What's Nuevo???

New junk I just got around to scanning

Vampire Princess Miyu

Vampire Miyu

How long have we waited for Vampire Princess Miyu toys? Too long? Now here's not one, but two dolls from Tsukuda Hobby. Just to repeat, these Tsukuda dolls are around 13 or 14 inch scale, and with joints a plenty. This Miyu (in her Vampire kimono) even has ribbons to tie around her feet.

Miyu Yamano

Here's Miyu in her school uniform. These dolls are based on the new Miyu anime (can't recall offhand if it's a TV show or and OAV), which is the reason for the inclusion of that disturbing little mascot. Now if only they'd make Larva!

Starlight Yoshiki

Yoshiki in "Rose" Outfit

One of the weirder side-alley's in Jenny's history was Takara's desision to add to Jenny's overflowing cocktail party of friends and boyfriends an additional line of celebrity friends. The first in this series was an androgynous rock drummer named Yoshiki. In addition to this amazing, rose-bedecked outfit, Yoshiki was available in white or blue.

Odds and Ends

Melody Mokona

Can you ever have too many Mokona toys? This Mokona keyring evidently plays tunes.

Plush Godzilla

"Run for you life! It's SD Godzilla!" Dose anybody else think the new Godzilla movie would be a lot better if they'd dub in the voices, a la Hardware Wars? With cute widdle gnashing teeth, this pot-bellied plush Godzilla has been wrecking itty-bitty havok in my apartment. Awwww!

ChuChu UFO

Am I the only one who is growing increasingly disturbed by "cute" mascots that are being tacked onto anime these days? This scary little monkey-thing from Utena is a prime example. I am a sucker for cute--witness all the Mokona toys and plush Totoros clogging our tiny abode. But if you're going to do kawaii, for god's sakes, at least do it right! Who the hell thought up Vampire Miyu getting a cute mascot? What next? Ewoks?

Sailor Moon in Tunisia

I know it's been a while since I've updated this page. Thanks to everyone for being so patient. We just got back from a trip to Tunisia, where I sought an answer to the vital question, Is there Sailor Moon in North Africa? (Oh, and we saw some Star Wars stuff too.)

Candy Topper

This candy topper (which I believe bears the likeness of Sailor Neptune) was found in a small shop in Tozeur, although I saw similar (non-Sailor Moon) items all over Tunisia. The cool thing is, this piece is licensed (it's got a Toei copyright on the back) and it's got Arabic writing on the wrapper--a genuine Tunisian Sailor Moon item. Proof positive that it's easier to find Sailor Moon stuff in North Africa than it is in the United States!

Digital Watch

I found this watch at a stall in the Medina (or rather, my smart and good-looking husband spotted it). It's probably a bootleg, and similar to a lot of stuff I've seen in Seattle's own international district. However, I think it's interesting mainly for the novelty of having bought it (and spent some time haggling for it, no less) in a Tunis souk.

Beauty Warrior

This attractive knockoff, featuring a Sailor Mars-like mask and some role-playing toys, would be kinda cool even if I hadn't happened to have found it in Carthage. I especially like the image of two senshi packing heat. Interesting story about this piece: my Star Wars-obsessed spouse had picked up a Star Wars item or two during our journey, and as is our custom, the two of us packed our collectibles in our hand luggage for our flight out of Tunis. (We ended up spending the night in London without a change of underwear, as our checked luggage made its way to Seattle, but hell, our bubbles remained undented!) Anyway, I should also explain that Tunisia is somewhat of a benevolent dictatorship, and police checks are a way of life. Our last police check came just before we were to board our flight. Gus bit his fingernails as our hand baggage was taken from us, and his beloved props were sent through the X-ray machine. Suddenly, one of the policemen shouted whatever the Arabic equivalent of "Aha!" is, and grabbed....my shopping bag. He'd spotted the Sailor Moon gun! The look on his face as he opened the bag and saw that not only had he spotted a plastic toy guy, but a flourescent pink one at that, was simply priceless.

More Moonia

Moon Crisis Dress

Well, it ain't from Tunisia, but this is a pretty swell Moon outfit. From the S series.

