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Apr 30, 2007
Touma - 18" Knuckle Bears
This is the year of colossal toys. Exhibit one: Play Imaginative has just officially announced the 18" Knuckle Bear from Touma in two editions -- Original and Red Crest targeted for a summer release (TTF/SDCC). We're pretty sure these two pictures are in fact renders of the figures. Beyond the massive size upgrade, we're impressed by the ambitious Red Crest design which has graphics running along the entire backside of this very large figure -- a technical challenge for sure.
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Vinyl Elements: Preview (5.17.07)
With slightly more than two weeks to go before Vinyl Elements opens on Thursday May 17th (one night only) from 7 to 10 PM at Barracuda, sweet pieces are arriving day after day here at Vinyl Pulse. While we're itching to post them all up online, we know you'll thank us for keeping most of them a surprise. We have two teasers for you today -- from Kathie Olivas and Doktor A. Come join us on May 17th @ Barracuda to see what 50+ top flight artists have created out of vinyl. More previews next week! Stay sharp -- a few others have escaped and are out on the 'net.
Please send any questions about Vinyl Elements to info@vinyl-elements.com.
Barracuda
7600B Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA
323.852.7179
Proto Monday >> Dean Bradley's Mainframe
For today's installment of Proto Monday we have an exclusive look at two updated production samples for Dean Bradley's Mainframe figure from STRANGEco. The axe-wielding Mainframe character is a forceful computer come to life with a monitor for a head, CPU unit as torso, a keyboard for one hand, and wires and cables carrying all the action. These pictures show two previously unseen camo editions to go along with the orange and silver editions first shown at Toy Fair '06. The incredibly poseable figures (wire arms and legs) will drop in the third quarter of this year with the possibility of a special SDCC '07 edition.
Apr 28, 2007
A Toy Leak: Joe Ledbetter
A leak!! A leak!!! No...not that kind of a leak...but a TOY leak!!! Courtesy of Gallery 1988's blog, here's a peek at Joe Ledbetter's hand-painted color sample for the Vivisect Playset series, due to be released this summer by STRANGEco. Enjoy!!
Gimme Shelter @ Thinkspace (tonight - 4.28.07)
Thinkspace will host the opening of the Gimme Shelter touring benefit show tonight -- Saturday, April 28th from 7 to 11 PM. Over 300 artists from around the globe have created original art on a fitting canvas -- a piece of cardboard, the primary source of shelter and warmth from the nation's homeless. Once the tour ends in November, the pieces will be auctioned off on eBay with proceeds going to benefit the National Coaltion of the Homeless. Along with myplasticheart, Vinyl Pulse is proud to be a sponsor of Gimme Shelter. Come out and enjoy the art of a diverse and talented group of artists who have donated their talent to this worthy cause.
Thinkspace Art Gallery
4210 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90029
323.913.3375
Chris Lee's Mellow to drop in Late May/ June
After an agonizing wait, Chris Lee's second Urbanite, Mellow the gentle confectioner, is set to be released in Late May/June in four hand-numbered colorways from Wheaty Wheat Studios. The standard colorway with green jello accessory is limited to 660pieces and will drop in late may for a suggested retail of $69.99. Decked out in white with a special 'smores' accessory is the 3DRetro exclusive Marshmellow variant. Marshmellow is limited to 300 pieces and will be released on May 31st for $79.99 at a very sweet and currently undisclosed location. The black Licorice and Love edition w/red jello, a myplasticheart exclusive, is the rarest Mellow limited to just 84 pieces and will be released in June for an SRP of $89.99. Rounding out the editions, the flocked Sherpa Mellow w/orange jello,exclusive to Pink Ghost and Friends, is limited to 180 pieces and will be released in June. That's alot of detail, but the key is Mellow is just around the corner.
Apr 27, 2007
Le Merde Hits the Fan
[We're happy to bring you a look at the hand-made toys of Le Merde. Guest blogger and passionate collector Ronnie K. Pirovino interviewed the duo to see what the fuss is all about.]
A brilliant duo known as Le Merde has been sprouting unique designs under the misty rain of the Pacific Northwest for a few years now. In the course of their organic evolution, they are preparing to debut their largest offering of art [ed: Zeu Explode] , to date, at San Francisco’s vinyl toy mecca, Super7, opening May 12th. In the past few months, their work has totally intrigued me and I have eagerly brought them into my collection. Simply stated, their ‘merde’ is ill. Vinyl toy producers take note.
