Character Product Bruiser Brody DX figures review

As we've discussed in the past, when it comes to Japanese Wrestling figures, some of the
most sought-after pieces come from Character Product's early 2000's legends line. A time
when Gaijin Wrestler figures were still fairly uncommon on the Japanese Pro-Wrestling
scene - let alone an entire line dedicated to the greatest stars from the last 70 years.

Today, we'll be taking a look at two figures that tops the sought-after list for many collectors.
Blog #174 goes out swinging with Character Product's Bruiser Brody DX figures review.

Released in 2004 as part of Character Product's legends line, these are the world's first
action figures of the legend. The WWE Classic Superstars Bruiser Brody figure wouldn't
be released until 2005.

This particular Brody variant features Brody with his hair down. Brody's facial sculpt depicts
Brody shouting his signature "HUSS! HUSS! HUSS!" battle cry after just entering the ring.

Lastly, this variant features Brody swinging a chain with his right arm - a recreation of Brody's
wild ring entrances in All Japan Pro-Wrestling where fans literally ran for cover as Brody made
his way to the ring.

As a deluxe figure, the Bruiser Brody shout variant includes the following accessories:

1) Removable entrance vest.
1) Bonus right arm (without chain).
1) Acrylic display base with special cross chains decal.
1) Acrylic wrestler name plate that reads "BRUISER BRODY"

The back of the packaging contains a great photo of Bruiser holding the NWA International
Heavyweight Championship. The same belt held by Rikidozan and Lou Thesz that would
go on to become one of the three Triple Crown Championships.

Beyond Brody's stats and bio, the bottom of the packaging states that Bruiser's widow
Barbara Goodish licensed this figure.

Interestingly, Barbara has gone on record claiming she has never been paid for the Bruiser
Brody figures made by Character Product. Other legends like Dory Funk Jr., Mil Mascaras
and Scott Norton had no idea their Charapro legends figures were even created until fans
brought them in to get signed years after the fact.



The second variant is known as the "real chain" variant. This version of Bruiser Brody
contains a closed-mouth, tied back hair design, bonus arm accessory and....



a real, die-cast metal chain!



In terms of Brody's fearsome entrance, the real chain version depicts Brody pacing his
way to the ring.


Closing thoughts:

Bruiser Brody's passing is one of the great tragedies in all of Pro-Wrestling. Brody was a true
legend of the sport, a pioneer of the hardcore style and a physically intimidating competitor that
struck fear into the hearts of audiences wherever he went.

As such, Bruiser's Character Product figures continue to sell for top dollar wherever they
are listed. One big reason being that the Charapro Brody legend figures were the first action
figures made of the legend - 16 years after Brody's murder in Puerto Rico.

No figure since has captured the insanity and fervour of Brody's pre-match entrance as much
as Character Product's renditions here. Neither has a Brody figure been packaged with so many
accessories making their incredibly high prices a little more understandable.

Character Product Kazushi Sakuraba figure

Anyone who's followed Mixed Martial Arts in Japan is well aware of Kazushi Sakuraba.

Known as the "Gracie Hunter", Sakuraba is considered one of Japan's most lethal fighters
and an MMA all-time great in the ring for his "anti-technique" style.

Blog #173 is all about Character Product's Kazushi Sakuraba figure.

Released in the early 2000's as part of Character Product's earliest, non-New Japan
Pro-Wrestling licenses, the Kazushi Sakuraba figure comes with a recognizable
entrance mask accessory:

A mask that pays homage to Japanese legend Super Strong Machine.

As "MMA's Jester" Sakuraba was known for being highly-entertaining in the ring.
Often toying with his opponents (such as trying to pull Royce Gracie's pants down
during a match) in situations where a lesser fighter wouldn't have even contemplated
the notion.

Adding to the entertainment factor, Sakuraba would also adorn several entrance
masks as a tribute to other Wrestlers such as The Road Warriors, The Great Muta,
and Big Van Vader.

Sakuraba's trunks contain the text "Takada Dojo" (a reference to Sakuraba's trainer
and fellow shoot fighting legend Nobuhiko Takada).

Even Sakuraba's right knee brace has been faithfully recreated in figure form.

With mask accessory removed, Sakuraba's likeness and upbeat attitude is
unmistakably spot-on.

Typical to Japanese figures, there are two colour variants for this specific figure.
The second variant features Sakuraba with a half red and half gold hair colour.

