Proto Monday >> Celsius by RoboBox

Today on Proto Monday we’re brining you an exclusive first look at RoboBox’s Celsius.  This winged cosmic crusader is the first production vinyl from Kuso Vinyl, an online retailer turned toy company.   

RoboBox’s creation is a streamlined hero ready for action.  The individual elements are familiar yet the design has a ‘cool’ factor potentially because it follows several tried and true conventions.  The design approach combines detailed sculpted elements including the wings, helmet and weapons with a fairly straightforward boy.  Intricate deco (pad prints) will be used to fill out the character.  As the vinyl toy industry moves forward, we’re bound to see an increased crossover of genres.  RoboBox wields anime styling with military precision for a look that seems to buck current designer vinyl aesthetics by flirting  with well-established genres.

RoboBox’s action space opera backstory for Celsisus provides us  with details of the expected diabolical conflict yet does so with tongue firmly planted in cheek. Delve into the character’s origin after the jump.

Kuso Vinyl caught us by surprise with their new toy production efforts.  Celsius is certainly stylish and we’re looking forward to seeing the figure develop.   While we can’t reveal anything specific yet, we can say that Kuso Vinyl has a few additional figures in the wings that will compliment Celsius’s lock and load vibe with a kawaii touch. Take a closer look at Celsius after the jump with sculpt pics + RoboBox’s illustrations of the character.

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Proto Monday >> Jure Gavran’s Scapegoats

   

Proto Monday is back with Jure Gavran’s satirical Scapegoats figure.  Off-loading blame on to helpless others is almost a  past-time these days.  Jure, an SF graphic designer, has given a face and identity to the nasty and sometimes downright heinous act of  scapegoating – Scapegoat Billy.  While the figure is near completion, we’re introducing it today with shots of the initial clay proto sculpts (more after the jump).

Scapegoat Billy’s sole purpose is to inflict ‘discriminatory blame’ on the innocent, also known as ‘Blamees’.  His appearance reflects the ugly nature of the act he embodies – his bulging semi-transparent stomach serves as holding space for captive blamees so that he can assume their form and inflict undeserved blame upon them. 

Scapegoat Billy stands 8” high and the included subjugated Blamee which he drags around on a leash is a more diminutive  3". The bottom section (with the feet) can be removed to place a Blamee into the figure which can be seen though the stomach.   The figure will come in two limited-editions of 250 figures each -- Urban Criminal Billy (black colorway) and Immigrant Billy (brown colorway).    We'll save the colorway reveals for another time, but we will say that hand-gun is part of Urban Criminal Billy's gear and that Immigrant Billy carries the leafblower.  Look for more info here and on blamingu.com.

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Proto Monday >> Jon Burgerman’s Heroes of Burgertown

No, you’re not seeing double. In early August we brought you the very first news and look at English doodler extraordinaire Jon Burgerman's Heroes of Burgertown minis coming from Kidrobot.   Today we’re back with more exclusive pics from Jon’s new series including sculpts of Collie,  Dinkton and Yimmi Bites (above).   As we’re pretty close to the September 25th drop date, Jon’s also included a look at near-final painted versions including side-by-side sculpt and paint photos of Gobbler and Yimmi Bites plus a sweet turnaround photo sequence of a painted Tittymon.

While we love exclusive pics as much as you do, it’s important not to forget the quirky personalities behind the sweet looking characters.  To help us get to know the Heroes of Burgertown just a lil’ better Jon has complied a guide for a few of the characters.  Check out the character bios and all the pics after the jump.   You’re now officially ready for the release of Jon Burgerman’s Heroes of Burgertown from Kidrobot on Thursday September 25th featuring 24 lovable characters.

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Proto Monday >> Quixote by Angels and Gringos

Today on Proto Monday we’re  pleased to unveil the final sculpt for Quixote, the newest figure from Daniel and Johnny Monahan’s Angels and Gringos.  Designed and sculpted by Daniel Monahan, Quxiote is the continuation of Angels and Gringos' re-interpretation of Cervantes’ classic story which began with the release of Sancho. 

