The Star Wars saga inspired a generation, so it should not be a wonder to think how it could not have inspired Brian Flynn to come up with the Stormtrooper Super Shogun, a 24-inch tall toy based on the fictional soldiers of Emperor Palpatine and of his commanders in George Lucas’ Star Wars series.
Lucas got the name for these soldiers from the Stormtroopers, who were specialist soldiers of the German Army in World War I. In the Star Wars series, the Stormtroopers had distinctive white battle armor. Flynn’s Stormtrooper Super Shogun, along with the Star Wars Stormtroopers, were also based on Jumbo Machinder toys from Japan which took the country by storm in the 1970’s. The first Jumbo Machinder was released in 1973 and was set on the manga character Mazinger Z, which was a fictional robot. These toys were usually 24 inches in height, and had wheels on the feet of the toy. Mattel, a US company, acquired the rights over the Jumbo Machinder toys released in Europe and US, and released them under the name Shogun Warriors.
Just like the Stormtroopers in the epic Star Wars, these Stormtrooper Super Shogun toys come loaded with a lot of gadgets. A BlasTech E-11 laser blaster can be found in the right fist of the toy with an unfoldable stock. The ‘Rocket Punch’ is found in the left hand, which shoots off when fired, and the toy comes with six points of articulation. The gun on the right hand has a posable stock which unfolds from below the barrel. These Stormtroopers are made from blow molded and durable polyethylene, while the helmet is vinyl-painted. The same technique was also used to construct Japanese toys in the 1970s.
Only 1200 pieces of these Stromtroopers have been made, each with a special number, which again reminds us of the Star Wars Stormtroopers. These toys are packed in an illustrated gift box, which also contains graphics from both the iconic franchises- Star Wars and Jumbo Machinder.
Available for all to purchase, the Stormtrooper Super Shogun toys would bear a price tag of around $249.99. So, you probably must not waste your time in getting it and bringing back the Star Wars aura, again.
The Star Wars lovers will surely love to make this Yummy R2-D2 Cake, or wear a Darth Vader T-Shirt.
