Series: Dragon Ball Z
Company: Jakks Pacific
Year: 2003
Size: 16 cm
Main distribution: America / Europe
Irwin Toy was a Canadian distributor and manufacturer of toys. They made the Energy Glow Action Figures amongst others. In 2002 Irwin Toy went bankrupt, and Jakks Pacific took over the line, creating more series of these. The Battle Ready Warriors line is a unique line to Jakks Pacific, but appears to be a spiritual successor or Irwin Toy’s Energy Glow line.
In total 7 series were made of the Energy Glow figures. However, Jakks Pacific took over from series 3. Jakks Pacific initially released these as Battle Ready Warriors (series 3 and 4), as well as Power Up! (series 5), Electronic Power Up (series 6) before continuing as Energy Glow (series 7).
Here I’ll only show the Battle Ready Warriors figures from Jakks Pacific, so series 3 and 4. If you want to see the first 2, look here. If you want to see series 5, look here. Series 6 and 7 are mostly re-releases of these Battle Ready Warriors, with the exception of Majin Vegeta (Series 6).
The figures came in blister packs. The figures have lights in them but no batteries. Their (Super Saiyan) hair is transparent, to see the glowing light. In their feet are magnets. When placed on the magnets on the landscape, and pressing the button, the figures will light up. The landscape has the battery compartment and takes 2 AA batteries. It also has a soundbox.
Behind on the characters legs is the branding. It reads in raised font: © 03 B.S/S.T.A. Licensed by FUN® © 2003 JAKKS China.
Under the landscape is also branding. It reads in raised font: ©03 B.S./S.,T.A. Licensed by FUN.® © 2003 JAKKS China.
Series 3
Release date: 2003
The third wave (first by Jakks) existed out of 3 figures, and is called the Battle Ready Warriors.
Super Saiyan Goku (Namek outfit), Super Saiyan Goku (Saiyan Armor) and Super Saiyan Gohan.
I got 0/3.
Series 4
Release date: September 2003
The fourth wave (second by Jakks) also existed out of 3 figures.
Super Saiyan Trunks, Super Saiyan Goku and Super Saiyan Gohan.
I got 1/3; Super Saiyan Trunks.
Super Saiyan Trunks is wearing Saiyan Armour as seen in the Cell Games. He has long hair tied in the back. His hair is transparent, as well as the yellow areas on the chest armour. He has an angry expression on his face. His left hand is closed in a fist and his arm is slightly bend in a flex. His right hand is open as if shooting a blast, with a ki ball attached. Inside the swirls is a light. It’s the same pose to the Energy Blaster figure, which also came with a (closed) ki ball.
When pressing the button you hear Trunks say “As long as I have the power to destroy you Cell, that’s all that matters to me.” followed by Super Saiyan Power Up sound effects.
I was a massive Dragonball fan at the time, and one of the first series I truly collected besides the Lion King. I spent all my pocket money on these, and harassed my family to go out to the bigger cities so I could buy these once I had saved up some.
I travelled almost weekly by train to Sittard to the Atomic comic bookshop to buy cards and these figures.
This was a time before internet, and we hunted for these figures in all the shops. Trading and selling on was a huge part of collecting, especially then, and it created some cool friendships.
I also played lots with these! The ones I was missing, my friend would have and vice versa (often shops only had 1 of each, and we both bought them). Dragonball was also a huge influence in my understanding of English. I played with these figures in English!, as they spoke English on tv. Kid logic?
I mostly bought the “standard” action figures. Even as a kid I thought these were a bit gimmicky. After getting Vegeta however, I had to get Trunks too. I got him second-hand online or from a trade, I can’t remember. I never had his packaging.
When I started saving for Uni I tried to sell these, but this one never sold. Although I’m still not a huge fan of these (gimmicky and transparent) I feel quite nostalgic for them now. I’ve decided to keep him for now.
As simple as they are compared to the figures now, these mean a lot to me and are so nostalgic! I still prefer the regular action figures though.
If you like Dragonball Z or vintage action figures, you’ll like these.
If you prefer more modern articulation and less play features, you’ll give these a miss.
Got any more details / information you think I should add? Or did I get something wrong? Do you own any of these figures? Which one is your fav? Do you agree or disagree with my findings? Let me know in the comments below!