Daniel’s meticulous sculpt utilizes “simple shapes” to portray “complex emotions”.  Reality is often in the eye of the beholder.  It’s often a matter of a point of view. Angel and Gringos’ Quixote is at once seemingly innocuous (as seen above) yet  dangerously cunning  seen from a top-down angle.  Over several iterations, Daniel has worked to ensure that both Sancho and Quixote inhabit the same visual universe – note the similarities in the limbs and the prominent use of angles.  However, Quixote is clearly and rightfully not Sancho – the large  irregularly shaped eye sockets and sunken temples present him as a troubling and troubled soul.   

With Quixote, Angels and Gringos continue to challenge the relatively narrow range of aesthetics seen in vinyl art toys.. Daniel’s skill as a sculptor and ability to think directly in 3D imbues Quixote with a complexity and subtlety rarely found in the vinyl market.    This is sculpture realized as  vinyl  figure.  By refusing to occupy either the rainbow-hued cult of cute or the shadows of edgy, Quixote challenges viewers and collectors. 

The completed Quixote sculpt will be on display throughout SDCC (7.23 – 7.27) in the DKE Toys booth.  The final figure will stand roughly 9” tall, ship with accessories (not shown) and drop in late ‘08 or early ‘09.  One to watch.  After the jump – a more revealing look.

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Proto Monday >> NVC’s Nykioto

For Proto Monday, we’re proud to bring you the first painted  shots NVC’s newest resin figure, Nykioto.  Nykioto made his public debut right here on Proto Monday, so this is a return trip in full color.  The figure above is one of the initial batch of five just completed by Bao and Spive.figures. Each is hand-painted and there are three different color schemes (neck tie – sneakers). 

Nykioto is a poor street kid who works in a sweatshop making sneakers and survives on his wits and his ability to paint and entertain – the paintbrush in the pocket and the ukelele  w/strings are strong details that relate the characters story.  The painting approach also serves to highlight the story – while shading is used heavily throughout to give a sense of stress and wear and tear from the street, the kicks are done in strong flat colors – pristine, almost MIB. Finally, note the crossed fingers – there’s always hope of a better day.

Building on their reputation for detail and delivering a quality product throughout, Bao and Spive took discarded wood panels found in alleyways and used them to create mini  wood crate boxes  for this first run of five figures.  A street box for a street figure.  As Bao mentions going “indie” offers NVC tremendous artistic flexibility and control.

This initial batch of five Nykioto’s will drop @ SDCC from the ToyQube booth (#4837). After the jump – plenty of pics.

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Proto Monday >> Jon Burgerman's Heroes of Burgertown

Hope you all had a great Fourth of July. Today   we've got an absolutely  packed Proto Monday courtesy of Jon Burgerman.  Just the thing to get us all over a holiday  'hump' day and the usual Monday blahs.  Jon is bringing his mastery of doodles to the blind-box scene with his upcoming Heroes of Burgertown minis  due to drop September 25th, 2008 from Kidrobot. 

We're stoked to bring you an exclusive  look at five of the sculpts from the upcoming series. The raw sculpts are the first and probably most important step in ensuring an accurate translation from source art to toy. Jon paid particular attention to the sculpting to avoid what he sees as a pitfall with toy design, "There's a lot of vinyl out there that you could imagine have all been created by the same artists because they all stick to the same conventions of the form".  As you can see in the series of pics of Coco Face (above), Jon's worked hard to ensure that the figures retain  his hand-drawn style and do not appear "too perfectly polished and symmetrical." 

