Category: Bandai

Vavilos GoDaikin DX by Bandai 1984 aka Vavilos GC-20 Popy

September 23, 2013 Bandai, Godaikin, Popy No Comments

So my Vavilos has never been taken out of the styrofoam. I can tell as I never took the twisty tie thing off. This is a robot from the Space Sheriff Shaider series which is very much like the Power Rangers(Is that show still running in Japan?). Godaikins were a bunch of robots from various anime series with no cartoon tie in to back it up here in the United States. This is likely the reason they were not that popular. I think if they had released some of these anime here, we would be remembering them as nostalgically as Voltron.

Design wise, Vavilos would look much better with a larger more defined head and arms that are proportionate with the rest of its body. It is the main reason this was not a must have robot for me. But it is nice to have. The rest of the robot looks ok. The legs are similar in design to Goggle V and Dyna Robo. The chest is a bit blocky like Sun Vulcan, like a cube with a triangle on top. Its decent in ship form, in fact I prefer it. That is likely why I have never pulled it out to transform Vavilos. Overall it is a decent robot, but it is on the lower end of what Bandai released in their Godaikin line. More yellowing white plastic from these old 80’s robots. Guess these toys discolor after a while.

Check out the first episode of Uchu Keiji Shaider tokusatsu show from 1984-1985. The cheesy 80’s tv music on this video was just killing me along with all the cheap special effects!

 

 

Vavilos GoDaiKin DX Bandai from Space Sheriff Shaider tokusatsu tv show from 1984-1985 back box cover -Uchuu Keiji Shaider- 宇宙刑事シャイダー Uchū Keiji Shaidā is the third part of the Metal Hero Series in the Space Sheriff Trilogy

Vavilos GoDaiKin DX Bandai from Uchu Keiji Shaider tokusatsu tv show from 1984-1985

I have a post on the Vavilos ST as well. I should post a picture of them both the Vavilos Godaikin DX and Vavilos ST together later.

Vavilos GoDaiKin DX Bandai from Space Sheriff Shaider tokusatsu tv show from 1984-1985 styrofoam box insert -Uchuu Keiji Shaider- 宇宙刑事シャイダー Uchū Keiji Shaidā is the third part of the Metal Hero Series in the Space Sheriff Trilogy

Vavilos GoDaiKin DX Bandai from Uchu Keiji Shaider tokusatsu tv show from 1984-1985

Vavilos GoDaiKin DX Bandai from Space Sheriff Shaider tokusatsu tv show from 1984-1985 front box cover -Uchuu Keiji Shaider- 宇宙刑事シャイダー Uchū Keiji Shaidā is the third part of the Metal Hero Series in the Space Sheriff Trilogy

Vavilos GoDaiKin DX Bandai from Uchu Keiji Shaider tokusatsu tv show from 1984-1985


Popy Battle Fever J GB-03 ST Japan 1979

September 16, 2013 Popy, Sentai No Comments

This is one of the coolest Super Sentai robots, it also happens to be the first. At least the first time Super Sentai was coined. It was the third Sentai series to come around and it was inspired by Marvel’s Captain America. After the success of the Spider Man live action(tokusatsu) series(with Leopardon or is it Leopoldon?), Toei thought more robots were needed in our Sentai series. Which I am personally happy about as I have a few of these amazing robots.

So Leopardon is a heavy(so heavy for its size) ST robot that looks like a samurai. It is bigger than most ST robots and has a great design. The Popy brand which is pretty much the standard bearer for any Chogokin(Super Alloy) robot. It is from 1979, but the design is timeless and does not feel dated at all. I wasn’t nearly as appreciative of this robot when I got it, but after learning and researching about them I definitely have a better understanding and appreciation of all things Popy.

All of the Godaikins were originally Popy robots before Bandai absorbed them into the main company. So this post is in honor of the grand daddy of the Megazord. Battle Fever J.   My cousin has the Soul of Chogokin version GX-30 which is just a great piece as well. Here is a first episode of the tokusatsu show Battle Fever J(バトルフィーバーJ ) from 1979-1980.