Wedding Peach--original Tomy dolls

These are the only Tomy anime dolls I own. I had acquired some bogus Mimi World Peach dolls some months back, so it was great to finally see the originals. By the way, if you haven't seen the show yet, the TechnoGirls are providing some wonderful fansubs for Wedding Peach. It's a hilarious entry in the magical girls genre.

Wedding Peach

Please note: these dolls have been deboxed, but I've stuck them back in their boxes for photography.

Angel Lily

Angel Daisy

Daisy's my fave. Just can't resist a doll with green hair.

Mimi World vs. Tomy doll boxes

Here's a side-by-side comparison of the two Peach dolls in their boxes. The Tomy Peach is on the right, the Mimi World copy is on the left. The boxes are almost identical, but for the NAS sticker barely visible in the upper right corner of the Tomy box, and an odd blank spot on the back of the Mimi World bootleg on the left.

Mimi World vs. Tomy Peach dolls

The original Tomy Peach doll is on the right, the Mimi World doll is to the left. Note that the two dolls even appear to use different head molds. Not visible: the Mimi World mark on the Mimi doll's back. The Mimi doll also has a Mimi World label on her dress. The Tomy doll has hollow legs, whereas the Mimi doll has solid legs, as well as a twist waist. Thanks to Kyri Ho for solid detective work into the Case of the Bogus Peach Dolls!

Ryotsu

Ryotsu Sushi Chef

This Ryo action figure comes with the usual plethora of accessories, including a fan, and an extra head, complete with a quizzical expression. Too cool.

Ryotsu Windup

This is a little bit of an unusual Ryo item. The toy is composed of mixed plastic and tin, and it has all sorts of groovy features, such as fists that fly off, and a lid that opens in Ryo's head so you can see his brain.

Martian Successor Nadesico

Ruri

While these Nadesico dolls haven't been receiving the attention of the Nadesico aciton figures, I'm glad to have them in my collection. I'm not even sure about the manufacturer, although they clearly have Sega and Takara trademarks on the back.

Yurica

By the way (plug, plug)I ordered these dolls from the friendly and helpful Sean at Splash Page Comics. Thanks, Sean!

Jenny

Lingere Jenny

Jenny steps out in the "Jenny 18" body. And, yes, those are real garters holding up her stockings! This doll was a limited edition Totoco special. (For an explanation of what the heck a Jenny 18 body is, see below.)

Dreadlocks Ellie, 1st ed

Is this true? Can there be two rasta Ellie dolls? I think the explanation is that the Totoco shop loves to make a jillion variations of it's special dolls (witness the many permutations of Chinese Lina). Here's a side by side comparison of the two dreadlocks Ellies in my collection. Note that the one on the left is dressed in khaki, she is wearing her boots, her hair is put up, and there is no name on the box. The doll on the right is dressed in a Juliana-like pink miniskirt, she is not wearing her boots, her hair is down, and the box says "Ellie." I believe the first edition doll is the one that lacks the name "Ellie" on the box.

Jenny doll bodies

OK, since there's a lot of confusion about this, here is a side-by-side comparison of some of the different kinds of Jenny doll bodies. In the middle is Jenny's side-glancing friend, Kisara, with the standard "Jenny 17" body. On the left is Jenny's cool friend, Ellie, with the somewhat taller "Jenny 18" body. Notice that her legs are longer, she has a twist waist, and she's noticably, er, better-endowed than Kisara. To the right is Jenny's new biker babe friend, Mitsuki, with the Jenny "Super Action" body. Note that her pelvis is a bit longer than those of the other two dolls, and that she's slightly taller then Kisara.

Jenny Loves Elvis

Here, for no discernable reason, is Jenny's friend Mitsuki being serenaded by my Elvis Presley doll. (Note that Elvis has joined the Army!)

Jenny's Weiner Dog

Isn't this cute? This is in case Jenny ever needs to make an appearance in a Far Side cartoon, I guess.

Sailor Moon

Rei's Temple Outfit

This outfit is from the R series. It is actually the only doll-related item from the R series I own, so that's very keen.

Planet Girls

I love a good Sailor Moon bootleg. These are pretty cool, with a silly name, creative box art (love the little stitching the added to Sailor Moon's boots), and a special prize for the worst odangos I've ever seen.

Sakura Wars

Ri Kouran Full Action Doll

OK, let's get this straight: this is the Tsukuda Hobby 14" (1:5 scale) Ri Kouran doll, not to be confused with the Sega Charadoll Selection Ri doll. And she kicks butt! To demonstrate, as well as to prove that yes, Virginia, I do open my dolls, so get that self-satisfied expression off your face, here is an image of Ri striking a pose. Here is an image of Ri dating my Boba Fett doll. (The Boba has a weakness for freckles.)

Sumire Full Action Doll

Another Tsukuda Hobby doll. Hang on to that kimono, Sumire!

Sumire CharaDoll Selection

OK, so this is the 11" scale Sumire doll from Sega, not to be mistaken for the 14" scale Tsukuda Hobby Sumire doll. She is in addition number 04 in the CharaDoll Selection series along with Ri, Sakura and Utena. Confused yet?

Action figures

Ruri Real Model figure

Y'all remember little Ruri from Martian Successor Nadesico, right? Here she is captured in what I think is the most exciting current action figure line, the Sega Real Model collection. With a real CD! Wowsers!

Yurica Real Model figure

Yurica action figure from the Sega Real Model collecting. Sweet, huh?

Lina Inverse LM Figure

Speaking of sweet figures, here's one of the newer figures in the Bandai LM Figure series, Lina, the cheery dragon-slayer from Slayers.

Miscellaney

Eva UFO keychains

Just couldn't resist the little SD EVAs and Angels. But I really lost it when I saw the little SD Adam. Complete with cute little SD bloodstain.

Utena Cardass cards

These cards are so damn purty, I'd like to scan them all in for you, only Gus is kicking me off the computer. Darn!

Oh, happy happy, joy joy! Issue number 11 of Figure Oh, the action figure encyclopedia, is finally out. It's got a big, big day-glo pink cover, pictures galore of cool Mighty Atom (aka, Astro Boy) toys, and other cool toys inspired by the works of manga god Osamu Tezuka, plus of course tons and tons of new stuff we don't need. Care to take a peek?

Jenny

Two Tom dolls

Did anyone believe there could be even more varieties of Jenny's most volatile boyfriend? Here are two more: a Tom with long straight blond hair wearing an ill-fitting tweed suit, and a Tom with short black hair wearing an ill-fitting double-breasted khaki suit.

Pep Boys Raph

Manny, Moe and....Raph?

Lingere Jenny

Va-va-voom! These dolls feature the somewhat taller "Jenny 18" body.

Totoco

Some eensy-weensy pictures of the Totoco shop, a veritable Mecca for Jenny fans. On the upper right, a couple of goofy-haired Kisara dolls are visible. To the left, so many Jenny dolls you could scream!

Tsukuda Hobby Full Action Dolls

Ri, Sumire and Maria from Sakura Wars

Scream and scream again! Not only do I have to look forward to my fave, purple haired Ri, but also Sumire andMaria in 1:5 scale! Maria even comes with a cute li'l gun. O, heaven! O, empty bank account!

Other Tsukuda dolls

I have no clue who these gals are, but they seem to have the same bodies as the Sakura dolls. No apparant weapons of destruction, although the ones to the left seem to come with an obnoxious little mascot. UPDATE: That's Vampire Princess Miyu on the left (scream!), and some dolls based on the game Sentimental Graffiti to the right. A big thanks to everybody who wrote me with this info!

Miscellaneous

Virtual Fighter dolls

Don't know much about history, don't know much of biology, and don't know much about these Chinese-looking dolls, but they're pretty cool-looking. Thanks to all of you who wrote in to ID these dolls!

Animerica ignores shoujo pages!

This month's issue of Animerica includes an article about anime dolls written by Marya Tucker. Although the article provides a good general overview of the Japanese dolls one might encounter at a typical anime con, it is puzzling a magazine focussed on anime seems to have had a great deal of trouble locating any web sites devoted to shoujo anime toys and dolls.

Therefore, as a public service, I include mention of a whole bookmark-full of web sites slavishly devoted to the art and science of collecting toys, dolls, cards, action figures, keychains and beach balls from shoujo anime series like Sailor Moon, Magic Knight Rayearth, and more.

