Here's where it starts to get more interesting...
I then searched more on the Phoenix and found pics of the "God Phoenix". It's related to the Japanese Gatchaman II series and I don't believe it was ever shown in the U.S. Battle of the Planets series. I thought the new ship looked AWESOME!!! :grin:
So while searching for pics of the GP, I suddenly came upon an image which was strangely familiar...
I wasn't sure why it was so familar, so I followed the link and it notes:
"
The New God Phoenix from Gatchaman II (The Phoenix, top). This model was motorized. Also, Ken's G-1 Eagle Sharp from Gatchaman II by (The G-1 SP, below) 1979, by Entex. Both kits were originally issued in Japan by Bandai. Under their agreements, Sandy Frank Entertainment had no rights to be able to sell or promote items associated with Gatchaman II. These two kits were made available through mutual error of Bandai, Sandy Frank and Tatsunoko, none realizing at the time that they had no relation to Battle of the Planets."
Then it struck me why it was so familiar. When I was a kid in 1979, my father took me on a trip one summer day to a liquidator store (called Job Lot). It was a somewhat long walk, but I enjoyed outings shopping whenever I could go (explains my current habits). In the store, there was a selection of models and I found one which I thought looked amazing, but somewhat unfamiliar. As a child, I was very drawn to the bright colors, the awesome bird design, the "PHOENIX" and of course the "Battle of the Planets". My father bought it for me (it was always a 50/50 shot since money was scarce back then) and I took it home. Once I got home, I was simply AMAZED at the kit. It was done in 3 colors of plastic and was...MOTORIZED!!! I was used to cheap Monogram, Lindbergh and Revell kits, so this was simply unbelievable to me. I remember assembling it and playing with it all summer, but just like with many things over time, it was eventually forgotten...until now! Boy, that brought back good memories. :w:
