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.

Continue reading "Proto Monday >> Marka27's Killa Instinct "

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.

Continue reading "Proto Monday >> Monkey King by Nathan Jurevicius"

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.

Continue reading "Proto Monday >> Andrew Bell's Giver"

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.   

Proto Monday >> MINDstyle's Buff Monster Mini Figures

Today on Proto Monday we're  unveiling the resin sculpts for MINDstyle's new Buff Monster Mini Figures (1.5"). The minis  follow the success of MINDstyle's highly sought after 3" Buff Monster art toys.  This holiday season, enjoy Buff Monster in 'bite-sized' editions  in assorted  Flavorways -- each reping a different ice cream flavor.  In early '08 Flavorway will put a delicious twist on art toys following in the footsteps of old school Japanese candy toys.  Watch Vinyl Pulse for  details on the Flavorways and release info.

Proto Monday >> Tootsie Pop Vinyls

Do you remember the old school "How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Roll Pop?"  animated commercial? Proto Monday is bringing you the first look at the clay sculpts for the three Tootsie Pop figures coming from  Super Rad Toys in '08.  There's the Boy, Mr. Turtle and of course Mr. Owl. Retro fun now in vinyl form.

The figures were developed by Super Rad Toys from the original source material.  Care has been taken to make the toys as true to the original spots as possible. 

The Boy measures 5.75" inches high and will come in both blond and black hair editions.  Mr. Turtle stands 6.25 inches high and features two different heads (mouth open and closed).  The head and the four legs are collapsible into the shell -- he's a turtle after all.  Finally, Mr. Owl stands 6.25 inches tall and comes with three different eye/beak sets (plug-in style) which mirror the action in the commercial: talking beak/half-open eyes, tasting beak/open eyes, and "crunch" beak/crazy eyes.  Mr. Owl will ship with both an uneaten Tootsie Pop (wrapped) accessory and a half-eaten one with exposed center. 

These figures will be sold as sets with Mr. Owl and the Boy as well as Mr. Turtle and the Boy.  The sets will be available in 'flavor' editions matching the original Tootsie Pop varieties.   Both sets will also be available in a "real life" colorway. Each set will come with a Tootsie Pop accessory - complete with wrapper and half-eaten pop.   These will drop in 2008 with an estimated retail somewhere between $30 and $40 per two-figure set.

Proto Monday >> Molly from Oban, Star Racers

Today on Proto Monday, we have an exclusive  look at Molly, the first ŌBAN,Star Racers animated series figure from Muttpop.  Molly, the main character in the series, is a 15 year old Earth girl whose escape from boarding school leads to a spot on Earth's team in an intergalactic  race for the  greatest power in the Universe.  ŌBAN, Star Racers, a 26 Episode Sci-Fi Fantasy animated series, was developed by Sav! The World through a rare collaboration between animators from the West and East. The Sav! The World art team actually lived and worked in Tokyo with the staff of Japanese studio Hal Film Maker for the entire production of the series.

Molly is  being  sculpted  by Lester Sosa and Erick Sosa of Sosa Studios who also worked on the Muttpop minis.  Starting with a rough pose design by Muttpop's Fabien, the sculpting is now in the final stages. The pictured  sculpt  is very close to Molly's complete design.  Muttpop is currently waiting for approval from Savin Yeatman-Eiffel (founder of Sav! The World and creator of Molly).  The only missing element at this point are the straps that will hang from the buttons on Molly's overalls to her back.  Molly will be released in 2008 as a 7" tall rotocast vinyl figure from Muttpop.

Continue reading "Proto Monday >> Molly from Oban, Star Racers"

Proto Monday >> Plasticgod - Pocket Jesus

On this bright and sunny Proto Monday we're introducing Plasticgod's Pocket Jesus, an upcoming original 3" minifigure from Super Rad Toys.  We've got a look at the sculpt (above) and a resin cast (below). The figure will ship with the Crown of Thorns accessory (shown in the sculpt shot) and a cane (not pictured).   Pocket Jesus ?  We asked Plasticgod and here's the straight info --

" I don't want to start any blasphemous rumors but I think that
Plasticgod has got a sick sense of humor....to paraphrase Depeche Mode.
There are lots of Jesus items out there and nobody has really put
"cute" into the equation, humor yes, but not cute. Thats where a
Plasticgod design steps in adding the "awww, it's so cute" factor.
I hope people get that from the design seeing how the merch with the
original image seems to get that reaction. It's small, pocket size if
you will and a great addition to anyones' minifigure collection
especially with the mind bending variants we (Super Rad Toys and I)
have planned. I'm really excited about it and can't wait to trip people out. "

The figure will ship with the Crown of Thorns accessory (shown in the sculpt shot) and a cane (not pictured).  In addition to a blind-boxed series featuring 6 to 8 regular colorways + 2 chase editions, Pocket Jesus will also be available in a separate standard colorway edition.   This one is scheduled to drop for the upcoming Holiday season.

