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Aug 31, 2005
Blue Dalek Divers @ KR Online
Just a quick heads up that Blue Dalek Diver Dunnys are currently available at Kidrobot (online only I think). Only 200 were made and these are bound to go quickly (the white ones have already sold out). Here's the direct link to the product page. As with all the Dalek Diver Dunnys quality is very uneven and some of the paint jobs are rather rough -- but they may end up being collectible in spite of or partly because of this. Hard to know for sure. Buy NOW if you want one or 2 (limit is 2 per person).
Update: These have sold out, hope you were you able to get one if you were interested.
Mini-Labbits Series 2
Frank Kozik's ever popular mini-labbits are back for a return engagement from Kidrobot. Series 2 is coming very soon now with a projected mid-september release date! The new series has 15 different mini-labbits including chase figures. Of the ones here', the red plaid one is tops in my book!
Playtimes #8 dropping soon
Here's a look at the cover for Playtimes #8 which is at the printer and should be released in Singapore sometime next week. This time around, Mori Chack supplies the eye candy with a very bloody Gloomy Bear. There's lots of goodness in this issue, but I have to plug the massive SDCC coverage which Francine and I worked on. How massive? Thirty pages! Yup, 3-0. We love working with Playtimes -- they kept allocating more and more pages to pack in all the pics and came up with a very cool surprise feature. Zak does such a great job with choosing pics and laying it out -- this one is some of his nicest work yet. It's hard to believe they gave the go-ahead for such a monster spread, but it is the biggest vinyl event of the year! So pick it up if you can!
Playtimes #8 featuring Mori Chack's Gloomy Bear
Aug 30, 2005
BULLYPROOF by miQ willmOtt
miQ willmOtt is a mad genius. There's no doubt left. His customs always push the envelope of whatever object he's transforming; be it Qee, Mad*l or in this case an innocent and unsuspecting lunch box. miQ's pieces are typically layered in physical detail -- whether it's additional wood cut outs, metal additions, or in this case metal spikes. By the time he's done, the object has become something entirely different shaped in his vision, retaining only an outline of its former identity. The latest exhibit is his custom BULLYPROOF lunchbox for the "Hot Lunch" show at La-La Land Gallery. For all those kids who once worried that there lunch would be snatched up by the local school yard menace, comes the ultimate protection!
BULLYPROOF by miQ willmOtt (click for full-size)
Hot Lunch at La-La Land (9/24 & 9/25)
Custom sneakers, custom toys of all sorts, and now custom lunchboxes! Hot Lunch is a group exhibit of custom lunch boxes at La-La Land Gallery (Los Angeles) opening on September 24th and 25th at Noon of course! There's a good mix of participating artists with a range of styles, should be an amazing show and a fun event. With any luck, Francine will be covering the event for Vinyl Pulse.
Nostore: Buy a shirt and help a charity
By Peskimo
NoStore is a brand new online site offering cool limited edition art products (mostly T-shirts at this point) from such top names as Jon Burgerman and Peskimo. While the shirts are quite nice, the really cool bit is that each artist has donated the art work featured on the products. Thus, 50% of the proceeds from Nostore go to a charitable cause chosen by each artist. To wrap up, check out NoStore, buy a cool shirt or two and help a chairtable cause at the same time. Kudos to the founders of NoStore and the artists participating in this project!
Aug 29, 2005
Playtimes exclusive brothersfree Trexi Set
Zak from Playtimes sent these pics of the new brothersfree Trexi 2-pack. In order to preorder this magazine exclusive, purchase Playtimes #7, send in the special form found inside w/payment, and wait impatiently for your new treasure to arrive. As you can see, the Trexi's follow the urban theme that put brothersfree on the map, from the construction hard-hats to the very cool transparent bolt-shaped clam-shell packaging.
l to r: Ah Gum and Ah Aun
Munkying Exclusive Red Sour
Here's a look at the red Munkyking Exclusive Sour by Brendan Monroe coming soon from the folks at Android 8. Also, along with the pic Glen sent a revised production run breakdown: 400 Green, 400 Brown, 100 Red (Munkyking Exclusive) , 100 Orange (Android 8 Exclusive).
Ice-Bots bring Chilly Fun on October 13th
The Icebots, Dalek's latest toys from Kidrobot will be released on October 13th. Today we have shots of the packaging and a glimpse of some of the very cool accessories. Accessories can really add to the overall fun-factor of a toy and KR seems to be keenly aware of this considering their upcoming releases (Icebots, Munnys, and others).