A close up of Sakuraba's trunks reveals Sakuraba's initials, a copyright stamp for
Takada (I'm guessing Sakuraba's contract was owned by Nobuhiko Takada at the time)
and Sakuraba's last name in cursive writing.


Closing thoughts:

Character Product made great effort in catering to Japan's MMA-infused audience of
the early 2000's. RINGS, PANCRASE, K-1, Fujiwara Gumi, and even the UWFI all
had their biggest stars turned into figures as part of the Charapro line.

Charapro jumped at the chance at making figures for Sakuraba during the heyday of
Sakuraba's in-ring exploits. Keshigomu figures, action figures, Mini Big Heads,
G.I. Joe-scale figures and even a Bobblehead.

While certainly not the most-detailed Sakuraba figure available (that distinction easily
goes to the Sakuraba figures made by HAO), fans of the MMA Jester will still be
satisfied by the quality and faithfulness of Character Product's first action figure
adaptation.

Character Product Masakatsu Funaki figure review

As Toukon Shop re-branded themselves as Character Product in 1999, Character
Product set out to create figures for Wrestlers outside of the New Japan Pro-Wrestling
promotion.

One of the earliest licenses came in the form of "the golden boy" shoot fighting legend
Masakatsu Funaki.

Blog #172 gets Hybrid Conscious with Character Product's Masakatsu Funaki figure.

This particular variant features a younger Masakatsu Funaki from his early 1990's career
competing for the PANCRASE promotion.

The packaging contains the PANCRASE cross logo on the top right corner and middle
of the packaging.

As a throwback figure, Funaki is also sporting his longer hair from the era.

Funaki's stoic facial expression looks ready to start dropping palm strikes and
high kicks.

Funaki's stats and in-ring accomplishments are listed on the back of the packaging.

Though, no date is given, I suspect the figure (based on the blister card packaging
and Character Product's third logo being used) was released around 2001. The
bio section also mentions Funaki's accolades up until the year 2000.


Closing thoughts:

A great throwback to the early days of PANCRASE and a solid likeness of Funaki's
younger years. Collectors should keep an eye out for the rarer, alternate red colour
variant of this figure, too.

Technically, the rarest Funaki figures you can find are:

1) Masakatsu Funaki vs Minoru Suzuki two pack with Pancrase belt.

2) Masakatsu Funaki vs Rickson Gracie two pack with special Funaki colour variant.

3) Masakatsu Funaki Real Figure with Pancrase belt

Pro-Wrestling Key Holder Collection Vol. 1. Kensuke Sasaki figure review

The mid 90's formed a cornerstone in New Japan Pro-Wrestling's sense of marketing.  
A direction inspired heavily by the World Wrestling Federation's longstanding
approach of creating merchandise aimed towards an adolescent demographic.

Setting themselves apart from rival promotions, New Japan Pro-Wrestling began
adopting cartoon caricatures of their biggest stars. Illustrations that were used to
promote upcoming shows and were adorned on countless pieces of merchandise
produced by the promotion.

Blog #169 showcases one of the more obscurer pieces from this particular art
direction. Enter the Pro-Wrestling Key Holder Collection Kensuke Sasaki figure.

The Kensuke Sasaki keychain stands about 2 inches tall in height and is modelled after
Sasaki's late 1990's simple black trunks and wrestling boots attire.

The Pro-Wrestling Key Holder Collection was produced by Character Product in 2000.
One of the earliest examples of the toy manufacturer switching from their older "Charapro"
logo to "Character Product".

The three copyrights attached to each figure's card represents New Japan Pro-Wrestling,
Inoki International (since Antonio Inoki is included in the figure line) and "EVILWAYS"
the merchandise holder for Atsushi Onita (who, likewise, is also present in this line).

Despite having a recognizable likeness, this keychain figure is not one of Sasaki's
finer moments in figure form.

Sasaki's era-accurate mullet and goatee are well represented, though. With particular
attention paid to the strands in Sasaki's hair.

The 12 figures to collect in the Pro-Wrestling Key Holder Vol. 1. collection are:

Top row: Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Shinya Hashimoto, Masahiro Chono, Satoshi Kojima

Middle row: Atsushi Onita, Antonio Inoki, Tatsumi Fujinami, Riki Choshu

Bottom row: Great Muta (red), Great Muta (black), Kensuke Sasaki and Power Warrior.


