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Post by biggerbetterbadder on Aug 1, 2023 7:47:17 GMT -5
Looks like Dynamite Kid is coming soon:  [br I love these 16d figures. I have Andre, Baba, Inoki, and Abdullah the Butcher. I wonder if they will ever make Dory Funk and Terry. Would love to see it one day. |
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Post by MKSavage on Aug 1, 2023 10:02:47 GMT -5
Looks like Dynamite Kid is coming soon: [br I love these 16d figures. I have Andre, Baba, Inoki, and Abdullah the Butcher. I wonder if they will ever make Dory Funk and Terry. Would love to see it one day. I wouldn't be surprised, the Funk's were big in Japan, especially Terry, I could see them being made if they could get the rights. I really like these too, I would love for them to branch into more WWF stars from the 80s and 90s. |
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Post by tigerdrivercollect on Aug 4, 2023 23:25:28 GMT -5
Naturally, I pre-ordered Dynamite on day one. Here's an update on my 16d Collection:  Like Funko Pops, you can actually stack the boxes. Pictured are 33 figures (with Stan Hansen and Dynamite on the way). I mostly collect the legends. Still missing: - Yoshihiro Takayama (Takayamania ver.) - Keiji Mutoh (Memorial packaging ver.) - Jushin Liger (limited edition blue ver.)  My most recent figure arrival just showed up two days ago: Keiji Mutoh. Despite the figure being much smaller when compared to HAO's last soft vinyl Mutoh (released about 20 years ago) figure, the level of realism on Mutoh's facial sculpt has certainly improved.
Even the stock photos don't do the 16d version justice. The detail and graphics on Mutoh's ring tights are just insane.
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Post by MKSavage on Aug 5, 2023 1:04:18 GMT -5
Naturally, I pre-ordered Dynamite on day one. Here's an update on my 16d Collection: Like Funko Pops, you can actually stack the boxes. Pictured are 33 figures (with Stan Hansen and Dynamite on the way). I mostly collect the legends. Still missing: - Yoshihiro Takayama (Takayamania ver.) - Keiji Mutoh (Memorial packaging ver.) - Jushin Liger (limited edition blue ver.) My most recent figure arrival just showed up two days ago: Keiji Mutoh. Despite the figure being much smaller when compared to HAO's last soft vinyl Mutoh (released about 20 years ago) figure, the level of realism on Mutoh's facial sculpt has certainly improved.
Even the stock photos don't do the 16d version justice. The detail and graphics on Mutoh's ring tights are just insane.
Great collection. I really like these; the face sculpts are amazing. The Dynamite Kid was the first one I ordered; I wish I knew about these before I definitely would have ordered that white & red Great Muta. I'm thinking about getting some of the others, that Inoki is really good too, and would go nice with the UE Ali set from Mattel. I hope they do a Davey Boy to go with the Dynamite Kid figure. I also would love for them to do a few Macho Man's from when he wrestled with the WWF when they toured Japan. These attires would be ideal:     |
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Post by tigerdrivercollect on Aug 5, 2023 11:59:10 GMT -5
The prices some of the original 16d figures are going for (such as the Muta's and Abdullah's) on the secondary market these days are just criminal. Unfortunately, Pro-Wrestling is going through a renaissance in Japan, and with the resurgence in popularity to the sport, prices for the older Japanese
Wrestling figures are being raised in the process.
At the moment, I'm trying to rebuild my HAO/Sofubi collection, and the one figure that I have been meaning to recollect is is the Pro-Kaku Heroes Genichiro Tenryu Retirement figure.  The figure was part of Charapro's Pro-Kaku Heroes line (the same line that gave us the Mini Big Heads, and special edition Nakamura/Okada translucent figures a few years ago). Sculpted by HAO, this particular Tenryu figure was issued to celebrate Tenryu's retirement match against Kazuchika Okada, and was the first sofubi sculpted by HAO to be presented in a smaller 4.5 inch scale.  When compared to Charapro's Mini Big Heads and regular action figures.
