of Ultraman Encyclopedia of Keibunsha.


Interesting to know about the height difference, as I had not heard that, and was often wondering how one can differentiate easily between the vintage and reissues when they are loose (unless it is clear visually from wear, etc.). You (and Mark) are right, I found a page comparing the two Baltan versions here. The repros are slightly smaller than the originals.

e.g. repro on left, vintage on right

left them sealed up in a dark, scary box for over a year?! that's not the action of a responsible adoption mom

I know! I know! But remember, it's only me, and I had to pack up 4 bedrooms, a kitchen, and the living room (and hallways)--everything in bins, bags, and boxes, then move ALL the containers in the basement, and stack them strategically, so they didn't collapse. Then, move all the furniture I could handle by myself, then ask the big hairy men contractors to help with the large pieces. All this before the hardwood flooring could be installed, and they were champing at the bit asking me to "hurry up" already!

Lots of goodies in the box! I'd completely forgotten about the flesh-base Buta Dinos! More pictures if I can beg the carpenter or find my camera already !

P.S. THANK YOU for posting the Popy pics! Gives me something to drool over! And that Baltan comparison pic is perfect! The double Kanegons are just like that! If it wasn't for the slight difference in height and the double-chin factor, it would be really difficult to tell them apart. I must say that Mark K has the eyes of an eagle!

That Popy Garamon is hilariously badass!

...can't stop thinking about the Popy Garamon and Jirass. Without the header card (a really helpful comparison by the way! ), how can you distinguish whether or not they are the vintage vs. the repro? Do you have to go by the wear and tear factor and actually know the height measurement?

Always a fun day on mail day:





Lion Maru came packaged but header kept flopping on photo op so (and no it's not the cool removable mask type but it did come with cape):


It's hit or miss with me and capes. Either I get a full on packaged guy cheap or a used guy with no cape. Never just a used toy with a cape.

You've been secretly killing it again Lixx!! Man, what a great haul of vintage goodies. Lots there - heck everything - I am totally impressed by. The dancing Lion Maru is one I still need. And of course the Conforman.

But man, that Zoffy! He is so beautiful. Fantastic design and paint. Yours looks like it is in amazing shape, and it is a removeable mask....complete! You are just making me angry now. Oh vintage lorbs, welcome me back into your fold.

Don't get too angry he's a B-Club reissue. I got fooled too! I was all thinking I found one cheap on some oddball japanese website for 5800 yen but Viva informed me it was a reissue after I bought it. Thing is I thought all B-Club reissues did not have the removable mask feature...like Zone Fighter etc. It's still cool though, and I've never seen one. The bent leg Ultraman is the real deal though, the pendants are literally minty fresh, and these are my first Mazinger Z's. I really love the clear Popy and the bootleg.

Ah, thanks for clearing that up Lixx (and Viva). Doesn't make me any less jealous really, but gives me a bit more hope. I had not seen the removable mask re-issue either, so it is good to know some of these are out there. The mini bent Ultra is great too, I don't have that Zoffy version of him either.

I think your Lion Maru bootleg is the same one I have (but in better shape of course). He is so funny with his elongated head. And yeah, each time I have seen them loose there hasn't been the cape.

LOL. Yeah it's such a bizarre feature. Windswept mane action I guess My favorite Lion Maru version though.

I actually just noticed the lime green underside of his cape now. What a nice colour that adds. Small shame that the bootleg packaging was a bit beat up, but you probably have a few versions of it by now, and it's all about the toy anyways.

I love those bootleg headers/backing cards though. Saving them all for display one day hopefully. I just finished fitting everything in, with a little room to spare (but it's pretty damn tight)!:




I love this hobby way too much...

Thinking of starting a removable mask toy thread but taking all these guys out for the photoshoot will have to wait for another day. Something to do over the summer.

Fantastic pics as always man. Your collection is really organised so well and looks phenomenal. But I think you ought to make some space for new acquisitions, since your detolfs are full as are the tops. Maybe just pack up all those non-vintage issue heroes and address them to me.

Great haul Chris. Especially that clear mazinger and the small lion maru (the only lion maru im still looking for). Id like to see a group shot of all your clear popys sometime.

Thanks man! It's my next outdoor photo plan (clear popy's)

Nice haul! Like to score that Maru also.