Atlanger, Shired, and Red Hawk Yamato - A large collection of original artwork of romantic combined robots and machines! Aoshima Combined Robot & Machine Box Art Exhibition" report!

Robots, space battleships, supercars, or whatever you want to call them, they can be disassembled into four machines! The "Aoshima Combined Robots & Machines Box Art Exhibition," featuring original box art from Aoshima Bunka Kyozai's "Combined Robots & Machines" plastic model series, which took the world by storm with its unrestrained ideas, will be held from March 22 to 28, 2020, at the Bumpodo Gallery in Jimbocho, Tokyo. The exhibition will be held at Bumpodo Gallery in Jimbocho, Tokyo, from March 22 to 28, 2020.

The "Combined Robot & Machine" series was a plastic model series released from the early 1970s to the mid-1980s, and became a hit product because it was possible to split a single robot or mecha into four pieces and play with them by recombining each machine form with the combined form.

Initially, many of the models were based on robots that appeared in tokusatsu and anime, but the lineup gradually shifted to focus on original robots and mecha. Original robots such as "Atlanger," "Reigart," and "Shired," as well as original mecha such as "Combined Battleship Red Hawk Yamato" and "Giant Machine Tigershark" were introduced.

In addition, Aoshima Bunka Kyozai Co., Ltd. itself published a comic book of original robots and mecha as "Aoshima Comics. The series was sold at model stores nationwide, so it can be said that this was one of the earliest series in the history of the hobby to be developed as a media mix by a manufacturer.

The "Aoshima Combined Robots & Machines Box Art Exhibition" where we visited this time is a place where visitors can enjoy the box art of the "Combined Robots & Machines" series up close and personal.

The exhibition features 69 rare original drawings.
The key point is that all the manuscripts are labeled with the name of the creator.
This is probably the first time that the name of which illustrator worked on which piece of artwork has been made clear.

Not only the "Combined Robot & Machine" box art, but also the box art of "Oyako Machine" and other products developed around the same time, as well as the drafts used for flyers and other materials. In addition, the manuscripts of "Aoshima Comics" by cartoonist Eiji Imamichi are also on display.

To our delight, almost all of the images can be photographed.

And what is surprising is that the proposal, names, and setting materials (originals!) for the "Red Hawk Yamato II" manga, which was released as "Aoshima Comics," are on display in a form that allows visitors to hold them in their hands. The exhibition is a hands-on display of the planning documents, names, and setting materials (originals!) of the "Red Hawk Yamato II" manga released as "Aoshima Comics.

The proposal, which states the concept of the work as "responding to the needs of individualization and diversification," and rough drawings that seem to belong to Mr. Imamichi, are a must-see for fans of the manga!

In addition, the display of massive examples of his work is also irresistible. All of the exhibits are overflowing with love.

The sales of goods are also not to be missed.

The catalog containing all the original drawings on display is a must-buy!

In addition to postcards, acrylic stands and key chains, reproductions of the original drawings are also available! You will want to frame and display them!

Also, the gacha where you can get SD Atlanger and other items are a delight. All of these items are sure to stimulate your appetite!

Voice actor Yuuki Tai, who writes the serial "Taiyuuki's Weekend Plastic Model" on Akiba Soken, also came to the event. He took a commemorative photo with "Tiger Shark," which he says is his favorite!

We had a great time!

So, why don't you come and visit the event?


Event Summary

Aoshima Combined Robot & Machine Box Art Exhibition
Dates: March 22 (Sun.) - 28 (Sat.), 2020
Cooperation: Aoshima Bunka Kyozai Co.
Planning and operation: Harubaru, LLC.
Purpose of the Exhibition
Our company has introduced many plastic models to the world and has captured the hearts of many fans over the ages. This exhibition focuses on "Combined Robots & Machines" from among these numerous plastic models, and brings together original box art that is usually unseen. This is a project to have visitors re-evaluate the originality and charm of these models.
Outline of Exhibition
About 70 original box art drawings of combined robots and machines will be exhibited.
Exhibit of finished kits and sale of catalogues and reproductions of original drawings are also planned.