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, 'Twin Heli'.
In parallel, MARK distributed the model as Twin Helicopter 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.
This last all white release was packed as a bonus (minus the wrist strap) with the Battle-Harrier section of their Battle Changer DX, sold separately, three part combiner. This itself was a re-release of their previously offered Jumbo Skyhawk. The Porsche and Land Cruiser are included with the other two combiner parts. While the previous version with grey sections replacing the chrome is shown on the box, the later release with those sections in white is in the box.
At this time the relationship between EXCITE and MARK is unknown.
In Spain the Land Cruiser and Tomcat were sold by ARTEC, however an example of the Helicopter for this line has not yet been sighted.
See main Convertors & Robot Changers index page for more details.
Region Codes Used: JP Japan / EU Europe
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 (dark green & chrome) 1984
Wrist Robo JP MARK (dark green & chrome) 1984
Arm Changer JP JAM (light green & grey) 90s *
Arm Changer JP JAM (light green & white) 90s *
Arm Changer JP JAM (light green & white) 90s **
Wrist Robo JP JAM (light green & white) 2000s
* Candy toy release: Blanket, Japanese term for cheap toys, often in kit form that are sold with a piece of candy.
** Sold as a bonus with JAM's Battle Changer DX
Stamping: MARK and early JAM releases stamped 'EXCITE 1984 Made in Japan'. Later JAM relapses are unstamped.
