In June 1985, a few months after its Real Scale Model kits, Bandai launched a second Hokuto no Ken product line with the opposite philosophy: the “Battle Model” series. No more scale modeling, it was time to play. Each box contained three snap-fit figures requiring no glue, with flexible heads and arms that could be bent at will to recreate the battles from the series, weapons included. And while the concept was simple, the character selection was unusual, featuring the very first figure incarnations of several iconic adversaries from the early manga.
Details
Three figures, no glue
Each set brought together three characters as snap-fit kits, and the instructions made a point of emphasizing that no glue was needed. The product line’s technical hallmark lay in the choice of materials. The heads and arms were molded in flexible TR resin, a pliable material that allowed limbs to be twisted and stretched to freely compose combat poses. The waist and leg joints were functional, and each character came with a weapon.
The figures were sold unfinished and unpainted. The box sides were careful to note that the photographed samples had been painted, and the instructions warned that model paint would quickly flake off the flexible parts. The product thus fully embraced its status as a toy.
Battle Model No.1, Kenshiro, Jackal and Jagi
The first set (JAN code 4902425038681) paired Kenshiro with two prime scoundrels: Jackal, the dynamite-wielding gang leader, and Jagi, the disowned brother. Seeing Jackal and Jagi as figures as early as 1985 was exceptional; subsequent product lines would overlook them for decades in favor of the major rivals.
Battle Model No.2, Joker, Amiba and Rei
The second set (JAN code 4902425041858) pushed the boldness even further with an unlikely trio: Rei, the man of Nanto Suicho Ken, accompanied by Amiba, the self-proclaimed genius, and Joker, Yuda’s crafty henchman. For Amiba and Joker, these were in all likelihood their very first figures, a distinction they would hold for a very long time.
A flash-in-the-pan product line
The line appears to have stopped at these two sets, released simultaneously (both instruction sheets bear the same June 1985 print code). Six characters, two boxes, and then it was over; Bandai would go on to focus its efforts on other formats.
Finding them today
Like the Real Scale Model kits, the Battle Model sets were never reissued and must be hunted down on Yahoo Auctions, Mercari, and Suruga-ya. The very nature of the product makes finding complete examples a challenge. Designed to be played with, these figures saw heavy use, and the flexible resin has not aged well, suffering from warping and hardening. The weapons, small and numerous, are often missing. A complete set in box with its instruction sheet is a real find. For the other side of Bandai’s 1985 output, more patient and geared toward scale modeling, see the Real Scale Model kits.