By Ollie Barder, Contributor.

In a grand celebration of its 50th anniversary, the classic super robot anime 'Reideen the Brave' is set to release an exclusive collection of golden toys, much to the delight of fans worldwide. The iconic series, which first captivated audiences in 1975, has continued to hold a special place in the hearts of anime enthusiasts, and this anniversary marks a significant milestone in its storied history.

For this celebration, U-Treasure, a well-known brand specializing in high-end collectibles, is producing two exquisite gold statues of the titular character, Reideen. The first statue is a premium piece crafted from pure gold, and it comes with a staggering price tag of 3,520,000 yen (approximately $24,000 at the current exchange rate). However, this luxurious item will be extremely limited, with only five units available for collectors. The second offering is a more accessible version, made of silver and elegantly coated in gold, priced at 352,000 yen (around $2,400). This more affordable statue still captures the essence and grandeur of the original character but is better suited for fans who wish to partake in the celebration without breaking the bank.

The significance of 'Reideen the Brave' stretches beyond mere nostalgia. The anime is widely regarded as the first to introduce the concept of transforming mecha, with Reideen famously transitioning into its flight form known as God Bird. This innovative approach laid the groundwork for future mecha series, and many of the creators and artists involved in 'Reideen the Brave' would later contribute to the legendary 'Mobile Suit Gundam'. Notable figures such as Yoshiyuki Tomino took the helm as chief director, while character and mecha designs were crafted by Yoshikazu Yasuhiko and Kazutaka Miyatake, who were also pivotal in the success of Gundam. The influence of 'Reideen' can be seen throughout the years, inspiring projects like 'RahXephon', which explicitly acknowledges its predecessors, including the legendary battle mecha.

The narrative of 'Reideen the Brave', centered around ancient mecha being revived by their descendants, has spurred creative inspiration across numerous other series, such as 'Giant Gorg', which also featured the artistry of Yasuhiko. This legacy is a testament to Reideen’s status as a cultural icon within the anime community, showcasing how one series can shape the trajectory of a genre. The longevity of its popularity has significantly influenced the decision to produce these exclusive golden toys, making them not just collectibles, but also pieces of anime history.

Pre-orders for both versions of the Reideen toys began yesterday in Japan, and it’s expected that they will attract significant interest from fans and collectors alike. For those looking for more affordable and articulated toys, U-Treasure’s offerings come alongside other releases from Bandai Spirits, which continues to innovate in the realm of action figures and collectibles.

As the world celebrates this landmark anniversary, it's a fitting tribute to a series that has shaped and enriched the landscape of anime. Follow me on X, Facebook, and YouTube for more updates. I also manage Mecha Damashii and am currently featured in the Giant Robots exhibition, which is touring Japan.