Resin Punks: First Wave Japanese Garage Kits

The earliest days of garage kit culture survived thanks to some DIY spirit and the dedication of fans to make models for themselves. Using materials like metal, resin, and soft vinyl, these modeling pioneers built a subculture that existed on the periphery until breaking out in the late '80s.

RESIN PUNKS chronicles the earliest days of garage kit modeling in Japan, when fans made kits for other fans, know-how was traded in doujinshi, and small hobby shops became major players. The models were crude, the licensing was dodgy, but the foundation laid allowed for garage kit culture to explode thanks to popular characters from Sailor Moon, Tokimeki Memorial, and Evangelion.
Inside you'll find:

• A look at the first garage kit
  
• Articles about the origins of Wonder Festival, Wave Co Ltd., B-Club and Kotobukiya
  
• A translated fan survey from 1986
  
• Full color pages featuring photos of the General Products shop circa 1989
  
• An overview of how the garage kit industry changed throughout the '90s thanks to Sailor Moon, Evangelion, and McFarlane Toys

For folks with an interest in ‘80s Japan fan culture, including anime or models, this book should interest you even if you’ve never picked up a resin kit yourself

Author: Sean O'Mara
Publisher: Zimmerit
Page Count: 28pp
Size: 5.25 x 8.5
Notes: saddle-stitched, b/w & color
Date of Publication: 2026