Microman

Microman is a line of small, highly articulated action figures produced by the Japanese company Takara, first released in 1974. The figures are designed around modular components, allowing interchangeable limbs, armor, and gear, and they typically come with small vehicles and weapons. The line covered science fiction, robotics, and other futuristic themes, with a emphasis on poseability and customization. Figures were released in various settings, including humanoid, alien, and robot designs, and were complemented by a range of accessories and playsets.

In markets outside Japan, the Microman line was licensed and adapted for Western audiences as Micronauts. The Micronauts brand was developed by Mego for the United States and other regions, bringing Takara’s concept of compact, modular figures to a broader audience. This cross-cultural distribution helped popularize the idea of highly poseable, interchangeable toy systems in the 1970s and 1980s.

Microman has had a lasting influence on the toy industry, particularly in the realm of articulated action figures and modular design. Its emphasis on interchangeable parts and compact form factors contributed to broader trends within Japanese figure design and helped shape collector-focused releases in later years. The brand has seen revivals and reissues by Takara Tomy, continuing to appeal to enthusiasts and new collectors who value vintage articulation and customization options.

Overall, Microman stands as a notable early example of small-scale, highly configurable action figures, with a lineage that extends into Western markets and ongoing collector interest.