Display Cartons

There's something stirring about these cartons, like a scene from history. But like most packaging, they don't often survive. That's precisely why advanced collectors throw down for these items. Below are a few shots from auctions, and also a nice compilation pic courtesy of Minoru Sashida/Oriental Technologies. Two are currently in the unmatched collection of Tom Vigneau, and hopefully we can get him to send us more pics in the future.

Display Cartons (cont.)

Display Cartons (cont.)

Here's a great look at a M26x carotn with some shiny new figures. This is with To Vigneau's collection.

TV Magazine Collectible Cards

Produced by TV Magazine circa 1978, this set consisted of 30 collectible cards done in painted manga style. Though they appear to be similar to playing cards, the denominations on each painted side seems to be the same, so I don't know if this was played as a card game.

TV Magazine Collectible Cards (cont.)

TV Magazine Collectible Cards (cont.)

TV Magazine Collectible Cards (cont.)

Microman Fan Club

Crew of Spirited Boys Case (1977)

One of the harder to find Microman premium from the late 70's was a TV Magazine Microman Club premium cardboard case. Since the case was made from cardboard, it was very difficult to find a sample in good condition. (Only few cases are known to survive.) The case (used as book or stationary case) was a simple case with snap button adorned with colorful Microman Club logo - Crew of Spirited Boys. Microman Club was started in 1977 during the height of Microman popularity by TV Magazine (who was the publisher of Microman manga). A fan can join Microman Crew of Spirited Boys Club by sending in the offer inside TV Magazine along with 200 Yen. In return, one would get letter welcoming to the club and a special club member gift - a key-chain with miniature die-cast gun that can also be used as screwdriver and a patch. Club members were entitled to special offers such as the mail-away premium Microman figure or this paper case.

Microman Fan Club

Micro Luger and Patch

Translated by Google: Congratulations on joining the Microman Club!

"Sorry to keep you waiting. We're now delivering the "Micro Luger," which can also function as a driver with your unique membership number on it, and the "Micro Patch," which can be attached anywhere."

Now, from today, you are a member of the Microman Club. We have lots of wonderful services and gifts prepared just for our members, so please look forward to them.

The "Microman Club," which starts in the June issue, will have lots of pages where you can create your own ideas and caricatures. Please send in your submissions! We're looking forward to them!

TV Magazine Editorial Department Microman Club Headquarters

Microman Fan Club

Additonal Items

Osato Soft Vinyl Doll Robotman (c.1975-78?)

Vinyl doll figures of popular TV and manga characters were common products in Japan and most of Asia in the mid 1970's. These dolls, often sold at very low price on the sidewalk, at train station, at the festival or at small corner store candy shop, were popular with kids. Though lacked the sophistication of their "real" toys cousins, these vinyl dolls had very strong nostalgic appeal since they were more likely own by someone when they were a child.

Takara licensed Microman Robotman to Osato toy company. Osato produced two soft vinyl dolls of Robotman - a red and a blue body color. Like most vinyl dolls from 1970's, accuracy was not the main concern. Vinyl Robotman looked like a deform version of his bigger cousin. The doll stood about 4 1/2" tall with cheap paint job. These dolls featured dull gray head and gold color cockpit with either red or blue body. Vinyl dolls from 1970's are very much sought after in Japan collectible market as evidence by the new retro look vinyl doll being produced by several companies in Japan. Their cheap cost and relatively simple production tooling couple with their nostalgic popularity made them obvious choice for re-issue or re-make.

Takara also produced updated version of Vinyl Doll Robotman The new Vinyl Doll Robotman were sold as premium items for customer who pre-order the Replica Series Robotman toy.

Robotman Powerup Soft Vinyl Promo Figure

This extremely rare figure was part of a TV magazine giveaway for the Robotman Power-Up giveaway. It is possible that only 90-100 were produced.

It consists of two upper and lower parts. On the back are the "Takara" and "Robotman" seals, and a 5mm peg, which would make it compatible with the toys. The overall height is 80mm tall.

Thanks to Minouro Sashida and Bryan Wilkinson for information on this rarity.

Robotman Powerup Soft Vinyl Promo Figure

Robotman Powerup Soft Vinyl Promo Figure

In 2023, Minouro became aware of this variant, which, lacking the branding marks and due to it's condition is thought to be perhaps a test figure.

Misc. Paper Items

Advertisements, posters, etc

Misc. Paper Items

Advertisements, posters, etc

Misc. Paper Items

Advertisements, posters, etc

Misc. Paper Items

Advertisements, posters, etc

Misc. Paper Items

Advertisements, posters, etc

Misc. Paper Items

Advertisements, posters, etc

Uniquer Promo Cards

These were promo cards for Uniquer Force, though I don't how they were displayed, but they have fold score marks, so maybe served as tent cards. Pics taken from an auction photo.

Microman Dashwing Pencil Holder (1975/77?)

This interesting item came through an auction site recently. There is a metal sharpening strip cut into the bottom plastic.

Microman Stands

I don't know the full story with these stands yet, but I believe they were premiums offered in the same way as the mailaway figures. They were interlocking, raised stands that came in primary colors red, yellow, blue and black.

Microman Keychain Wings

The cool thing about these is that they were re-released under the 1999 Replica line as part of the M11x Repica series, so now you don't have to hunt down the vintage versions!

Microman Sticker Sheet

Menko Pieces

Similar to the American Pog craze, these round cardboard pieces featured various toy properties and were traded among kids as they tend to do. Each piece had an icon depicting a dice face, and another which might have been rock paper scissors. So I guess that was how the game was played. As shown, these were the Manga style depictions of the characters, though Hoodman is more of a painted box art style.

Titan Handkerchief

I came across this auction item recently, and I don't know that it is a vintage item as there appears to be a date of 2020 on this. But it's got vintage figures, so why not show it?

Micro Logo Lighters

These were actually released as part of the Replica series, but I decided to put them in this section.

Microman Gum

Here are some auction shots of these neat bit of ephemera. Produced by Kanebo from 1975-1978, the gum came with a variety of artful wrappers, featuring a mix of Manga style, technical or photographic art. Some came as simple paper cards, and some were actually peel off transfer

Microman Gum (cont.)

Microman 7" Single

Does it rock? I have no idea, but the sleeve sure is neat!

Microman Pendants

Rescue Keeper Target Set

Store Signs

Store Signs

Unreleased or Prototype Figures

(These photos are all courtesy of Minuro Sashida)

Unreleased or Prototype Figures (cont.)

(These photos are all courtesy of Minuro Sashida)

Microman Pen Case (1977)

(These photos are all courtesy of Minuro Sashida)

Microman Children's Shoe

Asahi Shoe Co., Ltd. Release date unknown

These were licensed products sold by Asahi Shoes. They were essentially children's athletic shoes. The design features an imagined scene of Robotman in action. It's unclear if there were other variations. That's a shame.

(Photo and information courtesy of Mr. Shinkicki)

Microman Boxing Bag (Punch Kick) 1977

This is a Microman-themed version of Takara's classic product, "Punch Kick." The illustration on the toy itself is by Yoshihiro Morifuji. It was released during the Commando era. Since it's basically a toy that you play with by kicking and punching, the villain Giant Acroyear is prominently featured. The bag is roughly 3 feet tall.

Information provided by: Arden-kun