This thing kicks ass.
Loving the colors by Rumble Monsters for the first release.
More info here: http://kaijuchronicle.blogspot.com/2009 ... rs_25.html

Hope I win the lottery on this one. It f**king rocks. Well the head f**king rocks! Standard size? No offense to the Smoking Star lovers but this toy looks soooooo much better. After seeing this guy I can see why Killer J got such a stellar list for the upcoming custom Sarumon show.

Best thing I have seen in awhile!!

So there were these toys made by Marusan about 40 years ago...

Sorry double post. See below!

I had this on my flickr, but it is from an old webstore photo.



Bera is a Marusan original toy from the 60s. The head and upper torso of Sarumon are almost identical. Not knowing the entire situation, I shouldn't jump to conclusions, but I find it a little strange.

Wow look great and size big hope to win too.

I do think this is great. Maybe even a bit more suitable for my collection then my Vera. BUT I need to know if there's any agreement with Marusan or if Killer J at least acknowledges the collection because I didn't see any official mention of it being a tribute.

Do not speak his name!

Well... that's really interesting even the colors are exactly the same! I understood or misunderstood that this was to be a whole new toy? Maybe he and Marusan have and arrangement to remake the Bera?

Hmm.. the head is pretty similiar to the Bera. The body doesn't have the 'rocky' back that Bera has (After seeing the pic, I remember seeing images of this in earlier auctions.) Not sure is Sarumon is an actual character or not, but think of all the derivative kaiju designs that came out for Ultra -Q, Ultraman & so on (Jiras/ Godzilla). I still really like the Sarumon figure from what I see so far.

Top: Marusan Bera, Bottom: KillerJ Sarumon

I like both a lot.

(I'd resize and reupload the pictures but I'm tired and Photoshop is being a dick.)

That unpainted red is something special!

Nothing new under the sun.

I was just going to say but Daniel beat me to the punch...definitely Bera. Still the colors are nice, reminds me of Garamon.

Wasn't there a repro Bera too? I swear there is. When I saw this I assumed that's all it was not something new. I've not been able to pay much attention since moving, but this is confusing me more than that Fuck the US toy.

Bam!:


I have to stop saying Bam! (been watching too much it's always sunny in philadelphia)

I just curious why everyone is slamming on this.
It's obviously too similar for Killer J not to have known what he was doing. Sure the arms and legs are a bit different, but the stance is the same.
It's blatantly... ummmm... inspired? by the Bera.

I like his face, would like to see some better shots of him before I decide completely.
For some reason I want him to be on clear vinyl with the same paint scheme.

I don't know, maybe I do like him. not sure yet.

I don't think J will deny this was inspired by the vintage piece, I think this is just his take on the figure. There are MANY toy companies that we all collect that take familiar vintage toys and give them a face lift. Some resize them, some make them close to the original, some distort them a lot. Some are just a reimagining a vintage figure that they loved so much they felt the need to bring it back so that they could show you what they would have done if given the chance.

This guy is very close the to vintage Marusan figure, but there are some changes that are obvious so you know its not an exact recast of the vintage figure.

I think once you guys get one in hand you will be very happy. This guy has great texture and size. I also LOVE the original and think along side of one it will be a very nice compliment piece.

I think J also loved the original but wanted to see more colorways that where never made. You cant get any better than to make your take on the character and then paint them how you wanted to see it painted.

These are just my opinions and take on this situation and not J's actual thoughts. So take them as you will.

**Question **

If say Gargamel or Secret Base did this, would any of you still feel the same way ?

The back of the new one is pretty different. I think it might be a bit bigger, as well (although I don't know for sure). They really are nice figures, though, and I like the texture and proportions a lot.

well put, my thoughts the same. i like the marusan one, but I think its a bit too kiddish...hence my wife took it off my hands. she likes quirky things of all kinds.

as for the KJ version, I think its more balanced and sculpted (meaning the marusan one is more raw and lumpy). most noticable on the face, and the back. however i think I like the original for its arms and the legs - that continue the same contour from stomach to the legs. The back of KJ version reminds me a bit of the rangeas sculpt. it seems the first one released is by rumble monsters so they tribute the garamon colors too.

Well if it means completely ripping off another figure for his own figures not to suck, then so be it. I'd rather see these rip offs then the other dreck he's made.

Thanks Rich/kidclam. I'm inclined to lean toward your explanation. I really like the Sarumon and will still be trying for one when they come up.