Pro-kaku Heroes - Mini Big Head Figures Vol.4.

On August 22nd, 2005, Character Product released their 4th volume
of Mini Big Head figures exclusively in Japan.

A Vol. 4. blind box

As a follow up to Vol. 2 (K-1) and Vol. 3.'s (Pro-Wrestling NOAH),
Vol. 4. expanded it's roster by offering Pro-Wrestling greats from
promotions such as Michinoku Pro, Osaka Pro, and Zero-1.

3x Vol. 5. 15 figure hobby boxes.

Vol. 4. would consist of twenty-four regular figures and one secret
figure. The figures are:

Antonio Inoki's 3rd and 4th Mini Big Heads along with the
first-ever Mini Big Head of Tatsumi "The Dragon" Fujinami!

The robed Inoki Mini Big Head depicts a younger Inoki from
the 1970's. The second Inoki figure is based on the final years
of Inoki's in-ring career in the late 1990's and includes Inoki's
signature red "Fight Towel".

The Tatsumi Fujinami figure was modeled after an older
Fujinami from the late 1980's to early 1990's.

                                     

The back of Inoki's robe depicts a rising sun ascending over
a series of clouds in gold paint. The robed Fujinami contains
a gold dragon and the Japanese Kanji "辰爾 藤波" (Tatsumi
Fujinami).

Mutoh's famous head scars debut in Vol. 4.

Pro-Wrestling Genius Keiji Mutoh and "the ideologist of
darkness" Great Muta!

Vol. 4.'s Keiji Mutoh Mini Big Head is based on a full-sized
Keiji Mutoh figure that contained one of the three AJPW
Triple Crown Championship belts.

Likewise, the Vol. 4. Great Muta Mini Big Head was also
released as a deluxe figure by Character Product.

The Devil Muta Mini Big Head features graphics on his pants,
paint on his body and a unique pre-Poison Mist pose exclusive
to this figure!

While these Mini Big Heads are faithful reproductions of their
larger counterparts, I wish more effort was put into replicating
the "Cross Wizard" graphics on the back of Mutoh's overcoat.

Three more highlights to Vol. 4.'s roster: The Great Sasuke,
Super Delfin and the trash-talkin', mic holding Taka Michi
-noku!

There's even a Dolphin designed right on the back of Delfin's
mask.

From the Osaka Pro logo and font written on Delfin's mask to
the fine strokes of colours on Sasuke's Ninja mask, Character
Product's overall attention to detail has greatly improved.

                               

Three more interesting high-flyers come in the form of FMW
legend Hayabusa and Osaka Pro's comical clown: Glutton Mask.

                       

The Hayabusa B (Entrance ver.) Mini Big Head is based on a
figure made by company Mogura House.

The white and gold variant Hayabusa includes Haya's entrance

attire and Kanji writing; while the red ring attire Hayabusa is
molded in Haya's iconic Phoenix pose (which Hayabusa would
also use before performing one of his signature aerial attacks
from the top ropes).

Continuing Character Product's tradition with the earlier volumes
of Mini Big Heads, Vol.4.'s Glutton Mask features a Champion
-ship belt of his own slung over his left shoulder.

                          

Riki Choshu would make his debut as a Mini Big Head in
Vol.4. with his signature fist raised pose alongside fellow New
Japan great Koji Kanemoto in modern Wrestling attire.

Famous trainer and New Japan Hall of Famer, Animal Hamaguchi
is also included; inspired by his post-wrestling career as a trainer
for his also famous daughter, Japanese Free -Style Wrestler: Kyoko
Hamaguchi.
                            


Animal Hamaguchi comes wearing a Japanese Flag shirt and
his easily identifiable Hachimaki bandana. You can almost hear
Animal emotionally rooting you on from the sidelines with his
Vol. 4. Mini Big Head.
                                  
                                   

Speaking of famous trainers, the next three figures consists
of New Japan legend Kensuke Sasaki and his wife, Joshi
legend Akira Hokuto along with the charismatic Taiyo Kea.

Hokuto's first Mini Big Head figure (and the only Joshi figure
in the regular Pro-Kaku Hero volumes) is based on Hokuto's
post-Wrestling career as a ring-side manager for her husband
Kensuke Sasaki; complete with kendo stick!


                                  

Kensuke Sasaki's Mini Big Head includes a gold pattern design
on the sides of his ring trunks, and, along with Akira Hokuto, are
mini versions of a Character Production two-pack.

                           



                                  
Taiyo Kea's tag partner Jamal (the late Umaga to WWE fans)
was also included as a Vol. 4. Mini Big Head alongside famous
All Japan legend Dangerous K" Kawada!





Toshiaki Kawada's second Mini Big Head features Kawada's
classic entrance attire while Jamal comes designed a cool
looking kneeling pose, bandana and braided hair.

No Mini Big Head volume would be complete without a
Tiger Mask figure:

                         


The first generation Tiger Mask (Satoru Sayama) returns to Vol.
4. with two 1980's throwback figures: a young, unmasked Sayama
and the UWF shoot-style era "Super Tiger".

                        



The unmasked Tiger Mask Mini Big Head features a gold painted
cape and mini mask while the Super Tiger Mini Big Head contains
the text "Super Tiger" designed into the sides and back of Super
Tiger's mask!

                          


Released just one month after Shinya Hashimoto's untimely
death at the young age of 40, Vol. 4. featured two variations
of  "The King of Destruction" in Mini Big Head form.

                            

Interestingly, the entrance attire Hashimoto contains a darker
skin paint job and Bandana colouring compared to the ring
attire Hashimoto posed in fighting stance.


If I am not mistaken, the entrance attire Hashimoto Mini Big
Head is the only Hashimoto figure to feature Hashimoto's
entrance robe in figure format!

                  

Masahiro Chono makes his third figure appearance dressed in
modern entrance attire complete with silver painted Wrestling
tights, a new taunt pose and a mini Aristrist (Chono's official
clothing line) pendant around his neck!

The secret mystery figure for Vol. 4. is also Masahiro Chono
complete in a pure-black suit and Team 2000 pose.

                        

Like Chono's regular Vol. 4. Mini Big Head variant, both
figures use the exact same head mold.

                     

Besides the stellar assortment of Wrestlers, Vol. 4. is also
quite popular for being the only volume to feature the famous
NJPW trio: the "Toukon Sanjushi" (Three Musketeers) all available
to collect in one volume!


Antonio Inoki Toukon Shop exclusive Blue Towel Mini Big Head:

The rarest Vol. 4.  Mini Big Head (and easily one of the hardest
to find Mini Big Heads in general) is the Antonio Inoki B Blue
Fight Towel variant.

                     

This exclusive Mini Big Head was only available at New Japan's
Fighting Spirit/Toukon Shop for a very limited time.

You can read my full review on this variant HERE

More collection coverage coming soon!