Real swell images

Chalti's AnimePage

The place to check out Italian Sailor Moon dolls! Portere del Crystallo di Luna!

Jasmine's Sailor Moonpage

Jasmine has the biggest collection o' Sailor Moon toys in the known galaxy, and it's still growing. Take a look, and then write her and ask where the heck she stores all this stuff! :-)

Sailor MoonToys and Merchandising

As an added plus, Kane's page has an essay on the marketing of Sailor Moon.

Sailor Moon!

Kim is a shameless Mercury fan, but then, aren't we all?.

SailorMoon Toys, too.

Karen has the best collection of Moon fashions this side of Astronaut Barbie.

Darla'sDolls.

Featuring the Page o' Tom!!! Hot news: Darla's hubby Takashi has started selling some Jenny dolls.

Sherri's Doll Doctor Page

The Doctor is in! Ever worry about all those Jenny friends? Sherri has a helpful ID guide, with translations from Darla!

Toy shoppin', toy shoppin'

David Hammon Dolls Japan

Actually, Dolls Japan does merit a mention in the Animerica article, and deservedly so. This site is fun to cruise even if you're not buying anything. Hot news: David has just added electronic copies of some of his Barbie Bazaar Jenny articles. Check it out!

Pietro's page

Even if you can't spell Giochi Preziosi, you can buy those gorgeous Italian dolls here.

Luthien Enterprises

And here is the place to scope out all that new Irwin stuff. Brent's page is another commercial site that's fun just to cruise even if you're not buying anything.

Finally....

If you'd like to write to Animerica with feedback, comments, or maybe instructions on how to use Webcrawler :-) the address is: Letters to the Editor, c/o Viz Communications, P.O. Box 77010, San Francisco, CA 94107.

Or email 'em at: animerica@viz.com.

Moon Pizza Power!

Moon Pizza Shop

Woo-hoo! I've been waiting for this puppy for years. Why do I like this SuperS playset? Many reasons, not the least of which is, look at all those cool teensy tiny little pieces you get. Drive your mom crazy!

Moon Pizza Bike

So, how does Usagi get all those nummy extra-pepperoni specials delivered? Her pizza bike, of course! Don't you remember this from the SuperS season? :-) I've had this around for a while (thanks, Jasmine!), but I decided to actually haul it out, blow off the dust, and snap this photo in honor of acquiring the fabled pizza shop.

Ryo

Ryotsu Police Officer (summer outfit)

"His name is Ryo and he dances on the sand...." Oops! I guess that was another Rio. Anyway, Ryotsu is kind of like GI Joe Hall of Fame should have been. Billions o' joints, plus look at all the neat stuff he comes with: handcuffs (tons o' fun) and even his own little Tamagotchi!

Jenny and Pals

Total Coordinate Jenny with leopard-print miniskirt

I bought this Jenny because of the cool faux fur miniskirt, but in view of that tranchcoat she's wearing, maybe we should call her "Flasher Jenny."

Fur Collection Jenny

Between the fun fur and the faux leather skirt, Jenny is the least "PC" supermodel around. Have a cigar, Jenny, and let's go club some harp seals!

Supermodel Jenny in red

This is actually a repeat, but a better image. This is one of the first year's collection of Jenny supermodels. There were six Jenny dolls, all wearing different outfits.

Supermodel Club Flora

The second year, Jenny formed a supermodel club, and let her friends Flora, Ellie and Naomi strut the catwalk.

Supermodel Club Naomi

This pinstripe "Man Suit" is definitely the coolest supermodel outfit.

Jenny Total Coordinate Accessory Pack

This pack has a lot of cool little things, including a shopping bag, and sunglasses, in case you've been out late partying with Ellie and Juliana.

It's Dolls with Guns Week!

Betcha didn't know that! (Probably because I just now made itup--April Fool!) But in celebration of my imaginary holiday, I've gota great image from the Japanese Totoco shop taken by Carl Jankech (seeabove). Looks like Miki and Maki are taking things into their own hands.Plus, my friend Corky sent me this premium example of the little-known Barbie small armaments pak. It's goteverything a girl could need, from pastel-colored truncheons to handgunsto live lobsters. We girls can do anything!