Aug 28, 2005
Brooklyn at NYC Showroom (8/25)
Vacant and Near Point Toys bring you a 2-foot high DIY vinyl canine who answers to "Brooklyn" (designed by Bradley Theodore). A DIY toy is a blank canvas full of potential waiting for artists and creative peeps to bring crazy, sick, and inspired visions to reality. A an impressive set of talented folks got busy on "Brooklyn" for a custom show which opened on the 25th (VIP) and yesterday (27th) at the Showroom NYC, Toy Tokyo's gallery. There's lots of buzz about Everlast's creation -- it's the orange and chrome colored canine. Speaking of buzz... Tristan Eaton opted for something 'out-of-the-box' and decided to do a 3' x 3' painting (see it below) and auction both the painting and the blank dog on Ebay. Doing so turns the auction into an interactive aspect of the art and also focuses attention on the ambiguous role Ebay plays in the designer toy world (more info). Thanks to Shinigami of Near Point Toys for taking and sharing these great pics of the toys and the party. Speaking of party -- looks like there was a huge turnout... I spy some pretty well-known faces -- including NYC Lase, Voltaire, Tristan Eaton, the Toy Baroness, Andrew Bell, and I'm sure you all will point out others! Also, check out the lucky guy who won a GID Brooklyn! If you can help with captions post a comment or send us mail at vinylpulse@gmail.com.
Enjoy all the creative talent on display here. If you missed the opening, the show runs through September 9th.
Voltaire
Continue reading "Brooklyn at NYC Showroom (8/25)"
100 Circus Punks Rule NYC on September 30th
One of the hotly anticipated events of the year is the upcoming exhibit of 100+ custom one-of-a-kind Circus Punks at The Showroom NYC opening on September 30th and running through October 20th
The list of artists is huge and diverse including both superstars and less known but equally talented folks. Many of the artists as well as most of the Circus Punks crew including Paul Cruikshank, Jim Koch and Steve Richard will be there. Ever wondered who the mad geniuses behind all these toys and creations are? Here's your chance! Exclusives? Of course! There will be four show exclusive Circus Punks: Brandt Peters, Tara McPherson, and a double shot of Tim Biskup. If you're anywhere near NYC check it out and show up early; lots of people will show up for this bad boy.
About Circus Punks
Straight from the land of corn dogs and ferris wheels comes the inspiration for the 21st Century’s most ORIGINAL collectible ART pieces --CIRCUS PUNKS. Devilishly delicious objects, wrapped in fake fur and just itchin’ to have baseballs chucked at ‘em - or placed on a hallowed shelf to be adored.
These 15” tall masterpieces are signed and numbered by each respective artist and are strictly limited and will never be produced again using the same color way. Edition sizes run from 50 to 150 pieces depending on the art and the artist.
MCA Custom Punk
Kenzai Carved Wood Custom Punk
David Hyuck's Custom Punks
Tara McPherson NYC Exclusive
Brandt Peters NYC Exclusive
Aug 27, 2005
Vinyl Toy Survey
I recently got mail from Ken, a Communications student, who's doing a project on the viability of producing a book dedicated to exploring the roots of Urban Vinyl from a broad perspective (not solely focusing on designers/artists). He's got an anonymous survey he'd like people to complete to help him with his project. I've filled it out -- pretty painless ;-) If you have a few minutes, go ahead and fill out the survey at http://www.playworksonline.com/survey/. If you have any questions about the survey feel free to mail him directly at kenswh@gmail.com.
6" Devilroboy
The latest Rolitoboy from Toy2r is a collaboration between Rolito and Devilrobots... Devilroboy ;-) This design is quite nice -- I like the color scheme on the shirt and especially those shoes! It's already available in Hong Kong now for HK$300 (about $39.00 USD).
