Rising Sun Ninja

Code Name:

Banzai

Desimone Guide: #423

Tomart's Guide: #GI6989

Carded Figure

Banzai's Filecard

Figure Description:

Banzai was released carded as part of the twelfth series (1993) as part of the Ninja Force subset. The 1993 Ninja Force figures were numbered 1 through 7 - Banzai was number 5.

Banzai was discontinued domestically in 1994.

Early publicity photographs and prototypes indentify Banzai as Bushido. At some point before they were released, the names were switched.

Versions of Banzai:

This was the only version of Banzai ever released.

Accessories:

Banzai came with two pink swords, a pink wide knife, two pink dueling knives, a pink sickle, a pink axe, and a pink figure stand.

All of Banzai's accessories came attached to one plastic "tree". The accessories were removed from the tree.

Variations:

There are two versions of the packaged Banzai. The early version listed the incorrect ninja move and included corrected instructions on a special insert. The other version had the correct ninja move listed. This early version also listed the small parts warning above the figure in white text. Later card printings have the text next to the figure in black text on a gray background.

Carded figure w/ white text and Ninja Action error.

Body Construction:

Banzai's body was original - no parts were taken from other figures. Banzai's chest and arms were later used to create Vega (1993).

Like all the Ninja Force figures, Banzai's body was designed with a "real ninja move". Banzai's upper body could be twisted back to his right, then released, causing it to spring forward in a punching motion.