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Apr 29, 2019
2PetalRose x Collect and Display — Kid Katana Original Renegade (3.30)
Collect and Display will release the debut Kid Katana (Original Renegade) art toy resin (8") from 2PetalRose on Tuesday (3.30) at 7 AM PDT from their online store for £175 ($228). The new Kid Katana—nestled in between the original 3" and the larger blanks created for his recent solo show—fulfills the dream of a production 2pr toy. With only so much time to steal away at night or on the weekends, the artist has only been able to release extremely small runs of his in-demand, stylized feudal Japan figures.
A deluxe production, the Original Renegade edition is limited to 200 pieces and includes interchangeable helmet/top knot as well, katana with bowed, faux leather strap and a signed/numbered Certificate of Authenticity. As you can see from the pictures, 2PetalRose and the production team at Unbox have been meticulous in carrying over as much of the 2pr handmade-figure experience as possible in a production piece. The attention to detail continues right through to the packaging which includes the die-cut foam insert the artist's collectors have come to expect. This is an absolute must for 2pr collectors.
Apr 28, 2019
Art Key Collection from Look Keys (5.3)
New lifestyle brand Look Keys is set to launch two collections of exciting new ready-to-cut house keys with designs from leading artists and influential apparel brands. The Art Key Collection—curated by your friendly blogger—features the work of Alex Pardee, Amanda Louise Spayd, Amanda Visell, Andrea Kang, Chris RWK, Chris Ryniak, Greg 'Craola' Simkins, Hyperactive Monkey, Jermaine Rogers, Joe Ledbetter, J*RYU, Julie West, kaNO, Reactor-88, Sket-One and Yoskay Yamamoto. These Art Keys are a great way to go from everyday, lookalike keys to fun, stylish and easy to distinguish functional pieces of art that are also great keys.
Each key features a stylish, retro style design with a large 1.25" resin dome to showcase and protect the art. The keys are available in two versions—Schlage and Kwikset—which covers 90%+ of USA house locks. Compared to typical character keys with on-key printing, the Look Keys design is much more durable. The art will not flake or be damaged over time.
Look Keys will release its first Art Key collection on Friday (5.3) at 12 PM PDT for $10/key from LookKeys.com.
Apr 25, 2019
Ilustrata x Mighty Jaxx — Kaiju's Ramen (4.27)
Mighty Jaxx's upcoming weekend release answers the question, what does a Kaiju devour when it's hangry ? A ginormous bowl of steaming ramen, of course. Created by Bralizian-based designer Ilustrata, Kaiju's Ramen features a Godzilla-ish terror taking a break to slurp down a hot bowl of noodles, meat, seafood and a few skyscrapers for extra end-of-the-world flavor. The figure is based off one of the artist's original illustrations and adds the chef's outfit into the mix.
The culinary giant will be available for pre-order on Saturday (4.27) at 6 AM PDT from the Mighty Jaxx shop for $150.
Whereschappell — Skeletor (4.28)
If you're looking for high-quality, stylish takes on iconic characters, Whereschappell should be at the top of your list. His upcoming take on Skeletor, offers a powerful, detailed vision of He-man's nemesis without lapsing into the body-builder proportions of the original toys. Whereschappell will offer his limited-edition OG color Skeletor resin art toys for pre-order on Sunday (4.28) at 12 PM PDT for £69 ($90). These are scheduled to ship in the second-half of July.
It also appears that there will be two variants, one with pale blue skin and partially black gear and a blinged-out purple + black design with metallic gold face and gear.
So Youn Lee x ToyQube — Meteoroid
ToyQube debuted LA-based painter So Youn Lee's Meteoroid polystone sculpture at the Shanghai Toy Show. The 12.5" piece features Mango, the artist's signature genderless character, holding a friendly travelling companion. With over 100 paint apps, the fiery limited-edition sculpture brings Lee's joyous, colorful art into our 3D experience. For fans of So Yun Lee's various flavored Mango DTA Series Dunnys, Meteoroid offers an opportunity to collect her original vision of the character.
