Character Product Kokushi Muso DX figure review

Bringing you the most Japanese Pro-Wrestling figure information on
the web, today's figure coverage focuses on another deluxe variant
from Character Product.

For blog #79, we'll be taking a look at Charapro's Kokushi Muso DX
figure.

                           

Released in 2003, this deluxe figure would be the second take on
Keiji Mutoh's Kokushi Muso gimmick.

The packaging contains three graphics of Muso (two in-ring shots)
and a Muso illustration along with a sticker for All Japan Pro-
Wrestling (which Mutoh took over as president in 2002).

The back of the packaging contains Muso's stats and a brief bio dedicated
to the origin of the gimmick.

Fresh from it's packaging, the Kokushi Muso DX figure contains some
of the most accessories ever packaged with a Character Product figure
(the most ever packaged was Charapro's Great Nita Deluxe figure).

The DX Kokushi Muso figure with his first set of arms in prayer pose.

Kokushi's entire body is covered with Buddhist Tattoos written in
Japanese Kanji and English; both of which spell out Kokushi's name,
Keiji Mutoh's "Pro-Wrestling LOVE" slogan and Muso's involvement
with the B.A.T.T. (Bad Ass Translate-Trading) stable.

The left side of Musoh's pants contains the Japanese Kanji "黒師無双"
(Kokushi Muso).

After switching out Muso's prayer arms, the first and second accessories
are Muso's slip-on top and bonus attachable arms in a monk-inspired Pro
-Wrestling LOVE pose.

The third accessory is Muso's wicked Skull necklace.

Unfortunately, I forgot to clean out all of the green plasticizer on the skull
accessory of this figure before taking photos.

The fourth accessory is Muso's semi-face-concealing bandana which

repeats many of the text scrawled on Muso's body and attire.

                                   

The fifth accessory is Muso's second bandana.

                                        

The back of the bandana drapes down Muso's back; revealing the same
Muso illustration featured on the front and back of the figure's packaging.

                             

The sixth and final accessory is Muso's monk hat.

                               

The top of Kokushi's Monk hat accessory contains Muso's name
written in Kanji once again; while the rim of the hat contains the
B.A.T.T. stable name.

                          

To date, Charapro's DX Kokushi Muso figure contains the most
accessories ever packed with  a Keiji Mutoh/Great Muta figure.

                            

For completionists, Character Product would also produce Kokushi's
third and final figure as part of the company's Pro-Kaku Heroes Mini
Big Head figures line in Volume 1. and 1.5. a year later in 2004.

Character Product Atsushi Onita Clear & Bronze Type figure review

In 2000, when toymaker Toukon Shop (who, up until then, worked

exclusively for New Japan Pro-Wrestling) went into business for
themselves; the company renamed itself "Charapro" (later lengthened
to "Character Product" a year later) and set out to make figures for
rival promotions such as RINGS, PANCRASE, WAR, Michinoku
Pro-Wrestling and FMW.

Blog #78 covers some of the earliest figures released by Character
Product: the limited edition Atsushi Onita Bronze Type and Clear
figures.

                                    

The Atsushi Onita "Bronze Type" figure is one of two limited
edition variants that were released by Character Product.

The top left corner of the packaging contains a glossy, gold
sticker which reads "発売記念ブロンズタイプ限定1000体"
(Release Commemoration Bronze Type Limited to 1000 pieces).


                                  

The back of the Bronze Type Onita figure contains Onita's bio, stats
and a special sticker in the top left portion of the packaging which
reads "(C) EVILWAYS" (Onita's licensing company) along with an
individual serial number (the above figure just so happens to be
numbered #929 out of the 1000 pieces that were created).

The second limited edition is the clear variant (I just love how this
variant blends in with the exploding background graphic).

In a similar fashion, the writing on the sticker of the clear variant
reads ""発売記念クリスタルタイプ限定1000体" (Release
Commemoration Crystal Type Limited to 1000 pieces).

Just in case you were wondering, the "[5]" in the top right corner on
the back of the packaging represents that Atsushi Onita was the 5th
action figure in the series released by Character Product (all four
variants feature this number - including the standard black t-shirt
and white t-shirt Onita figures).

More figure reviews are on their way!

Character Product Riki Choshu vs Atsushi Onita figure review

The next figure spotlight will focus on a very special two-pack released
in 2000 between Character Product and New Japan Pro-Wrestling.

For blog #77, we'll be looking at the very rare Riki Choshu vs Atsushi
Onita figure set.


Backstory:
following Riki Choshu's original retirement as an active Wrestler in
1998, fellow legend (and FMW deathmatch icon) Atsushi Onita
challenged Riki Choshu to come out retirement for the first time
in two years.

In front of a televised audience, Riki Choshu signed a contract
agreeing to the match which would take place on Saturday, July
29th, 2000.

