1975
A lot of American collectors are familiar with this character from the "Shogun Warrior" Poseidon diecast, but the Jumbo was never released in America. Speaking personally, this was a real lust-inducing piece for me: I'd always craved a larger-sized Poseidon toy as a kid. Although this particular toy is considered "dorky" by a lot of Japanese collectors, it's actually one of my all-time favorites. I LOVE the fold down tank treads, and the air-puff-launched back missiles are a Jumbo first as well -- I don't think any other JM has this kind of launching mechanism. With its perfect symmetry, simple shape, and primary colors, this Jumbo epitomizes the concept of "economy of design." It has a certain innocence that seems to appeal to Western collectors more than Japanese.

This piece is one of the easier-to-find of the Japanese release Jumbo Machinders, and as such it seems to be one of the more common gateways into the high-roller world of "serious" Jumbo collecting (whatever that means). Sean doesn't have one yet, though. Ha ha!

Matt Alt