So what's in a name?  Here are Jon's thoughts on 'Heroes':

The premise for the series is that each character has been made into a toy as a reward for their achievements in Burgertown. There's a different reason as to why each has been awarded, most however can hardly really be called heroic. It's a gentle jab at the cult of celebrity and how it's the dubious accomplishments that usually get rewarded with recognition.  You've got to wonder why certain people are put on a pedestal and heralded as people to aspire to. In turn it makes us reflect on our own society and culture.

If you're a fan of Jon's work, you'll likely recognize several of the figures. Jon explains, "The characters featured in the series have existed for many years and have appeared through-out my artwork, print work and online, so it's great to collect them altogether in one place for the first time. "  We've been excited about this series since Jon sent over the pics -- can't wait to see more.  Speaking of more -- we've got pics of four more Heroes of Burgertown sculpts after the jump.  Enjoy. 

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Proto Monday >> Bunka’s Chaos Monkey

French artist Bunka has been making a name in the the toy scene with his sweet customs (El panda, Moody, and more).  Today on Proto Monday, we’re stoked to bring you the very first look at his first original vinyl  toy – Chaos Monkey  (14 cm, 5-6 inches) due in September from Artoyz Originals.

While vinyl monkeys aren’t exactly endangered, Bunka brings a very different adrenalin fueled look that matches the intensity of his art style. Adding to the overall aggressive feel, the large eye sockets give the character somewhat of a ghastly (skull like) appearance.   While Chaos Monkey has some bite, he’s also got a bit of humor with the exaggerated proportions.

Artoyz Originals will unveil  fully-painted protos  @ Bread and Butter in Barcelona (7.2 – 7.4). Chaos Monkey will drop in September ‘08.  We’ll have pics of the color protos as soon as they make their trade show debut.

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Proto Monday >> Amanda Visell’s Poopicorn

Today on Proto Monday we have a first look at the next resin figure from the deliriously clever Amanda Visell.  Poopicorn is a unicorn that likes kids, ice cream and well… pooping. The toy is based on Amanda’s Birthday Wish painting from Nightmares and Dreams (2006) at DvA.  This whimsical piece is her most complex limited-edition resin by far – with a total of six pieces (Poopicorn, two kids, ice cream, and poop x2).  As a size reference, the two children riders are meant to be swappable with the child victim from Amanda’s previous Carnivorous Giraffe pieces.  Poopicorn was sculpted by Julie B. of Pretty in Plastic.  No word yet on release date.  The wait will be painful.

Proto Monday -- Nykioto by NVC

Last week we brought you enticing news of a new NVC figure planned for SDCC along with teaser pics of closed figure molds.   Today on Proto Monday we're excited to bring you an exclusive first look at the new figure Bao and Spive are working on for debut in San Diego -- Nykioto.

After the successful debut of Ishikawa the Roller at NYCC, Bao and Spive decided they wanted their next figure project to resonate with a wider audience on an emotional and moral level rather than on a  pop genre-specific one.  Poverty and homelessness know no age barrier as Bao witnessed on a trip to Vietnam -- NVC's latest figure reflects the plight of young street dwellers.

Nykioto, a kid hobo, presents a stark contrast -- on the one hand he is a 'kid hobo' with a tattered trench coast worn down through overuse and repaired with numerous stitched patches .  With his ukule and baggy hat he earns meager sustenance through his street performances.  His life is one of struggle and hope for a better future as his crossed fingers symbolize.  Yet, despite his dire circumstances -- Nykioto wears the latest kicks in pristine condition. What comes cheaply through child labor and poor conditions is heavily coveted by those with means, an ocean and a world apart.   

Nykioto stands 6-7" tall and will be completely hand-produced by Bao and Spive as a very limited-edition resin figure.  While they have not settled on an exact production run for the first release, they expect to have roughly 20 pieces available for SDCC '08.  Each will be hand-painted -- we're looking forward to seeing how they complete the figure.  In the meantime, click through to see more of Nykioto.

