August 2001

Here it is, the new sales list for August. Thanks to all who stopped by and said "hi" to me at San Diego Con last month. I've just gotten back from Japan and picked up a lot of cool stuff including the Robotman vinyl, Mach Speeder, Starscream repro, SOC Black Grendizer, Tokyo Tribe (Jada Kins, Merra), Hot Toys Keanu Reeves (from SPEED) and more. As always, please feel free to write with wants if you don't see them on my list below.

August featured the WONDERFEST show in Tokyo (along with its sister show, TOKYO TOY FEST). Wonderfest is one of the largest hobby shows in the world; to give you an idea of the sheer scope of this show, it's San Diego Con times five. In one day. About 40,000 people attend the show. It's a real workout just to trek the entire show floor.

Model kits, particularly fan-made garage-type kits, rule the show. One-day licenses allow small fan companies to create some truly original work based on popular characters. 1/6 action figures are also being made by fans. My own personal favorite acquisitions at the show were limited edition 12" action figures of Travis Bickle (TAXI DRIVER) and Beat Takeshi. These were limited to EIGHT figures each, so I felt very lucky to have gotten them. Most of these models and figures are small-run items as they are hand-made.

Meanwhile, Tokyo Toy Fest is a cool show in its own right (eventhough it's in the shadows of Wonderfest). Takara gave the show a little boost in profile by offering their Transformer show exclusive there instead of Wonderfest. No Microman exclusive this time, just a two-pack of the Grapple and Inferno repros. The set was limited to 1000 pieces and the line had at least 1000 people in it within 10 minutes of the show opening.

That's it for now. Next list should be out by the end of September. Thanks for looking!

See last months news.