On closer inspection, the included logo for "Character Product" is still an early example
that would soon be changed for a third and final time.

ima corporation (who we just reviewed in the K-1 Ernesto Hoost keychain figure review)
are more commonly known for producing merchandise for the K-1 promotion. ima were
also responsible for teaming with HAO to create the polystone Antonio Inoki statue.

Character Product, Toukon Shop, Mogura House, ima corporation, HAO Arts Office and
16d have all worked hand in hand with one another over the years to produce figures for
Japanese Pro-Wrestling promotions. Odd.


Overall thoughts:

Not Kensuke's finest moment in figure form, yet still a faithful recreation of New Japan's
cartoonish source material from the era.

The rarest figures from the set are the Great Muta variants and Kensuke Sasaki's alter ego
Power Warrior. Atsushi Onita has also become quite collectible in recent years with the
western Deathmatch fare.

Character Product would continue releasing other lines of keychain figures, but the
Pro-Wrestling Key Holder collection would never reach another volume.

Kenta Kobashi Bobblehead review

Around 2004, Character Product began releasing bobbleheads under the "Big Head Series"
line. Unlike the common 2 inch blind box minifigures from the Pro Kaku Heroes line Charapro
had released from 2003 to about 2008, the Big Head Series were full-scale figures made of
polystone with included ring bases and fabric ring ropes.

Besides releasing a limited number of Wrestlers licensed by Character Product at the time,
bobbleheads were also produced for Wrestlers contracted under Pro-Wrestling NOAH under
sister company Mogura House.

Mogura House and Character Product would add the biggest names from Pro-Wrestling NOAH
to Character Product's Big Head Series.

Blog #168 drops the hammer on the Kenta Kobashi Bobblehead.

Kobashi comes dressed in his early 2000's Pro-Wrestling NOAH attire.

Switching out his classic orange trunks, Kobashi is pictured wearing black tights with a purple
flame design.

Kobashi is sculpted with both a clenched fist and a chop; one of Kobashi's signature attacks.


          


Exclusive to the Pro-Wrestling NOAH bobbleheads are a special green ring base. The ropes
are fabric.

When displayed next to a standard size 5 inch Japanese figure of Kenta Kobashi.

Being one of the largest Kenta Kobashi figures ever made (and one of the few, if not, only
examples of a Kobashi figure made of polystone - let alone a full-scale bobblehead), Kobashi
stands about 7-8 inches in height.

There is plastic tucked inside Kobashi's head to keep the bobble portion intact while shipping.

Overall thoughts:

The Big Head series was Character Product and Mogura House's attempt at providing
Japanese Wrestling fans with actual bobbleheads of their favourite Wrestlers.

Character Product would only produce one line of Bobbleheads of the following
Wrestlers:



 1) Great Muta

 2) Masahiro Chono

 3) Jushin Thunder Liger

 4) Jinsei Shinzaki

 5) Hakushi

 6) Tiger Mask

 7) Mil Mascaras (ring attire)

 8)  Mil Mascaras (entrance attire)

 9) Dos Caras (blue and red)

 10) Dos Caras (green and red)

 11) Bob Sapp

 12) Minoru Suzuki

 13) Yoshiaki Fujiwara

 14) Nobuhiko Takada

 15) Masakatsu Funaki

 16) Kazushi Sakuraba

 17) Hiroshi Hase

 18) Kantaro Hoshino

___________________________

Pro-Wrestling NOAH series

 19) Mitsuharu Misawa

 20) Kenta Kobashi

 21) Jun Akiyama

 22) Yoshihiro Takayama

I've also seen a purple glitter Mil Mascaras variant, but I'm not sure if it's a custom
bobblehead or not.

Myself, I've never been a fan of these particular bobbleheads. While the size of the
figures are a welcomed change, the overall design of the faces and body proportions
are a bit too odd (even for the super-deformed artistic direction Charapro were going
for).

Fast forward two years to 2006 and Character Product would release another spin-off
line called BIG HEAD KING FIGHTERS. The King Fighters were smaller in scale,
no longer made of Polystone or bobbled.

To this day, the three most desired figures from the BIG HEAD series bobblehead line
are Great Muta, Tiger Mask and Jushin Thunder Liger. The last option rarely coming
up for auction in the past.