Announced in 2015, the Tenryu retirement figure could be considered the precursor to the 16d line, as the figure contains similar packaging and scale. Which
prompted me to begin searching for the figure again. What was once a $40 - $50 now goes for $200 - $300 on sites like Yahoo Auctions, eBay, and Mercari.
 Next to the original HAO Collection figures. I'm a big fan of Genichiro Tenryu, but I can't justify spending $300 on a standard Japanese figure. A figure, mind you, that was originally sold at Japanese Circle K locations... |
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Post by tigerdrivercollect on Aug 10, 2023 5:10:36 GMT -5
Finally, the 16d Collection Stan Hansen figure has just arrived from Japan.  Giant Baba's official facebook page broke the news about the Stan Hansen 16d figure back around December. Pre-orders were made available in the Goodsmile Online Store in January. Initially, the 16d Hansen figure was supposed to ship out by July, but was held off until August for some unexplained reason.  Sculpted by HAO, the last time Hansen was crafted by the popular sports figure maker was fifteen years ago, as part of HAO Collection's Regards for Superstars line, which was issued back in 2008.  The biggest difference that I noticed between the prototype and finalized versions is Hansen's bull rope accessory. In the above prototype, Hansen's rope contains white grips, and looks to be a lot smaller than the commercially-released version we ended up with. While Goodsmile Shop are known for postponing figure releases, the change in rope accessory may explain the extra month wait time.  Legendary All Japan rivals reunite in the 16d line. One cool feature that I like about the 16d version is the ability to rotate Hansen's left forearm. The articulation of such allows the figure to display Hansen's Texas Longhorns taunt. Despite it's smaller size, the Stan Hansen figure is easily one of my favourites from the 16d line. Once I got my hands on the bronze version, I knew fans of the line were
going to be in for a treat. From the gritted teeth facial sculpt, to the fringe details on Hansen's chaps, the differences in the 16d version are quite noticeable.
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Post by tigerdrivercollect on Aug 11, 2023 9:22:18 GMT -5
While not a Japanese company per se, I wanted to use this space to give a big shout to Junk Shop Dog and their Japanese-inspired Sofubi Pro-Wrestling Series 2 line. Along with my order of six figures, JSD were kind enough to throw in a FREE Bruiser Brody enamel pin, and a pair of Dynamite Kid socks!  Clockwise from top: Giant Baba, Genichiro Tenryu, Bull Nakano, Bruiser Brody, Terry Funk and Atsushi Onita.
From the retro-cool packaging, to the design of the figures themselves, the Sofubi Pro-Wrestling Series is the spiritual successor to Popy's 1981 Super Pro-Wrestler Series. Personally speaking, I can't say enough good things about JSD. Simply awesome figures. I'm now looking forward to the upcoming releases of Tiger Mask, The Great Sasuke, Aja Kong and The Destroyer as part of the Sofubi Pro-Wrestling Series 3 lineup. |
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Post by tigerdrivercollect on Aug 11, 2023 14:37:42 GMT -5
I recently acquired all of the limited edition bronze and gold 16d Collection figures.  The bronze and gold figures have a harder texture to them (I'm guessing some kind of polyurethane primer to create the glossy coating), compared to their regular counterparts.
As much as these figures were created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of AJPW and to honour the memory of Antonio Inoki, it's saddening to
know that four out of the five legends created for these repaints are no longer with us. If anything, all of these figures also tribute to the legacies
of the Wrestlers behind the anniversaries.
Timeline wise, Stan Hansen and Bruiser Brody were actually released as bronze variants several months before their regular painted figures hit
store shelves. Just in time for All Japan's 50th anniversary celebration.
Personally, I really like these repaints. They remind me of mini trophies, and serve as daily reminders of some of Japan's biggest stars.
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Post by tigerdrivercollect on Sept 2, 2023 14:31:31 GMT -5
With some of Joshi's biggest stars making their way back into figure lines recently, I thought I would take a moment to share two pages I just scanned out of a Fire Pro-Wrestling guidebook from Japan. The guidebook is for the 1994 Super Famicom title Fire Pro-Wrestling All Star Dreamslam. In the guidebook, a handful of readers had a chance to win autographed
plushies and t-shirts from Takako Inoue, Kyoki Inoue and Manami Toyota.
