For nearly 30 years, Bandai has been producing and amazing variety of vinyl figures based on characters from the Godzilla, Toho, and Gamera films.
Photos courtesy of Mike Russo, Bob Johnson, and John DeSentis. © Toho Co., Ltd. © Bandai Co., Ltd.

An Overview and Price Guide for the Bandai Godzilla Toy Market
Author: John “Dutch” DeSentis
Special Thanks Mike Russo, Jean Carbajal, Brandon Shields, Bob Johnson, Greg Cordaro, Andy Shields, and James Bond

A SciFi JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

Tag for Bandai’s Godzilla 1984, one of the earliest
figures released in “The Godzilla Collection”.
© 1984 Toho Co., Ltd. © 1984 Bandai Co., Ltd.

Welcome to the market overview and price guide to Bandai Godzilla collectibles. The Bandai Company for decades now has been the standard for producing toys based on popular Japanese characters; they are essentially the Mattel of Japan. As it pertains to this article, they began producing toys based on characters in the Godzilla Series in 1983. Over the years since, both the output and quality of the company has steadily increased. The figures themselves are made of vinyl and have been primarily produced in two sizes, 6 inch and 8 inch scale, with the 8 inch scale being the most popular with collectors. There are also larger figures which vary between the 14 and 24 inch scale.

The decision to focus on the Bandai market is due to the company’s immense popularity among Godzilla fans and a general need to know where the toys currently stand as far as pricing and rarity. We have done research and kept our eyes on general trends from sales on the internet and at shows throughout the year such as G-Fest (the annual celebration of Godzilla and Toho Sci-Fi), the San Diego and New York Comic-Cons, Chiller Theater (the legendary toy and horror film expo in New Jersey), and other collector shows and marketplaces such as Frank & Son (in California) and the like. We also keep our eye on shops in the major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Finally, we also go to the people closest to the toys— dealers and collectors— to get their opinions and observations.

Also included in this market report is pricing on GODZILLA-related Bandai figures such as the REBIRTH OF MOTHRA trilogy, the GAMERA series, and even Toho’s YAMATO TAKERU (OROCHI THE EIGHT HEADED DRAGON). We are not, however, pricing DX (deluxe), battery operated, or candy toys. This article strictly covers the standard figures in their various scales.
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Toei Hero Dies at Age 59
Author: Keith Aiken and Oki Miyano
Translations: Oki Miyano and Hiro Sono
Source: Yahoo Japan, various
Special Thanks to JR Lipartito

A recent photo of actor Yusuke Natsu.

SciFi Japan is sad to report the passing of actor Yusuke Natsu, one of the stars of the 1976 Toei Co., Ltd. television series SPACE IRONMEN KYODYNE (Uchu Tetsujin Kyodain), who died at a Tokyo hospital from stomach cancer on January 27th. He was 59 years old.

Besides KYODYNE, Natsu appeared in a number of television shows and movies from Toei, Nikkatsu, Toho, and other studios. A partial list of credits includes CHARGE! HUMAN!! (Totsugeki! Human!!, 1972), SWEET REVENGE (Kiri no Hata, 1977), NEVER GIVE UP (Yasei no Shomei, 1978), THE YAKUZA WIVES 2 (Gokudo no Onna-Tachi 2, 1987), and AFTERNOON WHEN FLOWERS FELL (Hana no Furu Gogo, 1989). He is best known for the TV drama SPECIAL CRIME INVESTIGATION (Tokusou Saizensen, 1977), in which he co-starred with Hiroshi Fujioka of MASKED RIDER fame.

Fujioka only learned of his old friend’s illness shortly before Natsu’s death, when one of his acquaintances told him that Natsu had only a few days to live. On the 27th he told a reporter that, “Natsu’s serious attitude towards acting was impressive. He was still so young… I’ve lost my comrade.”
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Voltron Lands this Summer
Source: Privateer Press press release
Official Sites: monsterpocalypse.com, voltron.com

An early look at the packaging for the new VOLTRON: DEFENDER OF THE UNIVERSE
battle miniatures game. Photo courtesy of Privateer Press. © 2010 Privateer
Press, Inc. Voltron is © 2010 World Events Productions, Ltd.