As of today, Meteoroid (edition of 180, $210) is available online from ToyQube.com. Adding to the collecting experience, the sculpture's packaging includes a die-cut foam insert to protect the figure.
Apr 23, 2019
Mab Graves — Kitty Rex Release Party and Signing at 3DRetro (4.27)
3DRetro will host a release party/signing of the Dinokitties: Kitty Rex (9.5") vinyl figure by artist Mab Graves this Saturday (4.27) from Noon to 3 PM at their Glendale location. First released in an incredibly small pre-release quantity at last year's DesignerCon, Kitty Rex is a striking translation of the artist's paintings of the mysterious, prehistoric hybrid. The mesmerizing inset blue eyes add a startling presence to the organic sculpture, while the sculpted-in scales offer a tactile experience which encourages you to pick up the piece rather than just admiring it on a shelf.
Limited to 200 pieces, Kitty Rex will be available for just $80 at the event with remaining stock available after the event at 4 PM on 3Dretro.com.
Mab Graves|| Kitty Rex Release and Signing
Saturday, April 27th (12 - 3 PM)
3DRetro
1851 Victory Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91201
Changeling Leaf Release and Signing at Woot Bear (4.27)
Painter Amy Sol will be at Woot Bear on Saturday (4.27) from 6 to 9 PM for the official debut of the newest edition of her Changeling Leaf art toy produced by Munky King. Limited to 100 pieces, the third edition (10.5", $70) of her new soft vinyl figures—based on her handmade Changeling resin sculptures—features a delicate, repeating pale pink to white gradient that echoes the theme of flora and fauna being two intertwined facets of nature. As a bonus, Woot Bear will include a free tote with all Changeling Leaf purchases at the event. In addition to the toy release, Amy will also be offering drawings, hand-painted Changelings and "select sculpts".
If you can't make it up to SF for the event, Munky King will be releasing the latest Changeling Leaf figure from their web store after the event at an as-yet unspecified day and time.
Amy Sol ||Changeling Leaf Release and Signing
Saturday, April 27th 2019 (6 to 9 PM)
Woot Bear
1512 Haight St
San Francisco CA 94117
415.487.9000
Apr 22, 2019
Gary Baseman x 3DRetro — Ahwroo in Gray (4.24)
3DRetro is set to release a brand-new Ahwroo from Gary Baseman. Limited to just 150 pieces, the new gray + pink edition drops on Wednesday (4.24) at $70 each, first with an in-store release at 11 AM and then a online release at 3DRetro.com at 12 PDT. Following the previously postponed black+red release, the new gray Ahwroo is the first new edition of Baseman's voracious wolf character in some time.
Apportfolio x Peanuts Collection
Apportfolio unveiled its new Peanuts collection of art toys done in conjunction with the Peanuts Global Artist Collective at its Shanghai Toy Show booth. The inviting walk-in booth featured prototypes of upcoming figures from many of the collective artists including André Saraiva, FriendsWithYou and AVAF (Assume Vivid Astro Focus).
André's pieces feature Snoopy, Woodstock and his signature Mr. A character—in yellow, as a nod to, and occasionally as Woodstock. The FriendsWithYou pieces feature Snoopy with their peaceful moon and cloud characters. AVAF's Peanuts art comes to life with two neon-hued,crisscross renditions of Snoopy and Charlie Brown. Apportfolio was also showing what appeared to be a just-completed cosmic Charlie Brown by none other than Kenny Scharf. Many of the pieces are priced at 1480 RMB (~221) and are apparently scheduled for a Fall 2019 release. Definitely an exciting project to keep an eye on. Be sure to check the gallery for photos of each of the prototypes.