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Proto Monday >> tokidoki Kaniza

Arrrr... For this week's  Proto Monday we have the very first public look at the new tokidoki Kaniza from ToyQube.  Created by one of the hottest designers around, Simone Legno, this design  takes Keith Poon's  Starfish Kaniza to new depths of adventure.  Pirates, sharks, and swashbuckling crabs await.   The tokidoki Kaniza drops at SDCC '08 (1000 pieces) from ToyQube. Click through to see more.

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Proto Monday >> Marka27's Killa Instinct

Last week we teased you with a silhouette of Marka27's new Killa Instinct figure (8") coming this summer from B.I.C. Industries.   For today's Proto Monday feature, we've got the first look at the  work-in-progress sculpt and the low-down on the figure.   With 15 years of experience as a graff writer, Marka wanted to create a toy that reflected the all-consuming pursuit of widespread urban exposure -- one wall at a time.  As he puts it, Killa Instinct is "set to destroy anyone or anything that gets in his way of  desire for domination through the means of "getting up, with his Killa Styles, burners, tags, throwups, by any means necessary".  Marka's put alot of himself and his experience in the toy -- Killa Instinct bears more than a passing resemblance to his creator (ok, minus the massive spray can 'hump').

Graff is part of Killa's identity -- from the can sprouting out of his back to the paint fumes that give him life and power (fed directly into his mask).  Killa Instinct is ready  to spread his word with an arsenal of accessories --Spray cans, markers, Nail Spiked Bat, Machette, Gas Mask and Four 'Kill Toys' finger rings. Also be on the lookout for surprise accessories.   While the work is still in progress, the sculpt is coming along nicely.  Be sure to check back for updates on the figure's development.  We can't wait to see  more especially the hyper-detailed gas mask. Click through for detail shots.

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Proto Monday >> Molly, Color Test

Last September, we brought you pics of the sculpt for the upcoming Molly figure from  Muttpop.   Today on Proto Monday we have a close-up look at the  color test vinyl of the original colorway.  This standard edition matches the heroine's appearance in the  ŌBAN Star Racers animated series.  While some revisions are needed, this test is about 85 -90 percent complete.  With strong contrasting colors, the original colorway  really shows off the nice sculpt by  Lester Sosa and Erick Sosa of Sosa Studios. Very nice. Click through for more Molly.

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Proto Monday >> Dave Pressler's Angry Clobber Monkey

Today on Proto Monday we're taking a close look at Dave Pressler's Angry Clobber Monkey (ACM) coming from Munky King.  First shown at SDCC '07, Dave has just completed a new hand-painted proto based on his recent  resculpt.  The resculpt was necessary to ensure that the finished vinyl figure would stand a full 8-inches tall after the infamous 10% vinyl 'shrinkage'. 

In the process, Dave added a sweet surprise detail...  The hatch on the rear of ACM now opens to reveal a little pilot.  This lil' guy watches over the angry meter and pushes the 'clobber' button when the metal one's temper boils over.  ACM is a  strong design fusing a  personable character with a  tight sculpt bristling with technical details -- such as the screws and rivets.  The hidden cockpit with pilot figure push it over the top by revealing an additional aspect of the character's back story. Props to Dave for being one of the few artists who sculpts his own figures ensuring that the 3D shape is completely true to the initial vision.

While we wait for the figure, Dave has something to help ease the pain. In a first, Munky King is releasing an Angry Clobber Monkey shirt to coincide with today's Proto Monday feature.  The front mirrors ACM's own shirt while the back has a nice line sketch of the character.  Click through for more pics of Dave's  new ACM proto as well as shots of the shirt.

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Proto Monday >> Itokin Park's Usagi Pilot

Today on Proto Monday we're excited to bring you the very first look at Itokin Park's Usagi Pilot, his next vinyl figure from One Up.  Long time Itokin Park (Kazuhiko Ito) fans will recognize this as the vinyl version of his Rabbit  Pilot resin figure. Usagi = Rabbit or Bunny in Japanese.   The two designs are fairly similar from the large droopy ears and the carrot top to the pilot's goggles.  The main difference is that the vinyl version has a belt and does not appear to have the hand-held carrots of the resin figure.  Both are oh so cute and feature Itokin's playful design sense.

