#sofubi collector

Sofubi Wolf Orphnoch

- from Kamen Rider Faiz

- by Premium Bandai Spirits

One of my rare amazing thrift finds at Book Off. This spoiler territory vinyl figure was released late after Kamen Rider Faiz aired in 2003, and was a Premium Bandai webshop exclusive.

And it shows. The overspray and gorgeously intricate sculpting are immaculate. This is a toy that looks like a premium vinyl release, because it was. And the fact that I paid off-the-rack sofubi prices for this stunning display piece makes it all the more noteworthy.

Kamen Rider Alternative

- from Kamen Rider Ryuki

  Mini Sofubi Collection

- by Bandai

One Day One Shot

Yet another thrift find from Book Off in Brooklyn.

I love these mini sofubi figures, and Kamen Rider Alternative isn't exactly a merchandising darling. Finding this little figure in the dollar bin was probably the definition of "one man's trash is another man's treasure" because I love Alternative's design. And this is such a great mini vinyl, with really sharp sculpted detail. And a fun little pose.

*One Day One Shot is a marathon where we share a single picture of something new once a day, every day. So check back in for more.*

Ultraman Belial Atrocious

- from Sofubi Hero Ultraman

   Battle Set Select!

   Kitsuna Crystal no Arc

- by Bandai Shokugan

Quick Shot

The Sofubi Hero line is a series of vinyl minifigures - one of the longest running Ultraman toylines, in one iteration or another - sold in boxes with candy and a second figure. They're essentially impulse buy items. And they're gorgeous.

Belial Atrocious is such a great design to begin with, it's hard not to make it look fantastic. But it's still impressive what this figure pulls off on such a small scale.

Deep sculpted detail, with sharp lines and clearly defined features - all thanks to the vinyl casting process. The paint is simple, but clearly applied and very effective - a detail even some larger (and more expensive) figures miss.

It's a stunning toy for something I picked up at a grocery store checkout line. A true impulse buy, but now one of my favorite toys.

The Sofubi Hero line never misses. If you ever see them out in the wild, make sure to grab one.

Mini Sofubi Madness

Four great minifigures cast in soft vinyl. What's not to love? Great sculpting, paint, and a ton of charm all around.

Senpuujin and Kamen Rider Amazon were both picked up recently from a trip to Book Off. Mazinger Z and Anime Devilman were from a variety store out of town, we just happened upon a film set of 5 in a sealed package.

There's not much else to say about these little guys. They're great toys, and some of my favorite recent finds.

Mazinger Z

- from SD Dynamic Chara Collection

- by Yujin

Kamen Rider Amazon

  - from SD Kamen Rider Heroes

  - by Bandai

Senpuujin

  - from Ninpuu Sentai Hurricaneger

    Toyline Unknown

  - by Bandai

Devilman - Anime Version

  - from SD Dynamic Chara Collection

  - by Yujin

Kaiju Ice-Bat and Thawed Ice-Bat

- from Uglydolls Vinyl Series 3

[ca. 2011]

- by Kidrobot

Part of Kidrobot's line of mini sofubi Uglydolls from over a decade ago.

Ice-Bat, and his thawed partner in crime-fighting, are references to the kaiju vinyl that inspired the entire designer toy scene. Featuring the scaly texturing and metallic overspray that have become signatures of the style.

I love these toys. I actually picked them up because I had the *entire* wave of Kidrobot's original 9" Uglydolls vinyls and lost them back in 2007. I had no idea there was a kaiju reference in the wave until I opened the box (and hunted down the Thawed version a few months later)

Simple toys with great designs that homage classic toys. An easy win for me.

Ultra Monster 65 Bemular

from Ultraman

by Bandai

Quick Shots

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Star of stage, screen, and meme!

Bemular was the first monster that Ultraman faced in the original series. He's a classic, even if he looks the most like a guy just kind of standing up in a costume. But those gangly proportions and cat-like face are what make Bemular such a great little guy.

I grabbed this during a thrift run to Book Off - a Japanese chain with a few locations in the US where you can sell your toys (and games, books, electronics and music) and find some nice old toys. Usually at a premium, unfortunately, as many of the US locations charge collector prices. But this sofubi was sitting in an assorted bin of vinyl toys, in pristine condition, with his tag still attached. They didn't know what they were missing when they sold him! He was an instant buy for $3.

Dunny Showcase 2

Quick Shots

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Two more Dunnys - Two more toys taken down from the shadow boxes for dusting.

I keep these two in the same display, the colors look great together.

It also goes to show you just how long  Dunnys have been around. I got these both as blindbox pulls when they were brand new - 13 years apart.

Inari Okami

- from Spiritus Dea Series (2019)

- artist Tomodachi Island

Space

Cyclops

- from Dunny Series 3 (2006)

- artist Ron English