Takara’s latest Microman designer interview promotes the Titans-inspired MagneForce series. The Magnemo-powered assortment comprises of Microman figures Achilles, Theseus and Icarus along with their Acroyear counterparts Atlas, Phobos and Metis.
The figures, expected to be released at the end of the month, are 98 per cent done and all that’s left is to fine-tune the magnets on the soles.
Designer Abiko Kazutami talked about the MagneForce figures’ ability to combine with the accessories to form vehicles. The Microman vehicle, an aircraft reminiscent of the classic Space Knight‘s vehicle mode, is dubbed MagneGriffon, while the Acroyear equivalent, a ground vehicle, is known as MagneOdyssey. Both look unconvincing but they’re bonuses.
Abiko went on to tout the figures’ interchangeability (via 3mm, Magnemo-8 and Magnemo-11 joints) and pointed out the new figures will even be compatible with the vintage Titans.
At that point, I was hoping he would announce Takara would be producing replicas of the vintage Titans but that didn’t transpire. Abiko did reveal a fondness for the vintage Titans and the Magnemo-powered Jeeg but it appears he’s considering producing reimagined versions rather than going with the repro route.
It’s a pity. The vintage Titans were some of coolest designs from the original Microman line. Most action figure fans might sneer at them today but I think the Titans have got an endearing retro-cool elegance about them and their Magnemo interchangeability gives them tremendous play value. The only thing that’s putting me off getting a vintage Titan is the thought of having to pay upwards of 10,000 yen for a battered and bruised 30-year-old figure with cracked cuffs. I would love it if Takara reproduced these classic designs. The fact they would be compatible with the new figures would give toy fans additional incentive to pick them up.
The second half on the interview concerned the upcoming Road Spartan series. The most interesting tidbit was its development was inspired by the fact Automaster Ryan was a hit with both Microman and Transformers fans. We should get a look at the new vehicle designs next month.