Deluxe Figure Collection Great Muta (Cyber Muta) figure review

Back in 2016, the very first figure that was reviewed in this blog was the Deluxe Figure
Collection 1 Great Muta (Dragon ver.) figure.

A lot of figures and other assorted Puroresu collectibles have been reviewed since then.
But, there's no time like the present to dig back into the photo archive and take a look
at another bizarre and wonderful figure from Toukon Shop's deluxe line.

Blog #167 gets misted by the Deluxe Figure Collection Great Muta (Cyber Muta)
figure.

Released in 2000 as the third figure in Toukon Shop's Deluxe Figure Collection line,
this is Great Muta's second deluxe figure - complete with iconic entrance attire and
helmet accessory.

Muta is dressed in his ring attire from the infamous "No Rope Current Blast Deathmatch"
against the Great Nita (Atsushi Onita) on August 28th, 1999 in Tokyo's Jingu Stadium.

The entrance helmet accessory is made to resemble Megatron from the Transformers
Series (some argue that there's some Terminator inspiration behind the mask, too.
I like to think otherwise).

The komodo dragon that was present on Muta's previous deluxe figure has morphed
into something more fitting of a Sci-Fi movie.

Pictured above is the common silver facepaint variant of the Cyber Muta figure.

The back of the packaging lists Muta's stats in English and Japanese along with a brief
bio and a facsimile of Muta's Autograph.

The bottom right corner of the packaging can be cut out to form a collector's trading card.
The front of the card (and packaging) contains the cartoonish art design New Japan was
synonymous for in the 1990's.

Typical with many Japanese figure makers, there's two colour variants to collect of the
Cyber Muta figure.

The more valuable and harder to find version is the white paint Great Muta. Said to be
a Toukon Shop store exclusive.


Closing thoughts:

For decades, Great Muta has been synonymous with crazy figure designs. The Cyber and
Dragon designs took Muta's pageantry and dream-like appearances to a whole new level.
With every appearance, Muta was always trying to top the previous event's design.

These days, the deluxe Muta figures continue to appreciate in value. With Keiji Mutoh's
recent Pro-Wrestling NOAH championship run and the overall sense of nostalgia shared
between fans of 1990's Puroresu.

Even without being able to remove Muta's entrance attire, the Cyber figure variants are
still must-haves based on their sheer absurdity alone.

Super Star Figure Collection Great Muta (White Facepaint) figure review

In the past few days, we've covered a lot of figures produced by Toukon Shop; New
Japan Pro-Wrestling's long-time, in-house figure maker.

Perhaps one of Toukon Shop's most familiar figure to western Wrestling fans,
Blog #164 covers the Great Muta Super Star Figure Collection (white paint
variant) figure.

Great Muta was the third figure added to Toukon Shop's Super Star Figure Collection line
back in 1997. It's also the second figure in the line to contain the "Hyper Heroes" logo.

Great Muta comes dressed in his recognizable white and black facepaint. Muta's lips
are painted - a nod to Muta's signature Poison Mist attack.

The back of the packaging lists Great Muta's name in Japanese Katakana as well as
Muta's physical stats along with an intimidating portrait.

The figure's parted hairstyle and ring attire are a reflection of Great Muta's mid 1990's
New Japan Pro-Wrestling look.

The left side of Muta's ring attire (not shown) contain's Great Muta's name. The right side of
Muta's ring pants contains a komodo dragon motif.


Closing thoughts:

Perhaps one of the most popular figures from the Toukon Shop line with western audiences is
the white paint Great Muta figure ...and for good reason! Great paint job, recognizable sculpt
and plenty of era-accurate details.

The white paint Great Muta variant would be the first-ever action figure made of either Keiji
Mutoh or The Great Muta. Interestingly, Great Muta's red facepaint variant wouldn't be released
until a year later (as Super Star Figure Collection #7) in 1998, Muta's NWO variant (Super
Star Figure Collection #8) the same year and Keiji Mutoh wouldn't get his first action figure
until 1999 (Super Star Figure Collection #21) through Toukon Shop.

Generally speaking, the red facepaint version, despite being released a year later, is considered
slightly more collectible with Japanese collectors; seeing as Muta's red design is the first thing
most fans think of when they imagine the Pearl from the Orient.

