Ilu Ilu's Commander Victor - An In-Depth Look

At the recent Super Festival 68, there was a lot of buzz about Ilu Ilu's new toy: Commander Victor in the Techno Loaders line. Ilu Ilu is a one-man show, with the design, execution, and packaging created and overseen by one person. That friendly fellow, Sakaguchi-san, graciously took time to show me the ins and outs of his new figure.

Here's a look at Commander Victor, its accessories, accompanying minis, and packaging.

The Figure

Commander Victor stands at 19 cm (7.5") tall. Two versions were released: red + light green. The main robot has 8 parts.

 Sakaguchi's many inspirations for the figure include robots from the 1970s-1980s such as Clover toys (Ex Dougram + Gundam), Takara toys like the Diaclone Double Changers, and Ideon.

 More after the jump:

Ilu Ilu's Pro Wrestling figures - a ringside look!

In July, I reported on new pro wrestling figures released by Ilu Iu at the Battle Aid pro wrestling event in Tokyo.

Here is an up close look at one of the sets - in action!

As always, Ilu Ilu's packaging is superb. Sakaguchi-san really took it to the next level with this set, which looks exceptional even when left in the box.

Back side

 More after the jump:

Ilu Ilu x Battle Aid Toy x Wrestling Event

Tonight's event was truly like no other I've ever attended. It's also the most fun I've ever had in Japan. Where else can you get new toys, meet up with friends, and run like hell to avoid being dismantled by flying wrestlers???

The event, called Battle Aid, was held at 1st Ring in Shinkiba.

Let's start with a look at the toys.

Ilu Ilu brought four versions of his new wrestling characters, which were designed and made for this event.

These sets are called Dynamic Fight and feature the characters Wild Cross and Great Ozeki.

 More after the jump:

Medicom x Ilu Ilu quadruple releases

Since Ilu Ilu's walk off smash at Super Festival 55, collectors have been waiting a long time for the sofubi rookie to step up to the plate again. And that he did today, loading the bases and crushing one into the upper deck of Medicom's flagship store, Project 1/6.  First point: Yes, I have been watching a lot of baseball. Second point: Project 1/6 only has one floor. Third Point: Shut up Andy and get on with the toys. Point taken.

It was another beautiful fall morning, but let's face it, when waiting outside for a store to open, one has to manufacture entertainment. The Philly Fanatic has been busy, but at least we have...delivery bikes?

A guy on a cool green electric ride delivered some stuff to the building next door. That was pretty cool.

 But he left...

 Then a postal dude rolled up on a red bike. Up goes the ante!

But he left too. Didn't he know the Ilu Ilu's were about to drop???

Once the Real Delivery People of Shibuya rolled to credits, the shop doors opened.  Four Ilu Ilu x Medicom exclusives were released. There were green and red Tokio's (creating a microcosmic color balance with the delivery people) as well as two Neo Gorillas - red and pink - each of which came packaged with a missile + a separately packaged Drill Attacker toy.

We were only there a few minutes, but that was long enough to see the Neo Gorillas sell out in a flash.

More after the jump:

More info about Ilu Ilu

Ilu Ilu has created a lot of buzz in the sofubi world since his debut appearance at yesterday's Superfestival 55.

Altered Man

The figures are about 5" tall. The arms, legs,and head are articulated. Altered Man comes with additional inserts you can pop in and out by separating the figure at the waist. The inserts are reversible, so you get a total of four different chest designs. The figure also comes with a clear, removable helmet.

The subtle detailing on the figures is impressive. (For example, Altered Man is wearing tennis shoes!) The mini figures are meticulously sculpted.

Neo Gorilla

Ilu Ilu is a one-man operation. The figures were sculpted and painted by one guy - 扳口明宏 (Akihiro Sakaguchi)- who lives in Kobe. He also designed the packaging, which is impressive, especially for Neo Gorilla and the 8 mini figure set.

I was told Sakaguchi-san works as a professional packaging designer. This is the kind of creative synergy I love. We're lucky that his knowledge of software, materials, and production methods is being put to great use with his new sofubi line!

8 figure mini set.

Here are the original prices of the figures:

Altered Man: 4900 yen
Neo Gorilla: 5900 yen
Aban (mini figures): 800 yen
Set of 8 minis with backing display: 6400 yen

I asked when his next show would be, but he wasn't sure. Hopefully soon!