Up There! It’s ULTRAMAN— This spread in Shonen magazine reveals one of the intriguing “grainy pictures” of Ideal’s proposed costume for Ultraman—that sadly, was never made. (Photo: Ed Catto)
12-inch Captain Action Toy Line Lives On—For Now—As a ’60s Japanese Superhero
Just when we all thought it was over (again) for the world of 1:6 scale Captain Action collecting (admit it, you did too), an official CAE (Captain Action Enterprises) bulletin crosses over our news desks from one of Cap’s biggest fans—Ed Catto—who writes in with the following exciting intel:
Ed Catto of Round 2 and Captain Action Enterprises. (Photo: Ed Catto)
“Hi Mark, Thought you might enjoy this one! Attached is our latest news. This press release is all about a new uniform set for our 1/6th scale line. It’s a long-lost character, Ultraman, who was supposed to be part of the Captain Action line, but never quite made it to the U.S. market. Now he’s back, and we’ve got him! This is just one of the many fun things we have planned for 2016 – Captain Action’s 50th Anniversary Year! All the best” —Ed Catto
Where are my boots, Sensei? Hmm… So far, Medicom’s prototype photos for an upcoming costume for Ultraman appears to be sans boots and gloves. It’s hard to believe CAE would allow this new costume set to be released without any footwear. No gloves? Maybe. But no boots? (Photo: Ed Catto)
Here is the press release provided by Mr. Catto (edited for length):
“Captain Action Enterprises, LLC is proud to announce a partnership with MEDICOM TOY CORPORATION to produce the long-lost Ultraman outfit. This uniform set was planned to be a part of the popular super-hero line of costume sets to be used in conjunction with the iconic 12” (30 cm) Captain Action figure. An image of this outfit was shown only once in Shonen (Magazine) in the 1960s and was designed to be a contest prize for the readers. To many modern fans, it was surprising to learn such a thing existed!”
Exploring the history behind Captain Action’s ill-fated Ultraman costume, Catto continued:
Is this enough detail for fans? We were excited about Ultraman’s see-thru belt until we realized that it’s just a plastic clip helping the figure stand up. The costume’s simplicity is undeniable, yet Ultraman fans will undoubtedly be lining up to buy one when they become available. What do YOU think? (Photo: Ed Catto)
“For Captain Action’s launch in Japan, Nippon Ideal made plans to give Captain Action an Ultraman costume. However, events conspired to prevent the Ultraman costume from becoming a reality, but not before pictures of it had appeared in articles about Captain Action in several issues of “Shonen (Magazine)” (“Boys Magazine”).
For decades, fans of both Ultraman and Captain Action have looked at those few grainy pictures and wished that the Ultraman costume had been released to toy stores,” said James Long, a Japanese Anime and Tokusatsu Historian and fan of Captain Action. This new Ultraman outfit will be released as a part of the 50th Anniversary celebration of Captain Action. Additional 50th Anniversary plans are scheduled to be announced.
MEDICOM TOY is working closely with Captain Action Enterprises to create retro-style packaging consistent with the original 1960’s line. Shipping and sales are planned for June 2016. The MEDICOM TOY Premium Club will take orders from January 24, 2016 until March 5, 2016.”
Founding partner of CAE, Joe Ahern, offers Cap’s fans one final upbeat and optimistic comment:
Joe Ahearn, founder of Captain Action Enterprises (Photo: CAE)
“After almost fifty years, we’re thrilled to be making this long-lost costume set available. The uniform is sized for 1/6 scale figures. As far as Captain Action goes, you should be able to use it with Ideal, Playing Mantis or Round 2 figures. And if this does well, perhaps we can get them (Medicom) to do some more. For Captain Action fans, it’s not quite the Holy Grail, but it’s pretty close! Nuff’ Said…” — Joe Ahearn
Bottom Line: The Holy Grail for Captain Action fans? We’re not so sure about that, Joe. The Rocketeer was getting pretty close. That Adam West ’60s Batman costume, definitely. But Ultraman? No. Oh well, at this point in Captain Action’s convoluted 12-inch history, ANY news regarding ANY new 1:6 scale product offering will be considered as GOOD news to the patiently waiting, “eager ears” of CA’s faithful fandom. However…
If what we see in the photos above is what we’re getting from Medicom, then we recommend you gird your corporate loins, because there’s sure to be some negative commentary coming your way. Many fans will undoubtedly label this simplistic costume as nothing more than Ultraman long-johns. Of course, if additional details not currently visible are added to the helmet, boots and equipment, then it’s quite likely this new costume will ultimately achieve a very high COOL factor. And we can’t wait to see what “retro-style packaging” you have in mind for it as well. As always, best wishes! For more information on CAE’s products, visit their official website found HERE.
Now we’re Talking! If Ultraman’s costume set becomes a hit for CAE, can an Ultraman-GIRL costume for Lady Action be far behind? Let’s hope so! Stand by, Actioneers! (Photo: Jazz & Blues)