Toukon Shop Super Star Figure Collection List

Welcome back to the largest online database of Japanese Pro-Wrestling collectibles on the
web. Here you will find thousands of product photos, stories and the historical significance
behind the items posted here.

Whenever possible, I try to provide entire figure lists from just about every series I cover
in this blog. Though, it's not always easy.

Unlike your typical Classic Superstars or Bone Crushing Action figure lines, Japanese figures,
for the most part, don't include lists of figures to collect on the back of most packaging.

Today's blog covers one of Japan's most common figure series. Blog #163 glosses over
Toukon Shop's Super Star Figure Collection line.

                         A majority of boxed examples from the Super Star Figure Collection Line.


The Toukon Shop Super Star Figure Collection (I wonder if NJPW was inspired by the WWF's
use of the term "Superstars" at the time?) line originally ran from 1997 to 2002 with deluxe figures being produced into 2004.


              

Typically, the packaging for every figure in Toukon Shop's Super Star Figure Collection
line contains a photo of the Wrestler depicted along with the Wrestler's stats in-ring
accomplishments.

Features like group photos of the figures to collect from a particular line aren't present
in Toukon Shop's figures making it harder to keep track of them.




Though, one helpful feature Toukon Shop did include is a numbering system included
on every figure after Riki Choshu.

In the above example, Great Muta is #3; being the third figure created in the Super Star
Figure Collection line.

In the below list, I've broken down the entire line by year (to give some semblance of
a series). I've also included Toukon Shop's various subsets including the Official Bronze
Figures, Deluxe line and special two packs.


Super Star Figure Collection

Known in Japan as "スーパースター・フィギュア ・コレクション".

1997

1. Riki Choshu
2. Masahiro Chono        - The first figure in the line to contain the "Hyper Heroes"
                                          logo on the packaging.
3. Great Muta (White Paint)

_________________________________

1998

4. Kensuke Sasaki
5. Shinya Hashimoto
6. Antonio Inoki (Red Towel)
6. Antonio Inoki (Blue Towel)
7. Great Muta (Red Paint)
8. Great Muta (NWO)
9. Hiroyoshi Tenzan
10. Jushin Thunder Liger
10. Jushin Thunder Liger (Clear Red)
10. Jushin Thunder Liger (Clear White)
11. Tatsumi Fujinami
12. Koji Kanemoto
13. Shinjiro Ohtani

_________________________________

1999

14. Kendo Kashin
15. Kazuo Yamazaki
16. El Samurai
17. Manabu Nakanishi
18. Satoshi Kojima
19. Masa Saitoh
20. Yuji Nagata
21. Keiji Mutoh
22. Hiro Saitoh
23. Antonio Inoki (NWF Belt)
24. Antonio Inoki (Red gown)
25. Seiji Sakaguchi
26. Akira      - This would be the last figure in the line to contain the "Hyper Heroes"
                        on the packaging.
_________________________________

2000

27. Jushin Thunder Liger (Black)
28. Shiro Koshinaka (White Pants)
28. Shiro Koshinaka (Black Pants)
29. Riki Choshu (Black Shirt)
30. Antonio Inoki (White Gown)
31. Junji Hirata
32. Tatsuhito Taikawa
33. Tatsumi Fujinami (Belt)
34. Kazuyuki Fujita
35. Tadao Yasuda
36. Masahiro Chono (Tracksuit)
37. Takashi Iizuka
38. Osamu Kido
39. Hidekazu Tanaka

_________________________________

2001

40. Tatsutoshi Gotoh
41. Michiyoshi Ohara
42. Osamu Nishimura
43. Minoru Tanaka
44. Yuji Nagata (Blue Trunks)
44. Yuji Nagata (Blue and White "Ambitious" Trunks)
45. Keiji Mutoh (Bald with shirt)
46. Antonio Inoki (Homeless)
47. Kokushi Muso

_________________________________

2002

48. Antonio Inoki (Red Towel - 30th Anniversary Packaging)
48. Antonio Inoki (Blue Towel - 30th Anniversary Packaging)
49. Jushin Thunder Liger (Silver and White)
49. Jushin Thunder Liger (Clear Blue)

50. Masahiro Chono (Overcoat - Re-Release)
51. Antonio Inoki (Orange Gown)
52. Antonio Inoki (Yellow Tights)
53. Antonio Inoki (Announcer)
54. Kensuke Sasaki (Shaved Head)
55. Masahiro Chono (Short Top)
55. Hiroshi Tanahashi (Both Chono and Tanahashi have the same volume number.
I assume it was a typo.)


