Weekend picks

Published on February 15, 2008

Weekend Magazine

When the Japanese animated TV action series "Mobile Suit Gundam" first aired in 1979, Gundam robot characters instantly became a part of pop culture for Japanese youth. Beyond cartoons and films, Gundam superheroes became something cool when they came into such forms as toys, games, manga books and action figures.

In Bangkok, a Bandai dealership called Jupiter in the old building of Pilom Plaza is a  warehouse for a group of Gundum buffs. The store is stacked with plenty of Gundam models and other Japanese-style action figures.

The store was opened 10 years ago by an enterprising duo, Damrong Ratchatasriprasert and Somporn Sae-Moo. At first the store was crowded with Tamiya toy cars. Then Damrong and his wife renovated their shop to offer a collection of SD-sized Gundam figures under production from primary licensee Bandai in Japan.

Now Jupiter features a glistering showcases of more than 1,000 figures. There are both adjustable plastic and metal models, along with a Gundam creation made of Lego bricks.

Most products are from popular Japanese cartoons, including Gundam and Saint Seiya. The best-selling models are the latest collection of Unicorn Gundam and Gold Saint Seiya set. The shop also has figures from Getter Robot, Evangelion, Masked Rider, Doraemon and Keroro.

Apart from nifty action figures, the store offers a comprehensive range of action-figure magazines and design supplies from aboard. The products include airbrushes imported from Taiwan, watercolours from Japan, magic markers and other devices.

Jupiter

First floor, Pilom Plaza

Saphan Lek, Mahachai Road

10am to 5pm, Monday to Friday; 9am to 6.30pm, Saturday and Sunday

(02) 222 8700, (02) 222 8700, ext 133, 137

Gundam

The latest collection of Mobile Suit Gundam. The Unicorn Gundam figure is adorned with red lights and has a movable plastic head, hands and legs. It comes in white and black for Bt2,200.

Right model

Make your models perfect with paints in assorted colours from Bt52 to Bt67. There are also air-brushing tools from Taiwan priced at Bt1,600.

Masked Rider

Black Rider RX comes in green and grey, and rides a blue motorcycle (Bt1,300).

Getter

A colourful selection of Getter Robot metal action figures - Getter Dragon, Getter Riker and Posedon (Bt1,800).

Keroro

These plastic models from the hit Keroro series include Dororo Robo (blue-grey), Tamama Robo (black-yellow) and Giroro Robo (red-black) (Bt320).

Gacha Gacha Doraemon

This Doraemon set is packaged with 22 smaller figures that can be inserted into the big blue cat's magical door (Bt1,800).

Saint Seiya

Another popular collection is the Gold Saint Seiya set, which features 12 plastic action figures with gold costumes representing the 12 signs of the zodiac. Prices range from Bt1,600 to Bt2,200.

Pattarawadee Saengmanee