Robocon Ganbare!! Robocon - BE@RBRICK
A hallmark of many Japanese people’s childhoods, Ganbare!! Robocon is a tokusatsu or live-action children’s TV show from the 70s. Ganbare!! Robocon was produced by Toei and created by Shotaro Ishinomori. It has seen many adaptations since its release. Today it lives on in the hearts of Japanese people. Robocon is the main character of the show and is a loveable robot that lives amongst humans. Medicom toys collaborated with production company Toei to add Robocon to its list of BE@BRICKs in 2019.
Ganbare!! Robocon x BE@RBRICK Collaboration Background
The Ganbare!! Robocon figures are part of Medicom Toys collaboration with Toei production company. As of 2021, there is only one Ganbare!! Robocon figure that is available in 400% and 1000% sizes.
Collaboration Planning and Launch Information
Medicom Toys first collaborated with Toei production company in 2011 to produce a Kamen Rider BE@RBRICK. This figure was meant to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Kamen Rider. Over the years, this collaboration produced many more figures, and in 2019 a Robocon BE@RBRICK was produced. The most recent installation to this collaboration is the BE@RBRICK Riderman 100% & 400% which was released in December 2020.
BE@RBRICK Ganbare!! Robocon Robocon 400%
This BE@RBRICK figure does not fail to capture Robocon’s adorable nature. On the very top of Robocon’s head is his iconic spinning disc sensor. His large round eyes in the center of his face emphasize Robocon’s childlike naivety and innocence, making him even more loveable. The figure’s face and torso are painted a bright red, while on the bottom of his stomach there is a small pink heart. Robocon’s arms and legs are painted in silver and gold with black lines to detail the fact that he is a robot. When turned around, the center of his back is outfitted with the round turning disc that is on Robocon’s back. Vintage toy collectors will definitely want to get their hands on this timeless figure.
- Product Name: BE@RBRICK Ganbare!! Robocon Robocon 400%
- Manufacturer: Medicom Toy
- Specifications: Painted and articulated plastic figure
- Height (Approx): 280mm | 11”
About Ganbare!! Robocon
Toei has been producing films since the 1950s. Ganbare!! Robocon is noted to be Toei production’s first “kiddie” show. Ganbare is a Japanese expression of encouragement. The plot is a comedy revolving around Robocon, a robot who attends Gantz’ Robot Academy and lives amongst humans. Robocon is a big screw up and the show follows his antics as he tries to create a good image for robots to humans. From 1999 to 2000, a sequel titled Moero!! Robocon, translating to Burn!! Robocon was released. During its runtime, Toei also developed a movie where Robocon from the 70s meets Robocon from the 90s. In 2006, Cartoon Network planned to release a western animated adaptation of Robocon. However, the show never got past its pilot episode. After 20 years, Toei added another movie to the franchise in 2020 titled Ganbareiwa!! Robocon. This was meant to mobilize almost 4 generations of viewers to relive their childhood and enjoy the nostalgia of Robocon.
About Robocon
Robocon is the titular character of Ganbare!! Robocon. He is characterized by his red egg-shaped body and large expressive eyes. In the story, Robocon tries his best but often fails at his plans and missions and he is extremely terrified of cockroaches. Robocon spends his time interacting with humans and other robots. He often reports to Gantsu Sensei, his robot teacher, who built all the students at robot academy.
Other Important Ganbare!! Robocon Characters
Ganbare!! Robocon has a long list of recurring characters who interact with Robocon day to date. Many of them include other robots with quirky personality traits.
About Robin-chan
Robin-chan is a robotic ballerina that Robocon has a crush on. She is the only robot that does not wear a full-body suit. Her design features a blonde bob, antennae, and a very pretty blue ballerina outfit. In the film “Robocon Dai Boken”, she played a major role as she was kidnapped and needed to be rescued by Robocon. Many fans love her due to her cute design and she is still very popular.
About Shotaro Ishinomori
The renowned creator of Ganbare!! Robocon, Shotaro Ishinomori was an influential manga artist responsible for many world-famous characters. In the 1950s, Ishinomori worked under Osamu Tezuka, who was the creator of Astro boy and considered the “God of Anime”. Some of Ishinomori’s most renowned works were Kamen Rider and the Super Sentai series. These works had a profound impact on the superhero genre in Japan and are still beloved and very well known in Japan. The Super Sentai series was later adapted into the Power Rangers in western media.
Related Figures
BE@BRICK has collaborated with other classic Japanese anime TV shows. Another popular example is Astro Boy.
Links
BE@RBRICK Ganbare!! Robocon Robocon 400%
BE@RBRICK Series
Astro Boy Super Alloy - BE@RBRICK
BE@BRICK Label