1984 Archives - Page 4 of 5

Srungle DX Srungchange Model – 1984 Clover

Dave December 1, 2013 Clover, System Mecha Colection Srungle No Comments

I remember I bought Srungle DX in Japan 1985 and I thought “man, is this robot ugly…” but whenever I went to Japan I generally bought almost everything I could get my hands on. Since these toys were not very common in the U.S.. Clover made Srungle and they were not known for the classic robots like say Takatoku Valkyries and the Takara Dougram toys. They put out big clunky metal robots like the first Gundam robots, Dunbine, Tryder and Xabungle.

Srungle DX 1984 Clover – Srungchange Model

Srungle DX – 1984 Clover

Anime show Akū Daisakusen Srungle 1983-1984

Hound Transformers G1 -1984

Dave November 19, 2013 Hasbro, Transformers, Transformers 7 Comments

Hound Transformers 1984 Generation 1 Autobot Hasbro

I updated this post with a cleaned up Hound. I dusted him off with a damp qtip, lens cloth and re-glued some of his decals. I’m trying to show my collection a little love after all of these years.

Hound Transformers 1984 Generation 1 Autobot J59 Jeep cartoon still

Hound Transformers Generation 1

Hound Transformers 1984 G1 Autobot Hasbro J59 Jeep Japanese ID number 02 TFC-14 Foreign names Japanese- Hound (ハウンド Haundo), French- Dépisteur (Canada, "The Tracker"), Italian- Canguro ("Kangaroo"), Mandarin- Lìeh-chiuǎn (Taiwan, 獵犬, "Hound"), Tan Zhang (China, 探長, "Chief Detective"), Portuguese: Caçador or Rastreador

Hound Transformers 1984 Generation 1 Autobot Hasbro Jeep

Daidenjin Godaikin 1984

Dave November 19, 2013 Bandai, Godaikin, Popy 3 Comments

Here’s a Daidenjin Godaikin which I purchased from a little shop in Japantown, San Francisco in 1984. I bought quite a few robot figures/toys from that store. The owner retired sometime in the early 2000’s. I added a picture of what he looks like in his Super Sentai show. I think this is the Japanese DaiDenzin GB-14 DX by Popy instead of the Godaikin version, as the shop in Japantown only sold Japanese robots. This one is another robot with heavy diecast metal content, which makes it another awesome Chogokin robot.

Daidenjin GoDaiKin Bandai 1984 aka GB-14 DaiDenzin DX Popy Japan 1980 from the live action show Denshi Sentai Denziman(ダイデンジン) 1980-1981

Daidenjin Godaikin 1984

Tokusatsu Live action show Denshi Sentai Denziman(ダイデンジン) 1980-1981

Live action show Denshi Sentai Denziman 1980-1981

Vavilos GoDaikin ST by Bandai GC-16 1984

Con November 17, 2013 Bandai, Godaikin, Popy No Comments

Here is the Vavilos ST. I really don’t know why, but the ST versions of these robots are often better than the DX versions. This is definitely the case in this robot. Vavilos is from the live action ‘tokusatsu’ show Space Sheriff Shaider. So think Power Rangers.

Vavilos does not have a great design. I definitely would have liked a little more detail on the head and maybe if it was a little bigger it would feel right. But the head is more proportionate, than say the arms which are a little puny and insignificant. It is like a Tyrannosaurus Rex, big body, teeny weeny arms. Oh well, if T-Rex can kick ass, then maybe Vavilos wouldn’t get the crap kicked out of him. The robot transforms from a space ship to a robot and giant gun as well, in this case I prefer the V Spaceship form. He comes with 6 yellow missiles which shoot out of the chest. The build of the legs remind me of the Dyna Robo, Goggle Robo or Change robo. The main body of the robot is just blocky, Seems like the transformations were more important in the design than the actual robot.