Privateer Press has announced that the highly anticipated VOLTRON: DEFENDER OF THE UNIVERSE battle miniatures game (PIP 50030) for MONSTERPOCALYPSE will be released July 2010 with an MSRP of $49.99.

The VOLTRON game will include everything two players need to stage epic battles between the forces of Voltron and the Galaxy Alliance and Lo-Tron of the fiendish Drule Empire. Part of the popular MONSTERPOCALYPSE line, VOLTRON: DEFENDER OF THE UNIVERSE will be completely compatible with all current MONSTERPOCALYPSE series.

In celebration of the release, Privateer Press is offering the VOLTRON: DEFENDER OF THE UNIVERSE Launch Kit (PIP 50033, MSRP $399.92) to brick-and-mortar retailers. The kit includes eight copies of the VOLTRON: DEFENDER OF THE UNIVERSE battle miniatures game and two limited edition Mega Voltron figures for use in promoting the game’s release in the store. Retailers can pre-order the VOLTRON: DEFENDER OF THE UNIVERSE Launch Kit through their distributor now.
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SPECTREMAN Star Passes Away
Author: Bob Johnson
Additional Research and Translations: Daisuke Ishizuka
Source: Yahoo Japan, various
Special Thanks to Oki Miyano and Keith Aiken

Actor Tetsuo Narikawa prepares to transform into Spectreman.
©1971 P Productions.

2010 got off to a sad and shocking start with the loss of the star of one of Japan’s more unique superhero series. Actor Tetsuo Narikawa died of lung cancer on January 1 in Tokyo, Japan. He was 65 years old.

Narikawa is best known for his leading role as Joji Gamou (aka; George) in the P Productions TV series SPECTREMAN (Supekutoruman) from January 2, 1971 through March 25, 1972. After SPECTREMAN, he went on to guest star in a few other superhero series, notably LION MARU (Kaiketsu Raion-Maru, 1972) episodes 3 and 5, MASKED RIDER (Kamen Raidaa, 1972) episode 63, ROBOT DETECTIVE (Robot Keiji, 1973) episode 25, and ULTRAMAN LEO (Urutoraman Leo, 1974) episode 36.
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Romance, Anime, and 20TH CENTURY BOYS 2 in San Francisco
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: NewPeopleWorld.com
Special Thanks to Evelyn Dubocq and Erik Jansen

JOSEE, THE TIGER AND THE FISH. Photo courtesy of VIZ Media. © 2003 Josee, The
Tiger and the Fish Film Partners

February is the month of love and VIZ Cinema, the nation’s first and only movie theatre dedicated to Japanese film, sweetens this theme with a pair of captivating love stories by director Isshin Inudo, presented in association with Asmik Ace Entertainment. Don’t miss the chance to attend the West Coast premieres of these heartwarming cinematic masterpieces. How far would you go in the name of LOVE?

VIZ Cinema is privileged to present director Inudo’s JOSEE, THE TIGER AND THE FISH, screening February 5th –18th; and LA MAISON DE HIMIKO, showing February 18th – March 4th. To celebrate the spirit of Valentine’s Day for the entire month of February, filmgoers who also bring a date (or a friend) will receive a special 50% discount on the second person’s admission.

Anime fans can also look forward to a special double-feature encore showing of GURREN LAGANN: THE MOVIE 1 & 2 – for one night only – on Sunday February 21st at 5:00pm and 7:30pm respectively. VIZ Cinema will offer special combo tickets for $15.00 to attend both showings.

VIZ Cinema will also host a one night only DVD Release Screening of 20TH CENTURY BOYS 2: THE LAST HOPE on Tuesday, February 9th.
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A Look at the International Model and Toy Show Held in Tokyo on January 10, 2010
Author: Ed Godziszewski
Official Site: Super Festival

Prototypes for the new Marmit Destoroyah and Burning Godzilla figures. Photo
by Ed Godziszewski.

In years past, it used to be a big deal to attend toy shows such as Super Festival— each show yielded not only its share of exclusive items, but they were a expeditious way to accomplish a good deal of shopping all in one place. Rather than spending time and train fare scurrying about Tokyo, Super Festival offered one-stop shopping where you could find not only most every current item, but also a nice selection of vintage (and sometimes otherwise unheard of) items.

