Micro Heritage

Takara Henshin Cyborg Series (1972-1975)

Henshin Cyborg 

Henshin Cyborg Series

Henshin Cyborg Series

(1972-1974)
Cyborg One

Gray Cyborg-1

Gold Cyborg-1

Silver Cyborg-1

Blue Cyborg-1

King Walder

Yellow King Walder

Purple King Walder

Blue King Walder

Green King Walder

 
Shonen Cyborg

Gold Shonen

Silver Shonen

Blue Shonen 

Jaguar Cyborg

Gold Jaguar

Silver Jaguar

Blue Jaguar

Accessories

Cyborg Outfits

Hero Costumes Series

KW Costumes Series

Shonen Costume Series

Jaguar Costume Series

Weapon Set

Cyborg Weapons Set

King Walder Weapons Set

Shonen Weapons Set

Jaguar Weapons Set

Play-Sets

Cyborg Rider Set

Cyborg Rider

Cyborg Side-car

Cyborg Mini-Cycle

Cyborg Station CX-1

Misc. Set

Cyborg Communication Set

Cycle Weapons Set

Cyborg Android A Series

(1975)

Android A Series

Android A

Super Android A

Machine Android A

Invader Series

Invader O

Invader Z

Invader J

Weapon Set

Android A Victory Set

Invader Weapon Set

Play-Sets

Invader UFO-7

Invader Command Chair

Victory Series

Robotman

Drill Tank Set

Dozer Set

Takara released the first Henshin Cyborg, Cyborg-1, in late 1972, two years prior to the debut of Microman.  Henshin Cyborg figure, interestingly, was based on the popular 12" (1/6) Combat Joe body (licensed GI Joe).   The toy featured clear Combat Joe figure with visible "cyborg" and "atomic engine" machinery innards.  Takara also released several accessories and villain figure (King Walder) for the series, most notably were the fabric costumes for the cyborg   The costumes were from the popular early 1970's live TV shows such as the Ultraman and Kamen Rider series. (It seem Henshin Cyborg concept seem to came from the US Captain Action line)  In 1974, Takara decided to release miniature version of the Henshin Cyborg. Takara shrunk the cyborg figure down to 10cm (1/18) size and released them as Microman Zone.

GI JOE/Combat Joe

Henshin Cyborg body was licensed GI Joe body sold in Japan by Takara under Combat Joe banner. Takara actually produced costume hero figures based on Japanese live-action sci-fi TV show in 1971 using the Combat Joe for the body. But it was not until 1972, that Takara introduced the clear cyborg body completed with atomic engine (which interestingly inspired by motorcycle engine from plastic model kit) not only as body for the costume heroes (and villains) but also as stand alone sci-fi figure toy.

(Picture - Neo Cyborg, Cyborg-1 and reissued GI Joe)

COOL CYBORG LINKS

For more info on original Henshin Cyborg check out the following site the Tool's site (Japanese).

For more info and pictures of Neo Cyborg please check out :  Randall E. Barker's Robotcity and The Tool's Neo & Cyborg99. (Japanese)

Takara also released 8" Shonen (Child) Cyborg  along with Jaguar Cyborg as Cyborg-1 allies. Evil King Walder which shared the same body as Cyborg-1 but with organic grotesques inner part was released as Cyborg-1's nemesis. King Walder became the first enemy figure to be produced and sold in Japan.  Beside the multitude of costumes Takara also released several play-sets and weapon sets for the figures including the Cyborg Station case and Cyborg Cycle set.

In 1975, Takara introduced new series of Cyborg called Android A, along with "Victory Project" series (an attempt to tie Microman series which now became separated series with the Henshin Cyborg). However by the end of 1975, Microman became very popular and the Cyborg series was canceled and Victory Series (Robotman toys) was absorbed into Microman line-up.  It would be over 20 years before Takara finally introduced a new Henshin Cyborg series called Neo Henshin Cyborg.  Neo Cyborg only last  a year and the new series was followed by another short live series called Double-Nine. After the unsuccessful relaunch, Takara decided to reissue old Henshin Cyborg toy instead.  (See MicroHeritage - Neo Cyborg & Cyborg99 Series)