That being said, I like having both the DX and ST Vavilos. It fills out my Godaikin collection which is my favorite line of 80’s robots. Though if I had to be more specific, I have a big soft spot for the Popy ST line. Check out the Vavilos DX!

Vavilos GoDaiKin ST by Bandai GC-16 from Uchu Keiji Shaider (宇宙刑事シャイダー) tokusatsu tv show from 1984-1985 loose robot front

Vavilos GoDaiKin ST by Bandai GC-16 from Space Sheriff Shaider tokusatsu tv show from 1984-1985

Vavilos GoDaiKin ST by Bandai GC-16 from Uchu Keiji Shaider (宇宙刑事シャイダー) tokusatsu tv show from 1984-1985 loose robot back Item #300024

Vavilos GoDaiKin ST by Bandai GC-16 from Space Sheriff Shaider tokusatsu tv show from 1984-1985

Vavilos GoDaiKin ST by Bandai GC-16 from Space Sheriff Shaider (宇宙刑事シャイダー Uchū Keiji Shaidā) tokusatsu tv show from 1984-1985 loose front 2

Vavilos GoDaiKin ST by Bandai GC-16 from Uchu Keiji Shaider tokusatsu tv show from 1984-1985

Here are a few fun videos from the tv show Space Sheriff Shaider!!!

I recently added Vavilos in the Bandai Godaikin packaging which is nice. So now I have some missiles to test out! I swear that is about my favorite part.

Vavilos Godaikin ST 1984 by Bandai GC-16 back and side of box

Vavilos GoDaiKin ST by Bandai GC-16 from Uchu Keiji Shaider tokusatsu tv show from 1984-1985

Vavilos Godaikin ST 1984 by Bandai GC-16 front of box

Vavilos GoDaiKin ST by Bandai GC-16 from Uchu Keiji Shaider tokusatsu tv show from 1984-1985

High Complete Model YMS-09 Zions Mobile Suit Prototype Dom Gundam by Bandai Japan 1984

Con October 14, 2013 Bandai, Gundam, High Complete Model No Comments

HCM’s are great little robots. The YMS-09 Dom is by far one of the better ones. I got tired of the white original Gundam armor so the Prototype Dom is a welcome relief. I like the Zions armor as they have more variety. They look more like tanks, heavy armor. More sinister. I love picking up these HCM”s from the 80’s. I eventually want to pick up the Vifam or Neofam HCM’s. Not sure if they are Gundam robots, but I like them.

High Complete Model HCM YMS-09 Zions Mobile Suite Prototype Dom styrofoam

High Complete Model YMS-09 Zions Mobile Suit Prototype Dom Gundam by Bandai Japan 1984

High Complete Model HCM YMS-09 Zions Mobile Suite Prototype Dom instructions 2

High Complete Model YMS-09 Zions Mobile Suit Prototype Dom Gundam by Bandai Japan 1984

High Complete Model HCM YMS-09 Zions Mobile Suite Prototype Dom instructions

High Complete Model YMS-09 Zions Mobile Suit Prototype Dom Gundam by Bandai Japan 1984

High Complete Model HCM YMS-09 Zions Mobile Suite Prototype Dom front cover

High Complete Model YMS-09 Zions Mobile Suit Prototype Dom Gundam by Bandai Japan 1984

High Complete Model MS-14C Gelgoog Cannon Zion’s Mobile Suit Bandai Japan 1984

Con October 11, 2013 Bandai, Gundam, High Complete Model No Comments

I love displaying my robots except for all the dusting. What a pain. The HCM packaging is ideal for taking a robot out and putting it away for display purposes. Small box, instructions, decent size and pretty good detail for someone like me who really does not want to have to build one of these from scratch. Been there, done that. None of them came out very good. Even my cousin built one and he is super anal. It did not come out very well, but I think Gundam models are harder to build than they look.

Here is my MS-14C Gelgoog Cannon Zion’s Mobile Suit. I can’t tell if these are the original HCM’s from the 80’s or the 2002 reissue.

