Ultraman Happy Meal Toys from Japan
Feb 04, 2014
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I’ve been collecting Ultraman toys since the early ’80s, when I was reintroduced to the character via Bandai’s “Ultra Kaiju Series” of 6 to 7-inch tall vinyl figures, a series that was in production up to 2013, when a new toy line emerged from Bandai that apparently put that long-running series to rest. The new figure series, based on the current Japanese television series, Ultraman Ginga (which serves as a marketing engine for the new 5” toy line), features over 20 different Ultras and over 50 different monsters and aliens, each with a special reflective sticker on the sole of its foot.
Here’s Ultraman Ginga’s plot in a nutshell: All of the Ultras and Kaiju (monsters) have been turned into toy figures known as “Spark Dolls” and have been scattered throughout the universe by a mysterious force. A young man named Hikaru Raidō returns to his hometown and visits the local shrine, discovering that it was recently destroyed by a freak meteor shower and is now housed in his old high school. There, in the makeshift shrine, he finds a magical device called the “Ginga Spark,”which not only allows Hikaru to become Ultraman Ginga, but also allows him to transform into any Ultra hero or monster who’s Spark Doll is exposed to the Ginga Spark. As the series progresses, Hikaru fights alongside his friends to collect and release the Spark Dolls, and uncover the evil entity behind it all.
The TV series and its toy line are very popular in Japan, especially with kids. To further promote the series to its target audience, Tsuburaya Productions (producers of the Ultraman series) joined forces with McDonald’s of Japan for an Ultraman Ginga Happy Meal promotion.
Beginning the first week of November last year, McDonald’s restaurants in Japan offered four different Happy Meal toys based on the TV series. The set included Ultraman Ginga, the original ’66 Ultraman that most Americans know best, and classic villains Alien Baltan and Gomora (who starred in the ’66 Ultraman series’ only two-part episode).
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Ultraman Ginga is depicted in a standing pose, clenched fists resting on his hips. Flip the switch on his back and his eyes and chest light up.
Ultraman ’66 is depicted in a kneeling battle pose, and features a spring-loaded arm that, when pulled back, can launch a blue energy “saw blade”.
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Alien Baltan, the lobster-like invader, comes in his familiar “Pincers up” pose. He comes with a grey plastic display base molded in the shape of his distinctive flying saucer. Best part: when you push down on the figure, the pegs holding him in place are actually buttons, which activate a sound chip featuring his trademark laugh.
Finally, there’s Gomora, the Godzilla like kaiju who was so tough, it took two episodes for Ultraman ’66 to defeat him. This figure, with a jointed neck and arms, features a pull-back motor allowing the monster to rush forward to attack.
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Each figure, measuring approximately 3 ½” to 4” tall, comes in a printed polybag like their American Happy Meal counterparts.
In addition to the Happy Meal toys, participating Japanese McDonald’s restaurants also offered a limited edition "Ultraman Galaxy" DVD, available November 2-4, 2013.
I found these toys as a set offered by a Japanese seller on eBay, and it was one of only a handful of auctions offering them. For Ultraman fans or McDonald’s collectors looking for something unusual, I think they’re a must-have!
And if you should want to learn more about Ultraman, there are plenty of episodes available on Youtube, including episodes of Ultraman Ginga, with subtitles!
Your Pal @ Previews,
Marty Grosser
