Saturday, August 30, 2014

Shamrock Arrow / シャムロックアロー - Fang / ファング


Shamrock Arrow - Fang (Super Festival 55 ltd., 1/9/11)

After seeing a new version of Shamrock Arrow's distinctive toy, Fang, revealed after nearly a year, I thought it might be time to revisit some of its prior releases.
 
Fang [ファング] is a finger puppet-style soft vinyl toy sculpted and produced by Shamrock Arrow [シャムロックアロー]. It is part of Shamrock Arrow's Poseidon Impact Series and currently the sole figure in said line. Perhaps you recognize the 90s-era action figures that undoubtedly inspired its design.
 
The first version of Fang released used clear yellow vinyl with no paint. It was sold at Super Festival 55 on January 9, 2011. This and successive versions of Fang were packaged in a simple fruit mesh bag with a Poseidon Impact sash-style label.
 
Shamrock Arrow - Fang (2011 Summer Wonderfestival ltd., 7/24/11)
 
Shamrock Arrow - Fang (2011 Summer Wonderfestival ltd., 7/24/11)

This second version of Fang was not released until the summer of 2011, at Summer Wonderfestival held on July 24, 2011.
 
Shamrock Arrow - Fang (Super Festival 57 ltd., 9/25/11)
 
Shamrock Arrow - Fang (Super Festival 57 ltd., 9/25/11)

The third version of Fang was released at Super Festival 57 on September 25, 2011. Maybe these are supposed to be the actual colors of Fang?
 
Shamrock Arrow - Fang (2012 Winter Wonderfestival ltd., 2/12/12)
 
Shamrock Arrow - Fang (2012 Winter Wonderfestival ltd., 2/12/12)

A fourth version of Fang was released at Winter Wonderfestival on February 12, 2012. Cast in white vinyl and painted with pink and gold highlights, this Fang seems as though it is getting ready for cherry blossom season.
 
Shamrock Arrow - Fang (Super Festival 59 ltd., 4/30/12)
 
Shamrock Arrow - Fang (Super Festival 59 ltd., 4/30/12)

The fifth- and final, for my collection- version of Fang was released at Super Festival 59 on April 30, 2012.
 
Since then, Shamrock Arrow has produced a set of two two-tone Fangs for Astro Zombies' 20th Anniversary celebration at Super Festival 63 on September 29, 2013, and his newest version of Fang at Japan Amazing Model Expo on August 17, 2014. I am very glad to see Shamrock Arrow continuing this line of simple toys, and hope to see the next entry in Poseidon Impact soon.

No comments: