Toy OTD: '90s Bandai (?) Shokupanman Vinyl Squeak Toy

I bought this toy fifteen years ago (easily), when I was still living in southern California. I can't remember where I picked it up down there - I bought it knowing nothing about the Anpanman manga or anime. I just thought it was funny to have a little superhero with a slice of bread for a head!

I still don't know much about the source material - I haven't been able to find any of the manga translated into English. It's mainly about the designs for me, anyway - they're very simple and super-cute!

The execution of this toy isn't spectacular, but it's just fine for what it needs to be: three points of articulation, a nice sculpt, and adequate paint work. I don't remember how much I paid for it - I think it was less than ten dollars, which makes the toy quality even better.

Since this is an older toy, you won't be able to go out and buy this exact item, but since Anpanman is still so popular, you'll probably be able to find a similar toy of this character cheaply and easily! Granted, I can't find anything online right now, but if you add favorite searches for "anpanman" and "shokupanman" to your eBay account, I'm sure something will turn up in short order... good luck!

UPDATE: Here's a set of figures on Amazon.jp that look very similar to the ones I own. You can buy them for ¥ 2,855 ($29.60 USD)+ tax and shipping. Thanks to my Flickr buddy HNishinomaru for the tip!

Toy OTD: Dell Mickey Mouse Squeak Toy

I've had this toy since I was a kid - I think my folks bought it for me at a flea market. The squeaker still works, and it still stands on its own, even though I'm assuming it's around forty years old.

In spite of my love for the improvements in production technology, there's a lot to be said for the charm of a limited paint palette and a little overspray. Black, white and red are a classic color combination, and the off-white helps keep the toy warm and friendly.

It's a curious pose for a figure - it feels like Mickey is waiting or reacting to another character, as if a Minnie Mouse had been made as part of a set. Still, there's a real sweetness to the sculpt, even though Mickey isn't on-model in the strictest sense. His look and clothing are not exactly what we expect when we picture a Mickey toy, but it has its own consistent design integrity.

I have no idea what was paid for this 'originally' (i.e, in the early '70s when my parents bought it for me - probably less than a dollar. I don't see these for sale all that often, but you can buy one at whatacharacter.com for $55 + shipping.

Toy OTD: Japanese Toy Story 2 Squeak Toy: Wheezy (Signed)

A toy doesn't necessarily have to be flashy or complicated, as long as it's done well. This is easily my favorite toy of Wheezy, mainly because the sculpt and paint job really capture the character beautifully. It's just like the toy in the film (but the manufacturer did give it a squeaker for a little extra play value). It's the difference between simple and easy - making this toy on-model is a simple idea, but it's far from easy.

There's nothing but a cryptic "PPW" on the feet, so I have no idea who produced this figure. I'm not sure how much it cost originally, or how much it'd cost to get one now. A Tomy Wheezy is for sale right now on eBay, but if you look closely, the proportions of the face (especially the size of the beak) seem different. You can get that one for about $94.00 USD, including shipping. Ouch! You'll have to set up an eBay favorite search if you want to try for a better price.

On a whim, and since Joe was always around at the studio, I got this toy signed soon after I got it. I don't have any of Joe's drawings or many pictures of him, so needless to say, I'm glad that I have this now as a nice memento of Joe and that time that I got to work with him.