Yamato Marvel Box in Box Trading figures

[Super King]

Yamato’s “Box in Box” trading figures are some of the more distinct Marvel collectables to come out of Japan. They’re retro-looking, mini-vinyl figures intended to evoke the feel of older toys like Megos. Of course, they get their name from the equally retro inner box that the assembled figure can be displayed in.



The set includes Spider-Man, Thing, Iron Man, Captain America, Dr. Doom and The Silver Surfer. All of the artwork used on both the outer and inner boxes is from the sixties/seventies with the exception of Spider-Man’s, which appears to be from the nineties. It ends up looking out of place, and shatters the illusion of something that actually could have been created decades ago. I’m pleased with the design of the outer box, which uses a dotscreen design element on a comic page-like layout. The side and back have appealing concept illustrations.



Each figure comes in five pieces (head, torso, waist and legs, and arms), and is made of a soft rotocast material. I found I had to heat each part before assembly due to inconsistently sized mushrooms that hold the pieces together. When finished, the figures are about 4” tall and have swivel joints at the shoulders and head. The only accessories in the set are Cap’s shield, which pegs onto his arm, and the Silver Surfer’s board. Each figure also has a black stand, though it’s a difficult fit to get them on it due to warpage.



The sculpting on each figure is wonderfully simple, and paint is kept flat and minimal. My favorite of the set is Dr. Doom - it’s nice to see a classic, Kirby-esque Doom. All of his modern figures seem to fall short in my eyes. Silver Surfer is probably the low point of the set, with disappointingly indistinct detailing, and pearlescent white paint. If he didn’t have the board, you wouldn’t know it was the Surfer.

It’s unfortunate that the idea of a simple aesthetic, and blind boxed trading figures have yet to really catch on in the US toy industry. Still, there’s plenty of enjoyable product from Asia to scratch that niche, and this set of Marvel figures from Yamato is certainly one of them. These are unfortunately a bit expensive (they seem to go for around eight to ten dollars a piece), but they’re worth picking up if you want a little never-was nostalgia trip.

[Kal-El]

Thanks for the great pics! I never heard of these before, I'd probably get the Surfer one.

[scottmetzger]

Don't know if these will appeal to a lot of collectors due to the simplicity of design. Still cool, though, from my perspective; the clean lines make for good old fashioned toys.

Anyone else get a nostalgic Mego feel from the box fronts?

[jevian2000]

[Jabsy]

Thanks for the pics. There is a definite retro feel to them.