 As merchandise for Joshi promotions was produced in much-smaller numbers, the plushies in particular are now sought-after collector pieces from the heyday of AJW. |
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Post by tigerdrivercollect on Sept 3, 2023 0:30:22 GMT -5
In the early 2000's, Keiji Mutoh had his own brand of merchandising called LEGLOCK. In the process, a now-defunct website address once existed where fans could purchase official products from the legend himself. The following advert was scanned from a 2005 Pro-Wrestling magazine from Japan.  Products include: 1. Replica ring tights. 2. Enamel bag. 3. HAO Collection soft vinyl Spider Muta variants. 4. Leglock Base Necklace. 5. Paper fans. 6. Keiji Mutoh vs Mitsuharu Misawa Charapro/Mogura House 2-pack. 7. Dcor soft vinyl figures of Kaz Hayashi, Keiji Mutoh, Satoshi Kojima and Toshiaki Kawada. 8. Satoshi Kojima Cozy Life DVD. |
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Post by tigerdrivercollect on Sept 3, 2023 11:36:38 GMT -5
If we're going to talk about ultra-obscure Japanese figures line, we might as well touch on the 3D Printed figures released by Digimo. The 3D Printer Pro-Wrestling Figure series comprised of figures released in Volumes. The first volume released in 2014 featured The Great Kabuki:  Volume 2. is independent Wrestler Fugo Fugo Yumeji. The initial price for these figures were roughly $180 USD each.  The Great Kabuki with his 3D printed figure.  Vol. 3. is based on Austrian Wrestler and booker Hummungus.  Vol. 4. features the very first figure of Hikaru Shida. Shida's figure sold for $204 USD.  Vol. 5. was said to be based on independent Wrestler "The Kabuki" (who is pictured here with The Great Kabuki).  Vol. 6. was said to feature a 3D printed figure based on Sanshu Tsubakichi   Channelling her sex appeal, Kana (Asuka) was added as the seventh volume. Again, this was also Asuka's very first figure.  Volume 8 is of referee Duke Sado. Sado was the last figure added to the 3D Pro-Wrestling Figure Series with an official announcement made on July 9th, 2015. As the case with anything brand new or state of the art, the prices for Digimo's 3D Printed figures ($180-200 USD a piece) puts the 3D Printer Series out of reach for all but the most hardcore of collectors. Quite easily, the three most desired figures from the 3D Printer Series would have to be Kana, The Great Kabuki and Hikaru Shida. But, the real question is, would you be willing to spend $204 USD a piece to own these oddities? |
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devadiponeness
Mid-Carder
Joined on: Mar 8, 2016 19:43:41 GMT -5
Posts: 132 
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Post by devadiponeness on Sept 4, 2023 1:38:46 GMT -5
This thread rules thank u. Never knew of these 3d ones or the ajpw bendies. Incredible
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Post by tigerdrivercollect on Sept 5, 2023 1:13:17 GMT -5
This thread rules thank u. Never knew of these 3d ones or the ajpw bendies. Incredible Thank you. It's always a thrill for me discovering lesser-known Japanese figure lines. Speaking of Japanese 3D Printed figures, my favourites have to be the two Mitsuharu Misawa variants that were created by IRON FACTORY: ![]()   Other than the leaking green paint around Misawa's right ear, I think these figures are the most realistic depiction of the legend to date. The only other figure that really comes close, in my opinion, would have to be the HAO Collection Mitsuharu Misawa polystone statue.   Iron Factory also created six variants of "Mr. G1" Masahiro Chono. A seventh figure features (who I believe is) the comedian Hosei Yamasaki, a comedian Chono is known to slap as part of an annual Japanese comedy skit.   Not one to rest on their laurels, Iron Factory continued the Chono merchandising extravaganza with 3D face stickers. The figures came in three different expressions, retailing for 1,650 yen (about $15 USD) back in 2021. The Chono 3D figures retailed initially for about $160 to $310 USD. If I read correctly, the 3D printed Chono figures were created in an edition of just 20 figures each, making them the rarest Chono merchandise ever.  Iron Factory added Riki Choshu to the mix as well, with face and fist scans. I find the face sculpts a little too macabre for my tastes. Much too similar to that of a traditional death mask. |
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Post by tigerdrivercollect on Sept 6, 2023 2:44:40 GMT -5