Popy Battle Fever Robo ST GB-03 1979 from tokusatsu tv show Team Battle Fever (バトルフィーバー隊 Batoru Fībā Tai) aka Battle Fever J (バトルフィーバーJ Batoru Fībā Jei), 1979-1980 styrofoam insert

Popy Battle Fever Robo ST GB-03 1979

Popy Battle Fever Robo ST GB-03 1979 from tokusatsu tv show Battle Fever J 1979-1980 back box cover Team Battle Fever (バトルフィーバー隊 Batoru Fībā Tai) aka Battle Fever J (バトルフィーバーJ Batoru Fībā Jei),

Popy Battle Fever Robo ST GB-03 1979 from Battle Fever J 1979-1980

Popy Battle Fever Robo ST GB-03 1979 from tokusatsu tv show BTeam Battle Fever (バトルフィーバー隊 Batoru Fībā Tai) aka Battle Fever J (バトルフィーバーJ Batoru Fībā Jei) 1979-1980 side box

Popy Battle Fever Robo ST GB-03 1979


 

Popy Battle Fever Robo ST GB-03 1979 from tokusatsu tv show Battle Fever J 1979-1980 front box cover Team Battle Fever (バトルフィーバー隊 Batoru Fībā Tai) aka (バトルフィーバーJ Batoru Fībā Jei),

Popy Battle Fever Robo ST GB-03 1979 バトルフィーバーJ


Bandai Variable Fighter VF-1A Valkyrie 1/100 scale ST Macross

September 16, 2013 Bandai, Macross, Robotech No Comments

I don’t have any of the Takatoku Valkyries, but I cherish this Bandai VF-1A as it is my only Valkyrie from the 80’s. This is the Hikaru Ichijo Bandai VF-1A from the movie “Macross: Do You Remember Love?” in 1984. Bandai made this Valkyrie just after they bought the molds from the remains of Takatoku Toys. I love the big 80’s Chogokins with die cast metal. While it is not the 1/55 scale I covet, I like having both the ST and DX versions of a robot. Hopefully I will add the larger one soon. I consider the 1/100 scale ST’s and 1/55 scale as DX versions. It seems that the 1/100 scale Valkyries are harder to find than the 1/55 scale robots on the auction sites though, so I am glad to have any of them.

Bandai made some really solid Valkyries during that time in the 1980’s, like the Elintseeker or VT Trainer. The Valkyries themselves hold a special place in my heart. I only have two Toynami Masterpiece 1/55 Valkyries and one Bandai Valkyrie from 2002, but I really hope to add the original Takatoku and Bandai robots from the 80’s. They were the first robots that were amazing as jets and just as amazing as robots. Even 30 years later the quality, design and beauty of these pieces still shine. These are the must have robots of the 80’s.

Bandai Variable Fighter VF-1A Valkyrie 1984 styrofoam no box cover from the movie Macross: Do You Remember Love?(超時空要塞マクロス 愛・おぼえていますか) 1984 DYRL

Bandai Variable Fighter VF-1A Valkyrie 1984 from movie Macross: Do You Remember Love? 1984

Bandai Variable Fighter VF-1A Valkyrie 1984 front cover from the movie Macross: Do You Remember Love?(超時空要塞マクロス 愛・おぼえていますか) 1984 DYRL

Bandai Variable Fighter VF-1A Valkyrie 1984 from the movie Macross: Do You Remember Love? 1984

Bandai Variable Fighter VF-1A Valkyrie 1984 insert from the movie Macross: Do You Remember Love? 1984 DYRL

Bandai Variable Fighter VF-1A Valkyrie instructions and stickers from the movie 超時空要塞マクロス 愛・おぼえていますか 1984

Bandai Variable Fighter VF-1A Valkyrie 1984 back cover from the movie Macross: Do You Remember Love? 1984 超時空要塞マクロス 愛・おぼえていますか DYRL

Bandai Variable Fighter VF-1A Valkyrie 1984 from the movie Macross: Do You Remember Love? 1984

Computer Number 0302526

Dancougar DX GoDaikin by Bandai 1985 aka Popy GC-30

September 2, 2013 Bandai, Godaikin, Popy 2 Comments

The DX Dancougar is a solid piece, but I can’t say I love this one. I got it without the box. I should have held out for a boxed copy(though maybe I never would have picked one up). I will have to change this into the large robot one day and redo some of these pictures as my old iPhone really does provide the detail I would like to see in these photos. I keep forgetting. This one is like Abegas, but the robots are a little better. The largest robot is a decent piece and they didn’t forget to make sure there was some diecast metal. Sorry, I hate cheap plastic robots. Probably should get around to the better pictures for each robot and as one large robot. ***

I plan to add the ST Dancougar to my collection, but I haven’t seen it for a while. I will have to keep an eye out for it.

