Microman 2004 Series

With the success of Microman 2003 line, the series returned in 2004 as "Microman 2004". The year also marked the 30th Anniversary of Microman series and Takara returned Microman series back to its original root as a "micro" version of the Henshin Cyborg. The 2004 series, which used the same amazing new body pioneered with Micro Force series, extended Microman line to the next level with bigger accessories, well thought out designs and even a new Acroyear series called Acroyear X based on the King Walder (Cyborg enemy) designs.

Unlike the 2003 series which appeared to be just a test market series, Takara supported the new series with new website, CGI artworks and even a full background story booklet. Takara also promoted the new series with tie-in products and even a historical anniversary set with the Transformers line. Beside the standard Microman line-up, Takara also expanded 2003 Micro Size Action Figure Tatsunoko Fight into full line of costume hero figure called Micro Action Series. The 2004 series even more so than the limited 2003 line, really turned Microman line into its original intention as a miniature version of the 12" Henshin Cyborg. Also using their experience with Cy-Girls line, Takara also released female versions of Micro Force and, for the first time, true female versions of Acroyear called Acro Lady.

With the continue success of the new series, Takara followed up with Machine Force series which sold as figure & vehicle set. The second half of the year saw many more Microman series including deluxe version of Micro Action called Micro Action EX that came with cloth costume just like the old Cyborg but in 10cm size and Microman vehicle & figure set called Bio-Machines series. Takara also released few more exclusives most notably was the Neko Mook set which consisted of Microman 2004 Mook and one of the two exclusive Mission Force Microman figures. Takara also released for the first time exclusive Microman that were sold outside of Japan market. (They were sold at 2004 SDCC at Takara USA booth) For the remaining of 2004 look like it's going to be quite busy time for Microman. The line up including more Micro Action EX from the upcoming Godzilla movie, Microman Military Force, a series of low price Microman clone troopers and a follow up to Acroyear-X and Acro Lady series.

Microman 2004 Story

Time has flown by since the birth of Microman in 1974. Now, in 2004, he has returned to us in a new form. We entrust him to the care of those who have a child's heart in order to explore the unforeseeable future.(Excerpt translated by Mr. Tomoyoshi Araki.)

Micro Action Series 2004

When the new Microman 2003 line made a return in 2004 as Microman 2004 series, Takara also brought along previous year Micro Size Action Figure line (which consisted of only one series - the Tatsunoko Fight Microman). The line was renamed as "Micro Action Series" and Takara kick-off the 2004 series with Transformers Kicker character as the first tie-in Microman figure. The release of Microman Kicker was a historic event as it marked the first time these two Takara lines actually had a joint product. The significant of this event was not lost on Takara and Special Anniversary set was released to commemorate the event that marked the 30th Anniversary of Microman and 20th Anniversary of Transformers. The set came with SL Grand Convoy and special version of Kicker with chrome head and chest as a homage to Microman series. Beside the Transformers tie-in, Takara also announced three more "characters tie-in" for the Micro Action Series. The first was live-action version of Casshern from the upcoming movie "Casshern". The other two Micro Action figures were a bit of a surprise since the character came from US comic rather than Japanese TV show. The two latest additions were based on DC comic Batman character. The first version was standard "comic" version and the second was special "Flight Gear" version.

For second half of 2004 and early 2005, Takara greatly expanded the line-up for the Micro Action Series to include a second video game based character series - Microman Street Fighters and new series based on AVP (Aliens Vs Predators) movie. Takara also released EX edition of Micro Action with real cloth out fit with the first series based on character from the classic sci-fi Thunderbirds which were sold as limited edition for Toys R Us Japan stores. DC Batman series got two additions figures including Catwoman and Bat-Girl.

Microman Character Tie-Ins

Character tie-in Microman figures are nothing new to the series, since Takara have done this with the original Microman series back in 1970's. Back then Takara had Microman figures based on Geeg and Gakeen, not to mention its own creation Robotman. During the recent Replica Series, Takara released Micro Devilman based on Go Nagai Devilman character.

When Takara reintroduced Microman series again in 2003 as Microman 2003 Micro Force they also released a set of Microman action figures based on Tatsunoko Fight video game. The new character tie-in series however was a bit different from the Microman Gakeen or even the recent Micro Devilman. These new figures were more akin to character costume series (Henshin Set) of the Henshin Cyborg line, so instead of other characters became "microman-ized", Microman now transform into other characters. Since Microman 2003 and 2004 series were actually a Neo-Microman Zone of sort (a miniature version of Henshin Cyborg, or in this case miniature of Neo Cyborg and Double-Nine), the new Micro Action Series can be viewed as the "Henshin Set" or "costume hero" equivalent for Microman 2004.

Micro Material Force Series 2004

With the success of new Microman Force and Tatsunoko Fight!, Takara in late 2003 released series of four "core" blank figures called Material Force which based on Microman 2003 body for fans to make their own "custom" Microman figure. The set came in four different colors - white, flesh tone, red and black and were sold exclusively at Japanese Toys R Us stores. The figures were released in limited number as test run to gauge fans interest in this type of products. Material Force figures completely sold out and was a remarkable success. Surprisingly these blank custom fodder figures were also given names and background story and became "official" part of the Microman line-up (which probably help fuel the sale as they were not sold as just generic body figures but fully as part of new Microman Force line)

In 2004, Takara released second run of the first series Material Force figure in Feb. 2004. These were also quickly sold out. The 2nd run set can be differentiated by the added 30th Anniversary logo on the box top and extra folded sheet of Microman catalog inside. As with the first series, these were sold exclusively at Toys R Us store (in Japan). In April, Takara added the fifth member and this time they also gave the series its own designation number (M-0X). Takara promised more Material Forces color in the future including clear plastic versions to the delight of many fans who love to customize their own Microman.

Kiguru Microman Series 2004

In mid 2004, with Microman 2004 series enjoyed good success, Takara announced plan to add a new forth series in addition to the three regular line-up (Microman, Micro Action and Material Force). The latest series put an interesting spin on Microman and harkens the line back to its original root of the Henshin Cyborg costumed hero series. The series was called Kiguru which translated as "costumed actor" combined Microman figure with real costume outfit. What make the series even more interesting was the fact that the first Kiguru-Microman series was based on Toho Studio's venerable Godzilla series (which reached 50th anniversary milestone in 2004). Instead of blank body, Takara cleverly included a full fledge Microman figure with each rubber monster costume suit.