Tetsujin
T-28
I suppose you either like the Japanese superhero
robots or ignore them. Certainly they were confined to the back of Kitahara's
classic 'Robots - Tin Toy Dreams', almost like an appendix. Many collectors
don't include them in the catalogue of true robots, much in the way that they
rule out Batman, Tarzan and Frankenstein. This is a pity because the T#28 robots
are superb.
Certainly the T28 Tetsujin, alias Iron Man or
Gigantor, is a popular character. The original appeared in print back in1956,
and on TV in 1964. In the American run of the cartoon series he was called Gigantor.
There is a confusing profusion of tin Tetsujin
robots. I won't even begin to explore the die cast, resin, vinyl and plastic
variations. The situation is even more confused by the present day manufacture
of reproduction and new (ie original) T-28s.
ORIGINALS (1960s)
Nomura produced the great line of the early Tetsujins.
Fortunately they usually added a simple numbering system to each of the boxes
to identify the Tetstsujin within. If only they all survived with their boxes!
These robots are highly prized, particularly in Japan. Back in the 70s and early
80s a few found their way out of Japan, but that soon stopped when the home
market for character items took off. Now they rarely surface in the West, and
when they do they are very expensive. I have very few firm prices for these
pieces. The limited edition new items must rate as good bets for the future.
The following is a far from perfect
account, and I would welcome corrections, additions, comments etc.
Tetsujin No 1
Kitahara #215. This is the wind up arm raising
model. It is 20cm tall and was available in metallic blue and black. The box
is different from most of the others, emphasising the arm lifting action.
Tetsujin No 2
Kitahara #217 The most unusual of the group, mainly
because it is based on the Mechanized Robby body, with its tapering waist, rather
than the couch-potato belly of the usual T-28. This is a substantial robot in
mid grey. The D-Cell batteries are housed in the legs. The doors of the battery
compartments have as distinctive sliding catch rather than the pins of the Robby.
(The repro, therefore, has 'incorrect' catches.) The head is a substantial vinyl
structure. I've seen the box and there's no sign of a No 2 on it.
Tetsujin No 3
Kitahara #218 This is a 24 cm wind up Tetsujin
with a simple walking and sparking action. It was first produced in 1964. As
far as I can ascertain the original colour was blue, though there are a number
of litho variations, in particularly the detailing on the feet.
Tetsujin No 4
Kitahara #219 The light grey-blue remote control
T#28. This robot has a much squarer aspect than the other Tetsujins. There's
a distinct lack of any roundness in the arms and the legs; instead they are
very plain straight lines. I'd guess that the slender legs and feet, with their
distinctive rivets at the ankle are standard pressings, much used by Nomura
in their range of wind up astronauts (See Yesterday's Toys' #15 & #16.)
Once Nomura decided to reuse the legs they really had to make the arms and chest
stylistically similar. The chest panel has been reduced to the barest of litho
designs. The battery hand set is a blue metal single button affair. This T#28
comes in a standard striding-over-girder box. It's a very tasty variation and
costs a fortune.
Tetsujin No 5
Kitahara #220 Battery operated remote control version
of the basic T#28. It looks to be a reworking of the No 3 pressing.
REPRODUCTIONS & NEW ITEMS The appeal of Tetsujin
is so substantial that there is a constant supply of new tinplate items coming
off the production line. If you add the vinyl, plastic, resin and diecast then
you have a massive collecting theme.