If you grew up playing Wrestling games in the early 90's, chances are, you may have come across Capcom's Saturday Night Slam Masters. Like any popular video game, merchandise was sure to follow, and Slam Masters was no exception: As to my knowledge, these figures were a lot like the plushies released by Rollertron, meaning players had to win them in claw vending machines exclusively in Japan around 1993.    King Rastamon (based on Bruiser Brody). Titanic Tim (based on Giant Baba). Final Fight's Mike Haggar (who is based on Jesse 'The Body' Ventura).  ![]()  Flapjack (who is based on Kamala and Earthquake). The Oni (based on The Great Kabuki and Great Muta).  Lastly, Biff Slamkovich (who is rumoured to be based on Nikolai Volkoff). If plushies aren't your thing, then maybe your Slam Masters fandom will resonate with these M.U.S.C.L.E.-style Keshigomu figures:  Gunloc, Flapjack, Titanic Tim and El Stingray.   The Oni's keshi figure. Mike Haggar (sorry for the tiny pic). |
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Post by tigerdrivercollect on Sept 8, 2023 23:25:57 GMT -5
Being one of the most popular gaijin Wrestlers of all time, it should come as no surprise that Abdullah The Butcher has a ton of Wrestling figures made in his likeness. However, I have one figure based on the Madman from Sudan that many collectors don't know about:  In the 1984 arcade classic Yie Ar Kung-Fu, one of the first enemies the player faces is Buchu, whom was inspired by Abdullah The Butcher.  Since Yie Ar Kung Fu was a hit in arcades, keshi figures were soon released to capitalize on the game's popularity. The above keshi is modelled after Buchu/Abdullah The Butcher. |
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Post by micco on Sept 9, 2023 7:24:28 GMT -5
Being one of the most popular gaijin Wrestlers of all time, it should come as no surprise that Abdullah The Butcher has a ton of Wrestling figures made in his likeness. However, I have one figure based on the Madman from Sudan that many collectors don't know about: In the 1984 arcade classic Yie Ar Kung-Fu, one of the first enemies the player faces is Buchu, whom was inspired by Abdullah The Butcher. Since Yie Ar Kung Fu was a hit in arcades, keshi figures were soon released to capitalize on the game's popularity. The above keshi is modelled after Buchu/Abdullah The Butcher. I would love to own one of these |
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@Chair.Shot
Main Eventer
WF 10+ Year Member
Joined on: Jan 31, 2012 4:38:24 GMT -5
Posts: 4,836
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Post by @Chair.Shot on Sept 9, 2023 10:59:56 GMT -5
If you grew up playing Wrestling games in the early 90's, chances are, you may have come across Capcom's Saturday Night Slam Masters. Like any popular video game, merchandise was sure to follow, and Slam Masters was no exception: As to my knowledge, these figures were a lot like the plushies released by Rollertron, meaning players had to win them in claw vending machines exclusively in Japan around 1993. King Rastamon (based on Bruiser Brody). Titanic Tim (based on Giant Baba). Final Fight's Mike Haggar (who is based on Jesse 'The Body' Ventura). ![]() Flapjack (who is based on Kamala and Earthquake). The Oni (based on The Great Kabuki and Great Muta). Lastly, Biff Slamkovich (who is rumoured to be based on Nikolai Volkoff). If plushies aren't your thing, then maybe your Slam Masters fandom will resonate with these M.U.S.C.L.E.-style Keshigomu figures: Gunloc, Flapjack, Titanic Tim and El Stingray. The Oni's keshi figure. Mike Haggar (sorry for the tiny pic). I have seen the plush characters from Slammasters but not the other pieces. This is a series that I really wish had a toy line either back then or today! Customs are very rare too. I’ve seen a few on here and IG but they are not common. It's been a long while since I've been on this board with any customs or WIPs, but I recently got into the art of making molds and casting replicas. Expensive... but so theraputic  First up is Scorpion or Astro from the Saturday Night Slam Masters / Muscle Bomber series. This custom is based off of Scorp from the Loss Screen  This is Storm from the Streets of Rage series. He's a generic sprite with multiple variants and names, but this is the one that I most enjoyed punching in the face.  |
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Post by tigerdrivercollect on Sept 10, 2023 1:39:26 GMT -5
Despite garnishing a cult following, Slam Masters didn't have the same success as other Capcom franchises from the era (most noticeably, the Street Fighter
series). Had Slam Masters been more successful, I could have easily seen Hasbro handle the figure treatment.
