Seen: Marka27’s Killa Instinct Drop @ SURU

Marka27 dropped his latest dope vinyl, Killa Instinct from BIC Plastics, @ SURU this past Saturday.  While it was painful that we couldn’t make the event, we’re stoked to bring you a look at the release party which also featured new original art from Marka.  These pics were sent by Marka and others are from the sweet SURU blog.

With Killa Instinct Marka demonstrates that he’s just begun to  breathe 3D life into his drawings and the vinyl scene as well.  If you’d like to grab one of these figures, hit up SURU who has them for online purchase ($95, ed of 300).

SURU
7662 Melrose
Los Angeles, CA
323.655.0770

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Deathbot Lederhosen Octoberfest Release Party (10.13)

To celebrate the release of their new party-loving Lederhosen Deathbot wood figure, Gama-Go is throwing an Octoberfest launch party on Monday, October 13th [6-8 PM] at City Beer in San Francisco.  You know what means… free bear – a keg of German beer no less.  This will be your first chance to pick up the figure which is limited to 400 pieces and produced by Ningyoushi.

City Beer
168 Folsom St
Suite 101
San Francisco CA, 94103

Marka27 – Killa Instinct Art + Figure Preview Video

   

The first Killa Instinct release event is almost here.  Marka27 and Bic Plastics will release Killa Instinct (300 pieces, 8", SRP of $95)  next Friday, October 4th @ SURU on Melrose.  Beyond the dope  new toy, Marka’s working on original art for the release/show including two massive large-format (6 ' x 5') canvas pieces.  Check out the video above for  a behind-the-scenes look at Marka's spray paint skills as he works on the large canvas pieces  + an up-close look at the toy. In addition to the pair of huge canvases, Marka will also offer smaller embellised prints on wood.   If you're on the East Coast, you'll want to check out the release party/signing at myplasticheartnyc the following Friday on October 11th. 

SURU 7662 Melrose Los Angeles, CA 323.655.0770

myplasticheartnyc 210 Forsyth St. New York, New York 10002 646.290.686

James Jean - XOXO Signing (9.20.08)

James Jean will be signing his brand new XOXO: Hugs and Kissess  post card book from Chronicle Books on Saturday September 20th, 2008 [8 to 10 PM] @ Gallery Nucleus in Alhambra.  The book features 30 color postcards (4 x 5 3/4")  of James Jean's beautiful imagery, has a nice red and silver foil cover and retails for $9.95.  Very cool.

Nucleus
210 East Main Street
Alhambra, CA 91801
United States

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Bunka Chaos Monkey Release Party (9.11.08)

Artoyz Originals will release Chaos Monkey, french artist Bunka’s first toy, on September 11th [7 PM] at Artoyz Paris. The figure stands 5.5” tall and is limited to 1000 pieces in the original colorway.

The Chaos Monkey may very well be the first reported monkey mutation and let’s just say he’s not ‘friendly’.  Rather this simian is ready to use his unprecedented speed and sharp tiny teeth to bring the pain to Humans everywhere. 

In addition to the release and signing, Bunka has invited fellow artists to contribute a custom Chaos Monkey and a 2D piece featuring his menacing monkey. Expect work from NIARK1, KOA, AISK, GREGOS, iLK, CRAIION, DOBERMAN, DOZE, STROM,  and LEON.   The show will travel to Artoyz Lyon on September 25. More pics after the jump.

 

Artoyz Paris 45 rue de L’Arbre Sec Sec 75001 Paris France 01 47 03 09 90

Artoyz Lyon 18 rue des Capucins 69001 Lyon France 04 78 39 45 12

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Marka27 – Killa Instinct Releases in LA and NYC

Marka27’s next dope vinyl figure, Killa Instinct, produced by Bic Plastics will be throwing down on both coasts  with two release parties next month.   Suru will drop Killa Instinct first in LA on Saturday, October 4th followed a week later by myplasticheartnyc in NYC on October 11th.

Marka and Bic Plastics have raised the bar with Killa Instinct.  Transformed by toxic spray paint fumes, this mutated graff writer  (looking quite a bit like Marka himself) is ready for action with  tools of the trade – a bad-ass removable gas mask,  spray can, marker, bolt cutters, finger rings, and more. 

Graff is part of Killa Instinct’s being.  So much so that he’s got a spray can erupting out of his back.  Don’t you dare call him a hunch back though.  The spray can which fuels his exploits directly through his gas mask  also doubles as a secret stash with a removable top – for markers, an old school King or whatever else you want.

