Serious Collectors Only: 8 of the Rarest Dragon Ball Figures of All Time

Despite ending its serialization in 1995, Dragon Ball continues to hold the #2 spot in best-selling manga… almost twenty years after its completion. Carrying on the franchise’s legacy are its many anime adaptations—Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT, and Dragon Ball Kai—along with a variety of action figures that have continued to be released throughout the series’ span.
With literally hundreds of Dragon Ball figurines on the market, let’s take a look at some of the most rare, limited, and expensive ones available that are most worthy of a true collector’s cabinet.

Mekke Dragon Ball Selection Volume 5 Diorama – Super Saiyan Goku and Porunga

Depicting battle-damaged Goku in his Super Saiyan form, along with the dragon Porunga, this limited edition statue is 5^th in a series of dioramas produced by Mekke. The bright orange colors of the five-star Dragon Ball and Goku’s Super Saiyan form contrast beautifully with the deep purples of the cracked base and spewing fumes. A plate on the front of the base reads “Dragon Ball Son Gokou,” giving this diorama an exclusive collector’s flair. The piece’s rarity demands an equally high price, with some sellers asking as much as $1,400.00 for it.

ZEEM Diorama Model – Great Ape Vegeta and Yajirobe Tail Cut Version

Released as an exclusive at the Japan Super Festival and Hobby Con in 2009, this dramatic diorama captures the moment that Yajirobe slices off Vegeta’s tail in mid-air. The statue features Great Ape Vegeta, Goku, Gohan, and Yajirobe, and stands twelve inches tall. At only 300 pieces world-wide, however, it’s a rare item that can sell for as much as $900.

Banpresto Ichiban Kuji – Shenron Gold and Silver Version

No collection of Dragon Ball figurines can be complete without the “Eternal Dragon” Shenron the Dragon God. These gold and silver Shenron statues by Banpresto were released in limited quantities of one hundred each; in addition, they could only be won through the Ichiban Kuji—a lottery for special edition figures from Banpresto. At twelve inches tall, Shenron is portrayed soaring majestically above the Dragon Balls. While the regular version is more affordable, the gold and silver Shenron collectables by Banpresto are much more highly prized (and priced) at $400-$600.

Banpresto Tokyo Toy Festival – King Cold

Limited to only 500 pieces, and available only at the 2008 Tokyo Toy Festival, this statue of King Cold towers over other figures at thirteen inches tall. Cold can be displayed on or off of his throne and is sculpted from soft vinyl.

ZEEM Diorama Model – Great Ape Vegeta and Goku: Genki Dama, Arlia, Black, and White Versions

As one of the most limited pieces ever released for the Dragon Ball series, this diorama depicting Great Ape Vegeta and battle-worn Goku (in position to create the Spirit Bomb) is a must-have for collectors. The diorama was released in four different versions—the Genki Dama, or Spirit Bomb, version (the regular version distributed in mass quantities), the Arlia version (limited to fifty), the Black version (limited to twenty), and the white version (limited to ten). While the black and white versions are the most rare of the four, the Arlia version is also considerably difficult to find (and pricy, too).

Banpresto Ichiban Kuji – Angel Goku

Based on the cover art for the Dragon Ball manga chapter “Finale,” this figurine is a must-own for both serious collectors and fans of Akira Toriyama’s original artwork. Limited to 100 pieces, and given away (like the Shenron statue) only to those who entered the Ichiban Kuji monthly lottery, this unique statue portrays Goku with angel wings and a halo, soaring above the dragon Shenron.

Bandai Super Battle Collection 3-Pack – Super Saiyan Goku, Vegeta, and Trunks

Originally released in 1992 to commemorate the advent of the 7^th Dragon Ball movie, this 3-pack is one of the most popular Bandai items among serious collectors. Not only does the set contain all three characters in their Super Saiyan forms, but it also contains the only figurine replication of Super Saiyan Trunks wearing his Capsule Corp. jacket. This 3-pack is a Summer Toei Animation Fair limited version and can sell for up to $1,200 in mint condition.

Bandai Full Action Pose – Goku Yardrat Variant

Considered the rarest of all Dragon Ball figures, the Goku Yardrat Variant Full Action Pose figure by Bandai is a legendary collector’s item. The figure was given out to attendants at one of the Dragon Ball films at a select theater in Japan. As a result, only an unknown, limited number exist in the world—none of which have ever been photographed and circulated online. If not for a scan and article from the Daizenshuu, a book published by Toei Animation, which discussed the figure’s rarity, many would consider this figure a mere myth. Even today, some doubt the distributed existence of the Goku Yardrat figure, while others believe all distributions of it were destroyed. Whatever the truth, the Goku Yardrat Full Action Pose figure is considered the rarest Dragon Ball figure of all time and the ultimate prize that any fan could own.

