Garage Kits, recasts and how to differentiate them

Let us begin with the most important question, what is a garage kit? Traditionally, the name refers to figures and toys built in one’s garage, either by kit bashing or sculpting from scratch. The garage kits I’ll be talking about today will be fan made figures usually based on Japanese anime characters. It could either be sculpted traditionally using clay or 3D sculpted with programs such as zbrush or blender. It is then cast in resin using a silicone mould made from the original sculpt. These kits are then sold during events such as Wonder Festival, Treasure Festa or C3AFA in Japan however in recent years, as some of these events has expanded into China, garage kits are also allowed to be sold there. A one day license is issued by the copyright holder to allow the sales of these kits during the event. In some cases a license may also be issued for online sales. To find out how to mail order garage kits, please refer to my friend Muntoe’s guide, she has also created a concise list of sculptors and their social media links.

What is a recast?

A recast is a resin kit casted from a silicone mould made from a garage kit bought from the above mentioned events. These recasts are not licensed and is done without the permission of the sculptor. As such, the sculptor does not make any profits from sales of these recasts. Recasts are also referred to as bootlegs or pirated kits.

What is the difference between the original and a recast?

As mentioned earlier, the original will be licensed by the copyright holder (unless it is an original character). Aside from that, you might also see a difference in quality. Since the recast is a “2nd copy” of the original, it is natural to see some loss of details. The quality of the resin used may also be inferior especially in Thai recasts. These days, most Japanese kits are cast in high quality white resin.

Why do recasts exist?

Unfortunately, recasts will continue to exist for a long time to come simply because there is demand for it. Originals are sold almost exclusively at events and hence, very difficult for someone overseas to get their hands on them. On top of that, some kits are sold in very limited quantities, making it even harder to obtain. Even if they’re sold in the aftermarket, popular kits can go for exorbitant prices which may not be within most people’s budgets. And here comes recasts to the rescue, not only are they easily obtainable, they’re also very affordable. Sadly there are a lot of people out there who does not know what they’re supporting or knows but doesn’t care that these recast companies are literally stealing the works of others for monetary gains. Influencers also play a big part in the spread of recasts. To read up more about that, you may look at this very well written article by Kizaki Aoi

It is in Japanese but Google translate is good enough for you to get a gist of it.

How do I identify a recast?

Surugaya and Mandarake will not sell recasts hence you do not need to be wary when shopping with them. I will be sharing with you some giveaway pointers on how to identify a recast as well as what a listing for an original kit usually looks like on Yahoo Auctions.

Recasts:

1. No pictures of packaging

2. Photos of parts are usually taken with a cutting mat as the backdrop and is numbered.

3. Unusually low prompt decision price, you should be extra wary if the prices is lower than the original retail price.

4. Look at the details below, if it is being shipped from 海外 (overseas), it is most likely a recast. Also make sure to look at the description provided by the seller because some of them have the kit on hand and shipping will be within Japan but in the description, 海外 will still be mentioned. You should be extra wary of this if the title says 国内発送 (shipping within the country)

5. Packing of parts, if you see the parts in a plastic bag and the plastic is melt sealed between each part, it is most likely a recast. This way of packing parts is typical of e2046.

6. Some listings on Yahoo Auctions also has weird naming starting with something like W_01254

7. Although Surugaya does not carry bootlegs/recasts, it has come to light that someone recently bought a garage kit from them only to receive a recast from GK-Cast on the box.

Original kits:

1. Not all sellers will post pictures of the packaging but if they do, it is a big giveaway because there will be a licensing sticker on it (not applicable for original character kits). If there is no picture, read the description and see if it is mentioned which event the kit was bought from. If there is no picture or description, I would not trust the seller.

Some examples of original packaging with license stickers:

Most kits will come with a parts list but not all sellers will post pictures. Take a look at the following and see how it is different from the recast.

My thoughts on recasts:

I personally do not support recasts and as a painter of garage kits, the only way I can show my support for the sculptors is to not accept job requests to paint recasts. By writing this blog, I am also hoping to share knowledge to people about recasts and why you should not support it. Especially for newbies, they usually walk into it unknowingly. I have a client like that, he bought recasts not knowing what they are and after I told him about it, he was upset about having bought them. Wishing for recasts to no longer be made is a tall dream but if all of us are of the same mind, demand for it will definitely dwindle.