Aug 26, 2005
Gary Baseman 'Strong Stuff' signings in LA (8/28) and NYC (9/9/05)
The pervasive Gary Baseman will be available at signings for the children's book Strong Stuff. The book focuses on the myth of Herakles and is written by John Harris with illustrations by Baseman. The signing in LA is this Sunday August 28th at the Getty Museum @ 2:30 PM in the Museum Lecture Hall Lobby . The NYC signing is at the hip Yoyamart on Friday September 9th from 6 to 8PM. Gary's always very friendly and goes out of his way to chat with his fans at signings. If you're thinking about going... do it :-)
PhuEk's P-77: Gundam and Trexi collide
Regular readers will know that I love custom toys. Half the fun of designer toys is seeing all the wacky, twisted, dope and truly amazing things people do with various toy platforms as canvases. Here's yet another sweet custom by PhuEk, the Trexi specialist from Singapore. This one is inspired by Gundam and other similar model kits. So far PhuEk's brought us a silver robo dude, PhuEkonaut, Boba Fett Trexi, and now this Mecha-inspired instrument of destruction. What's next? Stay tuned. Btw, PhuEk sent these shots awhile ago, apologies to him for the delay!
Do you want a mimobot?
We all have heard of flash memory drives, but have you heard of a mimobot flash memory drive? Well, don't panic if you haven't!! Here's your chance to find out more....
Launch Party - mimoco and Giant Robot New York invite you to celebrate the arrival of mimobot designer toy flash memory drives on Friday, Sept. 9th at GRNY – 437 E. 9th St. (between 1st Ave. & Ave. A in the East Village). From 6 to 10p, super-designer Yahid Rodriguez (Mexico) will sign his Cosmos Series creations, while DJ DB (NYC, London) whose mix is loaded onto Cosmos Series mimobots, will spin for the occasion! Plus many chances to win mimobot plush designed exclusively for the launch by Shawnimal Smith (Chicago) (. For more info, please visit www.mimoco.com and www.grny.net. You enjoy mimobots!
I met Evan at SDCC and initially from afar I couldn't make out what he was showing off...those little capsule like creatures....but after his brief introduction...a light bulb appeared above my head and I went...COOL!!! For those around NY, check out the release party and for those who can't make it, (including myself), Vinylpulse will have further postings on this exciting event. And also be sure to check out Play Times 8 (when it is available) for a spread on the mimobot!!
“TEQUILA REVEALED!” PART 10
Muttpop's Tequila figure was finalized and the initial poncho sculpt was complete. But how does the Poncho sculpt look when WORN by Tequila?
Monster 5's original Poncho sculpt stayed very close to Gobi's design in the turnaround; but what appears to work in the turn around doesn't quite work in a solid sculpt. The rigidity of the material made the Poncho look heavier and stiffer than what was intended. The form was there, but it is crucial that the final Poncho design convey the fluidity and weight of cloth.
Muttpop encouraged Monster5 to use his sculpting expertise to give the Poncho a more cloth-like structure. Monster5 sculpted softer lines that give the Poncho more movement and emphasizes how the cloth lays on Tequila's body.
The FINAL result (as seen in the AFTER image) speaks for itself.
I am amazed with how things are just coming together. At first glance, Tequila looked sort of awkward with the stiff poncho on, but after Monster5 's smooth sculpting, it is hard to imagine the previous poncho's "roughness" ever existed.Can you imagine the work that went into the poncho...how in the world do you make a piece of vinly look like cloth????
Check back next week to see the COMPLETE SCULPT of the FINAL TEQUILA wearing the FINAL PONCHO!
Aug 25, 2005
Tokyo Plastic @ Myplasticheart
Tokyo Plastic's toys are quite cool. The geisha seemed to sell out in a nanosecond and people are waiting with baited breath for their next toy, Opera Dude. Myplasticheart is the place for all things Tokyo Plastic including a great interview by Neil O'Rourke. Check it out!
Alphonzo the 'Bad Boy' Qee by Run
The upcoming 8-inch 'Bad Boy' Qee by Run of Semperfi reminds me of World War II era cartoons. In my opinion Bady Boy Alphonzo is a refreshing design complimented naturally by the Black and white technicolor color scheme. Run's excellence and 'mono' to boot! No photos yet but here are the sales ad images from Toy2r -- lots of cartoony goodness from Run.
Update: Great discussion of this toy on the Qeester forums. Turns out this design is based on an original custom shown last year in the UK at a Toy2r Qee event. The original had cloth pants, a metal chain, and a bead-like belt. Raymond has announced that the 8-inch version will also have all the accessories! It's great to see sweet customs morphing into production pieces so we all can get a chance at 'em ;-) This makes me want to start a petition to have one or both of Jon Burgerman's custom Qees made into production pieces. They were apparently determined to be too dificult to produce in the past, but hey printing technology is getting better all the time!