What you're looking at here is a wax cast of the Usagi Pilot sculpt. The production vinyl will be quite large -- ~ 7 inches (18 cm)  compared to roughly 4 inches for the original resin versions.  The first vinyl  release will be the "prototype" (debut) and we're guessing it'll be black since it's somewhat of a Japanese toy tradition.  It's expected at the end of April.  Click through to see more of the Usagi Pilot wax cast.

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Proto Monday >> Joe Ledbetter's Hammerhead

Today on Proto Monday we have something special for you -- Joe Ledbetter's Hammerhead, his newest addition to the Kaiju For Grownups line by Wonderwall and produced by intheyellow.  Enjoy the clay sculpts and the design art for the first production edition.  The goal is to have the teal design combining opaque and translucent vinyl  ready for Joe's first show in Japan -- Creature Comforts (flier) at Stitch which opens on April 4th, 2008.  

Beyond the nice sculpt, Hammerhead stands out because it's really the first  of Joe's seen-better-days characters to make the jump to vinyl.  Judging by the scars and wear and tear, Hammerhead's had his share of turmoil and isn't exactly his lean, mean self these days.  This all-too-human shark is a nice changeup and addition to Joe's vinyl menagerie.  Props.  Click through for plenty more pics and the colored design art.

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Proto Monday >> Monkey King by Nathan Jurevicius

Today we have a first on Proto Monday -- a return performance.  Back in May of '07, we debuted the unpainted sculpt of the upcoming Monkey King figure created by Nathan Jurevicius and  produced by Munky King.  The wait is almost over and it's been well worth it.  Check out the painted vinyl test sample of  the Earth Monkey above.  The painted details on the Earth Monkey, especially on his face, add personality and charm to the excellent sculpt by Dave Pressler. The sweet fades around his eyes and the ends of his staff top off this beautiful standard colorway.

Standing 8" tall on his own, Monkey King ships fully loaded with his removable crown, staff, floating cloud and has a bendy prehensile tail. Based on an animated spot Nathan did for MTV, the character design is excellent - streamlined and agile with a cunning face; perfectly capturing the essence of the traditional Chinese trickster. For display Monkey King is all about options.   On the cloud or off the cloud?  With the staff or without?  Then there's the bendy tail  which  Monkey King can use to wield his staff (pics after the jump).  Slick.   

So far we know about three Monkey King editions.  There's the Earth Monkey (Brown - 600 pcs), the Fire Monkey (Orange - 150 pcs), and the SDCC '08 Exclusive Metal Monkey (150 pcs).   The Fire Monkey features a  paint scheme reminiscent of retro Japanese toys.  Check it after the jump.   

Btw, if you love Nathan's rendition of Monkey King, check out the Monkey King giclee (50 pcs) dropping today, March 3rd from munkyking.com.

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Proto Monday >> Luke Chueh's Black in White

Luke Chueh's Possessed was arguaby the biggest release of 2007.  Today on Proto Monday we're taking a first look at his next figure, Black in White (and Red All Over), coming from Munky King.  This one  brings the darker side of Luke's art to life.  Based on the introspective and bloody original painting of the same name, the figure is actively being sculpted by Dave Pressler.  While the shot above is very much a work-in-progress, the evil comes through razor sharp.

  Hmm, but that's just half the story right?!??  We've got the inner soul, where's the outtr ( skin ?   Lets just say you (and everyone else) will LOVE it.

Proto Monday >> Andrew Bell's Giver

Andrew Bell is about to unleash a brand-new original vinyl figure.  It's called Giver and we're starting our month long (or so)  exclusive coverage with a first look on Proto Monday here today. 