Scream! It's Minmay

Lynn Minmay doll by YellowSubmarine

Here she is, probably the scariest character in all of anime. WhyMinmay? Well, the 15th Anniversary action figures kind of sucked, andyou'll have to admit, Yellow Sub does a good job with these dolls(expcept, as my husband asked, "Did she really have blue hair inthe show?"). Accessories include scary flesh-colored gloves, scaryflesh-colored boots, and some kind of boa-thing. (Not sure about thatlast, but I'm too scared to open the box to find out.)

Sakura Wars

UFO catcher set

Boy, wonder if Ri can use those braids as deadly weapons?

Bandai LM Sakura Shingujiaction figure

Bandai LM Ri Kouran actionfigure

Bandai LM Iris Chateaubriandaction figure

I had these up a few weeks back, I just finally got around to gettingnicer images of them. By the way, hot news from Japan is that there aremore of the Sakura Wars action figures from Sega on the way.

Odds and Ends

Marmit Rei in schooluniform

Yet another Rei doll, this one features an extra outfit.

It's Top Ten Time!

Think I have too many anime toys? Ha-HA! The problem is, I don't haveenough anime toys. To prove the point, here follows my Top TenMost Wanted List of those elusive items for which I am currentlyyearning. We'll start with #10 and, in the best David Lettermanstyle, work our way on up to #1.

10. Yellow Submarine Lynn Minmaydoll

Yes, I know she's the most repulsive character in Robotech/Macross. But you gotta admit, it's a damn fine doll. Justification for havingthis piece in my collection: Robotech was the first anime I really gotinto (as an adult), and besides, those new action figures suck. Estimated likelihood of actually acquiring the piece: Errrr.... actually, I've already ordered it. But the waiting sucks! :-)

9. Utena SD Keychain set

This SD keychain set's appeal is only slightly countered by theinclusion of that disturbing monkey character. Justification forhaving this piece in my collection: Well, I have just about everyother piece of Utena paraphenelia. Estimated likelihood of actuallyacquiring the piece: Very probable. It's small--it'll turn upsomewhere.

8. Scientific Man kite

This is probably the single funniest Gatchaman bootleg I'veever seen. Justification for having this piece in my collection: Iwould actually buying it for my husband's collectionk, so I getmuch-needed altruism points. Estimated likelihood of actuallyacquiring the piece: Not bloody likely.

7. Marmit Rei Ayanami dolls

Whoa! That ultra-cute Marmit Rei face on a posable body. Who'd athunk? Justification for having this piece in my collection: I canalways justify spending money on more EVA dolls. Estimated likelihoodof actually acquiring the piece: The odds are good, we just may needto refinance the house to buy 'em all.

6. Tondeboorin UFO catchers

A little girl who magically transforms into a pig-costumed superhero. I tell ya, Japanese TV is better than drugs! Justification for havingthis piece in my collection: Girls who kick ass, and cute widdlepiggies--this actually fits two of my favorite collecting themes.Estimated likelihood of actually acquiring the piece: Yeah, whenpigs fly. :-)

5. Puffy dolls

Bow down before the might of Puffy! Justification for havingthis piece in my collection: Are you kidding? Estimatedlikelihood of actually acquiring the piece: I actually think I'mgoing to find this item, I just need to keep whining about it.

4. Jointed Ri Kouran doll

I think this doll is from the same Tsukuda Hobby Full ActionDoll series as my Sakura Shinguji dolls. But all I have is this fuzzyblack and white photo. Justification for having this piece in mycollection: I've now spent more on my Sakura Taisen collection thanmost folks do on crack. Estimated likelihood of actually acquiring thepiece: Sigh! Slim to none on this one. UPDATE: I found acolorpicture of this doll on the web.

1 - 3. Happy Color Jenny

Hot pink! Lemon yellow! Sky blue! This weird-haired trio of Jenny'sare no angsty Gen-X-ers. They're got happy color hair!Justification for having this piece in my collection: Not only do Icollect weird-haired dolls, Jenny dolls, and especially weird-haired Jennydolls, but I'm a sucker for happy. Estimated likelihood of actuallyacquiring the piece: Probably none, but at least I can share my happyJenny pictures with you! Don't you feel happier now? (If not, go backand look at the Puffy pictures again!) :-)