_____________________________________________________


Official Bronze Type Figure

Known in Japan as "オフィシャル・ブロンズ・タイプ・フィギア".


1998

Antonio Inoki (Gown)
Antonio Inoki (with NWF Belt)
Keiji Mutoh
Masahiro Chono
Jushin Thunder Liger
Masa Saitoh
Kensuke Sasaki
Shinya Hashimoto

_____________________________________________________

Deluxe Figure Collection (DX) Series

Known in Japan as "新日・デラックス・フィギュア・コレクション"

1999

1. Great Muta (Dragon)
2. Power Warrior

_____________________________________________________

2000

3. Great Muta (Cyber - Silver Paint)
3. Great Muta (Cyber - White paint)
4. Kendo Kashin (With Belt)

_____________________________________________________

2001

5. Satoshi Kojima (Entrance Vest)
6. Hiroyoshi Tenzan (Purple Entrance attire)
7. Don Frye
8. Kazuyuki Fujita (With IWGP Belts)



_____________________________________________________

2002

9. Jushin Thunder Liger (With Entrance Cape)


Great Khali vs Giant Silva
Keiji Mutoh & Masahiro Chono

_____________________________________________________

2003

10. Antonio Inoki (Enzuigiri)
11. Yoshihiro Takayama
12. Kantaro Hoshino
13. Hiroyoshi Tenzan (Mecha Tenzan)
14. Manabu Nakanishi (MMA Attire)
15. Tiger Mask IV

_____________________________________________________

2004

16. Shinsuke Nakamura
17. Josh Barnett

_____________________________________________________


Special Figure Two packs

1998

Keiji Mutoh & Masahiro Chono


_____________________________________________________

2000

Great Muta vs Great Nita
Break Bunny Figure set with Junior IWGP Belts

_____________________________________________________

2001

Antonio Inoki vs Masa Saitoh


_____________________________________________________

2002

Antonio Inoki vs Karl Gotch - the only two pack with the 30th anniversary logo.


Around 1999, Toukon Shop began creating figures for Wrestling promotions other
than New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Since Toukon Shop is also the name of New Japan's
official merchandise stores, Toukon Shop decided to create a separate figure manufacturer
name as "Charapro" (later "Character Product").

Character Product would begin making licensed figures for Wrestlers such as:

Genichiro Tenryu (who was competing under the WAR promotion at the time),
Atsushi Onita (who was working special matches for NJPW),
The Great Sasuke (Michinoku Pro-Wrestling),
Masakatsu Funaki (PANCRASE),
Tiger Mask (Freelance)
and Akira Maeda (RINGS) among other notable Japanese talent.

By 2003, Character Product had made an exclusive deal to produce figures for
All Japan Pro-Wrestling. A deal that lasted until 2007 with the last official wave
of Pro-Kaku Heroes Mini Big Head figures.

Since then, with All Japan Pro-Wrestling long past it's former glory, and with
licensed Wrestlers from other promotions splintering off, it is believed that
Character Product morphed back into Toukon Shop, New Japan Pro-Wrestling's
in-house figure maker by 2008.

Super Star Figure Collection Manabu Nakanishi figure review

With plenty of unfinished business left to attend to, let's keep the figure reviews going
and tackle another Japanese Pro-Wrestling figure.

Blog #142 squares up against the Super Star Figure Collection Manabu Nakanishi figure
by Toukon Shop.

Released in 1999, Manabu Nakanishi would be the 17th figure included in Toukon Shop's
Super Star Figure Collection line.

With his bulky physique, the sculpted  pose of Manabu looking sideways is quite effective.
This figure looks tough and ready for a fight.

I certainly wouldn't want to get him mad...

Manabu is decked out in his standard, no-nonsense black trunks and Wrestling boots.

Released early on in the Super Star line, this would be Manabu's first action figure.

In honour of his recent retirement as a Pro-Wrestler, I'd like to commend Manabu Nakanishi
for all of his contributions to the Pro-Wrestling world. The sacrifices Wrestlers make every
single day inside and outside of the squared circle cannot be understated.

Stay tuned for more figure reviews!