Due to a change in my business trip schedule, it had been almost 6 years since the last time I attended Super Festival, so attending this most recent incarnation this past January 10 impressed upon me just how much times have changed.
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Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: shonensunday.com/series/kekkaishi
Special Thanks to Evelyn Dubocq and Erik Jansen

Photo courtesy of VIZ Media. © 2006, 2010 Yellow Tanabe/ Shogakukan, Yomiuri
TV, Sunrise

Today, VIZ Media, LLC brings the animated demon-battling action and adventure of KEKKAISHI to Hulu, an online video service that offers hit TV shows, movies and clips at Hulu.com and other online destination sites — anytime in the U.S. The series debuts with 5 episodes with new installments launching each week. To view KEKKAISHI, please visit Hulu.com.

KEKKAISHI is based on a hit manga series by Yellow Tanabe (also published in North America by VIZ Media). Mystical forces are powerful in the region called Karasumori. For over 400 years, it has been the duty of a clan of “kekkaishi”— barrier masters— to guard the land and exterminate the supernatural creatures that are drawn to the area night after night.

“KEKKAISHI is the latest series to join the VIZ Media family of animated titles available to U.S. audiences on Hulu and we hope that fans will enjoy its lively mix of adventure, comedy and demon-slaying action,” says Candice Uyloan, Director, Brand Management at VIZ Media. “We are committed to utilizing the web to deliver the best in anime through innovative web-based, video streaming outlets like Hulu. KEKKAISHI is an exciting addition to all the other top-rated anime from VIZ Media and we invite audiences to dive into this new series!”
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The blind swordsman Zatoichi is back on the big screen this month in ZATOICHI, THE FUGITIVE, one of nine chambara classics playing Japan
Society’s “The Double-Edged Sword” film series. Photo courtesy of Japan Society. © 1963 Kadokawa Pictures, Inc.

Japan Society Presents the Second Installment of “The Double-Edged Sword” Chambara Film Series
Source: Japan Society
Special Thanks to Sean Levine

New York – Japan Society’s latest Monthly Classics film series “The Double-Edged Sword: The Chambara Films of Shintaro Katsu & Raizo Ichikawa” pays tribute to two Japanese screen legends in their most respected, representative and stylish chambara (sword fighting) films. Curated by film expert and author Chris D. (Outlaw Masters of Japanese Film), the series screens monthly through May 2010. Having opened in December, the second installment in the series is ZATOICHI, THE FUGITIVE on Friday, January 22 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $11/$7 Japan Society members, students and seniors.

ZATOICHI, THE FUGITIVE (Zatoichi kyojo-tabi)
Friday, January 22, 7:30 pm
1963, 86 min., 35 mm, color, in Japanese with English subtitles. Directed by Tokuzo Tanaka. With Shintaro Katsu, Miwa Takada, Masayo Banri, Junichiro Narita, Katsuhiko Kobayashi.

As the iconic blind masseur Zatoichi, Katsu enters this fourth episode of the saga— one of the most acclaimed— with a bounty on his head. Soon, he is up to his neck slicing and dicing through a throng of yakuza thugs, fending off a long-lost love and battling a ruthless ronin for hire.
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Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release
Special Thanks to Jackie Smith

© 2007 Ryohgo Narita, Media Works/Project Baccano!

FUNimation Entertainment moves into 2010 with several new Region 1 DVDs of popular anime series and movies for fans in North America. Read on for plot descriptions, DVD specs, and a look at the cover art for:

CASE CLOSED MOVIE: THE LAST WIZARD OF THE CENTURY
CASE CLOSED MOVIE: CAPTURED IN HER EYES
CASE CLOSED MOVIE: COUNTDOWN TO HEAVEN
BLASSREITER THE COMPLETE SERIES: PART 2 Box Set
BACCANO! THE COMPLETE SERIES Box Set
DRAGONAUT: THE RESONANCE PART 2 Box Set
D GRAY-MAN: SEASON 2, PART 2 Box Set
BAMBOO BLADE: PART 2
LINEBARRELS OF IRON Box Set
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DVD Release and Special San Francisco Screening on January 26
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: VIZ Pictures
Special Thanks to Evelyn Dubocq and Erik Jansen

