Instruments of construction
Anyone who’s read Fanmode for some time will know that we’re all for toys that encourage creativity. As such, any line that was designed to enable easy building, upgrading and modification will usually end up being highlighted on this site.
Construction block sets by Lego and Mega Bloks are the most common examples of this play pattern but some of the more enjoyable action figure lines also feature connectivity and interchangeability to allow toy fans to easily personalise a figure’s design. Notable examples include Stikfas, Xevoz, Mugenbine and Assemble Borg.
Here are some lesser known but no less interesting interchangeable lines.
Blockman
One of the Takara’s forgotten lines from the 80s, Blockman is nonetheless one of the Japanese toy company’s best. Blockman was a building block line with a twist: each block was a robot action figure. The fact the connectivity was based on Takara’s classic 5mm peg and port system made Blockman compatible with several generations of Takara lines—everything from Henshin Cyborg from the 70s to today’s Transformers Henkei/Transformers Universe.
Buildman
Onell Design’s interchangeable designer toys are unusual in that they’re playable action figures first and foremost. That’s perhaps unsurprising in Buildman’s case since the line is meant to be a direct homage to Blockman and Microman. The figures are currently sold out on the Onell Online Store but you can read Bryan Wilkinson’s review and check out his fanmodes while waiting for fresh stocks.
Bukiborg
Kabaya is one of Japan’s leading confectionery companies and the company has long included toys with its candy and gum. Bukiborg, which debuted in 2006, is one of Kabaya’s more interesting offerings. Each Bukiborg kit features interchangeable parts which can be reassembled into robot, weapon or beast modes. The potential for fun isn’t restricted to fan-created Bukiborg modes alone. In weapon mode, the Bukiborg toys are more or less in scale with 12–inch figures, and the 5mm-sized joints make the toys compatible with Transformers, Zoids Blox and Microman. All that for 200yen … and you get a piece of gum, too.
Duel Knights
Sold by Kabaya and designed by Volks, Duel Knights feature surprisingly stylish designs for 315yen toys. The interchangeability is based on pegs 2mm in diameter and the fanmode potential should put a smile on a mecha-loving toy fan. Momodani has pictorial reviews (in Japanese) of the first two waves while G.S.R. has reviews of the newer Duel Knights Next releases.
Skeleflex
San Francisco-based Wild Planet’s interchangeable action figure line makes use of standard size ball joints to allow toy fans to create some highly posable skeletal beasts. Though the line does have a Xevoz-like vibe, the two lines aren’t compatible. Check out these reviews by yo go re, Poe Ghostal and Erin Snyder for more information.
Toy links
He’s no good to me dead.
Custom Glyos System figures inspired by Star Wars.
Microwalker.
An Assemble Borg vehicular fanmode for Microman figures.
Time Travellers.
Fantastic digirama by maurizio schillaci.
K7.
A portrait of the Fewture Models Mazinger 1901 Garada K7.
Optimus Prime gets under your skin.
See also.
Mr. Lego.
“We even have adult jokes in places the kids can’t see them – such as some unsual plants festering in the scale model of Amsterdam and a cheeky S & M shop next to M & S – we want it to be fun for all of the family.” (See also.)