This original colorway of Killa Instinct stands roughly 8” tall, is limited to 300 pieces and will retail for $95.  Check out great pics of the finished figure and packaging after the jump.  We’re pumped for this release, are you ?

SURU 7662 Melrose Los Angeles, CA 323.655.0770

myplasticheartnyc 210 Forsyth St. New York, New York 10002 646.290.686

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Coarsetoys - Noop @ Rotofugi (9.12.08)

Mark Landwehr of Coarsetoys will open his Noop show on Friday, September 12th, 2008 [6-9 PM] @ Rotofugi.  The art show will be accompanied by the official release of Mark’s newest 12” figure – Noop.  This figure marks both the familiar and the new for Mark.  While you can clearly still make out the influences of his chiseled 1:6 extreme sports figures, the outrageous shark head is definitely a fun departure.   Exciting stuff.

Rotofugi Designer Toy Store & Gallery
1953 W. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622
312.491.9501

Seen: Simpsons Minis Release @ KR LA

Kidrobot officially launched their excellent new Simpsons mini series figures last night @ KR LA.  While pop culture cross over series have been done before, what sets these apart is the care taken to make sure figures “look” like vinyl toys with a cute, stubby aesthetic.  Also, there are 24 different characters many with accessories.

Beforehand this launch seemed a little bit like a wild-card with no scheduled signing per se.  A full assortment of Simpson’s characters out front greeted collectors and posed with almost everyone (‘cept for the bashful and even some of those got sucked into a shot or too).  Things were just getting started though. 

Midway through the event Simpsons creator Matt Groening dropped in for a surprise signing.  Clearly enjoying the moment, he was relaxed, extremely friendly and proceeded to sign the new KR toys and assorted Simpsons merch for whomever asked. 

A strong launch to what looks to be a hit series for Kidrobot.  Very glad we decided to check it out.  See what you missed after the jump.

 

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Vinyl @ Dragon*Con – Kathie Olivas Scavengers + Dunny S5

Vinyl is back bigger than ever at this year’s  Dragon*Con to be held over memorial day weekend (8.29 – 9.1).  The action starts with two toys drops at the Comics and Pop Art Reception on Friday August 29th from 9:30 PM to Midnight @ the Atlanta Sheraton garden pool.

For their first exclusive vinyl figure, Dragon*Con will release an exclusive version of MINDstyle’s Aubrie figure (200 pcs) from the Scavengers line by Kathie Olivas.   The figure is available to ‘Con attendees, one per person for $15.  Kathie will be on hand for the release and throughout the weekend.

Also if you want to be one of the first to get your hands on the new Dunny Series 5 figures from Kidrobot, then you need to hit Dragon*Con for a special advanced release during the Comics and Pop Art Reception (8.29).  The Toy Baroness, Huck Gee and Sket One will all be on hand. 

To round things out, enjoy free  Dunny S5 posters, live music by the Hellblinki Sextet and a lowbrow and vinyl art exhibit presented by HC Warner and The Alcove Contemporary Arts Gallery. Brandt Peters and Derek Yaniger will also make appearances at the event.  Admission to the reception is free with a paid Dragon*Con membership.

The Dragon*Con exclusive Aubrie and S5 Dunnys will be available throughout Dragon*Con in the Comics and Pop Artist alley in the Atlanta Marriot Marquis at the following times:

Saturday, August 30  12:00 Noon
Sunday, August 31  12:00 Noon
Monday, September 1  11:00 AM

In summary, it's happy happy if you live in Atlanta.

TADO – Lily: The Littlest Cannibal (8.28.08)

Magic Pony in Toronto will host Mike and Katie of TADO for Lily: The Littlest Cannibal, an art show featuring Lily and her pals.   The show opens on August 28th, 2008 from 6 to 9 PM. 

The evening also features a toy release + signing with Mike and Katie from 6 to 7 PM. Raised in an enchanted forest,  Lily is the leader of the Cannibal Funfair – the subject of TADO’s new 3” blind-boxed series from Kidrobot.  Tulip, the amicable beast who raised Lily, is getting the toy treatment both as part of the blind-box series and also as a larger 7” figure complete with eight accessories (including an octopus sidekick).  Both the mini-series and Tulip will be available.