Proto Monday >> Golem by Tragnark

For today's Proto Monday we're bringing you a close look at Tragnark's upcoming Golem figure from Kaching Brands.  The Golem is the ancient protector of the King of the Hlin people from the Kingdom of Soledad.  Devastated by the bloody 2nd Lotus Rebellion, the Hlin culture was destroyed and with it any and all recorded traces of the Hlin and  the Golem. Two thousand years after this devastating blow, a group of archaelogists excavating the remains of an ancient city two miles below the water's surface have unwittingly awakened the enormous protector that is the long-forgotten Golem.  As you can see from this vinyl paint master, this one is something special.  Details abound including the nicely sculpted "mouth".  Golem stands 10" high at the horns and is slated to drop for the Holiday '07 Season from Kaching Brands with distribution by DKE Toys.

 

Proto Monday >> MARS-1's Smokestack

Happy Labor Day!  For this holiday edition of Proto Monday, we have the first public look at MARS-1's newest vinyl figure, the 9" tall Smokestack, coming from STRANGEco.  These pics are of a test pull from the master mold which has been  hand-painted by MARS-1.  Based on one of his original paintings, MARS-1 fans and sharp-eyed readers will recognize that a much smaller Smokestack was previously released in the Invisble Plan minifig series.  This new 9" version (shown alongside the minis) is a limited-edition figure and will ship with an array of accessories (unpictured).  Large MARS-1 figures are few and far between -- this one has a vaguely tribal feel  contrasted with the metaphysical sci-fi influences of his prior figures.  Now that one of the Invisible Plan figures is going big, we're wondering if others will follow and which ones.   

Proto Monday >> The Family by Brian Morris

Today on Proto Monday we take a close look at 'The Family', a series of vinyl mini-busts created by  Chicago artist Brian Morris (ooo000ooo) slated to drop in the fall/winter from Rotofugi and Squibbles Ink.  Brian's been turning heads with his jaw-dropping customs  so it's fitting that his first original toys are based one a series of customs. 'The Family' features  his  intricate style on six different 5" mini-busts,  inspired by  'found' thrift store ceramic  busts and  sculpted by Joe Somers (Squibbles Ink).

As seen in these first shots of Brian's hand-painted "Brother" proto, this series will immediately stand apart in a sea of art toy releases.  'The Family' brings a much needed injection of variety with the darker subject matter and Brian's black and white retro tattoo style.   Eager to learn more, Vinyl Pulse had the good fortune of grilling (err... interviewing)  Brian about his 'Family' .  It's a good read -- enjoy.

Brian, please tell us a little bit about your self.

I live on the south side of Chicago, eat alot of red meat, prefer whiskey to wine, favorite color is black, born in '76, work in digital advertising, married with a cat, '62 Cadillac in the garage, don't believe in god, believe in people, heavy metal poser, country music, Sharpies, Subway for lunch 5 times a week, tattoos, mohawk, deep in love, early to bed, early to rise, saver not a spender, old is new, new will be old, you can't take it with you, small town raised, slight in stature, shit-talker. Trying to get back to the basics.

Congrats on your first original art toys. 'The Family' takes the minifig concept and flips it up with mini-busts.  Where did the mini-bust idea come from?

Thanks - I'm excited. Kinda surreal.  Never imagined there would be series of toys based on my stuff.  At 5 inches tall, they are more "small" than "mini".

The series is based on two ceramic busts I customized a while back. I posted a few pics of them here and there and got a good response. People really dug them, got comments from everyone, even Mike Giant posted them on his blog (huge f'n honor). So when Whitney & Kirby approached me about doing a production toy, the busts were the natural choice. Actually, I think Whitney and Kirby were the ones that suggested that we do the busts. So the credit goes to them.

Whose Family ? Tell us more about the characters.

Hmm. It's your family, my family, his family, her family, their family and our family. I'll let the family members speak for themselves.

Continue reading "Proto Monday >> The Family by Brian Morris"

Proto Monday >> Charuca's Baby Zigoto

Today on Proto Monday we have painted protos of the adorable Baby Zigoto blind-boxed mini series designed by Charuca, a Barcelona artist heavily influenced by the Kawaii style (Japanese for 'cute').  These figures proved quite popular with fans who got their first look at SDCC.   Baby Zigoto is a joint collaboration of Charuca's art  and MINDstyle co-founder Matt D. Young's story and project development that  features toys as well as an entire line of lifestyle offerings including bags, clothing, books and more. The fourth quarter launch of the  Baby Zigoto figures from Kaching Brands will  introduce the Baby Zigoto brand to collectors and fans.   

