Jinjiangtoy Soundgillar

Some weeks ago I was browsing on Instagram and came across a photo that someone posted from Japan. It showed a vinyl figure of the Ultra kaiju Soundgillar. I searched through various sites (including ebay), trying to find this figure, determine who made it, etc. I finally came across a listing of it on AliExpress, so I purchased one. The figure was delivered this week.

This bizarre looking thing hails from the series Ultraman Ace. Soundgillar was one of my favorite kaiju from that show, and the episode he starred in was also one of my favorites. It was this strange beast that was annoyed by loud sounds and would appear and attempt to destroy the source of the sound. It was something about him being able to eat soundwaves. Anyway, he ended up going after a motorcycle gang and their loud bikes, before Ace appeared to fight him off. His abilities included firing missiles from his fingers and shooting paralyzing energy rings from his face (at least I think that's what it was). I'm not exactly sure what the inspiration for this monster was, as its appearance is just so damn odd. And yet I love this offbeat thing.

Since it's a simple vinyl figure, it only has four points of articulation. The two arms, waist and tail can spin around. His legs are a solid piece. The funny thing about his tail is that if you turn it upwards, it causes him to lose balance and fall backwards. He would have to be leaning against something to pose the tail in any direction that isn't down and touching the floor. I know that Bear Model had made a figure of this kaiju, but that one is quite pricey (though I'd grab one if I found it at a good price). Since I know that S.H. Figuarts will NEVER make a Soundgillar, I figure that this vinyl is my best bet of owning a representation of it.

Despite being a simple figure, with not a lot of detail, I still love this little Soundgillar, which was listed as Jinjiangtoy on Mandarake. That name is also on the tag it came with, and I didn't see any Bandai logo, so I assume that Jinjiangtoy must be who made it. I would love a highly articulated version of this beloved Ace foe, but until that impossible dream comes true, this 1:12 scale critter will do. I'm glad to finally have a figure of this weird Ultraman Ace Choju.

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