Popy/Bandai
From the early 70's, Japanese toys were starting to change. It was the era of the Giant Robots ! Huge machines usually controlled by humans pilots to defend the earth from aliens invaders.
Yep, being a kid at that time was really something.
The robots, were heavy, almost entirely made out of Die-cast metal. At the time several Japanese toy companies jumped in starting to release these beauties.
Giant Robots, are different to other robots. They usually are flashy, painted mainly in primary colors. Red,Blue,Yellow. Also, to defend humanity, they needed weaponry. These are the toys that started off the launching missiles!
So much fun to play with and very sturdy compared to modern toys. They could really take a beating. A testament of their solidity is that many have survived to this day.
As a kid, I thought these were incredible.
Popy (Later Bandai) one of the major player at that time gave us some of the coolest robots that are still 'alive' nearly 40 years later.
Some of these toys did get out from Japan and repackaged for the U.S/European market, (Mattel re-branded some as Shogun Warriors).But some countries like France, Italy even had them distributed by Popy.
A shame that most did not have the TV shows to go with them. Still we did get blessed with Grendizer! One of the first Giant Robot shows I ever watched.
I was hooked the instant I saw that robot!
I am not going to go into too much details about these toys as information about them is abundant.
But one important thing I feel worth mentioning, is that Popy is the company that came up with the DX/St concept.
You see, Japanese kids usually get given money for birthdays, presents etc, and they decide what to do with it.
Popy had a revolutionary idea. To cater for everyone, they released several version of the same toys.
You had the small one, not very articulated, more plastic, less gimmicks. Then came the standard versions branded 'ST', these were usually die-cast, with weapons etc. Then came the 'DX', which had the lot. Weapons, size etc.
Best idea ever.
Although it lead to a lot of frustration.As a kid, if I was lucky to get some Popy toys, I always ended up with the smallest ones!!
I remember the first time I saw a Grendizer Jumbo Machinder OMG!! I couldn't believe the size of that thing.
It was so tall (obviously..being 6-7 at the time lol). We used to spend afternoons running (more rolling really) after each other,firing missiles and shooting fists .
The battles between Mazinger and Grendizer I had as a kid would stay with me to this day!
I am rambling...here are some of my earlier ST Giant Robots
From the early 70's, Japanese toys were starting to change. It was the era of the Giant Robots ! Huge machines usually controlled by humans pilots to defend the earth from aliens invaders.
Yep, being a kid at that time was really something.
The robots, were heavy, almost entirely made out of Die-cast metal. At the time several Japanese toy companies jumped in starting to release these beauties.
Giant Robots, are different to other robots. They usually are flashy, painted mainly in primary colors. Red,Blue,Yellow. Also, to defend humanity, they needed weaponry. These are the toys that started off the launching missiles!
So much fun to play with and very sturdy compared to modern toys. They could really take a beating. A testament of their solidity is that many have survived to this day.
As a kid, I thought these were incredible.
Popy (Later Bandai) one of the major player at that time gave us some of the coolest robots that are still 'alive' nearly 40 years later.
Some of these toys did get out from Japan and repackaged for the U.S/European market, (Mattel re-branded some as Shogun Warriors).But some countries like France, Italy even had them distributed by Popy.
A shame that most did not have the TV shows to go with them. Still we did get blessed with Grendizer! One of the first Giant Robot shows I ever watched.
I was hooked the instant I saw that robot!
I am not going to go into too much details about these toys as information about them is abundant.
But one important thing I feel worth mentioning, is that Popy is the company that came up with the DX/St concept.
You see, Japanese kids usually get given money for birthdays, presents etc, and they decide what to do with it.
Popy had a revolutionary idea. To cater for everyone, they released several version of the same toys.
You had the small one, not very articulated, more plastic, less gimmicks. Then came the standard versions branded 'ST', these were usually die-cast, with weapons etc. Then came the 'DX', which had the lot. Weapons, size etc.
Best idea ever.
Although it lead to a lot of frustration.As a kid, if I was lucky to get some Popy toys, I always ended up with the smallest ones!!
I remember the first time I saw a Grendizer Jumbo Machinder OMG!! I couldn't believe the size of that thing.
It was so tall (obviously..being 6-7 at the time lol). We used to spend afternoons running (more rolling really) after each other,firing missiles and shooting fists .
The battles between Mazinger and Grendizer I had as a kid would stay with me to this day!
I am rambling...here are some of my earlier ST Giant Robots
Bandai has now succeeded and are one of the Top toy company in the world. Up to this day, they continue to release their classic toys, giving them a makeover and they have toy lines such as the Soul of Chogokins and such to pay homage to these classics.
Here are in no particular order some examples of their history.
Grendizer!!! One my childhood heroes that you can see here in its various iterations.
Here are in no particular order some examples of their history.
Grendizer!!! One my childhood heroes that you can see here in its various iterations.