Antonio Inoki Bottlecap Figure Keyholder review

For generations, one of the most common practices among toy companies is recycling figure molds. Instead of designing an entirely new figure from scratch, toy manufacturers will reuse preexisting figures and convert them into new products.

In the 90's and 2000's, Character Product shrunk down figure releases from their Super Star Figure Collection line and converted them into keychains. In 2003, Character Product would then go on to recycle figures in another format by creating the Pro-Kaku Heroes; a popular line of Mini Big Heads that lasted for five years and spanning 8 volumes in the process.

Recently, I discovered a figure that wasn't featured in the original Pro-Kaku line.


Blog #287 Antonio Inoki Bottlecap Figure Keyholder

Known in Japan as:
アントニオ猪木 ボトルキャップフィギュアキーホルダー


This figure was released in 2003.




The Inoki bottlecap figure looks nearly-identical to Character Product (back when they were known as Toukon Shop)'s Antonio Inoki figure (1970's version) that was released several years prior in 1999.



The surface of the red base reads February 20th, 2003 (Antonio Inoki's 60th birthday).



There is also a variant with a gold base. I would imagine this is the rarer version of an already rare figure.



Around the same time, Inoki international re-released the Inoki 70's figure to also commemorate the legend's birthday; bundling Inoki with a commemorative display base, NWF Heavyweight Championship belt, and collector-friendly packaging.

Inoki International licensed Antonio Inoki's image to Character Product going back to the 90's. Though, this partnership wasn't an exclusive one, as Inoki continued to have figures made in his likeness by other toy manufacturers and through brand endorsement deals themselves.

Judging by these two releases, it seems Antonio Inoki was able to legally release his own modifications of Character Product/Toukon Shop figures. Much the same as The Ultimate Warrior was able to strike up a deal with Jakks Pacific to produce exclusive figure variants of his likeness from Jakks' Classic Superstars and Ring Giants toy lines.

16d Jushin Thunder Liger figure review

In the realm of Japanese Wrestling figures, there are few Wrestlers who can match the popularity
and merchandising appeal of Jushin Thunder Liger.

The Beast God returns once again for Blog #217 which covers the 16d Jushin Thunder Liger
figure.

Announced on September 6th 2019 (for pre-order) and officially released on December
of the same year, Jushin Thunder Liger is the 9th figure in the 16d collection.

Today, we'll be looking at the standard colour variant.

The right side of the packaging reads:

"Jushin Thunder Liger

Profile
...................................................................................................................................
Date of Birth: April 24th, 1989 (the birth of the Liger character in Wrestling form)
Birthplace: Go Nagai's house (the creator of the Manga/Anime Jushin Liger character)
Debut: April 24th, 1989
Signature Moves: Vertical Drop Brainbuster, Liger Bomb, Palm Bottom"

The very bottom of the box also contains the text

"(C) Go Nagai / Dynamic Planning". Dynamic Planning being the company Go Nagai
operates in association with the Jushin Liger namesake.



           

The opposite side of the packaging displays high quality photos of Liger.

The back of the box has one close-up shot of the Beast God.


                        
The only difference in packaging between the two Liger variants is the coloured sticker at
the top of the box. In this case, the standard colour contains a gold sticker.


             

The second variant (referred to as the "limited edition color") contains a blue sticker at the
top of the packaging.

The bottom of the box contains Dynamic Planning, 16d's parent company and mention
of the Liger figure being made of soft vinyl (PVC).

Ever the character, the soft vinyl Jushin Thunder Liger figure is sculpted in a flexing pose.

Jushin Thunder Liger was sculpted by renown figure maker HAO. This would be the third
figure sculpted by HAO (the last being released in two variants back in the mid 2000's as
part of the HAO Collection).

The detailing with Liger's mask is well painted and accurate.

            

Even the grainy glitter-like effect is present in Liger's chest plate.

Liger stands 13.5cm in height (5.3 inches).

The intricacies of Liger's instantly-recognizable ring attire continues onto the back of
the Liger figure.

Go Nagai and Dynamic Planning are once again referenced on the bottom of the 16d
Liger figure.

In terms of movable pieces, Jushin Liger contains articulation at the shoulders and waist.


Closing thoughts:

Jushin Thunder Liger combines the colourful attire of a modern day superhero with the
allure of a Wrestling legend. A figure, in my humble estimation, that could even appeal to
toy collectors who aren't fans of Pro-Wrestling or Go Nagai's work.


