Bootleg VF1J Armored Battroid

Bootleg VF1J Armored Battloid was the second and last gashapon I picked up at a local Mexican Supermarket in Rialto, CA back in 1988. Click on “D.V.S.” above to learn more details on the story of acquiring these.

After many years of owning this figure and not knowing its origin, I finally learned that it was a bootleg of Arii’s MD series of model kits that were released in 1983. Quickly going out of production somehow one of these made it over to a Chinese Bootlegger and the rest is history for this obscure Macross related figure.

Although the molding is not as sharp as the original release, it still goes together well and still holds the charm and details of the original release.

My favorite aspect is the fold out instruction card.

I wish I was able to acquire the other two but over 20 years later I have yet to see any for sale. A fun item that I am glad I have kept around all these years later.

Review and Photos by Leonardo Flores