There are some pens and MP designs that you’d only discover them if you cast a wide enough net while browsing Yahoo Japan Auctions, Mercari and other online stores. One such example is the Ultraseven pen by Seika. Released in 2006, it was part of a whole line-up of character pens paying homage to classic Ultraman shows. In this case, Ultraseven ran on Japanese national TV from 1967 – 1968.
What caught my eye was the relatively tasteful execution: the twist deploy body had carefully aligned red and silver swoops taken from Ultraseven’s costume. The clip had a beautiful clear green jewel that corresponded to the ‘color timer’ on Ultraseven’s chest. And the top of the pen includes an embossed array of squares inspired by the head design of Ultraseven.
Great! So, what pencil goes with it?
Well, I tried several science-fiction-y designs, including the Pentel XS, limited red Graphgear 1000, Zebra Tect 2way and Delguard Lx. But they all had minor aesthetic issues in one way or another. Too glossy, too metallic, not intense enough, etc.
In the end, my choice goes to the Pentel Ergonomix Wing Grip, a detail encrusted airbrush masquerading as a mechanical pencil from 2007. I had previously collected examples in grey/silver and clear/chrome, and was actually ‘done’ with the series. But I chanced on a post on X showing this red/silver scheme and I immediately saw the parallels in design accents:
Stylised swoops and curves, a non-metallic red that was closer to the Seika’s, even the series of square indents for adjusting the length of the Ergonomix. A little bulky? Yes, but everything else felt so right.