One of Andrew's older drawings (2004) serverd as  "the basis for the figure, mostly just an inspiration by the time I was done reworking it."  Compared to the drawing, the Giver as sculpted (above) has a much more monster-like than humanoid shape.  With the basic character concept in mind, Andrew went to work in his sketchbook and then created some rough design sketches (right, below)  in Illustrator.  While some early design concepts were considered and passed over including the idea of "different swappable heads that went along thematically with the accessory", the main concept behind the Giver remained constant.  Andrew explains that  the goal was to create  "a figure that could 'offer up' something, either the accessory it comes with or another favorite figure such as a dunny, labbit or qee. Giver will proudly hold your most prized plastic
possessions!"

That wraps up our first look at the Giver which Andrew is self-producing the under his Dyzplastic label for a spring release.  Check back here on Vinyl Pulse next Tuesday for a look at the process of revising the initial sculpt.  We'll be running weekly features looking at Giver's development through Andrew's Burning Desire solo opening on March 4th, 2008  at Gallery 1988. Click through for a shot of the Giver's back-side.

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Proto Monday >> Moko

Last week we brought you the first turnarounds from   Muttpop's upcoming Tcho! mini-fig series featuring six characters from the monthly french comic anthology of the same name. The series will feature characters from six strips, all interpreted into 3d form by Ohm. Today, for Proto Monday we're bringing you an exclusive first look at  Moko one of Ohm's characters in his Bao Battle strip.   Moko is an enigma at first glance, a nimble and slender deer-like creature with a skull mask.  He is in fact a master of the ancient ways of Bao Battle  -- a forgotten means of resolving conflicts through non-violent competition.   

This in-progress sculpt was done by Lester and Erick Sosa. While there are some revisions to be done, it's fairly close to Ohm's original turnarounds including the  bow tie knot of the mask.  When complete, Moko will stand 4" tall.  Keep watching Vinyl Pulse for more on the Tcho! series.

Proto Monday >> Toyame's Cos-N-Play

Today on Proto Monday we're looking at Toyame's upcoming Cos-N-Play figures from Kaching Brands which  bring an addictive mix of  cute colorful animal characters and horoscopes in 2" blind-box form. Created by the man behind Toyame -- LA artist Johnny Lee, Series 1 features 12 characters -- one for each astrological sign.  A  graduate of Art Center, Johnny brought together his love for animals and children to create Cos-N-Play. His work with children as a Tae Kwon Do martial arts teacher powered the design of these figures, his first art toys.

The playful Cos-N-Play  kids sport different costumes, one for each astrological sign -- from cute animal versions of Scorpio, Pisces  and Taurus to playful outfits for the archer - Sagitarius and the scales of Libra. In designing the  series Johnny relied on his close personal link to animals, "No one really knows what they're thinking for sure but I tried to imagine what they might say or how they feel". 

The visual highlight of the  Cos-N-Play design concept are the large oversized heads with bright, cheerfully expressive graphics. Cute is here, front and center.   Cos-N-Play series 1 will be a Spring '08 release from Kaching Brands. The Cos-N-Play action will continue with an upcoming artist series featuring an all-new set of costumed characters.

Proto Monday >> Kaijin's Fulcraim

For Proto Monday we're bringing you a close look at Japanese Artist Kaijin's upcoming Fulcraim vinyl figure from One Up.  Previously mentioned on Vinyl Pulse, Fulcraim offers an edgier look from Kaijin whose previous figures include the whimsical and sophisticated Steiny and Super Jepel (Wonderwall). Created, drawn and sculpted by Kaijin,  Fulcraim has a tough battle ready look -- punctuated by the wicked helmet.  As you can see from these proto pics, Fulcraim is easily Kaijin's most detailed figure to date with much harder lines than his previous work.  The design is ambitious since it relies on its arms for balance.  Thanks to translation provided by Ken of One Up, we're happy to bring you some insight into Fulcraim with a sweet and short interview with Kaijin as well as pics of his initial sculpt and wax casts. Enjoy.

