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Dec 08, 2009
Seen: Sam Flores – Blue Kid Dragon Private Release
Last Wednesday, The Loyal Subjects welcomed collectors who pre-ordered Sam Flores’s Blue Kid Dragon figure (ed. of 100) to a private drop party and signing @ Goodfellas on Melrose. While most toy releases these days are straight forward in and out affairs with little or no ambience, TLS and Goodfellas set a nice relaxed mood from the jump with a swanky setup featuring a covered patio with mini-fire pits and environmental lighting. A perfect setting for the official release of what many are calling one of the best toys of ‘09 – created to commemorate Upper Playground’s milestone 10th Anniversary.
As collectors waited in line to pick up their new figures, Goodfellas staff served up awesome hors d’oeuvres – our favorite being the stuffed mushrooms. Sam signed and sketched throughout the evening. In addition to signing Kid Dragons, he also signed a few older figures including Fatimas, Billy Bronzes, and yes he was asked to customize a few Munnys along the way.
A few artists dropped by during the evening including Greg ‘Craola’ Simkins as well as Carlos Ramos and Korin Faught (props if you can spot the happy couple).
This was definitely one of the nicer toy drops in recent memory – well organized, super relaxed environment, with zero drama. Props to Sam Flores, The Loyal Subjects, and Goodfellas restaurant. Kid Dragon rules the roost though Sam’s new toy might give it a run for the money. More on that shortly.
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Jon Burgerman’s Cheesey in Metal
Fully Visual will close out ‘09 with Jon Burgerman’s Cheesey figure in metal. We all have our cravings. This lil’ guy prefers his… cheese … melted. This fine sculpt is quite detailed and includes a cheese wedge accessory. The metal figure will be available in five flavors (editions of 20) – Brass Antique, Black Nickel, Copper Antique, Silver Antique, and Gold. Cheesey will be released this Thursday (12.10) @ 10 AM PST in the Fully Visual web shop for $120 per figure.
Incubot x Gargamel – Crystal Nekosaur Preorder
Yesterday we wrote about Incubot’s first product, the USB Nekobots – a functional homage to Japanese robots. Happily Incubot has also announced the Crystal Nekosaur (6”), their first Japanese vinyl figure (“sofubi”). Designed by Alan Yen and sculpted by Kiyoka Ikeda of Gargamel, this first clear edition flaunts detailed paper inserts for a serious retro vibe.
The figure’s edition size will be set by the number of preorders. You have until 12.12 to pre-order – do it now if you want one, it’s the only way to get a Crystal Nekosaur. The figure costs $79 and there’s a 1 cent pre-order fee (almost like a deposit).
This is just the beginning for Nekosaur with several additional editions in the work. Including a collaboration with Matt Walker of Dead President Designs.
Shawnimals – Ninja of the Month
After the success of the year-long Professor Fliggins plush series, Shawnimals has introduced the Ninja of the Month featuring 12 hand-sewn Ninjas, one for each month of 2010. Probably one of the coolest “…” of the month subscriptions, way better than Fruitcake of the month ;-)
So you want in? Everybody loves Ninjas after all and the Shawnimals Ninjas rule. You’ve got two options – buy a subscription which includes all twelve ninjas, discounted shipping, a Ninjatown certificate, and a checklist poster (full details). All for $400. Or you can purchase the figures one by one for $30 each with the risk that one or more might sell out before you can get it. Each Ninja will be limited to 100 pieces, so the available stock per month will be 100 – #subscriptions. Details, details…. What we’re really stoked about is…
12 Shawnimals Ninjas for 2010!
Finally, if you hurry you can enter Notcot’s contest to win a Ninja of the Month subscription. Contest closes on 12.10.
Camilla d’Errico – Winter ‘09 Apparel + Release Party
Camilla d’Errico has released her Winter ‘09 apparel collection featuring hoodies, shirts, blouses, and scarves featuring her Deer Coma (above), Tanpopo, and Venissen Lick images. It’s all available now through her web store. And if you’re in Vancouver, be sure to drop by the official release party (flier) this Friday, December 11th @ El Kartel.
El Kartel
1025 Robson Street
Vancouver, BC
604.683.2171
Toy2R x Origami Qee DIY Decks
For awhile artist / toy brand decks were everywhere. It’s been a spell since the early frenzy, but Toy2R and Origami Skateboards are looking to inject a new wrinkle into the designer deck arena. Their new Qee DIY decks feature designs with blank qee patterns ready for your artistic talent. Limited to 100 pieces each, the three editions retail for $50 per deck. To order drop a line to info@origamiskateboards.com.
Michal Wright-Ward: Schmancy Exclusive Plush Series
Michal Wright has created a new hand-made plush series -- Not Like Everybody Else, exclusively for Schmancy. The series features 25 girls – eight red, yellow, pink and one blue. Each named figure (all starting with ‘m’ -- ‘cept for the blue Elizabeth) is slightly different – cute + quirky. For more on the series check out Schmancy’s interview with Michal. Get ‘em at Schmancy’s retail spot in Seattle or online via their web shop.
Schmancy
1932 2nd Ave
Seattle, WA 98101
206.728.8008
Seen: Munny World Launch @ 225 Forest
Last Thursday Kidrobot and Hurley joined forces to launch the new Munny World figures at the latter’s sweet 225 Forest concept store in Laguna Beach. Hurley was kind enough to arrange a limo ride down from LA which I was fortunate to enjoy along with artists Carlos Ramos and Korin Faught. Situated next to the Candy Baron, 225 Forest slots nicely into the surrounding shopping area. Once inside the two story space, the first thing you’ll notice is the 20+ foot high site-specific Dalek painting which was unveiled the same evening.
The Launch Party got off to a quick start with the first ten attendees scoring free Munnys. Beyond the early-bird old school Munnys, the full line of the new Munny World figures was available for purchase.
Of course a Munny is all about jumping in and customizing it however you see fit. In addition to standard art supplies such as markers and paint, 225 Forest had plenty of unconventional customizing hardware – big metal spikes, huge thumbtacks, and seriously wicked nails. Turns out all of these look great embedded in a Munny.
Several previously customized Munnys were on display as inspiration including pieces by Hurley artists Jason Maloney (above) and Aero. Additionally, Carlos Ramos grabbed a pen and created his own custom on the spot.
In addition to all the DIY action, attendees had the novel opportunity to create and purchase custom apparel with their choice of Munny World graphics in the Hurley Workshop which features on-the-spot sublimation technologies. More on that shortly.
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