Greetings everyone! I know last week I said we're going to look at UFO plush. Unfortunately, I made a bit of a TYPO. We're going to be looking at various BSSM PLUSH .. UFO being a big portion. Apologies. ^_^;; In any case, there are 3 types of plush; American, Bandai & Banpresto. Today, we're going to look at all 3!
What they look like: Well, Bandai plush are typically ALWAYS in a box, unless otherwise noted. Bandai plush are actually QUITE detailed, and well made. Though, they have that round face, and BIG chin going for them, they are quite adorable! These particular plush typically came in 1 of 3 types of packaging. Either singally, as a Chibi Moon and Sailor Moon set, or an entire senshi set. Prices for these items ranged anywhere from 6,000 to 10,000 yen or MORE (that's about $60-$100+). The boxes were themed with the characters, and series that they were released for, in a colorful means. The backs, revealing the OTHER plush you could collect from that particular series. Their clothing was made out of cloth, and their eyes were typically made of hard plastic. However, because their outfits were made of a felt like material, it comes as NO surprise that some of these sets were a bit damaged by the adhesive Bandai used for some of the finer details on the item.
Over all this is truly something of value to collect. Although most people have no IDEA of the value of these particular items. Especially in box! These items are truly rare amongst the fandom, as most people took theirs out of their box to cuddle and snuggle. Unfortunately, decreasing their value. Personally, out of ALL the plush I've seen for BSSM, these are truly the BEST. They're quality made, with attention to detail, and not as deformed as the UFO's. Though, because of it's low popularity, you can look to snag a set up for as little as $25, but don't be fooled, there are a few out there that know the value of these items, and you can look to spend the Yen value or more. Trust me when I say you WON'T be dissappointed with these! They are truly a great collectors item.
The American UFO's, What they look like: What can I say about these that you probably already don't know? Modeled after the Banpresto line of UFO's, these were released by 2 companies. Irwin, and Bandai. Though, our boxes weren't as well decorated, or sealed like the Japanese versions. These were actually made using a nice average quality material, with a fair attention to detail. The inner scouts having a bit more attention than the outer (which of course, saturn being missing!). The hair on these, MUCH different from the Banpresto versions though, with the longer haired characters having their hair STUFFED with fiberfill. Which gave it a full look, and an annoying means of cuddling with them.
Overall, these are adorable plush. Made from a company that had money to do so, made the quality of these rather nice. The cost of these were actually ranging from $2 to $15, depending on who you were looking for, and where you went. Nothing really spectacular about them per se, but certainly a joy to collect. Unfortuntaely, unless you can find a collector, the chances of finding them in their boxes is rather slim. Be prepared to pay anywhere from $.99 to $10.00 or more per doll. Chibi Moon and the outer scouts being amongst the rarest of them all.
Banpresto UFO's What they look like: Finally, Banpresto plush. We had quite a run of these!! Covering a good lot of characters in the series! These plush are nothing to scoff at! Ranging from your basic felt fabrics, to that silky fabric and even vinyl in their plush. It's really quite astonishing the amount of care and detail that Branpresto put into these, for a UFO machine!! Though with there being SO many per season, and so many variations, it's quite difficult to collect every single one. Banpresto also made variations of the UFO's in towel hangers, slippers, and an erray of other types. Each with as much care as the last. They're quite adorable, and came in NO box. Instead, they only have a HANG tag, that most easily lost over the ages.
The Banpresto plush have a good quality to them. You can look to pay anywhere from $.99 to over $100 for a single one! The rarer versions being those of the Amazon Quartet, and Stars! They're definitely worth having a few in your collection if you have a mild interest. They're quite colorful, and most definitely a high desired item amongst the community.
Well, that's all for this week! Next week, we'll begin our extended look at the various Gashapon items, Capsule figures, and more. Hope to see you then!!!
This update is brough to you by YesAsia. Grab the Sailor Stars and Live Action DVDs before they're gone!