After all, Hasbro were responsible for releasing the G.I. Joe-style Street Fighter figures back in the mid 90's.
Could you imagine a spin-off line by Hasbro in the early 90's? Slam Masters characters paired alongside the classic WWF Hasbro line. That would have been
cool.
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@Chair.Shot
Main Eventer
WF 10+ Year Member
Joined on: Jan 31, 2012 4:38:24 GMT -5
Posts: 4,836
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Post by @Chair.Shot on Sept 10, 2023 9:14:25 GMT -5
Despite garnishing a cult following, Slam Masters didn't have the same success as other Capcom franchises from the era (most noticeably, the Street Fighter series). Had Slam Masters been more successful, I could have easily seen Hasbro handle the figure treatment. After all, Hasbro were responsible for releasing the G.I. Joe-style Street Fighter figures back in the mid 90's. Could you imagine a spin-off line by Hasbro in the early 90's? Slam Masters characters paired alongside the classic WWF Hasbro line. That would have been cool. It wasn’t promoted at any significant level. Hardly any arcade presence. Not much in magazines. I don’t ever recall anything on tv or at stores. Hell, I saw it at more rental places than retail. It also came out during a huge downturn in the U.S. wrestling industry. |
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Post by tigerdrivercollect on Sept 10, 2023 17:16:01 GMT -5
In terms of merchandising in Japan, All Japan Pro-Wrestling really were ahead of the curve. On past pages, we looked at AJPW's bendies, which were released in the 1970's. Next up, we're going to the early 80's for two more rarely-seen Japanese figure sets: TOYBOX All Japan Pro-Wrestling Choro-Q racers: Bruiser Brody, Stan Hansen, Giant Baba and The Great Kabuki. Bruiser and Hansen are considered the rarest of the set. It's also worth noting that this Brody racer is one of only two official figures that I can think of that were released while Brody was still alive. The figures are your standard pull-back racers. As to my knowledge, there's no articulation (Brody swinging his chains would have been a nice extra).  A racer for Jumbo Tsuruta also exists.
 The sole of Giant Baba's left boot reads "16Mon Kick". which was one of Giant Baba's most famous attacks ...better known as the Big Boot in the west. The phrase '16mon' is a reference to Giant Baba's shoe size, which was a size 16.  Giant Baba graces the cover of a 1983 racer magazine from the era. This issue was used to promote the All Japan racers. Choro Wrestlers
 TOYBOX/TAKARA would also release wind-up SPARK shooting figures of Giant Baba and Stan Hansen!  Giant Baba features All Japan's NWA Championship belt, while Hansen comes with the PWF belt.  The shipper box meant for stores is a grail all by itself, in my opinion. If you're wondering why Hansen and Baba are breathing fire ....well....the figures actually did shoot sparks out of their mouths!  A shipping box contains 18 figures: 9 of each Wrestler.  Both figures are stamped with "(C) TAKARA '84 JAPAN Choro Wrestler" (left) and "All Japan Pro-Wrestling" (right) signifying that both the Stan Hansen and Giant Baba Choro figures were officially licensed. Next to the rev-up wheel is a gear mechanism that shoots sparks whenever either car is in motion (I really doubt the equivalent of a lighter on wheels would be marketed to kids these days). As the case with older figures, many collectors have stated that their figures have lost or contain a diminished spark. |
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