Toy OTD: Medicom Toucan Sam Vinyl Figure (2004)

I can't exactly remember where I got this toy from - I think it was Hobby Link Japan - but it was before Dark Horse began to distribute them (at a much lower price) to comic shops. D'oh!

Regardless, this is a great figure through and through! The idea to make vinyl toys of '60s Kellogg cereal mascots is terrific, the sculpt is wonderful and the construction is subtle but solid. Last but not least, the paint apps - not trivial on this toy - are (for the most part) accurate and crisp. It's just a joy to behold!

Toucan Sam was one of three cereal characters in this line - Medicom also made Sugar Pops Pete and Cornelius the (Corn Flakes) Rooster. They're cool too, but Sam is the best of them if you're on a budget, and have to prioritize.

Since the only difference between the Japanese (I think I paid around thirty or forty dollars originally) and domestic releases is the packaging, the latter is still easily available. In fact, it's on sale over at Things From Another World for $5.99 + shipping! Wow - snap it up!