Graciously accepting an interview, Le Merde fired back the following responses to my 7 questions:
1. Who are your influences in your work?
I'm really inspired by Hideshi Hino the Japanese horror manga artist. The way he draws his demons, ghouls are beyond amazing. It was really hard to find his stuff here in the US but in the last few years a lot of his stuff is getting reprinted. Yudetamago (pen name that means "Boiled Egg") the Japanese artists that do the manga "Kinnikuman" and "Kinnikuman Sensei" are tops in my book. The humor, the violence.. the character designs just kill. I also love Raymond Pettibon, Robert Crumb, Daniel Johnston and Ub Iwerks.
2. Do you listen to music while you work? If so, what?
Oh yeah. Thank god for Itunes! Talk about 300 song playlists. I drive Michelle (my wife and other 1/2 of Le Merde) crazy when I'm working on art because I get into the zone and only listen to same thing over and over again. I made a 69 song playlist of only Daniel Johnston that drove everyone nuts! For this latest show I listened to only ZZ Top (70's era), Thin Lizzy, AC/DC (Bon Scott era but I also like Brian Johnson) and T.Rex when I was planning it all. Then during the execution of it I listened to Animal Collective, Panda Bear, Hot Chip, Justice, Kings of Leon, Arcade Fire, Clinic and Peter Bjorn and John. I need the rock and roll for inspiration!
Continue reading "Le Merde Hits the Fan"
Furi Furi - Devil's Sweet Smile (5.11.07)
Design house Furi Furi will showcase their latest work with the Devil's Sweet Smile show opening on May 11th at Pixie in Taipei, Taiwan. The show's protagonist, Vil the Devil (part of the Girls Manifesto Series) will be featured in original artwork, prints, photographs, and sculptures. Vil also marks Furi Furi's return to creating original vinyl -- the figure will be released by Pixie soon after the show's run.
Pixie Gallery Store
1F., No.44, Lane 51, Sec. 1, Da-an Rd.,
Da-an District, Taipei City 106, Taiwan
Continue reading "Furi Furi - Devil's Sweet Smile (5.11.07)"
Mini Jerry and Mini Bill - Initial Sculpts
As shown last week, Muttpop is expanding their mini-line with the addition of Mini Jerry and Mini Bill. To bring these new mini characters to life, they hired San Fernando based sculptor Erick Sosa.
Erick has sculpted professionally for many years now. The bulk of his work has been in action figures and superhero themed statues. With his strong sense of anatomy, attention to detail, and ability to work on sculpts in a variety of sizes, Muttpop felt confident that Erick Sosa could bring the Mini characters to three dimensional life.
To get a rough sense for the shape and detail placement for the figures, Erick begins his sculpts in sculpey. Very little detail is rendered into the clay. At this point, Erick is more interested in shaping out an accurately proportioned figure that has a rough suggestion of where the critical visual cues of the figure will be placed.
Once a sculpey version of the figure is to his liking, Erick will create Silicone molds of the figure. These silicone molds will be used to make wax casts of the figures.
Apr 26, 2007
Span of Sunset, Inc. x Disney - Bird Head Skeleton Pirate
Here's an early look at an unpainted prototype of the Span of Sunset x Disney - Bird Head Skeleton Pirate figure sculpted by Monster5 from the world-famous "Pirates of the Caribbean" attraction which is currently celebrating it's 40th anniversary. Monster5's gritty and highly detailed sculpt captures the darker side of the classic ride and will likely appeal to discriminating old-school fans. Bird Head Skeleton Pirate will be available from select retailers in mid-May.
Continue reading "Span of Sunset, Inc. x Disney - Bird Head Skeleton Pirate"
I Want Your Skull Zine #2
The second issue of the I Want Your Skull Zine features interviews with Jamungo and oooOOOooo, sweet art from 25 hot illustrators, 3 GID(yup) 7x7" prints, and two randomly inserted postcard prints. Issue 2 features a FERG designed cover is limited to 250 numbered copies and can be yours for just $25 plus shipping. While this is the first I've heard of this zine, looks pretty sweet. Love the attention to detail and all the extras. Full color is great, but dig the black/white/grey vibe -- sharp.
Hiroshi Yoshii - Ga-Duck & Cal (4.28.07)
Hiroshi Yoshii will release his next two hand-made resin figures, Ga-Duck & Cal, on April 28th as ultra limited One-Up 6th Anniversary exclusives. Well-known for his 3d computer illustrations, Hiroshi's latest toys capture the look of his artwork with their smooth and glossy surfaces. GA-Duck stands 80 mm (3.15") tall and Cal measures up at 59 mm (2.3"). Both figures are limited to just 20 hand-made pieces and are available for pre-order for 4000 yen each (~ $33.74). Be sure to check Hiroshi's blog for a nice look at his development process -- all Japanese but there are some incredible pics.
