Dragon Force - Ninja (Associated Figures) - Lanard Toys.

[rihia2k]

I thought there was already a Dragon Force Ninja (Dragon Force Karate/Dragon Force Kung Fu) thread up here but, after trawling, perhaps not.

I know there are visual references to the line in other Ninja threads on this site anyways.
And most users here probably know all we need to about the line.

That said, wondering if anyone had a nice MOC shot of Mr. Fatty-martial-artist-wannabe-Tabe here? He's clearly very closely associated to the Lanard Toys Dragon Force crew but I was just wanting to narrow down the specifics.



Surprisingly, couldn't knuckle down on many online images of him precisely. Only one in fact which told me nothing.
Note that some kid has gifted him with a goatee, he's usually clean faced, but I ain't cleanin' that off cos the porous rubber means it will only result in permanent messy purple smudges.


"you're, like, my hero, man."

[rihia2k]

Well, okay, so I broke down and actually contacted Lanard Toys via email regarding this figure, just briefly mentioning I'm a collector, etc.
Realizing I'd first be dealing with admin types (most of who probably weren't present in the 80s) I requested any possible referrals to design team members who may be able to access reference material.
Surprisingly got a reply, which is more than I can say for Soma International Ltd which I once contacted on much the same kind of topic.



Well, that doesn't really clear that up. Adds more "" in fact.
They instantly shrug of all association with the figure despite it's having 'Lanard Toys' clearly marked across it's back. Suggesting that, even if it's unlicensed, the body sculpt belonged to Lanard once upon a time.
Yo well, back to the drawing board...

[figurecollector]

Did you show them a photo of the "Lanard" across the back?

[rihia2k]

Oct 6, 2014 9:36:20 GMT -6 figurecollector said:

Did you show them a photo of the "Lanard" across the back?

Hmm, I didn't send a photo of the back actually. But I did mention in my email that it was simply marked "Lanard Toys" across the back with no year of manufacture.

[figurecollector]

It would be pretty hard for them to dispute it is at least a piece of material from their line if they have a photo of the part. Perhaps they sold off some old stock parts, but they can hardly deny it is theirs.

[rihia2k]

Yes, I wondered if it could be a legal thing on their part? Due to corporate changes over the years.
Like, could it be someway of protecting themselves against any issues relating to a thirty year old product which Lanard may have no archival reference to?
I might be reading into that a bit much but I'll consider shooting them a follow up email with a photo of the 'Lanard Toys' stamp attached.