Dancougar DX GoDaikin by Bandai 1985 aka Popy GC-30 from anime Chōjū Kishin Dancougar(超獣機神ダンクーガ) 1985 other names Super Bestial Machine God, Dancouga, Dancougar, les cadets de l'espace, Dieu Bénisse Dancougar, God Bless Dancougar, 카루타

Dancougar DX GoDaikin by Bandai 1985 aka Popy GC-30 from anime Dancougar Super Bestial Machine God

Here is the intro from the anime Chōjū Kishin Dancougar in 1985

 


Voltes V ST GoDaiKin aka Popy GA-80 1977

September 2, 2013 Bandai, Godaikin, Popy No Comments

Voltes V ST GoDaiKin aka Popy GA-80 1977 from anime Chōdenji Machine Voltes V 1977-1978 loose other anime names 超電磁マシーン ボルテスV, O Ataque Voltes 5, Super Electromagnetic Machine Voltes V, Super Electron Machine Voltes V, Ultra Electromagnetic Machine Voltes V, Voltes V Evolution, Voltus V, Vultus V

Voltes V ST GoDaiKin aka Popy GA-80 1977 from anime Chōdenji Machine Voltes V(超電磁マシーン ボルテスV) 1977-1978

Voltes V is one of my favorite pieces. The ST version is a hefty piece of metal. It would be nice to have the DX counterpart but I don’t have the dough for that piece. My cousin has it, but it tilts a little bit from playful overuse. I am more picky about the pieces in my collection, but at least one of us have it. I picked up Voltes V on eBay. It comes with the sword and the chest piece becomes part of the sword.

Finally a robot based on anime. The anime was Super Electromagnetic Machine Voltes V. This cartoon was popular in the Philippines and translated to English. I definitely need to get around to seeing that version of the cartoon. When my cousin and I get together, we will need to do some binge tv watching.


Sun Vulcan Godaikin 1982 by Bandai aka Sunvulcan DX Popy GB-32 1981

August 22, 2013 Bandai, Godaikin, Popy No Comments

 

I am not a big Sun Vulcan fan. The design is a little too boxy for me, but all the accessories and the big ass sword make up for it. It’s kinda like the Megazord before they came up with it. Big, clunky, dorky. That is the Sun Vulcan Godaikin in spades. Hmm, checking out the design a little more, the top part is ok, only the legs need a redesign to make this a cool looking robot. This one has the standard red, yellow and blue color scheme as many of the Super Sentai robots have from the 80’s. Based on what I have read, this is the first Sentai combining robot.

I got this in mint condition. I don’t this thing has ever made it out the box as the tape is still on it. Guess the previous owner was not a big fan either. Still, it’s better than Abega or Machine Dolphin. The Sunvulcan DX came out first as a Popy Chogokin robot GB-32 in 1981. We got it here in the States in 1982 in the Godaikin line.

Though it would be nice if this was more than a rectangle chunk of plastic with arms, legs and a head. It’s kinda like a Rubik’s cube with a head and some arms. That being said, it is nice having a Godaikin in mint condition.

 

Sun Vulcan Godaikin - Popy Sun Vulcan Robo GB-32 from Taiyo Sentai Sun Vulcan 1981-1982 insert 太陽戦隊サンバルカン Taiyō Sentai San Barukan or Solar Squadron Sun Vulcan

Sun Vulcan Godaikin – Popy Sun Vulcan Robo GB-32 from Taiyo Sentai Sun Vulcan 1981-1982




Sun Vulcan Godaikin - Popy Sun Vulcan Robo GB-32 from Taiyo Sentai Sun Vulcan 1981-1982 box cover 太陽戦隊サンバルカン Taiyō Sentai San Barukan or Solar Squadron Sun Vulcan

Sun Vulcan Godaikin – Popy Sun Vulcan Robo GB-32 from Taiyo Sentai Sun Vulcan 1981-1982

Here is a funny video of Taiyo Sentai Sun Vulcan from 1981-1982 playin with their own toys.



Machine Dolphin Godaikin 1984 by Bandai aka Machine Man PC-43

August 21, 2013 Bandai, Godaikin, Popy No Comments

Machine Dolphin was one of those borderline purchases for me. The robot was not very good if you can call it a robot, but light years better than my Abega purchase. Like Abega, I find I like it better as Dolphin Jet or as a car. The only reason I have this is because it is part of the Godaikin line.

To me, Machine Dolphin is a really large Gobot. It was designed as a car, looks good as a car, but not so good as a robot. It is a cruddy Gobot. That being said, I am a big fan of the Gobot/Machine Robo line up. Just not too fond of Machine Dolphin. To me, this is next to the worst Godaikins out there.

