Cinematic Toys

Battlestar Atlantia – Konami, originally uploaded by Thorsten Becker.

I really enjoy photographing small scale models and am often impressed with the quality and detail of Japanese Gashapon. This types of trading figures are rather popular in Japan and come in sealed boxes (so called “blind-boxes” as the exact figure contained is unknown). Each series has a set number of collectibles and usually includes one or more chase items. A box typically sells for about $3 to $5. However, once a series is sold out prices can quickly skyrocket, especially for the chase items.

As a nostalgia fan of the original Battlestar Galactica series (I used to watch it as a kid) I am always on the lookout for related toys and collectibles, old and new. When I came across Konami’s classic Battlestar Galactica trading figures I just had to collect them, not an easy task back in 2008 as the series was released in 2005 and sold out quickly right after. Fortunately I managed to collect the whole series by continuously searching eBay as well as various Japanese online stores. On display here is the Battlestar Atlantia, which was actually the first piece I purchased. The model is approximately 4.1 inches long (or about 10.5 cm) and is richly detailed. The Battlestars were naturally more difficult to find and the Atlantia was especially rare (a chase item), though each ship was cast from the same mold, the only real difference being the name printed on the launch bay.

As mentioned each one is highly detailed considering their small size and are far superior to any Titanium models of the same size, making them rather fun to photograph (eventually I’d like to compose several shots to re-create some scenes from the series). Should you be interested in acquiring one or more for yourself there are still a few Battlestars as well Vipers and Cylon Raiders listed on eBay.com (as of June 2010) though be prepared to pay a premium for each one.