Big Head Figures back in 2004, Character Product released a special
four figure and ring set in 2003.
Japan Pro-Wrest Superstars" contained four of New Japan's most
popular Wrestlers of the era (since Keiji Mutoh and Satoshi Kojima's
departure to rival company All Japan Pro-Wrestling just a few year
prior).
The set was only available at New Japan Pro-Wrestling's official
"Toukon" (Fighting Spirit) Shop for a limited time.Now that we're all caught up on the original set. It's time for our
next figure review:
Pro-Kaku Heroes - Pre-Release set (alternate color variants)
Before the release of the first four waves of Pro-Kaku Heroes
in 2004, Character Product (in true New Japan figure fashion)
would once again re-release the four figure and ring set as extra
special alternate color variants.
Like the original ring set, the alternate color variants were only
available as New Japan's Toukon Shop exclusives.
For comparison purposes, I'll be placing the regular Vol. 1.5
"repaint" versions alongside each figure.
The rarest of the set is the Jushin Thunder Liger Mini Big Head
which features silver-foil paint for armor and blue stripes alonghis ring tights.
Another minor difference is the small silver circle located in the
middle of Liger's top (on the back) which was painted black and
gold in the Vol. 1.5. version.
The Yuji Nagata Mini Big Head is based on Nagata's early, middle of Liger's top (on the back) which was painted black and
gold in the Vol. 1.5. version.
Toukon Shop would use the same design a few years earlier
for their common and full-sized Jushin Liger figure.
for their common and full-sized Jushin Liger figure.
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| All five collectable variants of this Mini Big Head! |
pre- "Blue Justice" attire.
The only real difference between the two versions is that
the pre-release set features Nagata with a mustache while
the 1.5. version does not contain facial hair.
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| Justice is served! All four Yuji Nagata variants. |
Next up is Masahiro Chono in his out-of-character gold hair
color.
The most noticeable difference is the greenish hue used for the
alternate ring set version (most likely due to discoloration from
light exposure over time). Another nod to this design being released
before the debut of Vol. 1.
Thankfully, the same side effect isn't a problem with later gold-
haired figures from Mini Big Heads line.
haired figures from Mini Big Heads line.
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| Synchronized coolness: All four Chono [A] variants. |
Another highlight from the alternate four figure ring set
is the super cool Hiroyoshi Tenzan Mini Big Head.
This armored look is based on a full-sized, deluxe Hiroyoshi
Tenzan figure released by Toukon Shop.
Head to be dressed in ring tights with a unique, silver-spider
web design and matching silver knee pads.
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| Rush!: All four Hiroyoshi Tenzan variants. |
Besides their subtle differences in coloring, the easiest way
to see if you own one of the ring set variants is to look on the
bottom of each figure's base.
 |
The first ring set features a copyright stamp from 2003. |
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| The second ring set features a copyright stamp from 2004. |
Also, Jushin Thunder Liger's copyright stamp on both versions
also includes "Dynamic Planning" (which is the company owned
by the creator of the Jushin Liger character - Go Nagai).
Closing thoughts:
You have to hand it to New Japan Pro-Wretling for being so
involved with the promotion of Character Product's Pro-Kaku
line.
Not only are these alternate color variants extremely rare,
but their subtle differences make them interesting additions
to any New Japan collection; my absolute favorites being the
Silver/Blue Jushin Thunder Liger and the Silver/Black Hiro-
Yoshi Tenzan figures.
More rarities to come!
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