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The Dream Tomica Series: Top Choices

Tomica has been a leader in innovation since it opened its doors for business in 1970. One of the highlights of Tomica die-cast models is the Dream Tomica Series, which are models inspired by popular children’s characters.

Dream Tomica Series: Pokemon

One of the most well-known Dream Tomica Series product lines in Japan is based on the hit anime franchise Pokemon. Short for Pocket Monsters, the characters originated as a Game Boy series owned by Nintendo. It has been used in dozens of merchandising products from garments to trading cards.
Tomica signed an agreement with Toyota in 2012 to create die-cast model cars that would resemble Pokemon and other characters in the game. The result was presented in the 2012 Tokyo International Toy Show held in the nation’s capital. There were three Pokemon models presented with a scale of 1:64, and they were titled: Tomica Pokemon.
The three Toyota models used for this series were the Alphard (showing a Pokemon mural) and two Toyota Porte models for Oshawott and Pikachu. Eventually other characters were represented in the Tomica Pokemon line like the Prasel car, Minun car, Naetle car, Hikozaru, and Pochama car.
All Tomica Pokemon models had designs that made the car model look like the character, such as the yellow Pikachu car with stylized hubcaps, long ears, and a mouth and cheeks on the front bumper.

Dream Tomica Series: Batman & Transformers

The Tomica Batman car series includes two Batmobiles which were sold at double the price of a regular Dream Tomica car. Number 146 is the 1989 Batmobile driven by Michael Keaton. This was one of the top selling Batman movies so it’s not surprising that it is included in this series. The second Batmobile is #148 and the model resembles the car used in The Dark Knight, which stars Christian Bale as the titular character. Of the two Batmobiles, #148 is much rarer.

The Tomica Transformers set is another thrilling part of the Dream Tomica Series. Number 142 is Bumblebee based off the 2008 Camaro, while #147 is Optimus Prime. While these models are not designed to mechanically transform, they are a good investment as their prices continue to rise, just as with the Batmobiles.

Other Popular Character Cars

Other Dream Series models that can be had are Hello Kitty, Rilakkuma, and Super Mario Kart. Hello Kitty (#152) is a cute little design. Its body is made of metal while the wheels are plastic. The front of the car is the face of Hello Kitty and the rear has a tail. Other cars in the Dream Tomica Series include Snoopy and Super Sonic Runner.

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The Disney Tomica

20. Aug. 2014

The Joy of Disney Meets Tomica: The Disney Tomica and Disney Motor Series

Tomica has two series that feature Disney characters—Disney Tomica (D) and Disney Motors (DM). The quickest way to distinguish one from the other is by the series numbers. Also, D model cars are existing car models reinvented to look like Disney characters while the DM model cars are fictional vehicles using the Disney.

For instance, Tomica uses a minibus to look like Donald Duck. Another example is the D-42, which is a Toyota Land Cruiser that mimics Wall-E. The D series also features partner teams like Mickey and Minnie themes. Under the DM series there are Tomica models that look like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Stitch, Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, and Piglet.

Other Disney characters or franchises that are being used in the Disney Tomica series are characters from Toy Story, Cars, Planes, Disney Princesses, A Nightmare before Christmas, and Pirates of the Caribbean. All of the Disney Tomica cars are available at Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea.

The tie-up between Tomica and Disney started around the 1990s. The Disney series was originally called Putica although the Disney Motors Series was launched around 2005. Interestingly, Disney Tomica will occasionally launch theme model cars like a Winnie the Pooh Halloween special, which can be bought online although it’s difficult to find. If you are unable to visit Tokyo to find the Disney series, you can try online stores like From Japan. All Disney Tomica and Disney Motor models tend to fetch a higher dollar than the regular models

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The Connection Between Dash! Yonkuro and Tamiya 4WD Revealed!

If you are into anime series and car racing tournaments, then do not dare to miss Dash! Yonkuro. It is an anime television series that was based on the Tamiya Mini 4WD. For those who do not know about Dash! Yonkuro and what the Tamiya Mini 4WD is, this article will help you to understand about both.

What Is the Tamiya Mini 4WD?

The Tamiya Mini 4WD is a miniature car produced by Tamiya, a Japanese company. It is the world’s most popular miniature car, first produced in the year 1982. Due to its popularity, many companies in the United States, Singapore and Russia, to name a few, have ventured into the idea of mini cars as well. There are different types of Tamiya Mini 4WD available in the market.
Though there are only six categories of the Tamiya Mini 4WD, it does not mean that there are only six designs of the miniature car. Each category is a series, which has a wide variety of designs that you can choose from. The pictures shown below are the selected models of each Tamiya series.