This robot is from the Super Sentai series Machine Man in the 80’s.

I have to figure out how to get his arm stickers to stay on. Might have to whip out the Gorilla Glue to see if I can fix that.

Machine Dolphin GoDaiKin 1984 by Bandai aka Machine Man PC-43 from live action show Seiun Kamen Machineman 1984 back box cover other names 星雲仮面マシンマン Seiun Kamen Mashinman, or Nebula Mask Machineman

Machine Dolphin GoDaiKin 1984

Machine Dolphin GoDaiKin 1984 by Bandai aka Machine Man PC-43 from live action show Seiun Kamen Machineman 1984 styrofoam insert other names 星雲仮面マシンマン Seiun Kamen Mashinman, or Nebula Mask Machineman

Machine Dolphin GoDaiKin 1984 by Bandai

Machine Dolphin GoDaiKin 1984 by Bandai aka Machine Man PC-43 from live action show Seiun Kamen Machineman 1984 front box cover other names 星雲仮面マシンマン Seiun Kamen Mashinman, or Nebula Mask Machineman

Machine Dolphin GoDaiKin 1984

 

I can pop in a picture of the robot out of the box into this post later. I am still putting up the rest of my collection. Pop in a comment below and I will get to it a little quicker. ***

 

Seiun Kamen Machineman from tokusatsu 1984


Goggle V Godaikin 1984 aka Goggle Five Cross In Box DX GB-70 Popy 1982 Japan

August 21, 2013 Bandai, Godaikin, Popy No Comments

 

What can I say about Goggle V? It’s almost everything I want in a robot. Near robot perfection. This is one of the better Godaikins. Lots of great accessories, all metal for the most part, well designed and in pretty good condition. The design is solid and does not look out of proportion like other DX Super Robots say Daltanias DX(skinny arms big chest), Sun Vulcan(a block with thick chucky legs and a head),  or Combattra(narrow waist, overly top heavy) It does not have some of the silliness of many Sentai robots like Senpuh-jin, OhBlocker, or MaxRyuuOh. Clunky, clumsy looking, robots that represents most of the Sentai robots from the 90’s on. Let me sum up those robots in one word. MEGAZORD. You know what I mean.

Darn the fact that it is Super Sentai. That kinda ruins it as I was never an Ultraman or Power Rangers fan. Ultraman was my first exposure to tokusatsu shows, but I never really got into it. Anyway, doesn’t matter. I still love this robot. I just won’t watch the show (doh, maybe just one just to reinforce why I should not watch these shows)Dai Sentai Goggle V, but I would have loved to see anime on this guy here.

Gotta admin they did make some pretty good robots in the 80’s and early 90’s(but like all 80’s robot, there is almost no poseability or articulation). Can’t say the recent Super Sentai shows have really produced any robots I want to purchase. But some the the 80’s stuff I still wouldn’t mind adding to the collection like Live Robo, Turbo Robo, Great Five, and Change Robo.

 

Goggle V GoDaiKin 1984 aka Goggle Five Cross In Box DX GB-70 Popy 1982 Japan from Dai Sentai Goggle V 1982-1983 insert other names 大戦隊ゴーグルファイブ Dai Sentai Gōguru Faibu, or Great Squadron Goggle Five

Goggle V GoDaiKin 1984

Goggle V GoDaiKin 1984 aka Goggle Five Cross In Box DX GB-70 Popy 1982 Japan from Dai Sentai Goggle V 1982-1983 styrofoam other names 大戦隊ゴーグルファイブ Dai Sentai Gōguru Faibu, or Great Squadron Goggle Five

Goggle V GoDaiKin 1984

Goggle V GoDaiKin 1984 aka Goggle Five Cross In Box DX GB-70 Popy 1982 Japan from Dai Sentai Goggle V 1982-1983 front box cover other names 大戦隊ゴーグルファイブ Dai Sentai Gōguru Faibu, or Great Squadron Goggle Five

Goggle V GoDaiKin 1984 aka Goggle Five Cross In Box DX GB-70 Popy 1982 Japan from Dai Sentai Goggle V 1982-1983

 

Since I have the DX and ST version, I can pop in a picture of both of them together into this post later. Pop in a comment below and I will get to it a little quicker. ***

