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Dec 26, 2009
MINDstyle 2010: Looney Tunes, BasixBeanz + more
MINDstyle is set up for a big 2010 with several recent high-profile announcements including the addition of Warner Brothers’ stable of Looney Tunes characters to the Art Toy Collectible lineup (ATC). The new ATC figures will feature Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Marvin the Martian, Taz, and many more.
MINDstyle has also announced two additional lines – Vinyl Fab from MINDstyle LIFEstyle will feature hybrid figures combining vinyl heads and limbs with fabric/plush bodies and clothing. Additionally there’s official word on MINDstyle’s BasixBeanz, a new line of mini platform figure. The figures’ form and name comes from the concept of a ‘bean’ – an elementary animation shape. BasixBeanz looks to inject some energy and innovation into the often tired and repetitive platform genre.
On the business side, MINDstyle has taken two key steps which will significantly improve the brand’s ability to produce and deliver their art toys. First, collectible stalwart Sideshow Collectibles will distribute the ATC line. Second, MINDstyle has partnered with the World Toys factory in Dongguan, China. The move will increase and enhance production capacity, quality control and more.
HENGE – Don’t call me a Transformer
Opening my inbox is always fun as I never know what to expect. Take HENGE for example. This new Japanese project produces “Transformable Interior Objects” which while a technically accurate description doesn’t really convey the level of wondrous engineering that has gone in making their first product h010101 (Series 1, Silhouette 1, Version 1) a reality. Nor does it do justice to the artistry involved. The intricate polyurethane resin piece utilizes a precise transformation process to move between it’s initial state of a wing shape into a mech-like angel with flower blossom wings.
This artful creation is intended as a sculptural display element rather than a figure per se, but for me it’s not a stretch to view this first HENGE product as a high-end art toy. Limited to 100 pieces, h010101 is available now for 100,000 yen (~1100 dollars). Since the transformation is the key, Henge’s produced a video of the process (below). If you have the desire, the means, and the display space with the right mood this might be just the thing.
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Rotobox – The Beatles Ganmetall Celsius Real Tribute
They’ve paid to tribute to Bruce Lee, Gundam, Ninja Gaiden so we were a bit surprised when Rotobox unveiled their latest ‘real’ tribute series of customs featuring the Beatles as seen in their first Ed Sullivan appearance. Limited to 1 set, the Beatles look sharp renvisioned as custom Ganmetall Celsius figures (Kuso Vinyl). While we love the genre heavy pieces, this new tribute series is a nice change of pace. If you’d like to purchase the set, drop Spencer and Stephen a line @ info@rotoboxvinylanatomica.com.
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Zacpac x Touma -- ‘Da Ring’ Baby Knuckle Bear (1.30)
ZacPac will celebrate the 2nd anniversary of it’s Daikanyama location with a full schedule of exclusives including this exclusive ‘Da Ring’ Baby Knuckle Bear (50 pcs)created by Touma. Da Ring ? Purple and Gold baby (though yesterday wasn’t a very glorious performance). Touma will be in-store for a release/signing on January 30th. It’s available (pre-order presumably) for 3990 yen (~ $44).
We Kill You – The Boss Winter Ice
We Kill You has just dropped The Boss Winter Ice resin fig (ed. of 3). This latest version of his The Boss figure is cast in clear resin for an appropriately ‘cool’ look. This slice of winter is available now for $60.
