The Chief Robotman first appeared in 1962 and was produced by the Japanese firm Yoshiya (aka KO). There were originally 3 variations, each with a different colour and name. A blue version was called Radical Robot, a white version was called Mystery Moonman and the more common silver/grey versions were called Chief Robotman. Original Yoshiya versions of Chief Robotman have the fins of its central button going vertically, not horizontally like the reproductions.
Robot Family
Design-wise the Chief Robotman belongs to a large group of robots from this era with large skirted designs and bump-n-go action. Masudaya created a series of similar skirted robot designs during the same golden era, the now infamous (and extremely expensive) ‘Gang of Five’.
Take a look at 5 toy robots from my collection. In this video I showcase these awesome battery powered tin toys so you can see what they do and how they move. They walk, they shoot, the spin around with flashing lights, robot sounds and puffing smoke effects. PREPARE FOR EPIC!
The five toy robots include ‘Space Evil Robot’ and ‘Piston Robot III’ made by Metal House in Japan. ‘Chief Robotman’ and ‘Chief Smoky’ are reproductions made by the Haha Toy Factory. The other Piston Robot is the oldest in the group and was manufactured in Taiwan by SJM I believe. It’s a super high quality copy of a Horikawa design but with taller metal legs (which I think looks a lot better tbh).
Chief Robotman Bump n Go Mystery Action Robot
Chief Robotman is one of THE classic toy robot designs of the 20th century. This mechanical battery operated tinplate toy robot is a modern reproduction made by Ha Ha Toys. The original design, also referred to as Mystery Moon Man, launched in 1959 and is highly sought after.
Chief Robotman has a dizzying “Mystery” bump-n-go action that is ridiculously hard to film! When he stops, his head moves, his antennas spin and the light on his head flashes.
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