Now that I get to see the back clearly, I think there's a strong element of Garamon especially the sculpt from Yamanaya.

Cool figure and congrats to everyone that scored.

That's what it seemed like to me. I never had either in hand, but after seeing MANY pics during my research on these it's clear the body is fairly different. It's like he lifted the face nearly 100% and did all sorts of different (but classic) things with the rest. Works real nice. Both repro and this are worth it too.

Since I recently got this Marusan Bera from Scott, thought I would post to show the differences discussed:


Fun older figure, but those Killer-J figures really show what an excellent paint job does.

Edit: OOps - other versions of this were posted earlier in the thread.

This was waiting for me when I got back from SF.

Oooooh, that one is fantastic. I'm really going to have to get one or two of this sculpt... the texture and details look awesome.

that's a great ph! love that side view shot...it looks "wind blown"

can anyone find the picture of the real Sarumon from whatever tv show he is from?

See above- he's ripped from a Marusan original character. Not tied to any TV show.

The comparison to the vintage sculpt would mean more to me if I actually thought this was done with Marusan's blessing.

I asked thinking that there might be some tribute aspect going on... for some vintage character from a show or movie. Then we at least can compare how much take Marusan did on it with a live action character or animation.

If Marusan created this character then I am really disappointed. I can't see why anyone would pay tribute to it by cloning it like that. The head is identical even if the body is a mildly "different". Even the pose is the same... I don't see Marusan logo anywhere on that header card.

I feel this is more a "path of least resistence" marketing than true creation. Using the Bemon strategy with HP sprays and poster...asking for collaborations to get US support... exhibition all in one release feels too much like he's trying to get rich/recognition quick rather than earning it through time with originality like everyone else. Is it just me?

Did Gargamel get IKB's blessing? Not stirring shit, but it seems like this is the exact same case as that. Taking an original monster figure and re-interpreting it? Or is there a chunk of the story I'm missing?

Don't think G did either. Correct me if I am wrong, someone.

The only difference I can draw is that if you showed the IKB toy and a Gargamel Hedoran to someone, I doubt they would be mistaken for the same toy. J's toy has been mistaken by people in this thread for the Marusan original. To me, that means they are too similar.

Otherwise, I think the two cases are the same. The right or wrong of the IKB/Daikyo/etc. --> Gargamel --> Hukkokudo chain has been discussed before.

I hate to rip on J because I think he is a great artist otherwise. I just don't get why he would make something like this. If we're getting the story wrong, I hope he would pop in to set us straight.

I dunno, while there's obviously some initial confusion, I'd say that now that we've seen the Marusan original compared to the new one, there shouldn't be too much more mistaking them. Aside from the head/face (just like Zagoran keeps that part pretty similar because it's distinctive) the figure is pretty different. The arms and stance are similar, but the actual texture of the figures is pretty much totally different, and the Marusan has a tail (which I'm really glad the new one does not).

I want to know who got the one with the polka dots. I think that one is my favorite.

Fuck - got mine today - and what a nice surprise! Top Left. I LOVE this Hawaii-esque colorway. Will post some pics when I can.

plastichunter, that one is AMAZING!!!! such beautiful colors.
and the hawaii version is definitely great too.
who am i kidding, i think i would like ANY of them, not a bad one in the bunch from what i've seen!

I think the body is different enough to make a difference. The face is REALLY close, but also cleaner a little bit. I'd say it's the same as Gargamel too, taking an older/original figure and re-interpreting it. Only REAL difference would be IKB is long gone, Marusan still puts stuff out. I also don't think it's some big marketing scheme to take advantage as collectors, wolf in sheeps clothing deal. With that logic we can assume the same of a lot of companies/toy makers.

Anyway, I love this figure, not into any of Killer J's other things, and I don't care if it's "ripping off Bemon" by doing a handpainted run first, a good idea is a good idea, right? Other companies take little ideas from each other all the time like that, both marketing and design.

That's an awesome catch Carl!

As for the polka dot one, I thought that'd be my fav too, but after seeing one in hand I don't think that would have shone off the texture as much and am really psyched with the one I did get.

Here is one from YJA that you may have missed. I tried to snag it, but eventually caved:

http://page.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/124274168

what the fuck is wrong with people? that thing went for WAY too much.

Yeah, I agree. That is the second HP that hiro5188 has battled me over on YJA , with him winning. It is the case of a couple collectors really liking these HP's. I am going to resist getting pulled into any more slugfests like this.

i'd flip mine for those prices.

i don't see these as the benchmark prices.
apart from the two hardcore collectors, the next highest bids are a distance away. i am thinking mid-long term, it is more heading the way of SK's dorols than the hp bemons.
whatever, it is a very nice figure in hand. i like the size and presence of it.

it's pretty, but not $700 pretty

i notice a lot of differences actually in the 2, including the face...
killerj's version has deeper sunken eyes, and more realistic looking eyes instead of the blocking extra bit sticking out on the OG. the upper lip space between nose end and mouth beginnings seems shorter on killerj's and the lips seem to stick out a great deal more. the back of the head is spiked instead of clumpy rock looking. the nostrils on killerj's seem to protrude more. killerj's has 3 toes instead of four. his stance is tighter/more closed. no tail vs. tail. spiky effect on the front of the legs like the back instead of the hairy/tree trunk look of the OG. all around smoother surfaces. etc.....

actually with fees and shipping I think it's just under $700

For that price, I'd grab the OG Giant sized Baragon at Manda-Akiba...and a couple other vintage pieces.