Goku and Dragon Ball Toys - Dragon Ball
Due to the success and seemingly endless popularity of the Dragon Ball franchise there is no surprise in the vast amount of variety in their merchandise. Action figures, collectables, card games and toys are just some of the available merchandise. Due to the extremely high quality of many of the pieces, each one is often looked at as a work of art and this fact is often used to justify the heavy price tags that usually come attached to them. Many of these products are manufactured in small limited batches making them rare or hard to find. An extremely valuable batch run of figures is sometimes known to even be signed by the artists of the piece adding a further dimension of value to the fans cherished and treasured masterpiece.
Collector’s Piece
Due to the large franchise and even larger fanbase there are all sorts of merchandise available. Since fans of any age can enjoy the series there are many products available for different ages. Some of the most popular products would be the collectable figures which are mostly aimed towards the older audience who wish to collect the wide variety of figurines which depict the characters posing in various ways. For the younger audience there are character toys available. Although similar to figures these are made with a wider range of changeable poses. Some of the toys are made in a classic toy style and more often than not, have a high degree of poseability and come equipped with accessories and weapons. Some are able to perform battle actions, martial art techniques and action sequences as well as being equipped with the feature to speak or play music. To complement these toys, there is a wide array of vehicles, battle play-sets, and collectors cases which are also available to expand and customize the personal Dragon Ball universe of each collector and fan. Whether these products are also meant to be kept safe as collectables or played with like toys changes depending on the fans. Some of the products listed below are just a few of the popular merchandise available.
Son Goku Products
Many of the characters, heroes, villains and even creatures from the anime and manga series have been available for purchase over the years. However the Dragon Ball toys which are hands down number one in popularity are those depicting the main character of the storyline Son Goku. Toy manufacturers like Bandai Tamashii Nations have been releasing seemingly unlimited versions of Son Goku from all stages of his life in his unlimited storylines. Since he is the main character of the very long series there are all sorts of toys available.
Action Figures: Some of the most popular products would be the action figures which allow children to move Son Goku’s body in the ways they like making up imaginary scenarios for them to play with. Some other versions available in the character of Son Goku are figures which depict his many adventures, famous events, battles and life moments for the fans to collect and treasure.
Chibi: (A slang word in Japanese, used to describe someone small and short. These types of models show the characters sculpted in various positions showcasing their cute and ‘chibi’ forms). There are also versions of his younger self made chibi-fied.
Pop Vinyls: These are from an American company, Funko which manufactures licensed pop culture collectibles best known for the vinyl figurines and bobble head, showing how popular the Dragon Ball series is to have companies overseas produce products to promote its popularity. Son Goku is also available as a pop vinyl which is also similar to chibi in figure but it is another side of one of their favourite characters to enjoy.
Coin Bank: Marketed towards children, fans can enjoy a different type of figure of Goku as he rides a cloud. Users can play with the cloud as well as save money.
Soft Toys: Soft plush toys are available in many characters as well as the main character Son Goku. Even though most merchandise would focus on figures, soft plush figures are also popular for children's toys to avoid young kids getting hurt.
Capsule Toys: Popular with fans of all ages, capsule toys, also known as gachapon or gacha-gacha due to the sounds made when cranking the toy vending machine. These toys are small and are enjoyable even when spinning the crank due to not knowing which character will appear. Many fans spend heaps just trying to get the one toy they want.
Dragon Ball Model Kits
For those fans with a steady hand and artistic touch, numerous Dragon Ball model kits have also been produced and made available. These are usually considerably cheaper than the higher quality resin-cast figures. The model kits have the added angle of enjoyment in being able to work on the project themselves spending time creating and customizing the final look. With the model kits it’s a process that brings the Dragon Ball world to life in the fans home. The added element of freedom allows them to alter the colors and give detailed finishing touches. Plus having a degree of satisfaction knowing their efforts produced a magnificent Dragon Ball collectable.
Links
Dragon Ball Series
Dragon Ball Z Series
Dragon Ball Kai Series
Dragon Ball Super Series
Dragon Ball GT Series
Super Dragon Ball Heros
Akira Toriyama