Replica Robotman Series

In a bold attempt to rejuvenate interest in Replica Microman Series, Takara decided to re-issue one of the most sought after Microman toys - the Original Robotman. The replica Robotman was created from a brand new mold and even came package in the facsimile of the old 1975 box.

Along with the re-issue Robotman, Takara also brought back the concept of Victory Series. Victory Series Project was a concept proposed by Takara to tie Microman and Henshin Cyborg via a new series of toy call Robotman. Robotman toys would be interchangeable with both Henshin Cyborg series and Microman series. The Victory Series concept was first introduced in 1975 when Robotman was first introduce but the idea came to an abrupt end when Takara pulled the plug on Henshin Cyborg series and Robotman series became part of Microman line. In an attempt to promote the new Victory Series, Takara produced Victory Badge with Victory Series triangular shield as a token for customers who order replica Robotman from their e-Hobby site. The shield has initial of each series on the corner - C for Cyborg Group, M for Microman Zone and R for Robotman with Victory logo in the center. Robotman package also sport both Microman logo and Cyborg logo to signify that Robotman toy belong to both Replica Microman line and the new Cyborg line.

Takara also produced vinyl doll Robotman as special mail-away premium for collectors that pre-order their Robotman from specialty hobby shop. Also as a bonus for collector who ordered re-issue Robotman from Takara e-Hobby shop website, Takara offered clear vinyl Robotman doll as a mail-away premium. The doll cost 2000 Yen plus handling fee with purchase of re-issue Robotman.

Replica Robotman (3/2001)

Takara released the replica version of Robotman in March of 2001. The re-issue of Robotman was a big leap for Replica Microman Series which thus far only re-issue the small action figures. Takara probably saw the declining interest in the Replica line so they decided to re-issue one of the most memorable and most recognizable (not to mention most desirable) toy from original Microman series.

The decision to re-issue Robotman came as a bit of a surprise since the toy was a very big piece and Takara was in the mid of financial trouble. Takara no longer had the mold for Robotman and all the pieces must be re-sculpt from scratch. Takara displayed the resin mock-up at various toys show to gain interest for several months before they actually had the final production unit. The end result was very good. The re-issue Robotman was very close to the original. While Mego Micronauts version had very bright blue color, the re-issue had the same pale blue as the original Takara Robotman. To be sure, the re-issue Robotman was not an exact copy of the original but from casual observing they were nearly identical. The head seems to be a little smaller than the original and some parts were not interchangeable with the vintage toys.

While this was an excellent replica of the old toys, Takara high price point probably will limit the sale of this piece. (Takara retailed the replica Robotman for 9800 Yen which was about 90.00) Takara also didn't included many "extra" with the re-issue beside the foldout poster and instruction sheet. The connectors were missing also the original cardboard die-cut parts that could had been easily included with this re-issue. However for about 90.00, you will get a brand new Robotman completed with shiny chrome heads and hands and a working motor which is certainly a lot easier than trying to find MIB Biotron and definitely cheaper than the usual $800 or more price tag of original MIB Robotman on Yahoo Japan.

Hyper Hobby Exclusive Crystal Robotman (11/01)

Crystal Mode (or Clear Mode) Robotman was offered by Hyper Hobby Magazine as a mail-away premium. Takara shipped the toy out at the end of November (slightly ahead of the December shipping date).

Crystal Robotman was beautifully done. The entire toy was done in clear plastic including the head part and the claw hands. Takara even took an extra step and mold inner head machinery part which made the Crystal Robotman really look like it belong as part of the Henshin Cyborg line.

Crystal Robotman came in the same package box as the reissue Robotman toy but with sticker of Crystal Robotman (nicely done in the old catalog picture style) replaced the package picture.

Takara did an excellent job with this rather expensive re-paint. Crystal Robotman is definitely a must have if you like Robotman or Biotron. Crystal Robotman was the sixth color variants of this venerable toy design (including Mego Phobos and Cosmobot). Takara plan to release the seventh variation - the SAS Robotman at Tokyo Super Festival toy show in January 2002.

Hyper Hobby Exclusive Crystal Robotman (cont'd)

Tokyo 2002 Super Festival Exclusive SAS Robotman (1/02)

SAS Robotman was sold as an exclusive toys at 2002 Tokyo Super Festival. SAS Robotman was Replica Robotman done in SAS (Server-space Attack Service) Microman color scheme of dark metallic gray, black and dark chrome. (SAS Microman series was sold as WCC toys show exclusives. There were total of three SAS Microman released by Takara.) SAS Robotman came with metallic gray arms and legs with black body and feet. The chrome parts on SAS Robotman were done in dark chrome.

SAS Robotman, like Crystal Robotman, came in the same packaging as the regular Replica Robotman toy with SAS Robotman sticker. SAS Robotman came with more subdue color sticker sheet.

Chrome Robotman

I don't currently have much information on this version, but it appears to be a fan produced toy, done in all chrome. I've come to understand that perhaps a hundred units were produced. Since the figure came in a replica box, and given that the plastic trey yellows in the same fashion as the official Robotman replica release, I will speculate that these were simply painted over professionally, and the sticker sheet and paperwork also seem to have been printed professionally. If I get additonal information, I will add it.