The event "NJPW Riki Choshu Revival" took place in front of
18,000 fans at the Yokohama Arena in Kanagawa, Japan.
The match pitted Choshu against Onita in a special "No Rope
Explosive Barbed Wire Deathmatch".

Let's take a look at the figures themselves:

Japanese toymaker Character Product was quick to capitalize on the
success of the Riki Choshu vs Atsushi Onita match by releasing a
special two-figure set the same year.

The Riki Choshu figure is a re-packaging of Toukon Shop's (the name
Character Product went under while making figures exclusively for
New Japan Pro-Wrestling) Super Star Figure Collection 1 Riki Choshu
figure which was originally released in 1997.

The included Atsushi Onita figure (black shirt variant) is a repackaging
that was originally released by Character Product one year prior in 1999.

A mini contract accessory is also included which is exclusive to this two-pack.

The back of the packaging contains the stats and bios of both Wrestlers
along with New Japan Pro-Wrestling's copyright in both English and
Japanese.

What truly makes the Riki Choshu vs Atsushi Onita figure truly collectible
is the real-life, contract replica that was also included as a free gift!

The contract replica came packed in a paper envelope.

When removed from it's envelope: the contract replica with Riki Choshu's
personal "Hanko Stamp" (in Japanese culture, it is more common to sign
documents with a personalized stamp bearing the signer's name than to
sign with a signature).

Tekken 2 Nina Williams 1/12 Real Figure review

For blog #76, we'll be looking at another vintage collectible from
the popular 3D fighting game franchise "Tekken".

Titled the "1/12 レアルフイギア" (1/12 REAL FIGURE) line, these
gashapon-styled figures were created to promote the Arcade release
of Tekken 2 in Japanese Arcades back in 1995.

Today's figure coverage from the 1/12 Real Figure line is Tekken's
bone-breaking assassin: Nina Williams.

                          

Nina comes in a simple carded backing with a plastic wrapper.

The Tekken 2 logo is displayed prominently in the middle and top
left corners of the packaging.

Strangely, the Japanese word for "figure" (フィギュア - "figyua")
is written in a shorter form as (フィギア - which would be prono
-unced as "fi-gia"). I don't know if this was intentional or simply a
mistake.

The back of the packaging contains Arcade renders of the six fighters
from the 1/12 series (from top to bottom): Heihachi Mishima, Marshall
Law, Yoshimitsu, Michelle Chang, Nina Williams and Jun Kazama.

Based on the design of the package itself (mainly the large space at
the top of the packaging), I think it's safe to assume that the 1/12
scale figures were only available as prize items in Japanese Arcades
during the era.

The bottom of the packaging mentions that the figure is fragile and
lists both NAMCO (ナムコ - the creators of the Tekken franchise)
and Mitsuwa Model (ミツワモデル - the manufacturer of the line)

in Japanese Katakana.

Let's remove the Nina Williams figure from her packaging:

Nina stands a little over 4 and a half inches tall (11.4cm) and is
made of PVC.

While the 1/12 scale Real Figure line does not feature any articulation,
the figures would set the stage for Tekken 3's fully-articulated figures
that would be released the following year.

With left arm outstretched, the Nina figure is sculpted in a punch pose.

                                

Nina's attire is based on her 1P attire from Tekken 2; complete with
a skin-tight, purple short dress, stockings and garters. 

                                   

The sides of Nina's heels contains small, gold buckles.

Sadly, due to the Nina figure's heels (and more importantly, the sculpt
of the Nina figure itself) makes standing Nina extremely difficult.

                             

Here's an up-close shot of Nina's facial sculpt. You can tell Nina
means business!

The back of the Nina 1/12 Real Figure even includes Nina's clip-on
yellow ribbon at the back of Nina's dress.

Character Product Great Muta & Keiji Mutoh BIG HEAD KING FIGHTERS figure review

Your source for the best Japanese Pro-Wrestling figure coverage continues

with blog #75 which features two stellar additions direct from Japanese
toymaker Character Product.

Starting in 2007, Character Product would create yet another spin-off line
based on the company's popular Pro-kaku Heroes Mini Big Head figures
which was titled the "BIG HEAD KING FIGHTERS" line.

Without further adieu, let's jump right in!

The first figure is of Keiji Mutoh in his signature "Pro-Wrestling
LOVE" pose.

From the greying of Mutoh's beard to his famous "Muta Scale" forehead
scars, the face sculpt for the Keiji Mutoh KING FIGHTER figures is
simply amazing and hyper-realistic!

Mutoh comes dressed in his mid 2000's All Japan Pro-Wrestling attire
complete with "HOLD OUT" (Mutoh's classic NJPW theme) decals
along Mutoh's ring tights.

Each BIG HEAD KING FIGHTERS figure comes with a generic
turnbuckle base and features minimal articulation at the neck.

