Today I received one of the coveted Mantel Hobby Award trophies made by Ghostwrite and limited to 35 copies.

Did I win it by creating a popular collecting platform? No.

Did I win it by operating a hobby shop? Nope.

Did I win it as a result of widely-recognized industry expertise? Definitely not.

I won it by being randomly selected in the recent Mantel contest. Money won is a lot sweeter than money earned.

I accept this award on behalf of Mantel Nation. This one belongs to the people!

💙 Release: 2020

🩵 Manufacturer: Action Toys × Fewture Models

💙 Height: ~12.5 cm (approx. 1/15 scale)

🩵 Features: Die-cast frame • swappable faces • Umbrella • Sword • Full Toritsukkun armour • Display stand

Third and final figure in this series, but certainly not least - Sukashii (Guido Anchovy)! Compact SD proportions but surprisingly poseable (shoulders/hips/ankles have a good range). Die-cast parts give it stability on the shelf next to Yattarō & Pururun. Clean paint apps—metallic trims pop under light.

💡 About the ES Gokin Line

The ES Gokin (short for Excellent Super Gokin) series by Action Toys and Fewture Models blends super-deformedproportions with high-end die-cast construction—a niche that pays homage to 1980s and ’90s Chogokin toys while scaling them down for compact display.

Each figure combines metal internal framing with detailed painted armor parts, often featuring transformation or weapon-swap gimmicks. The result is a collectible that feels part model kit, part premium figure: small enough for a desk display, but engineered with the same precision as full-sized mecha releases.

The Kyattō Ninden Teyandee entries (Yattaro, Pururun, and Sukashii) are fan favorites within this line, notable for their balance of SD charm and anime accuracy—long before modern manufacturers like Heat Boys or Yolopark revisited the brand.

❤ Release: 2020

🩷 Manufacturer: Action Toys × Fewture Models

❤ Height: ~11 cm (approx. 1/15 scale)

🩷 Features: Die-cast frame • swappable faces • Heart Shuriken · Swords • Flute • Full Toritsukkun armour • Display stand.

The second figure in the ES Gokin Samurai Pizza Cats line - and the most expensive of the three, on the second-hand market - Pururun (Polly Ester)! This figure perfectly captures the team’s heart and style in die-cast form. Released in 2020 as part of the same set as Yattaro and Sukashii, this compact figure delivers impressive heft and engineering.

Standing about 11cm tall, Pururun includes multiple faces, interchangeable hands, Heart Shuriken, her signature flute, and a transparent display stand. Like the others in the line, she’s a hybrid of plastic and metal — giving her a premium weight and presence on the shelf. The finish is bright combination of pink and red metallics, resembling the character’s anime armor under stage lighting.

💡 About the ES Gokin Line

The ES Gokin (short for Excellent Super Gokin) series by Action Toys and Fewture Models blends super-deformedproportions with high-end die-cast construction—a niche that pays homage to 1980s and ’90s Chogokin toys while scaling them down for compact display.

Each figure combines metal internal framing with detailed painted armor parts, often featuring transformation or weapon-swap gimmicks. The result is a collectible that feels part model kit, part premium figure: small enough for a desk display, but engineered with the same precision as full-sized mecha releases.

The Kyattō Ninden Teyandee entries (Yattaro, Pururun, and Sukashii) are fan favorites within this line, notable for their balance of SD charm and anime accuracy—long before modern manufacturers like Heat Boys or Yolopark revisited the brand.

🤍 Release: 2017 & re-issued in 2020

❤ Manufacturer: Action Toys × Fewture Models

🤍 Height: ~10 cm (approx. 1/15 scale)

❤ Features: Die-cast frame • swappable faces • Swords • Shuriken • Full Toritsukkun armour • Display stand

Released under the ES Gokin “Action Figure + Chogokin Hybrid” line, this compact but heavy Yattaro perfectly balances die-cast heft with smooth poseability. The sculpt captures his Toritsukkun battle armor with sharp detailing, metallic accents, and expressive interchangeable faces.

Accessories include his swords, alternate hands, full Toritsukkun armour, and a stand base emblazoned with the series logo. Despite standing only about 11 cm tall, he’s the smallest in the series, but a tank of a figure—dense, weighty, and engineered for dynamic poses that still feel distinctly 90s-anime.

The ES Gokin line was notable for rekindling interest in Kyattou Ninden Teyandee long before the current anniversary surge. For years this was the definitive Yattaro figure, and it paved the way for today’s premium entries from Heat Boys, BellFine, and Yolopark.

When part of the bundled Nyanki 3-pack (to my knowledge, it was a raffle prize), Yattaro comes with an additional winking faceplate.

Although this figure has been long since discontinued, ES Gokin have showcased prototypes for their next line of Teyandee merchandise (civilian Nyanki, Otama, Omitsu, Ko’on no Kami and Karamaru). Since the reveal, we haven’t received any official news other than employees of this company also sharing the images, which has us all hopeful for a retail release.

Released under Evolution Toy’s “Dynamite Action!” line, this articulated die-cast figure brings the mighty Nyagoking to life — complete with transformation parts and magnet joints reminiscent of vintage chogokin toys.

• Scale / Line: Dynamite Action! Product No. 29

• Manufacturer: Evolution Toy

• Material: Die-cast + ABS + POM

• Features: Combination gimmick with modular limbs; magnet-based articulation

• Bonus: Includes three super-chibi Nyanki minifigures (Yattaro, Pururun, and Sukashii) designed to echo their classic SD appearance

• Packaging: Uses retro comic-panel artwork, celebrating Tatsunoko’s original mecha aesthetic

Nyagoking (ニャゴキング) is a giant robot that aids the Nyanki whenever they get into a tight spot. They are summoned by a signal sent out by Yattaro’s sword. It has two forms; Sphinx mode which is the form it assumes when not being used, and giant robot form for battle. Nyagoking is also what launches Toritsukkun who transform the Cats into the Mega-Up Nyanki. The robot is armed with fish-themed weapons such as a fish spear and fish blaster (both of which are packaged with this figure). When not being used, Nyagoking is stored in a statue in Neko Fujiyama (Edoropolis’ highest mountain).

This figure was the first modern die-cast release of that design — pre-dating the ES Gokin and Heat Boys reinterpretations.

⚙ About the “Dynamite Action!” line

Evolution Toy’s Dynamite Action! series pays homage to the golden age of chogokin mecha toys. Instead of relying on traditional plastic pegs or ball joints, each figure uses embedded magnetic connectors that let collectors swap and reconfigure limbs while maintaining a sleek, vintage feel.

The concept draws inspiration from Go Nagai–era combining robots and 1970s–1980s die-cast designs by Popy and Bandai. The use of real metal (zinc alloy) not only adds a nostalgic heft but also echoes the tactile durability of early robot toys.

In Nyagoking’s case, the line’s engineering allows for seamless articulation, magnetized part swapping, and a sturdy display presence without visible mechanical seams — a perfect balance between retro craftsmanship and modern precision.