Tamiya Mini 4WD Pro

Tamiya Mini 4WD Pro Series – Nitro Thunder Blue Model

Tamiya Super Mini 4WD

Tamiya Super Mini 4WD Series – Tom Ghody Special Model

Tamiya Aero Mini 4WD

Tamiya Aero Mini 4WD Series – Knuckle Breaker Model

Tamiya Mighty Mini 4WD

Tamiya Mighty Mini 4WD Series – Variatron Model

Tamiya Mechanical Mini 4WD

Tamiya Mechanical Mini 4WD Series – Vise Intruder Model

Tamiya Mini 4WD Limited Edition

Tamiya Mini 4WD Limited Edition – Year of the Rat Model

What Is Dash! Yonkuro?

Dash! Yonkuro is the very first anime series that was based on the Tamiya Mini 4WD. There was in fact a sequel to Dash! Yonkuro that was based on the Tamiya Mini 4WD called Bakusou Kyoudai Lets & Go!!

In Dash! Yonkuro, Yonkuro Hinomaru, the protagonist, and the Dash Warriors, Yonkuro’s friends, are all crazy about the Mini 4WD.  It is all about climbing to the top and participating in the championship with the top performance of their Tamiya Mini 4WD.
Some of the Tamiya Mini 4WD models that you can see in the anime series are:

1. Dash-1 Emperor (model number 18012)
2. Dash-2 Burning Sun (model number 18015)
3. Dash-3 Shooting Star (model number 18019)
4. Dash-4 Cannonball (model number 18023)
5. Rising Bird (model number 18017)

Aside from these miniature car models, tune-up parts and first chassis were also featured in this anime. The chassis that were introduced in the Dash! Yonkuro anime series are the Type-1 chassis, Type-2 chassis and Type-3 chassis. Without a doubt, this anime has definitely served its purpose.

The Growth of Tamiya Mini 4WD Sales After the Anime

It cannot be denied that the Tamiya Mini 4WD was already very popular, even before the release of the two anime series. Nonetheless, the two anime series featuring the miniature cars, certainly gave sales an extra boost.
The popularity of the miniature cars led to the boom of racing tournaments. However, racing nowadays is no longer about driving a car. It has now become about, tuning up your Tamiya Mini 4WD and letting it race on its own at a certain track. Tamiya Mini 4WD races do not rely on the skills of the driver, instead, it relies on the parts of your miniature car.

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Improve Your Tamiya Mini 4WD Performance with Tune-Up Parts!

It is undeniable that there are owners of Tamiya Mini 4WD who want to upgrade their miniature car in order to achieve full speed. Fortunately, there are ways to improve the speed and stability of a Tamiya Mini 4WD. How? Simply by replacing their standard parts with upgraded parts. There are many available upgraded parts that are sold in the market.








 

Before you start upgrading your Tamiya Mini 4WD, you should understand the importance of each part first. Continue reading this article to have a good grip of how the parts work. It is now your chance of making your precious miniature car much faster than ever.

Understanding the Parts of a Tamiya Mini 4WD

Below are the different parts of the Tamiya Mini 4WD. Each part has available tune-up replacements, so do not just choose any part. Know what you really want for your miniature car. Always remember that each kind of tune-up part has its own specialty.

1. Motor

The best way that you can do to boost up the speed of your Tamiya Mini 4WD is to install a tune-up motor. Keep in mind that there are seven different kinds of upgrade motors. All seven of these motors are guaranteed much better in terms of performance compared to the motor that is included in the Tamiya Mini 4WD kit. Some are designed for cornering, while others are for reaching top speeds.

2. Gear Ratio

The gear ratio is the part that determines the motor’s top speed, acceleration, and output. The larger gear ratio is designed for acceleration, while the smaller gear ratio is designed for top speed.

3. Tires

When we are talking about a car’s performance, it cannot be argued that tires play an important role. The smaller the diameter of the tire is, the better. Why, because tires with a smaller diameter have better cornering.

4. Wheels

Just like the tires, wheels are very important. Each kind of wheel is designed for a specific purpose. Therefore, you have to select your wheels carefully. Make sure it is the right one for your application.

5. Rollers

Whenever you are racing on a walled circuit, rollers are undeniably significant. Altering your Tamiya Mini 4WD’s roller will allow your car to cope with the track’s demand. Always consider the roller’s size, angle and location whenever buying one. These aspects will determine the performance of your tune-up rollers. If you are planning to enter a racing tournament, check the regulations first regarding the use of rollers. Some tournaments have restrictions on how many rollers can you use for your Mini 4WD.

The five parts above are the most significant parts of a Tamiya Mini 4WD. Whenever upgrading your miniature car, always know what you want for it. Remember that each tune-up part serves a different purpose. The right kind of tune-up part for you depends on what you really want for your Tamiya Mini 4WD.

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