This might be where it all started. The Shogun Warrior known as Dragun. I'm a kid, four years old, but I had this heavy, die-cast metal robot. I have no idea where I got it or who gave it to me, but it was awesome. It had these fists that were spring loaded and would launch at the touch of a button. He also had an axe too, but that got lost easily enough. Was it a man in armor? No, even as a kid I could tell this was a warrior robot through and through. He also had a cape. What's even more inexplicable, was the fact that had two of them. The above pic I found online, but coincidentally it's exactly as I remember my own.
There were four Shogun Warrior figures in the 1970's 5" die-cast line, and all of them were cool. How I ended up with two identical ones is beyond me. This was my toy though, lots of backyard adventures and the like were had with Dragun. We didn't have cable television or whatever, and I don't recall the packaging even, so I never knew Dragun's name or what he came from, just that he was awesome sci-fi robot goodness. So today Dragun, better known as GX-18 Getter Dragon, joins the ranks of the Thor's Day Heroes.
I remember something like this but it's fists would shoot off.
ReplyDeleteThe one shown here has a launching fist, not nearly dramatic as the two-foot tall launching fist mind you!
DeleteI loved Shogun Warriors too, my first ones were Raideen and Godzilla but somehow over the years they must've made it into a garage sale or something. Over the years though i've picked up 2 of the metal ones one Dragun and Grendizer. I've still got two of the bigger versions Mazinga and Gaiking (my son broke his leg unfortunately).
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted one of the big ones but was never lucky. One of our other authors, Rucht, has the big Godzilla that still adorns his game room.
DeleteHey! I have one of those. Not nearly as good condition, however.
ReplyDeleteI had, well two, but they're long gone. Definitely in the 'lament I no longer have this toy' category.
Delete1: Awesome. 2:These were re-packaged 1970's Japanese Super Robots. Google Shin Getter and Mazinger Z! :)
ReplyDeleteFor a short while there I was collecting the new Mazinger Z die cast 'bots. At $50+ a pop however that didn't last long.
DeleteI seem to remember a black plastic robot in a similar style around our house.
ReplyDeleteHmm, Micronauts perhaps? The Baron what's-his-name?
DeleteDie cast? I had the 3 foot tall monsters. Mazinga, Raiden and Dragun. Over the years and moves, Raiden lost his big shooty fist. All but Dragun are now sitting in my library. My wife insisted they be posed as if doing battle from across the room.
ReplyDeleteVery jealous! Yeah, these 5" die cast filled the void from the 3' monsters. Unfortunately there wasn't any Shogun Warrior middle ground.
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