Just used a magnifying glass on the back of the robot and it says Bandai Made in Japan 1984. I am going with 1984. Sweet! For what I paid I was sure it was a reissue.

High Complete Model MS-14C Gelgoog Cannon Zions Mobile Suit Bandai styrofoam

High Complete Model MS-14C Gelgoog Cannon Zion’s Mobile Suit Bandai Japan 1984

High Complete Model MS-14C Gelgoog Cannon Zions Mobile Suit Bandai instructions

High Complete Model MS-14C Gelgoog Cannon Zion’s Mobile Suit Bandai Japan 1984

Daidenjin Godaikin Bandai 1984 aka GB-14 Daidenjin DX Popy Japan 1980

Con October 9, 2013 Bandai, Godaikin, Popy No Comments

I always thought this was an ST version of Daidenjin, but I stand corrected. It is the Daidenjin DX version. That’s why it comes with all the cool stuff and it actually transforms into a space ship. I don’t think any of the ST’s tranform. So it’s not the GB-15. This is a good heavy piece chock full of die cast metal and it has a nice build, but I can’t say I like the big D on his chest. Most of the parts are very square or rectangular, so the designers hardly used any imagination when making this guy as a robot. But the design is light years better than say Sun Vulcan. The transformation is not great but at least it does more than my old Shogun Warriors did.

I noticed these robots remind me of the my old Shogun Warriors from the 70’s. Now I know why. They were made by the same company. Originally the Shogun Warriors were issued as Popy Super Robots in the GA series. So the reason the design, die cast metal heft, and shooting fists(don’t Daidenjin’s fists look like Daltanias DX large fists?) were all so familiar is that they came from the same company. This one was issued in the Popy GB series.

Daidenjin GoDaiKin Bandai 1984 aka GB14 Daidenjin DX Popy Japan 1980 from the live action show Denshi Sentai Denziman 1980-1981 back box cover

Daidenjin GoDaiKin Bandai 1984 from tokusatsu show Denshi Sentai Denziman 1980-1981

When transformed it becomes Denjin the space port. The robot hails from the Denshi Sentai Denziman TV series 13 years before the Power Rangers ever made it out here. Nope, never watched it, but I like the robot. I don’t really have the space to display my robots, but this site works out well as a virtual display case.

Daidenjin GoDaiKin Bandai 1984 aka GB-14 Daidenjin DX Popy Japan 1980 from the live action show Denshi Sentai Denziman(電子戦隊デンジマン Electronic Squadron Denziman) 1980-1981 styrofoam insert

Daidenjin GoDaiKin Bandai 1984 from live action show Electronic Squadron Denziman 1980-1981

Daidenjin GoDaiKin Bandai 1984 from tokusatsu show Denshi Sentai Denziman 1980-1981

Daidenjin GoDaiKin Bandai 1984 from live action show Electronic Squadron Denziman 1980-1981

Daidenjin GoDaiKin Bandai 1984 from tokusatsu show Denshi Sentai Denziman 1980-1981

Daidenjin GoDaiKin Bandai 1984 from live action show Electronic Squadron Denziman 1980-1981

Daidenjin GoDaiKin Bandai 1984

Daitetsujin 17 Godaikin by Bandai 1984 aka Daitetsujin 17 DX GA-81 1977 by Popy

Con October 7, 2013 Bandai, Godaikin, Popy 1 Comment

First thing I noticed about Daitetsujin 17 is that it is so heavy. A majority of this robot is metal which is awesome. You can see it in the pictures. Daitetsujin 17 ‘s a pretty cool robot, not so good as a flying fortress. After watching the movie, I actually prefer the toy robot to the one in the show. I tried shooting the fists and the stomach missile and they got some pow going 5 feet. I have all the parts and it looks mint. I would have transformed it if I wanted too. But it didn’t look like it was worth the time. I like the blue and red color scheme and overall it is a nice looking robot. My only beef with this robot is that they could have made the arms a little more proportional to the body.