Dai Sentai Goggle-V from 1982-1983



Dynaman Godaikin 1983 aka Dyna Robo DX GB-96 by Popy

August 15, 2013 Bandai, Godaikin, Popy No Comments

Dynaman is another great Godaikin. It is from a Super Sentai series. I will have to watch one before I pass judgement on this series. Like many Super Robots it incorporates a red, white, yellow, and blue color scheme, it has a solid build, and it stands well. You wouldn’t think that was important. But when you want to display it, it sure helps. The colors remind me of Combattra, Daidenjin, Voltes V, Daitetsujin 17, or Sun Vulcan. It seems like so many of them incorporate the same colors. The only real design flaw I see, is the head seems a little small for the body. I would have made it a tad bit bigger, but this is one of the better builds for a DX Godaikin. I noticed the feet and legs are almost identical to other robots, like say Vavilos, Goggle V, or Machineman. It makes sense since those Why reinvent the wheel if you already have a solid foundation?

I sure wish my Dynaman Godaikin came with the sword. It’s a little cheaper to pull off Ebay if they are not complete. Maybe I can pop in the sword from my Protector Self Separation(the Gardian clone) into his hands. I don’t really think many would be able to tell the difference anyway.

Dynaman Godaikin 1983 aka Dyna Robo DX GB-96 by Popy from Kagaku Sentai Dynaman 1983-1984 inset 科学戦隊ダイナマン Dainaman Scientific Squadron Dynaman

Dynaman Godaikin 1983 Bandai America

Dynaman Godaikin 1983 aka Dyna Robo DX GB-96 by Popy from Kagaku Sentai Dynaman 1983-1984 front box cover 科学戦隊ダイナマン Dainaman Scientific Squadron Dynaman

Dynaman DX Godaikin 1983 Bandai America

 

Since I have the DX and ST version, I can pop in a picture of both of them together into this post later. Pop in a comment below and I will get to it a little quicker. ***

Here is a the intro for Kagaku Sentai Dynaman from 1983-1984 also listed as Kaizoku Sentai Dynaman. I would have added the spoof from USA Network, but the quality of all of the videos were terrible. But they were pretty funny. Check them out on Youtube.

Abega Godaikin by Bandai 1984 aka Super Abega DX PC-39 Popynica 1983

August 13, 2013 Bandai, Godaikin, Popy, Voltron No Comments

I picked up Abega because it was a Godaikin and it was cheap. Can’t say I care for any of the robots, They don’t combine or look good as robots. Definitely some of the worst robots I have ever seen. The jets themselves look much better. The Gamma Jet is not too bad and I actually like the Alpha Jet and the Abega as the combining super spacecraft are its saving grace. That being said, this is the worst or least favorite Godaikin I own because of those horrible robot forms.

I guess they had a hard time selling these. They were released as initially as Godaikins and re-released as Robo Machine by Bandai in the early 90’s based on the sticker on the box.

Abega GoDaiKin by Bandai 1984 aka Super Abega DX PC-39 Popynica 1983 back cover from anime Kōsoku Denjin Albegas from 1983-1984 Arbegas, Arbegas: el rayo custodio, Light-Speed Electro-God Albegus, 光速電神アルベガス

Abega GoDaiKin by Bandai 1984 aka Super Abega DX PC-39 Popynica 1983

After a little more research, it looks like this was part of the Albegas cartoon which was supposed to be released as Voltron II in the US. Now I can see why Albegas was released as part of the Voltron pantheon of toys. Got this info thanks to CollectionDX. Those guys know their stuff. I may just have to dig up the cartoon for some late night viewing. I watched a bit of Golion and the story was much more watchable then the old Voltron anime. I am sure Albegas will be an interesting watch.

Abega GoDaiKin by Bandai 1984 aka Super Abega DX PC-39 Popynica 1983 styrofoam from anime Kōsoku Denjin Albegas from 1983-1984 Arbegas, Arbegas: el rayo custodio, Light-Speed Electro-God Albegus, 光速電神アルベガス

Abega GoDaiKin by Bandai 1984 aka Super Abega DX PC-39 Popynica 1983

Abega GoDaiKin by Bandai 1984 aka Super Abega DX PC-39 Popynica 1983 front box from anime Kōsoku Denjin Albegas from 1983-1984 Arbegas, Arbegas: el rayo custodio, Light-Speed Electro-God Albegus, 光速電神アルベガス

Abega GoDaiKin by Bandai 1984 aka Super Abega DX PC-39 Popynica 1983

 

I may need to revisit these with pictures of the robots, the jet combined and some pix of Super Abega with his buds Gamma Robo and Albegas. ***

Sadly, we never got to see Voltron II in the US. Here is the opening for what could have been.