I know for sure that Zollmen is Japanese and that Maza was sculpted in Japan by the same person who sculpts most or all of his toys. I know both of these things are fact. I don't know how much of this is still a rumor that floats around, but I thought I would share my 2 cents.
As far as a U.S. connection, I think it's just a company that gets to do exclusives. I don't think it's a partner in any way.

But Chris, you're not in the US.

That's right! Maybe I can do Canada only versions up here. ha ha..
I changed my previous post to sound less snarky.. wasn't my intention. ha ha.

Here's the new King Pepora. Pk's right. He's definitely from the ocean. There're barnacle imprints on the back of the head. Feels really solid. Included is a tiny Prince? Pepora.

I'm sorry I don't own any Maza, so how tall is it?

Looking at your collection I'm sure a Maza will end up on your shelf sooner or later, Lol.

He's slightly more than 9" excluding the horn.

Wow he's a lot bigger than I thought. I'm loving that mini too!

Wow! That's tall alright. Thanks and great shots by the way Kurumonz! Was kinda iffy based from the earlier photos posted.

@Plover: Yep lovin' the omake too--and expecting different variants of this sculpt will soon turn up.

I'd love to see more of this mini Pepora.

That thing's head is like the size of my fist!!!! Not that I dislike this version, but I'd like to see a milky one of him as well. I also like the dynamics of this sculpt, no arms, just a head, body, tentacle-on-head. It's interesting for sure.

Maybe I'll use a different email for the next round of lotteries since mine is clearly one of the cursed ones. That mini looks fun too. Another cool idea would be a clear big one with a GID mini inside, it'd be kinda gross , but still fun.

If that red painted part on its chest is a heart---i would like to see it in GID.

farout brussel sprout!

I actually did not know what to expect, but check out these...from impish to freaky...pretty versatile. Lots of details here and there. Vinyl felt really thick. Face has a mother-of pearl sheen to it. Eyes seemed to tie-in with Maza? Color off though- took it under warm white fluorescent.

Nice - those photos really show off the sculpt well. Pepora has so much character, I'm feeling like Zollmen stepped it up with this release. Totally looking forward to see where they go with future versions. Switching up the chest design of the mini is a nice touch too.

These photos are breaking my heart. A very nice score! Definitely seem like a homage to Anraku from the back.

Fingers crossed for next time!!!

Whoa! I'm really blown away by this King Pepora design. I agree that it has such character, just like most of the other Zollmen figures. It makes me yearn to hear what the fictional story is behind King Pepora...I hope a little booklet or something is released at some point with the lore behind these Zollmen creations.

Wow I'm surprised by the size, this will be perfect match with other full size zollmen. Didn't expect a mini pepora and its look great too. Look like Mr. Zollmen want to give us a little surprise. The lips of the pepora itself is soo detail n sexy, should be called Queen pepora. Definitely one of the best from ZOLLMEN.

That mini seals it! I'm now officially sulking.

Very nice figure. It is one of the best that I have seen lately.

Zollmen's success is based on the merit of its products imho.

Not hype which is guaranteed to be fleeting but simply making cool fun toys people want to buy.

Haven't won a lottery yet but I know I at least have a small chance which means a lot to me.

Zollmen could just sell "hot toys" to friends, locals, etc yet chooses to build loyalty with legitimate lotteries.

I appreciate they give me a chance as opposed to just locking down what's most easily hypable and shutting me out.

If Zollmen ever feels the need to do that, then I'll reevaluate my stance on buying their toys.

King Pepora looks terrific from photos but I've come to expect that level of quality from Zollmen.

Fucking amazing.
Congrats on the score.
Thanks for sharing the pics.
Zollmen kills it once again.
It's awesome how they include Omakes here and there.

I just don't get these toys (King Pepora, Maza, Zudon).
I like alot of weird shit, but these I just do not understand.

Pic of the header card?

I agree very much with this post.

As I would recall, there wasn't even a lot of pictures at all---no suspense, no preview photos, the little Pepora omake wasn't even included on the photo when it was sold( unlike with the Mad Baron where the extra hands + building was shown, if I'm correct).

I guess toys in itself will be "found" and appreciated without the hype, IMO.

And, the lottery touch for everyone was the best aspect of it all.... Not just for exclusive collectors or friends---at least a fair chance for all.

No doubt Krudler.
Great designs and execution for sure.
I've been fortunate enough to win some lotteries including the Galtan ones from last year ( they've taken a back seat but they still kick ass).
I hate being held hostage at my computer on certain releases I really want so the online lottery system has certainly made it more fun and hopeful to collect.