Character Product Genichiro Tenryu Clear figure review

Speaking of clear variants, one of the most sought-after Puroresu
figures is All Japan and WAR veteran: Genichiro Tenryu!

In blog post #62, we'll take a look at this limited edition figure and
provide you, the reader, with the option to purchase this rarity for
yourself!

                            

The packaging depicts a late 1990's photo of Tenryu with Tenryu's ring
name "天龍 源一郎" written in his signature yellow and black colours.

This special see-through variant is the only clear Genichiro Tenryu
figure ever made!

                                     

While Character Product is best known for their figures based on
All Japan Pro-Wrestling's biggest stars, the bottom of the package
contains Tenryu's Pro-Wrestling Association WAR promotion logo
and copyright.

Due to AJPW's founder Giant Baba vowing never to work with
Tenryu again (Tenryu, an AJPW native, left the promotion in
1990 to join SWS and his own promotion in 1992), Tenryu wouldn't
join All Japan Pro-Wrestling again until 2000 (after Baba's passing
and as a response to the formation of rival promotion Pro-Wrestling
NOAH).
                               

The back of the packaging contains Tenryu's stats and bio starting
with Tenryu's start as a Sumo Wrestler at the age of 13 to his modern
accomplishments.

Tenryu's stats read:

"Birthplace: Katsuyama, Fukui, Japan
Date of birth: 1950.2.23 (February 23rd, 1950)
Height: 189cm (6ft 2in)
Weight: 125kg (275 lbs)
Signature moves: Powerbomb
                              WAR Special"

Rickson Gracie Character Product Figure review

Our next figure for sale from the Japanese Character Product line

is of mixed martial arts legend and 9th degree Gracie Jiu-Jitsu

black belt: Rickson Gracie!

                       

Released in 2000, the first version of the Japanese Rickson Gracie
figure's packaging contains the "コロシアム 2000" (COLOSS
-EUM 2000) logo.

Colosseum 2000 was a martial arts event held at the Tokyo,
Dome on May 26th, 2000 which saw Rickson Gracie take on
PANCRASE legend Masakatsu Funaki.


                                 

The back of the Colosseum version's packaging contains Rickson's
stats and a brief bio leading up to his match against Funaki.

Rickson's stats reads:

"From: BRAZIL
D.O.B.: 1959.11.21. (November 21st,1959)
Height: 178cm (5ft. 9in.)
Weight: 84kg (185 lbs)"As an early Character Product figure, the packaging of the
Rickson Gracie figure features Character Product's original
logo.

                         

A limited-edition, two-figure set was also released to commemorate
the Colosseum 2000 match-up. What makes this set extra special
is the exclusive Masakatsu Funaki figure with silver trunks.


                            

In an attempt not to seem outdated after the conclusion of
Colosseum 2000, Character Product decided to repackage
their Rickson Gracie figure.

This time around, the packaging contains the words "Bushido
Spirit" in English and simply "武士道" (Bushido) in Japanese.

The Bushido reference goes back to Rickson's infamous dojo
fight against UWFI star Yoji Anjo (who boasted that he was
"200% sure" he could defeat Rickson).

            

After a quick (and brutal) beat-down, Rickson emerged the
victor while Anjo laid in a bloody mess; leading the latter
to present Rickson with a Samurai helmet as a gift for the
fight.

As news broke out of Anjo's defeat in Japan, Rickson's
next major challenge came in the form of Masakatsu Funaki
who (seeking to avenge Anjo's loss) wore a Samurai kimono
and carried a Katana to the ring for their Colosseum 2000 fight.

                                          

The back of the re-released Bushido Spirits version is a massive
improvement with two images, a black backdrop and Character
Product's modern logo.


                                

Character Product would also release an alternate variant of
the Rickson Gracie Bushido Spirit figure that features exclusive
white kneepads.

Let's take a closer look at a loose example:

                                  

Rickson comes dressed in white trunks, kneepads, and foot &
wrist tape with black MMA gloves.

A decal of the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu logo is printed on the right side
of  Rickson's trunks.


                               

Rickson would be the only member of the Gracie family to
receive his own Japanese figure to date. The Colosseum 2000
Character Product figure would also be the very first figure made
of the legend in any country.

When it comes to rarity, the variants packaged with the "Colosseum
2000" logo are considered the most collectible since Character
Product discontinued (and repackaged) them after Rickson's
Colosseum fight against Funaki.