              


While smaller in scale compared to HAO Collection's Jushin Liger figure from about 14
years ago (which are taller at 6 inches in height for comparison's sake), the detail for the
16d figure equivalents I personally feel are superior.

Collectors should keep an eye out for the limited edition 16d Liger variant which features
blue highlights on Liger's mask and ring attire. Though, as a scarce piece, the limited edition
usually sells for double the price of the standard variant from what I seen in the past.

Less than a month later, Jushin Liger would retire from being an active Pro-Wrestler on
January 5th, 2020; ultimately following Genichiro Tenryu, Riki Choshu and Abdullah
The Butcher in regards to figures made by 16d around the time of each legend's
retirement.

Character Product Tiger Jeet Singh DX figure review

Going back to pricier side of the figure spectrum, let's take a look at two more figure rarities from
Character Product's deluxe figure line. Blog #204 goes up against the Character Product Tiger
Jeet Singh Deluxe figures.

Tiger Jeet Singh was added to Character Product's deluxe legends line in the mid 2000's.

The cardboard backing contains an intense photo of Singh, a graphic of a tiger at the bottom,
a generous serving of fire and Singh's name in both English and Japanese Katakana.

As a deluxe figure, Tiger also includes his entrance turban accessory, folded chair,
acrylic display base, acrylic foot holders and an acrylic wrestler name plate that reads
"TIGER JEET SINGH".

The back of the packaging contains the same graphic as the front along with Tiger's stats and
a bio. The full bio on the back of the packaging reads:


"TIGER JEET SINGH

Height: 190cm (6'2)
Weight: 120kg (264lbs)
Date of birth: 1944 Aburizal, Punjab, India
Nickname: Mad Tiger of India
Signature move: Cobra Claw
Debut: May 1973 (In actuality, Tiger Jeet Singh made his in-ring debut in 1965.
Tiger's debut in Japan happened in 1973).

Profile:
After completing his military service, he learned to wrestle the Great Gama, an ancient
Indian style of wrestling, and made his debut as a professional wrestler in Singapore in
1965. He then moved to Canada and started selling under the ring name "The Hindu
Hurricane" with the now deceased Fred Atkins as his manager.

For a long time, he mainly fought in Canada and Southeast Asia, but in May 1973, he
stopped by Japan with Flurry. He showed up at the New Japan Pro Wrestling event
(Kawasaki City Gymnasium, May 4, 1973). He broke into the ring and KO'd Kotetsu
with his special cobra claw, which led to his rapid progress and forced him to participate
in the series. This was the start of his war with Antonio Inoki.

On the evening of November 5 of the same year, he attacked and injured Inoki
while he was shopping in front of Isetan in Shinjuku, Tokyo. On March 15, 1975,
he defeated Inoki at the Hiroshima Prefectural Gymnasium to become the 15th NWF
-certified heavyweight champion. He successfully defended the title twice, but on June
26, 1975, he was defeated by Inoki at Kurashiki in Tokyo and fell from the title. He then
won the championship match against Seiji Sakaguchi to win the Asian Heavyweight Championship (July 29, 1976, Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium). He also teamed with his
evil ally Umanosuke Ueda to win the North American Tag Team Title from Sakaguchi
and Strong Kobayashi at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium on February 2, 1977.

On January 17, 1980, he won the UWA World Heavyweight Title from Canek in Mexico
City. On April 13, 1980, he was defeated by A Inoki, who had travelled from Japan, at El
Torreo in Mexico City and lost the title. However, on October 24 of the same year, at the Okubusan Gymnasium in Okinawa he succeeded in regaining the belt. However, on
February 17, 1981, he lost to Kanek in Mexico City and fell from the title again.

In July 1981, he put an end to his eight-year feud with A Inoki and moved to All Japan
Pro Wrestling. On July 26, 1983, he and Ueda defeated Giant Baba and Jumbo Tsuruta
at the Fukuoka Sports Center to win the 32nd International Tag Team Championship,
but the title was vacated by Giant Baba and Jumbo Tsuruta on August 1, 1983 at the
Korakuen Hall in Tokyo.

In September 1990, he returned to his old team New Japan. On September 30, at the
"Antonio Inoki 30th Anniversary Memorial Festival" held at the Yokohama Arena, he
teamed up with Antonio Inoki for the first time to defeat Big Bang Vader and Animal Hamaguchi, showing a friendship that went beyond grudges. On December 8 of the same
year fought Hiroshi Hase at Ganryujima for the right to fight Antonio Inoki, but lost.
(Ganryujima is an island in Japan that was made famous for an island deathmatch between
Antonio Inoki and Masa Saito).

