BATMAN ’66 WEEK: The world-class collector from Japan lists his faves…
—
It’s BATMAN ’66 WEEK! Click here for more Batgrooviness! — Dan
—
During December’s TOYHEM, we ran an interview with Yuji Ueda, one of the world’s foremost Batman collectors, with tons of pix of his amazing Tokyo Toy Cafe, which I got to visit when I traveled to Japan last summer.
But with BATMAN ’66 WEEK here, the opportunity to show off Yuji’s collection presents itself again, since 1966’s Batmania raged in the Land of the Rising Sun much as it did in America.
Yuji has provided us a list of his 13 favorite pieces from his voluminous collection. The list covers all eras but certainly includes ’66, since that was the start of his country’s 59-year love affair with the Caped Crusader.
Yuji and friend at Warner Bros. World in Abu Dhabi
Far out.
—
By YUJI UEDA
1. 1989 Batman Action Figure, Square Jaw Variant, Toy Biz. The first figure I bought. It was about $70 and very expensive for a high school kid but I loved it at first sight.
—
2. 1966 Batman Race Car, Yonezawa. I was fortunate enough to acquire this piece (on the right, with two other Batman racing cars) from the countryside of Japan. It’s very difficult to find it with its original box.
—
3. 1976 Palitoy Batman. I bought it from a UK toy market. I’m still looking for the pink-card Fist-Fighting version.
—
4. 1990 Dark Knight Collection: Bruce Wayne Batman, Kenner. With its removable cowl and costume, it’s one of the all-time best Batman figures.
—
5. 1972 Mego Batman With Removable Cowl. I love the Kresge package on the right.
—
6. 2016 Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Doritos Package. This package came from Brazil! My tennis friend’s husband got it for me.
—
7. The Dark Knight, Japanese Poster. I love the Japanese graphics on this.
—
8. Jiro Kuwata Original Batman Manga Art, 1966. By the great artist who adapted Batman into manga in 1966.
—
9. 1984 Super Powers Batman. This is the first blue and gray Batman figure I bought, in a Melbourne, Australia, toy shop. This opened my door to the blue and gray Batman.
—
10. 2023 Todd McFarlane, Batman: Year Two Statue. One of the biggest statues, with a beautiful cape.
—
11. 1966 Bandai Inflatable Batman. I really love the look and feel of this.
—
12. Batman Returns McDonald’s Happy Meal Set, 1992. One of the best food collaboration items.
—
13. The Batman Oreos, 2022. Especially the Oreos from Russia, Peru and Holland!
—
MORE
— The Complete BATMAN ’66 Index of Features. Click here.
— TOKYO MEETS GOTHAM: An Incredible INSIDE LOOK at One of the World’s Greatest BATMAN Collections. Click here.
