Pullback Wrist Robots
Originally designed by the Japanese company EXCITE, this figure was released by MARK (also in Japan) for their Wrist Robo line where it was named, 'Tomcat'.
In parallel, MARK distributed the model as Tomcat Jet Fighter to Europe as part of their Robot Changers line under the subcategory Pullback Wrist Robots.
Each includes two gimmicks, a pull back, wind up motor and the ability to be attached to an included, faux watch wrist band. All four digital watch face stickers show a different time and a number from 1 to 4. The number matches the Wrist Robo figure model number.
The Wrist Robo line is comprised of six figures, but only the first four were issued for Robot Changers or seemingly any other re-release.
As with many of MARK's 80's offerings, the Japanese company JAM later reissued the first four models under the new line of 'Arm Changer'. Throughout the release JAM changed the wrist band colours and at one point made them semi transparent.
As stocks sold out, JAM continued to reissue the model in both new packaging and ever cheaper builds. First the chromed sections were replaced with grey plastic and later with white.
At this time the relationship between EXCITE and MARK is unknown.
In Spain the Tomcat was released by ARTEC in a variety of colours attached to a simple cardback with no blister. The cards were part of a larger sheet of perforated cards allowing customers to tear off the figure they wanted. The ARTEC release received inferior chrome application compared to the original MARK Wrist Robo version.
See main Convertors & Robot Changers index page for more details.
Region Codes Used: JP Japan / EU Europe / SP Spain
NOTE: Location codes only shown where items were known to be released. This list is accurate yet likely to be incomplete.
Robot Changers EU MARK (white & chrome) 1984
Wrist Robo JP MARK (grey & chrome) 1984
Arm Changer JP JAM (dark blue & grey) 90s *
Arm Changer JP JAM (dark blue & white) 90s *
Wrist Robo JP JAM (dark blue & white) 2000s
Transformers SP ATREC (white & chrome) 90s
Transformers SP ATREC (green & chrome) 90s
Transformers SP ATREC (red & chrome) 90s
Transformers SP ATREC (yellow & chrome) 90s
* Candy toy release: Blanket, Japanese term for cheap toys, often in kit form that are sold with a piece of candy.
** the ARTEC Transformers line is in no way linked to the Hasbro Transformers.
Stamping: MARK and early JAM releases stamped 'EXCITE 1984 Made in Japan'. Later JAM releases are unstamped.
ARTEC release stamped 'ARTEC Made in Spain' and includes the ARTEC character logo.
