Showcase #48: 1991 Battle Collection Kinkeshi
I found out about this line by pure happenstance and thanks to Eric Nilla. During my trip to Japan and one of the Osaka Mandarake branches, I thought I had scored big with a #394 Part 29 sculpt for 100 yen (since the back had a YSNT mark and no CHINA on it). However I found out it was actually a 1991 reissue; at another toy store in Japan called JUNGLE (also in Osaka) I inquired more about the line and got even more information.
It appears that all 12 sculpts from the Part 29 series were re-released in a complete boxed set called "Battle Collection" made by a company called YUTAKA, these Kinkeshi had a hard material and were glossy/shiny. They came in Red, Blue & Green but no Flesh and to my knowledge Yellow.
They are a step up to the later 29th anniversary reissues in terms of quality and size; what I am not sure about is if they came in mixed/designated colors (like 4 sculpts of each color etc). I made my own sets from the ones I acquired but am pretty sure they didnt come 12 in one respective color but mixed for sure. Another thing that puzzles me is the back art/pictures of the box which shows other parts and not Part 29...freaking confusing!
I have 4 sets and the prices I have seen online for a complete set in any color ranges from 5,000 to 8,000 yen (circa $44 to $70) but individual sculpts can sell between 800 to 1500 yen each (depending on the sculpt). My boxed versions came mixed (different colors) and the arrangement of colors might determine the price as well but I have no idea; I would love a sealed version so I can see the set up inside and truly know how they came.
The annoying part for me was that I was trying to collect the vintage line and in person it is easy to distinguish between the vintage and 1991 releases but in pictures online (depending on the resolution and lighting) its harder to tell if its vintage rubber or PVC like plastic (especially since the YSNT mark is the same). I have annoyed many a few contacts in Japan and stores by asking and double checking if the Part 29 sculpts I am buying are truly vintage and made from good ol' rubber!
If you are a fan of the Mattel Muscle line; these are a nice companion. If I bump into the colors I need I will complete the boxes in their respective colors (I have a complete Green set for example and need a few sculpts to complete Red & Blue) but am not actively searching for them.
Attached Files
Edited by kayfabe1985, 07 January 2018 - 07:37 AM.