[RealxHead / リアルヘッド] Unsung Heroes (and Villains)

Most collectors probably consider 2006 to mark the end of ‘classic’ RealxHead releases. These three figures were released very early in 2007, and are typically lumped by collectors with the less sought-after ‘modern’ era RxH (2007-09). However, I posit that they are as deserving of adulation as any figure released prior thereto.

Mutant Head [ミュータントヘッド], catalogue number MH-20, was the first of the three to be released as a phone-order sale in January 2007. Because Mori did not use online sales (which he still does not), collectors actually had to call him on the phone to buy these figures. Super7 was able to purchase a small allotment of this MH for semi-public sale on their online forum. As with the other two, MH is cast in forest green vinyl. Although the paint is not flashy, it is actually one of the more complex color schemes exhibited on this sculpt. If you look carefully at the arrangement of paint sprays, you may notice that they are slightly off-center; the panels on its head, the yellow patch on its belly, the white touch on its belt buckle. This is one of the defining characteristics of classic RxH: very controlled paint spray, but slightly inexact application. Later releases- probably by a different painter- tend to have minor splatter and smears. The white spray on the palms of MH’s hands is an unusual touch, as the hands face inwards and you really never see the palms when normally displayed. But I think that’s what makes this detail really amazing. If you remember the evil ninja turtle, Slash, I think this MH looks a bit like him.

Akrokaiser [アクロカイザー], MA-05, and Organ Bat [オーガンバット], MT-04, were concurrent phone order sales in March 2007. Like the MH, these were also made available in the U.S. through Super7. Replacing the yellow-orange on the MH with metallic lavender gives them a much more menacing edge, perfect for this devious pair. Bright yellow accents cut through the gloomy paint scheme like a lightning bolt in the sky above a ruined castle. These two figures encapsulate so many of the themes and cliches that were imprinted in our young minds by ‘80s cartoon villains. Typical RxH magic, I think. So if you see these bumping around an online auction or forum sale thread, I definitely recommend that you give them a second look.