In June of 1992, he sought a new battlefield in FMW, and declared war on Atsushi Onita.
He fought to the death in Sekigahara (June 30, 1992 = no-rope barbed wire current bombing match) and Yokohama Stadium (September 19, 1992 = barbed wire landmine bombing match). However, he parted ways with FMW after his visit to Japan in March 1993.

In May of the same year, he joined NOW. After that, he fought bloody battles with Terry Funk, Shoji Nakamaki and others mainly in IWA Japan. In 1997, he briefly joined forces with Go Ryoma, but returned to the IWA in 1999, where he remains to this day.

In 2002, he made his CD debut with Gorgeous Matsuno as his manager. At the IWA Pre-10th Anniversary Tournament on September 29, 2003, he teamed up with Matsuda to face Williams and Miyake. This was his first matchup with Williams, and they formed a deep bond. He is a legend along with Butcher."

Tiger is sculpted with his signature sabre sword in teeth pose.

Like Bruiser Brody, Tiger was known for his insane entrances. Cutting through crowds
while swinging his sabre like a madman.

Both arms can move up and down.

Tiger's attire and look are inspired from the early 1970's - early 1980's when Tiger
competed in New Japan Pro-Wrestling.

Character Product would also release an alternate colour variant with a purple turban,
black trunks and red boots.

Singh's black trunks, red boots and purple turban were probably lifted from Singh's match
against Abdullah The Butcher in All Japan Pro-Wrestling on June 8th, 1990.

The purple version is considered the limited edition alternate colour variant and harder to
find example of the two. Usually rare variants are limited to 500 copies or less for Japanese
Pro-Wrestling figures.

The only thing that is really missing from either variant is Singh's entrance tunic. Though,
Singh is the only Character Product figure to come packaged with a chair accessory; a
throwback to Singh's heel tactics from outside the ring.

Both versions can remove the sabre sword from Tiger's teeth; showing Tiger's intimidating
snare.

The green version with chair accessory, turban and a NWF belt accessory (in which Tiger
was renown for holding in NJPW) that was borrowed from Toukon Shop's Antonio Inoki
Super Star Figure Collection 23 figure.


        

Character Product would also add Tiger Jeet Singh to the fifth volume of Mini Big Head
figures 2005; complete with entrance tunic!



Closing thoughts:

Tiger Jeet Singh's deluxe Charapro figures are some of the most expensive Pro-Wrestling
figures you can find in Japan. They also have a reputation for being bought up quickly in
certain Japanese shops when they do show up for sale.

Other than the KING OF TOY Tiger Jeet Singh soft vinyl figures, Tiger never had an action
figure of his own beforehand; making the Character Product deluxe variants all the more
collectible.

To date, there are about seven different Tiger Jeet Singh figures in total. Most of which are
Keshigomu and minifigures made by BoFord.

In Japan, the high prices for the deluxe Tiger figures can partially be explained by Tiger's
association to Antonio Inoki. Tiger's infamous (and staged brawl with Inoki in broad
daylight within a Shinjuku shopping district stirred up a lot of controversy in the press. So
much so that complaints AND charges were filed against New Japan Pro-Wrestling for
the brawl.

In the end, the publicity from Tiger and Inoki's antics spurred a massive boost in ticket
sales during the early years of New Japan Pro-Wrestling. In the eyes of the Japanese
public, the homegrown hero Antonio Inoki had finally met an adversary dangerous enough
to make each match a life or death situation; and the fans continued to line up in droves to
see what would happen next.

Mogura House Kenta Kobashi vs Jun Akiyama DX figure set review

Our next entry contains four words just about every figure collector loves to hear: "Deluxe
Figure Two-Pack"

...and, when it comes to two-packs in the land of the rising sun, no Japanese toy manufacturer
produced more two-packs for a Pro-Wrestling promotion than Mogura House.

For Blog #191, we're going to take an in-depth look at Mogura House's limited edition Kenta
Kobashi vs Jun Akiyama deluxe figure two-pack.

Released in 2004 by Japanese toy maker Mogura House, this deluxe two pack contains
the only instance of both a Kenta Kobashi and Jun Akiyama action figure packaged together.

Again, I'm a sucker for packaging and the included photos of Pro-Wrestling NOAH era
Kobashi and Akiyama are just fantastic.

Collectors should note that this deluxe two-pack contains an exclusive Kenta Kobashi figure
variant. With two closed fists and special facial hair.