Built from 7 individual components made in Japan, Fulcraim stands roughly 8 inches tall and  is slated to drop in December.  One Up accepts overseas orders, so keep your eyes on their brand new website for ordering info.

Q: Tell us about yourself.  How did you start doing designer toys ?

I often played with clay.  I always try to produce something I want because I love toys. This makes me a toy artist.

Q: You are one of the few artists that both draws and sculpts his own figures.  How important is it to do both things well?

It’s very important to me.  At first I draw about  60% of the character design. And, I add another 40% of the details little by little, as I make the sculpt. After that, I have the completed image.

Q: What was the concept / idea  behind Fulcraim ?

It’s balance! Because Fulcraim has to stand on his arms. Actually, a ghost is the base of design, and I have a lot of ideas. I had a hard time gathering my ideas together -- I was worried until I finished the work.

Q: Steiny and Fulcraim seem very different -- one is cute and the other is very edgy/hard.  Were you trying to show a different side to your work?

Yes, I was. I wanted to show another side of myself. There's alot of difference between Steiny & Fulcraim -- which will surprise a few people. While they're different they both flow from my art.  I  had a different goal this time around.

Proto Monday >> Baby Mei Mei and Di Di

Veggiesomething's  House of Liu  figures caught the attention of many collectors  by mixing  asian warrior appeal, with his  clean design and color scheme.  Following up on his original figures, James is working with Crazylabel on taking his characters small with  new minifigure versions!  For Proto Monday, we're stoked to bring you an exclusive first-look at wax sculpts of both Baby Mei Mei and Baby Di Di. You'll notice that the smaller warriors feature more sculpted detail than the originals -- particularly the facial features. Also, Baby Mei Mei has smaller hair and Di Di's rocking a new style.    These 3" tall figures will have 3 points of articulation (head and shoulders) when they drop in '08.  More info as we get it.

Proto Monday >> Viva Angel and Viva Kun

For today's Proto Monday we're taking a close look at the upcoming Viva Angel and Viva Kun figures created by respected design house Viva Graphics Japan for  Kaching Brands.    Viva Graphics designer Naoki Izumikawa has created web sites for several top  international brands including that of fellow japanese design house Furi Furi. He is perhaps best known for his infectiously lovable 3D characters with extra-large heads and charming personality. The epitome of kawaii ("cute") design, his characters will now make the jump from the flat page and computer screen to the world of vinyl art toys.  Viva Angel and Viva Kun are his first art toys.

Viva Angel and Viva Kun stand 10" tall and will be released in the first quarter of 2008.  These two are the first in a full line of upcoming Viva G art toys. Please direct all wholesale inquiries to  DKE Toys.

Proto Monday >> KOA's Gustavio

Today on Proto Monday we're taking a look  at  French artist KOA's upcoming Gustavio figure from Kaching Brands.  While KOA is  well-known for his graffiti style illustration work and his turns on a few platform toys, Gustavio is his first original art toy. We're showing the  unpainted proto to highlight the detail and energy of the design and sculpt.   Gustavio stands about 10" tall and  will drop in the first quarter of '08 from Kaching Brands.

Proto Monday >> Sket One's Ripple

Today's  Proto Monday features Sket One's upcoming Ripple vinyl from Kaching Brands  with a look at a couple of production protos.   Sket's art - canvas and vinyl, explores the power of brands -- actual and imaginary. His characters and the messages behind them have made Sket very popular among collectors. He's one of only a handful of western artists to emerge directly as a result of his art toys.

Created in the vein of old school animated brand mascots, Ripple is Sket's favorite of his new original characters.  Ripple's strong iconic appeal will be enhanced with the five included sets of removable eyes to mirror his or the collector's current mood.     Standing roughly 8" tall,  Ripple will drop just in time for the holidays in a rainbow of editions sure to please  collectors who have been waiting for what many consider to be Sket's best character to date.