I really don’t have that many Godaikins to go to complete my collection. Too bad the last ones I need are so expensive. This robot hails from a live action “tokusatsu” show like Godzilla and Ultraman in 1977 all its cheesy goodness. Watching the intro seems amusing enough. I listened to the movie below and occasionally watched while I was writing this post.

The movie Daitetsujin 17(大鉄人17)below appears to be a dubbed movie. The dub is so funny! OMG. The narration seems like something from Rocky and Bullwinkle. You should definitely watch this! Enjoy.

Daitetsujin 17 GoDaiKin by Bandai 1984 aka Daitetsujin 17 DX GA-81 1977 by Popy loose open chest from tokusatsu show (大鉄人１７ Daitetsujin Wan-Sebun) in 1977

The open chest compartment and shooting chest missile.

Daitetsujin 17 GoDaiKin by Bandai 1984 aka DX GA-81 1977 by Popy legs & feet from tokusatsu show (大鉄人１７ Daitetsujin Wan-Sebun) in 1977

The foot compartments and robot legs.

Daitetsujin 17 GoDaiKin by Bandai 1984 aka DX GA-81 by Popy styrofoam from tokusatsu show (大鉄人１７ Daitetsujin Wan-Sebun) in 1977

Daitetsujin 17 GoDaiKin by Bandai 1984 aka DX GA-81 1977 by Popy

Daitetsujin 17 GoDaiKin by Bandai 1984 aka GA-81 by Popy loose back view of robot

Back view of robot and wings

Daitetsujin 17 GoDaiKin by Bandai 1984 aka DX GA-81 by Popy back & side cover

Daitetsujin 17 GoDaiKin by Bandai 1984 aka Daitetsujin 17 DX GA-81 1977 by Popy

Daitetsujin 17 GoDaiKin by Bandai 1984 aka GA-81 by Popy front box cover

Daitetsujin 17 GoDaiKin by Bandai 1984 aka Daitetsujin 17 DX GA-81 1977 by Popy

Voltron III Matchbox Defender of the Universe Miniature Lion Space Robot 1984 aka Golion GB-35 ST Popy 1981

Con October 6, 2013 Bandai, Godaikin, Popy, Voltron No Comments

Popy gave these to us first as Golion GB-35 in 1981. This is the iconic robot from the 80’s. I don’t have anything bad to say about this robot. Golion has a great design and is a great ST version with the sword and shield.

I have the Voltron version. I wish the Voltron versions had a sword. The DX and ST Voltron from Matchbox and do not have the sword or any of the Golion accessories and I have both. Guess I know what I will do if I ever get a 3D printer. I did not realize this one had never been opened. The tape and tie to hold it to the styrofoam are still there. Guess it’s opened once now, but as mint as it will ever be. Seems like the legs and the chest are die cast metal(only the head and arms are plastic) so it’s a pretty heavy robot likely making this one from its Chogokin line or roughly translated Super Alloy. If you notice, I mention that a lot. I am a fan of the old toys they made with metal. They seem more sturdy and substantial, like American cars from the 70’s. My little cousin clocked me in the head with an old metal Tonka truck I had and that one time, I wish it was plastic.

Voltron III Defender of the Universe Miniature Lion Space Robot Matchbox aka Golion styrofoam GB-35 ST Popy 1981 from cartoon Voltron Defender of the Universe 1984-1985 other names Beast King GoLion, Hundred-Beast King Go Lion, Hyakujū Ō Golion, King of Beasts Golion, Lion Force Voltron, Voltron III, Voltron of the Far Universe, Voltron, difensore dell'universo, Voltron, el defensor del universo,百獣王ゴライオン

Voltron III Matchbox Miniature Lion Space Robot 1984 from cartoon Voltron Defender of the Universe 1984-1985

The American version of the cartoon for this robot was pretty lame, but I can only say I liked a few robot anime. Getta Robo, Dangard Ace, Gaiking, especially Macross and Gundam. Not the American versions. Hate Matchbox for depriving us of swords for Voltron, bastards.

