Machine Robo World Campaign
Released in limited numbers as part of the Bandai Machine Robo World Campaign, Ball Pen Robo was issued in both black and blue plastic and ink.
Details of the full extent of its distribution are unclear, however the main focus appears to have been a mail away competition. Entrants mailed in Machine Robo toy box barcodes or, 'computer codes' using a special envelope acquired from participating stores.
Already one of the most rare Machine Robo figures, the special black version was released in even lower numbers than the blue.
The Machine Robo World Campaign ran from June 20th to September 20th 1985. Other weekly competition prizes included Machine Robo T-Shirts and handkerchiefs. The latter may seem like an odd prize to the West, however handkerchiefs were and remain very popular in Japan and having one with your favourite toys on it would have been great!
Region Codes Used: JP Japan
NOTE: Region codes only shown where items were known to be released.
Machine Robo World Campaign JP Bandai (blue) 1985
Machine Robo World Campaign JP Bandai (black - limited release) 1985
CREDIT: Examples and photographs kindly provided by Pil Grim (blue version) and Roy Chan (black version).
Ball Pen Robo TV Advertisement
Ball Pen Robo Competition Details
Where to clip barcodes and weekly prizes