Proto Monday >> Craola's Ningyo Gosho

Today on Proto Monday we're bringing you a look at Craola's upcoming Ningyo Gosho figure from Super Rad Toys.  Craola brings a touch of dapper style (argyle !?!) interwoven with his  artistic mythos featuring a cornucopia of wildly mutated inhabitants.   The Gosho's prominent mask carries his design sensibility -- two pairs of eyes and sharp teeth/fangs  wrapped in smooth execution. Lest this masked soul be confused with a mild-mannered individual, Craola's "I'm Scared"  across the knuckles puts the viewer on notice.   From the rear, the Bat leaves his signature calling card.

Proto Monday >> Kaori the Nurse by Junko Mizuno

For our first post-SDCC Proto Monday, we're giving you a first look at Junko Mizuno's upcoming Kaori the Nurse figure from Kidrobot.  This one presents an intense dark vision -- this is a take-no prisoners Nurse.  Kaori's sleek form with her windswept hair is set off by the eye-catching creature-like chain saw.  The sculpt and accessories are quite detailed. The baby and the "tools" strapped to her left leg add to a sense of intrigue.  We're looking forward to seeing this in fully painted form.

Proto Monday >> MINDstyle's Vintage Slappy by Brandt Peters

We're proud to reveal MINDstyle's Vintage Slappy by Brandt Peters.  This exquisite vinyl figure stands over 16" tall and will drop during the Holiday '07 season.  Brandt's paint master of the Vintage Slappy Panda edition pictured above shows off the hobo weapons of choice -- a spiked plank and a bomb.  Long-time fans will recognize that the  Vintage Slappy vinyl is based on the extremely rare Slap Happy fine art resin figures.    MINDstyle's Vintage Slappy is set to deliver a stunning experience -- an extremely faithful translation of Brandt Peters' leading retro art style in a towering 16" figure.  With the 36" T-28, Vintage Slappy and several other large figures in the works, MINDstyle is setting the trend of BIG art toys.

Be sure to check back tomorrow for another sweet dose of Brandt Peters to carry us into the delirious madness that is SDCC.

Proto Monday >> Holy MD and Incredible MD by Toby HK

For Proto Monday we're taking a look at  Holy MD, the 3rd figure in the Dumb Dummies series from MINDstyle's Creative Director, Toby HK .  The boxer follows his earlier Dummies -- the  Toby HK figure and the Seme + Dum minifigs.  At 12+" tall and  nearly as wide, Holy MD cuts an impressive profile in the ring or on your shelf.  Toby injects personality into his designs through the inclusion of key details such as the  iconic  and infamous ragged (bitten) ear on Holy MD.   Holy MD is an SDCC exclusive from Kaching Brands limited worldwide to 200 pieces for a retail of $99.99 each. Additional characters will follow including the pictured  Incredible MD which is inbound for the Holiday season.  The raging green one will be followed by King MD, MC MD and others.

 

Proto Monday >> The Pizz's Eyegore from Munky King

Today on Proto Monday we have the exclusive first look at  the upcoming Eyegore vinyl figure from  The Pizz and produced by Munky King.   Springing from the Kustom Kulture movement, Eyegore is a refreshing break aesthetically from the majority of figures released these days. We asked The Pizz to tell us about Eyegore and here's his insightful description:

"Eyegore was birthed in a painting displayed in the Laguna Art Museum's "Kustom Kulture" exhibition. The piece was named "A Salute To The Holy Trinity Of Von Dutch, Ed "Big Daddy" Roth and Robt. Wms"... back in 1992.  The piece was named "A Salute To The Holy Trinity Of Von Dutch, Ed "Big Daddy" Roth and Robt. Wms"...

Featuring a little chrome eyeball dude, he's an amalgamation of the three hot-rod maestros' various signature creations and stylistic calling cards, so we got Dutch's Flying Eyeball and Roth's Rat Fink and William's Cootchy Cootie, with a heavy mix of the three's cult-like Wehrmacht obsession and the overabundance of chromage...He also harkens to my creation for the Sympathy For The Record Industry's "Eldridge Cleaver" character...same hob-nailed biker boots and WWI-era StahlHelm...

He's firmly planted in the Big Foot tradition of American design, and people love to pick him up. There's something so palmable and toyetic with the design, sculpted by a very talented Disney sculptor, Ray Brown, who really brings out the amiably goofy aspect of this little guy...

The Eyegore prototype will be on display at Munky King's SDCC booth (#4639).  So if you're going to the 'con be sure and check it out for yourself --  eye to eye.