Anyway checked out a couple of the original Japanese Golion episodes and it was a much better. Seems like they made a lot of changes to the plot and removed the violence.

Voltron III Matchbox Defender of the Universe Miniature Lion Space Robot Lion Instructions Super Alloy or Chogokin from cartoon Voltron Defender of the Universe 1984-1985 other names Beast King GoLion, Hundred-Beast King Go Lion, Hyakujū Ō Golion, King of Beasts Golion, Lion Force Voltron, Voltron III, Voltron of the Far Universe, Voltron, difensore dell'universo, Voltron, el defensor del universo,百獣王ゴライオン Super Alloy

Voltron III Matchbox Miniature Lion Space Robot 1984 Lion Instructions Super Alloy or Chogokin

Voltron III Matchbox Defender of the Universe Miniature Lion Space Robot aka Golion back box cover GB-35 ST Popy 1981 from cartoon Voltron Defender of the Universe 1984-1985 other names Beast King GoLion, Hundred-Beast King Go Lion, Hyakujū Ō Golion, King of Beasts Golion, Lion Force Voltron, Voltron III, Voltron of the Far Universe, Voltron, difensore dell'universo, Voltron, el defensor del universo,百獣王ゴライオン

Voltron III Matchbox Miniature Lion Space Robot 1984 from cartoon Voltron Defender of the Universe 1984-1985

Voltron III Matchbox Defender of the Universe Miniature Lion Space Robot aka Golion top box cover GB-35 ST Popy 1981 from cartoon Voltron Defender of the Universe 1984-1985 other names Beast King GoLion, Hundred-Beast King Go Lion, Hyakujū Ō Golion, King of Beasts Golion, Lion Force Voltron, Voltron III, Voltron of the Far Universe, Voltron, difensore dell'universo, Voltron, el defensor del universo,百獣王ゴライオン

Voltron III Matchbox Miniature Lion Space Robot 1984 from cartoon Voltron Defender of the Universe 1984-1985

Voltron III Matchbox Defender of the Universe Miniature Lion Space Robot aka Golion front box cover GB-35 ST Popy 1981 from cartoon Voltron Defender of the Universe 1984-1985 other names Beast King GoLion, Hundred-Beast King Go Lion, Hyakujū Ō Golion, King of Beasts Golion, Lion Force Voltron, Voltron III, Voltron of the Far Universe, Voltron, difensore dell'universo, Voltron, el defensor del universo,百獣王ゴライオン

Voltron III Matchbox Miniature Lion Space Robot 1984 from cartoon Voltron Defender of the Universe 1984-1985

I heard the anime for GoLion was edited for violence, so I am definitely watching the Japanese version. Enjoy!

Dynaman Godaikin by Bandai 1984 aka Dyna Robo ST GB-97 by Popy 1983

Con October 6, 2013 Bandai, Godaikin, Popy, Sentai No Comments

Here is Dynaman the American incarnation of Dyna Robo from Kagaku Sentai Dynaman. This one had a Robo Machine repackaging sticker on it. I guess Bandai couldn’t sell them as Godaikins so they repackaged them as Robo Machine without creating new product, but that is what the Godaikin series was. The box is in sucky condition but the robot is mint. I would actually display these if I didn’t have to dust them. The head shoots off, and you can shoot off a missile from hole in the head. I am a big fan of the ST sized robots, this is one of them. Hopefully I can pick up a few more. Though this is one of the Godaikins where I really do like the DX version as well. The design is typical of Popy ST robots that come with a sword, shield and shooting fists. This is one of the robots that got me into this hobby in the first place. I love this guy!