By Emily
Tomy figures are almost synonymous with Pokemon – they’re one of the longest running series of Pokemon merchandise. Ever since the days of Red, Blue, and Green we’ve had these small plastic figures, and almost every character has one. People from the first era of Pokemon can usually recall the somewhat white-washed figures that usually came with the little Gameboy laucher or clear plastic Masterball. But now, over fifteen years since the original debut of the series, Takara Tomy has introduced many variants to these toys, and continues to do so with the fifth generation.
Only Zorua and Zoroark have currently been made as movie-exclusive clear figures. These figures are somewhat rare and only available at movie theaters while the movie was being aired. With the newest movies coming to theaters soon, Victini along with many other Pokemon will likely have a clear version of their normal figure made.
No fifth generation figures at this time have been made into their pearly variant, which is only available during promotions at the Pokemon Centers and on occasion other large toy stores. In order to receive a pearly figure a certain number of Tomy figures must be bought, and then the buyer will receive one of these very beautiful figures. However, the Pokemon Centers in Japan ran a different promotion for this generation. Instead of giving away pearly figures, “Overdrive” forms of Reshiram and Zekrom were given away to people after they purchased five regular figures. These Tomys were exclusive to the giveaway and featured new poses of Reshiram and Zekrom, and both of their tails were lit up as if they were going to attack.
The classic series from Takara Tomy is currently called “Monster Collection” and is made up of only the small two inch figures. These can be bought at a variety of stores all over Japan, and are very inexpensive. Usually the Pokemon are in generic poses, but their details are incredibly accurate considering their size. A large variety of characters from the Unova region have been made into a figure, and usually a couple of new figures are released every month.
The recent “Monster Collection” figures come with a small revolving base. These bases can be interconnected, so it is possible to create one large base from enough packs of figures, but they may not spin as well in a group. Figures from before the fifth generation do not have this base, and cost a little less than the current figures do.
Some Pokemon also have “Moncolle Plus” figures, which always have poses different from the regular Tomy figures. These also come with a hexagonal base that can connect to other bases. These toys are a bit more expensive than the regular “Monster Collection” figures but they are usually worth the money because the figure usually looks nicer. Reshiram and Zekrom both have a “Moncolle Plus” Overdrive figure, which is different from both the regular and promotional figures. Currently none of these figures has a special clear or pearly variant as such are reserved for the “Monster Collection” figures.
From the small to the large, Tomy has made it all. The largest buyable Pokemon figures are the sofubi, which are made of a soft vinyl. The figures are roughly six inches tall and are just as well-detailed, if not more, than the “Monster Collection” figures. Only six Unova Pokemon have been made into these figures; Zoroark, Reshiram, Zekrom, Serperior, Samurott, and Emboar. The figures are usually made for special occasions, like an upcoming movie.
Players and fans of Pokemon can enjoy all of the Tomy figures thanks to their large variety and collectability. No other figure producer for Pokemon can hold a candle to what Takara Tomy has done and will do. The company continues to produce quality figures that are some of the best Pokemon items to collect as well as play with.
Tags: Emboar, Reshiram, Samurott, Serperior, Zekrom, Zoroark