DVD cover art for DAIDO MORIYAMA: STRAY DOG OF TOKYO.
The documentary will play the VIZ Cinema on January 26.
Photo VIZ Media. © 2001 B.B.B. Co., Ltd

VIZ Pictures will release the newest volume of its ongoing NEW PEOPLE ARTIST SERIES – DAIDO MORIYAMA: STRAY DOG OF TOKYO (Near Equal Moriyama Daidou, 2001) on DVD January 26th. This intriguing documentary profiles the life and art of Japan’s foremost photographer and highlights his unorthodox style and technique. The DVD will carry an MSRP of $24.92 U.S. / $35.99 CAN and will be distributed by VIZ Media.

Daido Moriyama has been a major force in artistic photography since the late 60’s, but his true persona has been hidden behind a veil of mystery since he has refused any major media appearances – until now. This new documentary follows the charismatic Moriyama as he displays his trademark photographic technique of taking quick snapshots without looking in the viewfinder. Often shot in black and white, out of focus and dramatically cropped or tilted, the themes of Moriyama’s images have been said to convey a sense of the disordered human condition and the conflicting realities of modern urban life.

In celebration of this new release, VIZ Pictures has scheduled a special one night only theatrical screening of DAIDO MORIYAMA: STRAY DOG OF TOKYO on January 26th at VIZ Cinema. Tickets are $25.00, which includes a pass to the film screening, a copy of the DVD, a postcard and a NEW PEOPLE original pin button.
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Cover art for some of the manga titles coming from VIZ Media in the first half of 2010. Photos courtesy of VIZ Media. Biomega © 2004
Tsutomu Nihei/Shueisha Inc. Maoh: Juvenile Remix © 2007 Kotaro Isaka, Megumi Osuga/Shogakukan Inc.Rosario + Vampire Season II
© 2007 Akihisa Ikeda/Shueisha Inc. Ultimo © 2008 Stan Lee–POW! Entertainment/Dream Ranch, Hiroyuki Takei/Shueisha Inc.

Source: MediaLab press release
Official Site: VIZ Media
Special Thanks to Erik Jansen

VIZ Media, LLC has announced some of their exciting new manga set for release throughout the first half of 2010. The new releases will be published by VIZ Media under its best-known imprints including VIZ Kids, VIZ Signature, Shojo Beat, Shonen Sunday, Shonen Jump and Shonen Jump Advanced.
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Source: Privateer Press press release
Official Site: monsterpocalypse.com

An early look at the Unit Booster and Monster Booster game packs for April’s
MONSTERPOCALYPSE SERIES 5: BIG IN JAPAN. Photos courtesy of Privateer Press.
© 2010 Privateer Press, Inc.

Privateer Press of Bellevue, WA has announced that the next expansion for its collectible miniatures game MONSTERPOCALYPSE will be released in April 2010. The expansion, SERIES 5: BIG IN JAPAN, takes the monsters and minions of MONSTERPOCALYPSE to the heart of Japan with new iconic buildings from the Tokyo skyline. BIG IN JAPAN will be available in Monster Boosters and Unit Boosters.

To celebrate the release of BIG IN JAPAN, Privateer Press is offering two special promotions to retailers and players. Players can get a limited edition Mega Mechathugrosh figure free from participating retailers by ordering the BIG IN JAPAN Mega Kit (PIP 50915). The kit includes one case of BIG IN JAPAN Boosters, one case of BIG IN JAPAN Unit Boosters, and one Mega Mechathugrosh figure.

The second promotion is available to retailers who order the BIG IN JAPAN Launch Kit (PIP 50916). The kit includes six of the BIG IN JAPAN Mega Kits and two free limited edition Mega White Dajan figures for the retailer to use in supporting the launch of BIG IN JAPAN. Both the BIG IN JAPAN Mega Kit and the BIG IN JAPAN Launch Kit are limited, and players and retailers are encouraged to pre-order so as not to miss out on these special offers.
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Source: Capcom Co., Ltd., The Associates press releases
Official Site: tatsunoko.vscapcom.com
Special Thanks to Farhana Shaikh

Logo for the new Wii game TATSUNOKO VS. CAPCOM: ULTIMATE ALL-STARS. Photo
courtesy of The Associates. © 2010 Capcom Co., Ltd., partially licensed by
Tatsunoko Production Co., Ltd.