MTV Toy in Milan
Part of the That's Design conference, the MTV Toy event in Milan featured hand-made resin MTV character figures. The 50cm (19.6") figures were customized live at the event over five days (most finished in two) by Jeremyville, Rinzen, Furi Furi, Tado, tokidoki, Mauro Gatti, Yo Clas, Andy and BUGO . Aiko of Furi Furi snapped great pics of the event and kindly let us post these here (she has plenty more on flickr). This begs the question... Will we see production versions of this figure ?
The Doma Acid Sweeties Scavenger Hunt is On
To celebrate today's release of Doma's Acid Sweeties bind-boxed minifigs, Kidrobot is sponsoring a wacky scavenger hunt which challenges entrants to collect all sorts of odds and ends as well as snap specific pictures in the quest to earn as many points as possible. What's the payoff? 1000 Kidrobot bucks, an original DOMA art piece and every minifig series produced by Kidrobot until 2008. More details on the official scavenger hunt site.
Attaboy - Molesine Giclee
Attaboy recently released "The Molesine" limited edition giclee print. Measuring 17" x 24", the signed and numbered prints are limited to 50 pieces and available directly through yumfactory.com.
Apr 25, 2007
MCA - Simian Nation (4.28.07)
MCA will be showcasing the next design evolution of his popular Evil Ape character (featured on several Toy2R designer figures) for his Simian Nation show opening this Saturday April 28th from 7 to 10 PM at The Lab in Boston. So what's on tap? A wealth of monkey business including original paintings, one-of-a-kind ink drawings, screen prints, stencils, custom toy displays, and tombstone-like stone carvings done in slate, granite and marble. Here's a quick look at two of the sand-blasted slate pieces -- cool. If you'd like to attend the opening, you must rsvp to info@lab-boston.com.
The Lab
113 Brighton Ave
Allston, MA
617-395-4330
Tristan Eaton's Supergiant Manga Fun - Toy Releases
Tristan Eaton's second show Supergiant Manga Fun at Gallery Lele in Tokyo opened yesterday (4.24) and features artwork focusing on vintage style characters including the lovable Runts. Three colorways of the brand new Runts plushes were released at the show (~ $32) as well a surprise release of the Billy Bananas X-Ray Edition. According to the Thunderdog Blog, the merch will be available online from Gallery Lele. Ah... More Thunderdog madness, I'm already waiting to see what's next. And no, I'm not the lucky guy who picked these up ;-)
Shiitakes DIY Parade (6.16.07)
Update: May15th Deadline is approaching. If you're interested, do it now.
Esc-Toy will kick off the release of the new Shiitakes Plushes designed by Erick Scarecrow with the Shiitakes DIY Parade on Saturday, June 16th at ToyQube. The Parade will feature Shiitakes customs from a select group of artists as well as from anyone who wants to flaunt their skills. To participate purchase a DIY Shiitake, customize it, fill out the order form, send it in and you're good to go. Check the official site for full details.
Apr 24, 2007
TV Heads Dropping Shortly
The brand new TV Heads figures will be released next week by Kaching Brands. Series 1 of this innovative figure features Tim Tsui, MAD, Sket One, Toby HK, Mizna Wada, Colorblok, Cameron Tiede, Maxim, Teahair, Skwak, plus a secret design. Standing 3" tall with a removable base modeled after an electrical outlet which supports tethering, the TV Head figure was designed by Glen Murakami (Producer of Justice League, Teen Titans, The
Batman) and Alan Wan. TV Heads Series 1 offers a nice selection of designers plus introduces an exciting new figure with multiple display possibilities.
Patricio Oliver - Human Destroyer SAM Armor (7" SAM)
Argentinian artist Patricio Oliver specializes in robots of all shapes and sizes. He's taken his love for the mechanical and designed a 7" SAM figure -- Human Destroyer SAM Armor - Chocolate Milk Model CM45 -- for Red Magic. I've never had the pleasure of playing with a SAM but I hear they are quite nice, solid with ball-joints. With Patricio's sleek yet humorous design and the larger 7" size, this one should be rather popular.
Super7 @ Vinyl Toy Network (5.6.07)
Super7 is making the trip down from SF for the second Vinyl Toy Network show to be held on Sunday, May 6th 2007 from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM at the Pasadena Convention Center. It's a rare treat for fans of Japanese Kaiju vinyl -- normally SDCC is Super7's only appearance down in SoCal. And... they've got two exclusives lined up for the show -- the Super7 x Secret Base Fading into Oblivion Frankenghost and the Super7 x Marusan Giant Clear Green Godzilla. The exclusive Frankenghost is clear vinyl with rainbow spray of pink, yellow, and blue. Standing 16" tall and limited to 50 pieces, the exclusive Godzilla with gold spray is a must-have for japanese monster fans. So if you live for Japanese vinyl, get there early for these two limited-edition pieces.
