Here is a Hot Wheels casting that I’ve been wanting to showcase for you guys since I first laid eyes on it back in October: the #Manga Tuner. For once though, it is not because I am a huge fan of the casting, its roots, or even its history. Rather, its a brand-new, #First Edition casting that was designed by Hot Wheels designer, Ryu Asada; whose personal interest is what makes the debut of this car so fascinating.
Hot Wheels Manga Tuner from the 2020 Tooned series … also part of the 2020 New Models (top-right view)
The #Manga Tuner actually made its debut at the 2019 Japanese Classic Car Show in Long Beach, California, back in September. It was met with intrigue at the show and via pictures online. Suffice to say, I was one of those that was intrigued and had secretly hoped it would be on display a couple weeks later when I was in Los Angeles for the Hot Wheels Convention — and indeed it was. Ryu had the car on display at one of the Q&As, and I got the opportunity to ask him about it.
Hot Wheels Manga Tuner from the 2020 Tooned series … also part of the 2020 New Models (convention sneak peek) … with the ’70 Volkswagen Baja Bug
The question that had been on my mind was: What is this new, #’Tooned style car? I had seen Ryu post this style before, in addition to several artists draw hand-drawn pictures of these shortened-body, raised-roof, elongated-windowed cars. Ryu was delighted to hear of my intrigue as he explained that his inspiration for this new style of Tooned Hot Wheels was influenced by the old Noppo model kits. He added that he had some as a kid, but to buy them now is not an easy thing to do here in the United States. One, they are rare. If you can find a Noppo model kit, buy it, as they will cost you hundreds of dollars if you want to buy one of the few listed on eBay. He added that since he is in a position to recreate this style for the masses to enjoy — being that he is a designer of toy cars — he decided to do so with the hopes that kids and collectors really like them. There are several planned for this year.
Hot Wheels Manga Tuner from the 2020 Tooned series … also part of the 2020 New Models … with the Mad Manga
Obviously, the #Manga Tuner lends its name and its looks from the bosozoku-style, Hot Wheels Mad Manga — a casting that has developed a bit of a niche following on its own. That was designed in 2012, with the Track Manga — a roof-less version designed for track performance — getting released in 2018. Now comes the third member of the “Manga Family”: the Manga Tuner; which is done in this “Noppo-style” cartoonish look.
As I mentioned, this is the first of several vehicles to be done in this “Noppo-style” #’Tooned look. There is actually a Truckin’ Transporter being released concurrently called, “Tooned Up” that is similarly-styled. The second will be the ’70 Volkswagen Baja Bug which can be seen in the image from the convention above.
Like Ryu, I am interested to see how collectors respond to this new style of #’Tooned Hot Wheels cars. That response starts with the #Manga Tuner. What do you think?
Hot Wheels Manga Tuner from the 2020 Tooned series … also part of the 2020 New Models
Categories: Showcase
ORANGE TRACK DIECAST 
I love this style and I hope we’ll see more like this. I see that there’s an upcoming tooned Baja Bug that’s similar in style. I created my own tooned version using the roof section from the new manga tuner. The short wheelbase and elongated roof are what makes this so cool to me. This is one instance where HW SHOULD use oversized wheels for the back, like those Choro-Q cars. Also, the Manga Tuner kinda reminds me of those Max Boost comics
Amazing custom! I think the tiny wheels are a crucial element of the Noppo style. Although I love ChoroQ style, it is very different.
Some more info about Ryu Asada, if you guys haven’t seen this yet.
http://japanesenostalgiccar.com/art-corner-the-superdeformed-model-kits-of-ryu-asada/
http://japanesenostalgiccar.com/minicars-hot-wheels-designer-ryu-asada-talks-about-his-cars-career-and-love-for-hondas/
I like it a lot. Not trying to be funny or anything when I first saw that car I thought of the movie (WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT). A movie I have seen multiple times. 😎 article BRAD. Will be on the lookout for it. Would like to see it it in different colors.Thanks for sharing.
👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
This is great, and funny looking car, and I can’t wait to add it to my collection!
It’s a novelty. I have one but not planning on collecting every casting.
Completely off the subject but does anyone know anything about the 2004 zamac series? I’m trying to find out if hot wheels made a twin mill?
I’m in favor of the Tooned segment being more broadly defined. These are cool and I don’t mind if they sneak in a Hardnoze or Crooze casting into the segment as well.