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Microman 2004 Series Microman Micro Action Series |
Microman 2004 |
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Tatsunoko
Fight Microman 2nd Run (2/04) MA-02 Casshan MA-03 Polymer MA-04 Tekkaman MA-05 Volter
Transformers Superlink (3/25/04)
Microman Kicker SL Grand Convoy
Energon Kicker Superlink Lucky Draw Prize (10/04)
Micro Casshern (4/28/04)
Micro Batman (4/28/04)
Micro Devilman (7/04)
Toy's Dream Project Exclusive MA-09 Green Devilman (TV) (9/16/04)
MA-SP02 Devilman & Sileen (Manga Version) (9/30/04)
Micro Batman Series 2 (9/04) MA-10 Catwoman (9/30/04)
MA-SP01 Batman (Black Version) & Bat-Girl (9/30/04)
Micro Street Fighter (2/24/05)
Micro AVP (DELAY TO 2005) MA-13 Alien Warrior MA-14 Alien Queen MA-15 Predator Elder MA-16 Predator Scar MA-17 Predator Celtic
Micro Spider-Man MA-XX Spider-Man (Cancel)
MICRO ACTION EX
Classic Thunderbirds International Rescue Toys R Us Exclusive (9/16/04)
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Takara advertisement for "Microman X Transformers Anniversary Special" Set
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Character Microman
Character tie-in Microman figures are nothing new to the series, since Takara have done this with the original Microman series back in 1970's. Back then Takara had Microman figures based on Geeg and Gakeen, not to mention its own creation Robotman. During the recent Replica Series, Takara released Micro Devilman based on Go Nagai Devilman character.
When Takara reintroduced Microman series again in 2003 as Microman 2003 Micro Force they also released a set of Microman action figures based on Tatsunoko Fight video game. The new character tie-in series however was a bit different from the Microman Gakeen or even the recent Micro Devilman. These new figures were more akin to character costume series (Henshin Set) of the Henshin Cyborg line, so instead of other characters became "microman-ized", Microman now transform into other characters. Since Microman 2003 and 2004 series were actually a Neo-Microman Zone of sort (a miniature version of Henshin Cyborg, or in this case miniature of Neo Cyborg and Double-Nine), the new Micro Action Series can be viewed as the "Henshin Set" or "costume hero" equivalent for Microman 2004.
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When the new Microman 2003 line made a return in 2004 as Microman 2004 series, Takara also brought along previous year Micro Size Action Figure line (which consisted of only one series - the Tatsunoko Fight Microman). The line was renamed as "Micro Action Series" and Takara kick-off the 2004 series with Transformers Kicker character as the first tie-in Microman figure. The release of Microman Kicker was a historic event as it marked the first time these two Takara lines actually had a joint product. The significant of this event was not lost on Takara and Special Anniversary set was released to commemorate the event that marked the 30th Anniversary of Microman and 20th Anniversary of Transformers. The set came with SL Grand Convoy and special version of Kicker with chrome head and chest as a homage to Microman series. Beside the Transformers tie-in, Takara also announced three more "characters tie-in" for the Micro Action Series. The first was live-action version of Casshern from the upcoming movie "Casshern". The other two Micro Action figures were a bit of a surprise since the character came from US comic rather than Japanese TV show. The two latest additions were based on DC comic Batman character. The first version was standard "comic" version and the second was special "Flight Gear" version. Takara has yet to announce any future character tie-in figure, but with the upcoming Microman female body source the possibility are endless. May be we will see Micro Lady Cutey Honey or Princess to go with Gachaman Ken Microman. |
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For second half of 2004 and early 2005, Takara greatly expanded the line-up for the Micro Action Series to include a second video game based character series - Microman Street Fighters and new series based on AVP (Aliens Vs Predators) movie. Takara also released EX edition of Micro Action with real cloth out fit with the first series based on character from the classic sci-fi Thunderbirds which were sold as limited edition for Toys R Us Japan stores. DC Batman series got two additions figures including Catwoman and Bat-Girl. |
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