Kobashi's facial hair in this exclusive variant is less noticeable (and closer to a stubble).

The two common Kenta Kobashi Mogura House figures. Clean shaven and goatee.

The included Jun Akiyama figure is also an exclusive figure variant with added facial hair.

The included belt accessory is the Pro-Wrestling NOAH GHC Heavyweight Championship.
While the belt itself is available in many other figure assortments released by Mogura House,
the GHC belt's inclusion makes this figure set all the more classy.



Another major highlight to the deluxe Kobashi and Akiyama figure set is the lovely gold sticker
stuck to the bottom right corner of the clamshell packaging.

The gold foil sticker indicates that this figure set pays tribute to Kenta Kobashi and Jun Akiyama's
5 star Championship match which occured on July 10th, 2004 in Japan's historic Tokyo Dome.

The event was known as "NOAH Departure 2004", which took place in front of an attendance of
58.000 people.

As if two exclusive figure variants and a Championship belt accessory weren't enough, the Kobashi
Akiyama two-pack also comes with a deluxe acrylic display base and two acrylic name plates that
contain both Akiyama and Kobashi's names.

The back of the packaging contains more excellent images, the name of the Tokyo Dome event
and a bio for both Wrestlers. I've included a translation of the package below.


Kenta Kobasi (left side of packaging)

"1967年3月27日生/京都府福知山市出身/186cm、115kg
/B型/入場テーマ曲はBLAZIN/1988年2月26日、滋賀・
栗東町民体育館VS大熊元司でデビュー/DATA 学生時代
は柔道に打ち込み、一度は就職したが夢捨て切れず、一念発
起してプロレス入り。絶ゆまぬ努力と不屈の精神で強靭な肉
体を作りあげ、プロレス界を代表するエースに。01年に右肘、
両膝合わせて5度の手術をしたが復活。鉄人の異名をとると
GHC王座まで獲得し、前人未到の防衛記録を今なお更新中。
誰がこの男を止められるのか。"


Translation:

"Born: March 27, 1967 in Fukuchiyama, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan / 186cm, 115kg
/B type / Entrance theme music is BLAZIN /DATA Debuted on Feb. 26, 1988 at Ritto Town
Gymnasium.

When he was a student, he devoted himself to judo and once got a job, but he couldn't give up his dream. He entered professional wrestling. He has built up a strong body with his unceasing efforts
and indomitable spirit.

In 2001, he underwent five surgeries on his right elbow and both knees, but he recovered and
became known as the Iron Man. Who can stop this man?"


Jun Akiyama (right side of packaging)

"1969年10月9日生/大阪府和泉市出身/188cm、110kg
/AB型/入場テーマ曲はSTERNNESS/1992年9月17日、
東京・後楽園ホールVS小橋健太でデビュー/DATA 高石
高校、専修大学でアマレスを経験し、全日本学生選手権準
優勝、4年で主将を務める。卒業後、プロ入りすると“超新
星”の異名でトップ・レスラーへ。その類稀な素質を見事に
開花させることでGHCヘビー&タッグ王座を獲得。「新GHC
(ハードコア)王座を設立。嵐を呼ぶ男だ!"


Translation:

"Born October 9, 1969 in Izumi City, Osaka Prefecture, Japan / 188cm, 110kg
/AB type / Entrance theme music is STERNESS / Debuted on September 17, 1992 at
Korakuen Hall vs. Kenta Kobashi in Tokyo, Japan/DATA Akiyama experienced amateur
wrestling in high school and Senshu University. He won the All Japan Student Championship
and was the captain of the team in his senior year.

After graduating, he became a professional wrestler and became a top wrestler with the nickname "Supernova". He won the GHC Heavyweight and Tag Team titles. "New GHC (Hardcore) Championship. He is the man who brings the storm!"


Closing thoughts:

The Kenta Kobashi Vs Jun Akiyama deluxe figure set is simply an awesome collector's piece.
The two exclusive figure variants available nowhere else, Championship belt accessory, acrylic
display base and attached Wrestler name plates just makes this set all the more collectible.

Kenta Kobashi would end up defeating Jun Akiyama and defend his GHC Championship in a
match that many Wrestling fans call one of the greatest matches in Pro-Wrestling history, a match
of a lifetime between two All Japan veterans and one of the few examples of a perfect card from
start to finish.

Truly, Pro-Wrestling and the spirit of All Japan Pro-Wrestling was still going strong when both
of these legends clashed.

Stay tuned for more figure reviews!

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.