Magic Pony Gallery
694 Queen St. West
Toronto, ON, Canada
416.861.1684

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Seen: Nathan Jurevicius’ Monkey King Release

 

Munky King officially launched their new Monkey King figure from Nathan Jurevicius with yesterday’s (8.2.08) release event featuring the orange Fire Monkey (150 pcs). The figure is based on a short (minute or so) animation that Nathan did for MTV Asia.  Sculptor Dave Pressler was able to use the animation as a sort of set of moving turn-a-rounds showcasing the character from numerous angles. 

While we missed the main wave of collectors and fans, we did manage to catch a very well-known celeb and collector – Robin Williams.  He’s been collecting for quite some time and apparently had been waiting for the Monkey King drop.

Nathan rocked some sweet Monkey doodles on the back  of the Fire Monkeys – a nice touch.  Props to Nathan, Dave Pressler, and Munky King on a very nice release. 

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Nathan Jurevicius – Monkey King Signing (8.2.08)

Munky King will officially launch Nathan Jurevicius’ Monkey King figure with a release event/signing this coming Saturday (8.2.08) from 12 – 4 PM. The Fire Monkey (150 pcs) and a small number of the SDCC exclusive Metal monkeys (run of 150) will drop at the event.  Nathan’s newest creation is one of the nicer pieces of ‘08 – the tremendous posability elevates it quite a few notches.  Come check it out for your self and meet the man behind the toy for a rare LA appearance.

Munky King
7308 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90046
323.938.0091

Simone Legno @ GR2 (7.30.08)

Does Simone not rest? After a long weekend of signing and posing for pictures at SDCC, Tokidoki’s Simone will have a signing for his new soccer ball by Mikasa at Giant Robot 2 in Los Angeles. The Tokidoki x Mikasa soccer balls will only be limited to 1000 pieces. Wednesday, July 30th from 6-8 PM at Giant Robot, be there or be square.

 

GR2
310.445.9276
2062 Sawtelle Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025

Michael Lau - CSBOOTH15 Day One

With  the opening of CSBOOTH15 @ Michael Gallery, Hong Kong Urban Vinyl Pioneer Michael Lau once again is leading the industry he and a few other visionaries created. Thanks to MINDstyle we're bringing you coverage of the opening and behind-the-scenes with Michael Lau.   Michael's visions are on display as paintings and of course vinyl figures. Day One - Saturday (7.5.08) has come and gone.  Michael dropped the highly anticipated JORDON Gardener and Submilgaytona Watch and MFJK figure set. 

As one of the original Hong Kong vinyl toy artists still producing his own products, Michael continues to raise the bar.  His SK3 set inspired by the films of Stanley Kubrick drops in about nine hours -- 3PM on Sunday (7.6.0).  Since this is Vinyl Pulse we thought we'd get a jump with a look at the signed set (above) and a shot of Michael signing our set (after the jump). The set includes 2bb1, black white orange and fatwest jacket.  Also we have a shot of someone's (hmm) secret Jordon 23 Gardener with signed box.

If you're in Hong Kong, be sure to stop by Michael Gallery and pickup your very own SK3 set today.  It's the building with a line down the block waiting for the 3PM opening!  Jordon 23 will be hard to find -- you're best is to check out the 'bay and warm up your paypal account.  Special thanks to Michael for making our 4th of July weekend amazing with the signed SK3 and signed Jordon 23.  Can't wait to get them on our shelves.  Check it all out after the jump.

Michael Gallery
11/F., Lok’s Industrial Building
204 Tsat Tsz Mui Road, Quarry Bay
Hong Kong
p: 852.2811.3111

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1134 NYC x Thunderdog – MIRF West Coast Drop

Thunderdog Studios will drop 1134 NYC’s MIRF on the west coast in a two-city spread: LA on Wednesday, July 9th (7-10 PM) @ Rogue Status & SF on Thursday, July 10th (10-2 AM) @ Icon Ultra Lounge.  Both release events will feature live performances by hip-hop trio Team Facelift and are sponsored by Vapors Mag.

Created by MINT and SERF, the  MIRF (9”) is the first wall-mounted graffiti tag vinyl collectible.  It comes in a slick white & silver foil  slide-out package  complete with flocked tray and Tdog emblazoned wall-mounting hardware.  It’s available in four colorways – East Coast (Black Matte and White Matte) & West Coast (Black Glossy and White Glossy).  Each edition is limited to 200 pieces.  We’re guessing that this drop is for the Glossy editions only, but we’ll confirm shortly.

