Has it really been that long since I posted pics of some Gargantuas in the threads? Well, most people might know I have slight obsession with these guys, so here is yet another of sets of the giants. This also happens to be fantastic one in its own right, having removable heads to 'reveal' the actors' faces underneath the suits.



Interestingly, although it was discussed on here way back when, when these guys came out,* I had no idea how soft the 'monster' heads are. They are really thin and rubbery; not like the typical J-vinyl at all. Am incredibly cool feature, but a bit weak to install on their own. I almost wish you could slip them overtop of the human heads.

Beautiful M1 original sculpting, superb paint application, and a really fun play feature to boot. I am indeed smitten.

*(here and here for anyone interested)

^ yeah, weird that they're not the typical masks-with-slits. why make them super soft, then, i wonder. still, nice set you have there. it's also great to see that they aren't just different heads/paints on same bodies.

You could always perform some quick X-Acto surgery - cut the flash off, make a nice straight slit up the back... Ouă la!

You know you want to.

Yeah, it is an odd choice, though I am sure there was some reasoning behind it. There was some initial discussion on the matter, but probably only the folks at M1 know. They are cast from the same molds as the regular heads, and have the full flanges to be inserted, but if it is for ease of removal and changing, then why are the actors' heads thick? They could potentially fit over the other ones if someone were ambitious enough to trim them and cut slits, but I can't believe they meant for that. I know there is a story and the curiosity is killing me!

My current theory of choice (which I just came up with and am sticking by) is that Yuji wanted to give us 'authentic' rubber masks to add even more realism to the toys as representing the actors being dressed up in costume.

if yuji-san wanted authentic, these toys would've come filled to their necklines in human sweat.

Yikes! No thanks. I know that I don't want to.

I'll leave the kit-bashing and toy alterations to the 1/6 folks.

^ Nancy.

Um, we prefer to be called weenies, thank you.

I displayed mine for a long time with the mask heads and kept the human heads in a drawer. When I started collecting vintage (especially removable masks) I swapped out the heads. The one head is the actor but the other is a homage to those Bullmark removable mask toys (which a majority had the same generic head shown on Sanda).

Yep it is definitely the same 'vintage' head. I love the nod to the old Bullmark toys. I was a bit torn too on which heads to leave on, but as I have other versions with the monster heads, I figure this is a good way to have the best of both.

Here is an 'on set' photo of the destructive duo for reference.

That's probably what they used to make the "masks" so squishy.

One of my other kryptonites when it comes to character sculpts is Gamera. Give me all things turtle and I will plunk along a happy fella. Here is another of my glowy shellbacks from M1. Great quality thick vinyl and really nice paint application typical of Yuji's craftsmanship.

awesome! You got a glow shot?

Steve I see your Gamera and raise you a few rainbows :

Oh almost forgot, here is the front view of the Wonderfest Gamera (glad I remembered before I put him away):

Damn, Chris, those rainbow sprays are magnificent!

Actually...fuck it...most *everything* in this thread is magnificent!

Thanks Sanjeev! Actually I sold the Rodan a long long time ago (due to space issues) to Josh H I think, but a year or two ago I saw another on YJA and instantly had regret so I bought another for keeps. That's actually the only time I've ever bought a toy I had back. M1 just has that kind of pull I guess

You know how much of a bastard you are, right?

Ha I thought I was just being clever! But yeah I'm aware of my bastardness

Oh, I have no problem with that at all. I love to see a challenge like that. Any excuse to bombard this place with more appreciation for M1 toys, and those are some really prime beauties. Thanks for posting them again Lixx! While I only have one of that set, I think they are best glowies Yuji has done. I really hope to track down a few of the others eventually.

There's a reason why people on the boards don't like you

I love those Rainbows. I just have Rodan and Gamera, but always on the lookout for the others. Do anyone know if there were 2 Litras made in that style? I saw one with just the rainbow tail feathers, but I recently saw another that had the chest painted in the rainbow pattern.

This page has tons of awesome folks! My favorite Gorgos and the Rainbow Glowies combine to make a Voltron of pure envy on my part.

I wish that I could get at least one of each M1 sculpt, but who has the time or money? Oooo, what does Yuji's collection look like?!

Scroll about 3/4 of the way down and look for organic_addict's post:
http://skullbrain.org/bb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=36559

I'm pretty sure he's also got a chogokin book too.

It heartens me to see a toy-maker who REALLY knows his shit...because he's pains-takingly collected over many years all the classics that inform and educate (some of) our perspectives. Doing so forces a level of laborious scrutiny that you just don't get from collecting solely today's modern designer vinyl.