                            

Next up is another figure favorite of mine, Keiji Mutoh's evil alter
-ego: The Great Muta!

Great Muta's design is based on mid 2000's Star Wars-inspired "Darth
Muta" attire and comes sculpted performing Muta's signature "Poison
Mist" attack in a kneeling pose!

                              

Once again, the amount of detail put into the Big Head King
Fighters Great Muta figure is outstanding. The horns and Kanji
across Muta's mask are 3-dimensional and textured.

The Poison Mist can also be tilted to the left or right while
inside Muta's mouth!

Another reason why the Great Muta Big Head King Fighters figure
is one of my absolute favorite puroresu collectibles is the ability to
remove the Poison Mist from Muta's mouth!

Speaking of realistic detail, the Muta Big Head King Fighters figure
contains green ink staining the right corner of Muta's mouth and
tongue. There's even red paint smearing down Muta's beard!

                             

The intricate decals of Muta's Darth Maul-inspired attire are on full
display from the back of the Muta King Fighters figure.

                  

                            

Each figure from the line contains a copyright on the back of the
turnbuckle base.

                           

Character Product must have been really proud of their Big Head King
Fighters line as the company's logo is prominently (and unusually)
displayed on the bottom of each base.


                            

The King Fighters figures stands roughly 4 inches in height and tower
over their Mini Big Head counterparts.



2007 would also mark the final volume of Character Product's Mini Big
Head series (Vol. 9.) before the company would fold back into New
Japan Pro-Wrestling's Toukon Shop as early as 2008.

While the Character Product namesake is no longer active, the Big Head
King Fighters figures live on as a testament to the incredible amount of
detail and passion Character Product put into their Pro-Wrestling likenesses.
Many of which remain the most realistic representations of the legends
they are based off of to date.

HAO Collection Giant Baba figure review

Welcome back to the largest source of information for Japanese Pro-
Wrestling figures on the web.

For blog #74, we'll be taking a look at another large scale, soft vinyl
figure from HAO Collection's Regards For Superstars line: "The
Giant Of The East": Giant Baba!


                    

Released in 2008, Giant Baba was another long-overdue legend who
was finally added to the HAO Collection at the tail-end of the line's
original production run.


                                        

The slip-case packaging can be removed to reveal a jumbo
trading card.

The front of the packaging reads Giant Baba in both English and Japanese
along with the Regards For Superstars series logo. The bottom right corner
also features the Japanese RINGSIDE website logo (which sold the HAO
Collection figures online).

Giant Baba would be the first figure released for HAO's "Regards For
Superstars" series (Vol. 001).



                                  

The back of the slip-case packaging features Giant Baba's stats
and Championship accolades. The profile reads:

"GIANT BABA
Profile
Real name: Shohei Baba (the brackets indicate how "Baba" is written)
DOB: 13.1.23. (January 23rd 1938 - "13" is 1938 in the Japanese calendar)
Place of birth: Niigata, Prefecture, Japan
Blood type: 0
Height: 209cm (6ft 8 in)
Weight: 135kg (297 lbs)

Debut: 35.9.30. (September 30th 1960 - "35" is 1960 in the Japanese calendar)
             Taito Gymnasium, Tokyo, Japan
             vs. Yonetarō Tanaka

Titles: NWA World Heavyweight Championship
            PWF Heavyweight Championship
            International Heavyweight Championship
            Asia Heavyweight Championship
            International Heavyweight Tag Championship
            Asia Heavyweight Tag Championship

Special Skill: 16 inch Kick (or "Big Boot" - named after Baba's boot size).
                        Running Neck Breaker Drop


The bottom text also mentions that the Giant Baba HAO Collection
figure was licensed by Baba's company "GIANT SERVICE Co.
Ltd." (株式会社ジャイアントサービス).


Let's take a look a closer look at the Giant Baba figure itself:

                        

Giant Baba comes sculpted in his signature, hands on hips pose with
classic entrance robe.
                                  

Baba's likeness is captured in soft vinyl form accurately; marking
Baba's first and only appearance in the HAO Collection since the

company's inception in the late 1990's.


                             

Even the mole on the left side of Baba's nose has been added.


                                   

                       


Baba's gown depicts a pattern of a Japanese Phoenix (鳳凰 - "Ho-oh").

                                 

                           

The clear and vivid details of the gown's decals are a highlight of
the Giant Baba HAO Collection figure.

If you look closely, you'll see a glitter finish applied to the white
portions of Baba's robe.

Unfortunately, the belt is molded into the gown itself.

                             

The back of the Giant Baba HAO figure continues the Phoenix
design perfectly.

The Giant Baba HAO Collection figure has articulation at the waist
and neck only (sadly, Baba's arms are frozen at Baba's sides.

When stood next to HAO Collection's Bob Sapp figure.

At just under 8 inches tall, Giant Baba stands the tallest (and right
fully so) of the regular HAO Collection figures.