Moritou's works, not only brought Takara then little known sci-fi toys line to life but also introduced them to a whole generation of kids growing up during the late 1970's. The manga was one of the main driving force behind the popularity of Microman line. (This was mainly the reason for the clear plastic body, chrome head and chest plate on the first series Microman figures.) The original marketing concept was to make Microman a miniature version of the Henshin Cyborg so this way variety of play-sets and vehicles could be produced for them at reasonable price, since the cost to design and produced vehicles and play-sets for the 12" dolls was very prohibitive not to mention would not be very practical for Japanese market where living spaces were always at a premium and parents were never too keen on large size toys that take up a lot of rooms. Henshin Cyborg was Combat Joe body molded in clear plastic to expose the gleaming inner cybernetic implants and the "atomic engine". Takara's Henshin ( transforming) Cyborg was actually a spin off from Takara Combat Joe line, which interestingly was a licensed product from another popular well known dolls for boys - the GI Joe. Microman toys were first released in 1974 by a Japanese toy company TAKARA as a smaller 10cm version of their popular 8" & 12" fully articulated doll line - the Henshin Cyborg which was debuted in 1972. Takara continued with the successful Micro Change series but the changing of the guard was inevitable. The "transformation" for Microman series began with the Micro Change series. Micro Robot series became the main focus of the new line. Takara reset the line and re-launch the series under the New Microman banner. The last year of the original series saw the shift in the line to more robot like look and larger figures. This year saw updated of old favorites like the Tower Base and Robotman 2. Takara "rescue" attempt for the series with the Rescue Team Microman. Takara tried new design and direction for the series with the released of Hoodman and Arden. The line finally came into its own during the third year with new figures and the classic Microman Transfer Fortress.Ī watershed year for Microman series, this year saw some of the best toys for the line. Second year saw more Microman and several new sub series such as the Acroyears, Titans and Victory series. First year included the Founder Microman, Micro Kit Machines and Conning Tower.
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