Aug 24, 2005
Kozik signing in Seattle at Roq La Rue Gallery
For all of you living in the pacific northwest -- there will be a Frank Kozik signing at Roq La Rue in Seattle this Saturday (August 27th) from 3 to 5pm. The gallery has prints and books for sale but alas no toys. Fear not, as close-by Schmancy has the mini-Labbit 5 packs :-) It looks the signing is in support of the "Devil's Hobby Hut Show" featuring the work of Kozik and Charles Krafft which runs through September 1st.
Roq la Rue Gallery
2316 Second Avenue
Seattle WA 98121
Phone: 206.374.8977
LMAC rolls into Vegas
Vegas Baby! The next stop for the LMAC Travelling Boutique is none other than Sin City. This will no doubt be eagerly anticipated by vinyl fans out in Las Vegas who probably don't get many designer toy events yet. The LMAC display including the production zombies, the travelling customs and apparel will be at the Reebok tent at the annual POOL lifestyle designer show from August 29th thru the 30th. Venue? Mandalay Bay convention center ;-)
Aug 23, 2005
Hell Hounds Unleashed
Looks like Touma and Toy2r have more Hell Hounds waiting to rise from the fiery depths. Four of 'em -- Bloody Thunder and 3 Hellgate Guard variants (Pink, Green, and Gray). Check the official Toy2r adverts. The Bloody Thunder is stunning -- love the color combination.
LMAC Gehenom Zombies Up Close n' Personal
Le Messie of LMAC sends us these gorgeous pics of the LMAC zombies. Check out Lmac.tv for street shots of even more Zombies! Some of these are really nice -- love the TADO, Mishka, Reebok, and Vibes X Tom Thrasher versions. Check out the gleaming paint application -- very slick! Looking for some of these ? -- hurry, retailyakuza.com has some but they are going quickly.
Colette
Jeremyville
Tado
Reebok
Rotofugi
Montana
Mishka
Purple
Vibes X Tom Thrasher
Battalion Leader
Shadow
"Sours" by Brendan Monroe
One of the upcoming toys shown at SDCC that got people's attention was Brendan Monroe's Sours from Android 8. Brendan's work focuses on earthly and rustic themes fron his unique viewpoint. The Sours toys are exicting to me because as prime examples of "art toys" they push the boundary between sculpture and toys. Thanks to Glen of Android 8 we have some more information about the toys and a gorgeous high-res pic to share with you. The Sours are 7.5 inches tall and will arrive in four versions for a total of 1000 pieces including an orange Android8 exclusive and an unpictured Munkying exclusive red edition. Price is still to be determined.
Update: The edition breakdown for the Sours is 300 Green, 300, Brown, 200 Orange (Android 8 exclusive) and 200 Red (Munkyking exclusive).
Mad*L Contest
Look at what Vinylpulse has for you to win!!!
Straight out from MAD Toy Design studio, we bring you the awesome quintuplets!! Although "fathered" by the same artisit, all are different in nature and background. This is the chance for you to own your very own Mad*L, each signed by MAD himself both on the toys and the boxes. The uber cool designs on the boxes are all one of its kind, nothing out there like it!! So, here's the scoop:
Contests: There are 5 individual contests, one each for the 5 Mad*Ls pictured here.
How to win: You are to write a "story" of each Mad*L. This story should be about each Mad*L and his background. Who, where and what he really is???? You tell us!!
Rules:
1. You must only submit 1 entry per Mad*L. Multiple entries per Mad*L will be disqualified. You may submit entries for all 5 Mad*Ls or just 1 Mad*L.
2. Submit the story to vinylpulse@gmail.com with the subject title of the email as follows:
a. Billymon; b. DJ; c. Cry-On; d.Domimon; e. El Lucha;
3. If entering in multiple contests, please submit separate entries for each Mad*L;
4. Deadline: All entries must be received by September 6, 2005 12:00 a.m. PST.
5. Winners will be notified by email from Vinylpulse;
6. Winners must respond to Vinylpulse within 72 hours of notification. Otherwise, he/she will be disqualified and replaced by new winners;
7. MAD will pick the final winners for each of the 5 contests;
8. Shipping within US will be covered; Shipping anywhere else must be paid by Winners;
Take a peep at what is waiting for you.... and enter!!! Finally, we would like to thank MAD and Richard of Wheaty Wheat for providing the prizes.