Popy
Chogokin Toy Robots Made by Popy of Japan
In the early 70's the parent company Bandai spun off the toy division Popy and allowed them to utilize an unproven toy material for Japan-- die cast metal. That zinc based metal soon gained the trade name "Chogokin" or super metal alloy. In the late 70's the United States was introduced to this masterful company with the "Shogun Warriors" toy line. Mattel re-packaged and distributed an assortment of the Chogokin super-robots throughout the states.
Popy robots are often considered to be jewelry-like in their refinement and represent the pinnacle in engineering for die cast engineering in Japan. Much of the paintwork utilizes at least 4 colors and has an exacting glossy polished appearance. Chrome parts, transforming mechanisms, shooting fists, swords, axes, hidden compartments, and even magnets are used throughout the line. Later in the 90's the parent company Bandai decided to recapture the essence of these toys with the "Soul of Chogokin" robots (see the Bandai index).
DX or deluxe versions of Popy Japan toys were re-released in the United States (1984-1986) under the brand name of Godaikin (see the Godaikin picture index). Godaikins are nearly identical to the Popy, Japan releases. |