Rogue Status
1720 Main Street
Venice, CA

Icon Ultra Lounge
1192 Folsom Street
San Francisco, CA

Tristan Eaton in Zurich for Re-Hab opening

A few days ago we blogged about the Re-Hab pop-up store opening.  Now, a day before the opening here are pics of Tristan Eaton starting work on the indoor wall murals for the store -- as the police look on.  Enjoy.  Re-Hab is the first opportunity to buy the newest Thunderdog vinyl merch -- Thundermutt 3.5 featuring Filth and 1134 NYC’s MIRF graffiti wall vinyl. More pics after the jump.

Re-Hab: Pop-Up Shop    
Langstrasse 93, 8004 Zurich    
Switzerland

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Thunderdog Studios @ Re-Hab Opening in Zurich

Tristan Eaton of Thunderdog Studios will be rocking a live art installation for the opening of the RE-HAB lifestyle pop-up store in Zurich presumably during the private opening preview which goes down on July 1st (6 to 9 PM).  This top-flight event will feature some of the top lifestyle brands around --  10 DEEP, Ricky Powell, RECON, and Subware. It’s also  first opportunity to buy the newest Thunderdog vinyl merch -- Thundermutt 3.5 featuring Filth and 1134 NYC’s MIRF graffiti wall vinyl .  

Re-Hab: Pop-Up Shop
Langstrasse 93, 8004 Zurich
Switzerland

Book Release: Unfiltered – The Complete Ralph Bakshi

Ralph Bakshi -- writer, director, producer and artist has put his stamp on animation with a large number of projects including Fritz the Cat, the animated Lord of the Rings, Cool World and more.  If you've  been looking for the definitive tome on all things Bakshi, look no more. Meltdown is throwing the official book  release party  for Unfiltered – The Complete Ralph Bakshi on Saturday, June 14th (7-11 PM).  Co-authored by Jon Gibson  and Chris McDonnell over a three-year period, the 280 page volume features art (pre-production work, rough sketches and more from Ralph’s private archives), insight on the animation pioneer, and a forward by Quentin Tarantino.   Ralph Bakshi and both authors will be present at the event for your signing pleasure.

Meltdown   
7522 Sunset Blvd   
Los Angeles CA 90046   
323.851.7223

Seen: Upper Playground LA Opening

Bringing a positive upbeat vibe to an area that sorely needs it, Upper Playground, Mister Cartoon and Estevan Oriol opened three new adjacent  retail spaces  at Sixth and Los Angeles in Skid Row yesterday (5.31).  With the Giant Fatima head greeting you as you enter, you know this is not 'just' another lifestyle store.  Upper Playground's digs are   fairly large encompassing a dedicated space for their Fifty24LA gallery as well as ample  nicely appointed display space for their ever-increasing lifestyle line anchored by Tees + Caps and filled out with pillows, pint glasses, and of course vinyl toys. The store is quite nice -- black walls  accented by new original art from Upper Playground stalwarts including Sam Flores and Jeremy Fish. The front window features a strong paper installation by Armsrock depicting the plight and courage of the forgotten less fortunate. 

The gallery featured new original pieces from artists whose careers have blossomed along with their shows at Upper Playground's various galleries (SF, PDX). There's some great work from Alex Pardee, David Choe, David Ellis, Doze Green, Ron English, San, Slick, Usugrow  and more. 

So if you're looking for cool Tees and want to go pick 'em out yourself in person -- be sure to check out Upper Playground LA.  Click through for a jam-packed gallery of store shots + the gallery art. 

Upper Playground LA
125 E. 6th Street (between S. Main St. and S. Los Angeles St.)
Los Angeles, California

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JamFactory's Droplet Launch - Pics and Video

Crazy Label officially launched Gavin Strange's (JamFactory)  Droplets 2.5" mini figures  with  the Jam and Custard custom show  @ Go Go Plastic! on May 2nd. Talk about organized -- toy launch + group show featuring custom versions.   Didn't it make it?  No worries, here are pics and a  video of the opening. Also see the Droplet Launch set on Flickr.  The initial advanced shipment of 128 Droplets  has come and gone.  it's easy to see why -- the bright colors, cute shape + the great articulated tentacles.The full release is right around the corner, this June.  Click through for more pics.

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JLed Pyro Smash -- Sold OUT

SOLD OUT.  Fin.  Here's the last few shots -- Smash closeup cameos ;-) 'Night.