Micro Devilman

In 2001, Takara announced plan to release the first new Microman design based on the original 1970's series. The new design would be based on Devilman character, another creation of Mr. Go Nagai who was also responsible for the series such as Geeg and Mazinger Z. The series would be along the same concept as the original Microman Geeg and Microman Gakeen - Microman that were based on TV and manga characters. Micro Devilman would get numerical designation of MD 60X, this would made them the first new designation type in over 20 years.

Takara, originally plan to release Micro Devilman in 2001 but the series was delayed several times and was finally released in March of 2002. Beside the four members, Takara also planed SAS version of Micro Devilman to be sold at WCC-14 toy show in May of 2002.

Takara designed two separate heads for Micro Devilman - the heads for MD601 & MD602 were based on the anime design while the heads for MD603 & MD604 were based on the manga (comic book) design. The anime head came in chrome and metallic blue while the two manga heads came in gold chrome only.

Takara also gave several choices of "look" for Micro Devilman. One without any sticker so he would look like Microman M10X series, second with strips on the shoulder and third with badge and chest stickers to make him resemble the M11X and M12X series.

MD 60X - Micro Devilman (3/02)

Micro Devilman series was finally released in March of 2002 after a long delay. Micro Devilman became the first new Microman figure base directly on the old design, since the original line ended in 1980. Micro Devilman also was the first new Microman to be release as part of the old series and was given new MD60X designation.

Micro Devilman was based on the same concept as the old Microman Geeg and Microman Gakeen - Microman who body resemble popular TV show character. Micro Devilman came with two separate head designs - manga look and anime look. Takara also gave each figure wing pack "Devil Flight Wing" that resembled Devilman wings. Again Takara design two separate wings one to resemble the manga style and one for the anime. The anime "Devil Flight Wing" even had Dash Wing-like turbine fan.

Unlike the old series however, Micro Devilman did not have "Super Steel" die-cast body like Microman Geeg & Gakeen. Instead the body was design to pay homage to the founder series - M10X with the use of clear plastics. Actually Takara recycle the parts from the reissue M10X barefoot Microman for Micro Devilman. While this probably most likely done to save cost, it was unfortunate because of the poor re-production of the M10X gave the figure poor stability. Since the arms were design for short cuff, this gave them poor fitting for the longer cuff used for Micro Devilman. The feet also lack the 5mm ports. Takara however gave each figure a nice touch by giving them wing bracelets and anklets.

One small change from the prototype was the switch from mold on plastic belt to the use of sticker to simulate the belt. This not only eliminated the need for paint and gave the figure that "retro" feel of the vintage series when the figure usually must be decorated by kid using stickers. While the figure would probably look much better with mold on belt, they did look good with the sticker (which fit on to the pelvic section nicely). Only complain may be the fact that stickers tended to wear-out and rip.

Aside from the poor fit because of the use of recycle parts from the reissue M10X, Micro Devilman were very nice and well design Microman. The body and pelvic came from newly design mold and the back even came with 5mm port. Takara did excellent job at retaining the look and feel of the Original Microman series.

SAS Micro Devilman (5/14/02)

Takara released the fourth SAS Microman figure May of 2002 and it was again an WCC toys show exclusive. SAS04 was the newly design Micro Devilman (MD60X type) done in the now familiar gray and dark chrome SAS scheme.

SAS 04 came in black and white box similar to the box for regular issue Micro Devilman. SAS Micro Devilman was done in all dark chrome body with gray pelvic, feet and hands. The stand and wing accessories were in black. The chrome body made the joints a little tighter than the standard version however the figure still suffered from the poor design of reissued Microman "barefoot".