Pasadena Convention Center
300 E Green St. Rm 106
Pasadena, CA 91101
Apr 23, 2007
Vinyl Elements @ Barracuda (5.17.07)
Vinyl Elements brings the excitement back on Thursday May 17th @ Barracuda from 7 to 10 PM. The elements the ancient Chinese believed to make up the universe Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth form the show's theme. This classic theme will be interpreted by a select international group of fifty top-flight artists including David Horvath, Frank Kozik, Nathan Cabrera (for SURU), Tado, Tim Tsui, tokidoki, Touma and more. Rather than working on one identical platform, this stellar group will present their wide range of styles and techniques across twelve different vinyl figures. Vinyl Elements, a must-not-miss event, delivers the essential elements to showcase the very best in custom toy art, piece by piece from the first to the last.
This event is made by possible by our generous sponsors: Mindstyle [36" T-28], Barracuda, Muttpop [El Panda], Jamungo [9" BUD, 9" Nade, Sqwert], Play Imaginative [10" Trexi], Kaching Brands [FLCL Canti and Fourcube], Kidrobot [Munny], Wonderwall [Goon & Knuckle Bear], and SURU [Suru Droid]. Thanks to Liv3r and Toby HK for the flier design. Stay tuned for weekly updates.
Barracuda
7600B Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA
323.852.7179
Proto Monday >> Thomas Han's Pushers
Today we have a look at production samples for two of Thomas Han's Pushers produced by Munky King -- the Pirate (Blue) and the Spirit (pink). First shown in unpainted form at SDCC '06, these two (of four) masked and winged Pushers bear stunning paint jobs with delicate and nearly perfect line work complete with spray fade for a nice gradient effect. The masks can be removed to reveal concealed designs. While no release date has been set yet for Thomas's first original toys, they are definitely in the home stretch. Look for a special edition release at SDCC '07. To find out more about the Pusher characters we asked Thomas Han himself for the lowdown.
Tell us about the Pushers.
The Pushers are basically an ongoing theme and set of characters in my paintings. Basically they are what they are... Pushers. They're pusher men. They push ideas, thoughts, and actions that you do everyday. There is the animal, there's a spirit, there's a monster and there's a pirate. All four of those pushers are extensions of everybody's subconscious. There's debauchery, the monstrous side of you, the spiritual side of you, and there's the animalistic side of humans. They are a manifestation of all that.
Why Masks?
Everybody has a facade. Everybody's portraying themselves in different scenarios, in different times, with their different personalities they have inside themselves. Sometimes you feel mad, sometimes you feel sad, sometimes you feel happy -- basically you wear the mask.
Tell us about the paint job.
For every toy, I try to add a little bit of graphic design to 'em with a bit of an actual scenery feel. I always try to do something different than what people are coming out with. So it's fresh and kind of new. I created the design and had this awesome graffiti writer called SANO put on the design with the spray and the line work. The factory replicated it really well. It's really clean -- kind of like pinstriping. It's not actually pinstriping but it was definitely influenced by it. I like to step out of my element and do something different.
[Thanks to Thomas for sharing his insights on the Pushers.]
Apr 21, 2007
Evirob 2007 featuring T9G (t9rob)
Take the Devilrobots' Evirob and mix with the sculpting talents of T9G and the result is a stunning crossover -- the Evirob 2007 featuring T9G (T9rob) is #98 in Medicom's VCD series. From his signature doll eyes to the claws and prominent jaw, T9G's rendition brings a touch of edgy wildness to the Devilrobots character. The appealing hand-crafted organic look of this vinyl figure adds to its overall creepy vibe. Where designer vinyl is characterized by smooth surfaces and symmetry, T9G's crossover piece carries the charm of a low-run resin or even clay figure. Standing roughly 6" tall, T9rob and will be released worldwide in July for an estimated retail price of 5800 yen (~ $49).
Seen: Attack of the 19 In. Zliks
The opening of the Attack of the 19 In. Zliks show at myplasticheartnyc has come and gone but never fear as delusionalexit2 was on the scene and sent back a gianormous set of photos of each piece plus some of the beautifully toy addicted crowd. . Turnout was apparently quite good and was described as "packed", like "sardines" ;-) Andrew Bell was certainly one proud creature papa If you're in NYC, by all means go check it out for yourself and maybe "adopt" a giant Zlik.
myplasticheart
210 Forsyth St
New York, NY 10002
646.290.6866