TATSUNOKO VS. CAPCOM: ULTIMATE ALL-STARS

Release Date: Jan. 29, 2010 (US), Jan. 29, 2010 (UK)
Genre: VS. Fighting
Platform: Nintendo Wii
Rating: T (US), PEGI 12+/USK 12/OFLC PG/BBFC 12 (UK)
Producer: Ryota Niitsuma

TATSUNOKO VS. CAPCOM: ULTIMATE ALL-STARS pairs well-known characters from Capcom’s roster of games with some of Japan’s most-beloved characters from anime powerhouse Tatsunoko Production. From Capcom’s 30-year history come characters like Ryu and Chun-Li from the STREET FIGHTER series, Morrigan from DARKSTALKERS and Mega Man Volnutt from MEGA MAN LEGENDS. Tatsunoko’s near half-century of Japanese animation excellence is represented by the likes of Ken the Eagle and Jun the Swan from the SCIENCE NINJA TEAM GATCHAMAN anime (known in Europe and North America as BATTLE OF THE PLANETS or G-FORCE), cybernetic warrior Casshan and comedic action hero Yatterman No. 1. All together, there are more than 20 colorful combatants to choose from in order to form the ultimate tag team combination.
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Three SciFi Japan readers have each won a 20TH CENTURY BOYS 1:
BEGINNING OF THE END Gift Pack containing the DVD, poster, and button.
Photo courtesy of VIZ Pictures. © 1999, 2006 Naoki Urasawa, Studio Nuts
/Shogakukan. © 2008 “20th Century Boys” Film Partners

Source: VIZ Pictures
Official Movie Site: 20thboysfilms.com (US), 20th Boys (Japanese)
Special Thanks to Rieko Fuji

A SciFi JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

Thank you to everyone who entered VIZ Pictures and SciFi Japan’s contest for a free “20TH CENTURY BOYS DVD Otoshi-dama Gift Packs”. The following randomly drawn entrants correctly answered all contest questions:

Stephanie Chaplin
Robert Sroka
Abel Castro Montero

Congratulations to the winners! Each of you has won a Gift Pack containing the 20TH CENTURY BOYS 1: BEGINNING OF THE END DVD, button, and theatrical poster. VIZ Pictures will be shipping the Gift Packs shortly so keep an eye on your mailbox.
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Details on New Region 1 Anime and Live-Action Titles Coming from January to March
Source: Section23 Films press releases
Special Thanks to Chris Oarr

THE SKULL MAN COMPLETE COLLECTION comes out the
first week of February. Photo courtesy of Section23 Films.

Houston TX-based Section23 Films, America’s fastest-growing anime distributor, has provided details for its January-March 2010 slate of new DVD releases. Section23 client Sentai Filmworks is coming out with thirteen new home video releases, including the first DVD sets of the anime series HIDAMARI SKETCH, GLASS MASK, and NEO ANGELIQUE ABYSS; complete sets of THE SKULL MAN, MARIA HOLIC, YOZAKURA QUARTET, and TAYUTAMA: KISS ON MY DEITY; and the second and final volumes of YOU’RE UNDER ARREST: FAST & FURIOUS, SPECIAL A, and TEARS TO TIARA. Also coming from Sentai Filmworks is the first collection of YOU’RE UNDER ARREST: FULL THROTTLE and the second collection of TO LOVE RU.

Switchblade Pictures, another Section23 client, has seven live-action DVD releases straight from Japan, including KIRENJI GIRLS’ COMBAT SCHOOL, AKIBALLION: BATTLEMAIDS OF AKIHABARA, RYUJI THE YAKUZA, BAYSENKI BATTLE CHRONICLE, and the double features FEMALE COMBATANTS BATTLE SCHOOL/ DEMONIC HEROINE IN PERIL, CAT GIRL/ SUPER DIMENSION ODYSSEY TRITIA, and BIRTHDAY MAIL/ KOKURRI-SAN.

Finally, from AEsir Holdings, Section23 presents a new edition of the classic anime series, PETITE PRINCESS YUCIE COMPLETE COLLECTION.
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