Apr 19, 2019
BlackBook Toy x Frank Kozik — Piggums Sakura Clear (4.20)
Two plus decades since his debut on a Killdozer gig poster back in '92, Frank Kozik's Piggums is set to make another debut, this time time in soft vinyl from BlackBook Toy. The debut Sakura Clear edition of the sailor pig figure stands 7.5" tall, features five points of articulation, and is cast in translucent pink sofubi evoking the color of Japanese's celebrated Cherry Blossoms (Sakura). Thanks to the clever articulation, Piggums can not only stand using the removable knife, but can also sit.
The Piggums Sakura Clear sofubi will be released on Saturday (4.20) at 8 AM PDT for ¥10,800 (~$97) from BlackBook toy.
Persue Bunny Kitty GID Release Party at 3DRetro(4.20)
3DRetro will release its Exclusive GID Bunny Kitty vinyl from Persue this Saturday (4.20) from 3 to 7 PM with a special release event at its Glendale location. Limited to 100 pieces, the GID Bunny will be available for $50 and includes spray can and GID bird accessories. In addition to signing the toys, Dave Persue will be live painting a mural at the shop. Come for the toy and stay for the food trucks and 'dope' surprises.
Persue GID Bunny Kitty Release Party
Saturday April 20th (3 to 7 PM)
3DRetro
1851 Victory Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91201
Apr 18, 2019
Bill McMullen x Munky King — Superstar Destroyer (5.4)
From the man who brought us the AD-AT and the Shuttle Max comes the long-awaited Superstar Destroyer. First shown as a prototype back at DesignerCon 2016, Bill McMullen's latest clever, cosmic kicks mash-up is about to become a reality.
Limited to 400 pieces, the Superstar Destroyer seamlessly blend the iconic Shell Toe with the Empire's interstellar workhorse. The Destroyer measures 11.5 inches from front to back and stands 10 inches tall when displayed on the stand. While early on there was talk of using resin, this is vinyl throughout from the destroyer to the stand. Each Destroyer comes with an insert card signed (not numbered) by Bill McMullen. This is a must for McMullen fans and old-school art toy collectors. Superstar Destroyer drops on May the 4th (5.4) as a pre-order for $140 each from Munky King's online store and comes in a stylish, minimalist box. Expect these to ship at the end of May.
Apr 17, 2019
Toy Art Gallery x Radioactive Uppercut — Nether Realm Tyrants
Toy Art Gallery continues its strong tradition of gacha-style soft vinyl sets with the debut edition of the new Nether Realm Tyrants from Radioactive Uppercut. Each of the six medieval-style minions—Cain, Beleaguer, Abel, Pyromancer, Plague Sacrifice and Mage of Set—stands 2 to 2.5" tall with battle-ready sculpts. The debut set features a gritty brown, silver and red color scheme, reminiscent of a deep, dark dungeon. The Nether Realm Tyrants are available now for $70/set over at the TAG Web Shop.
Apr 08, 2019
Buff Monster — Norwegian Mister Melty Cards, GID Mister Melty and Devil Resins + More (4.9)
Buff Monster has a packed Tuesday (4.9) drop lined up at 7 AM PDT from StayMelty. First up is the online debut of his new Norwegian Mister Melty trading cards featuring a special mix of designs drawn from S1, S2, and S3—in darker hues—on chip-backstock, alternate foil cards, a metal card befitting the heavy metal theme and one completely new card design. They will be available in sets of 4 wax packs ($20) as well as a full display box ($120).
Toys? Absolutely. Buff Monster has clear green GID resin editions of both Mister Melty and his Devil 3" figures ($30 each). He also has GID mixed parts (resin/vinyl/multiple characters) one-off figures in assorted colors ($60 each).
Or go big with the debut of the brand-new Concrete Devil Ball which is twice the size of the original ($200, USA only due to weight). Plus… several a few unannounced surprises (shown in the gallery).
All of releases will be available on Tuesday (4.9) at 7 AM PDT over at StayMelty.
A Look at the Tenacious Toys Exclusive Hobs GID from Johnny Rodriguez x 3DRetro (4.8)
Many of LA-based Johnny 'KMNDZ' Rodriguez's pop surrealist paintings celebrate birds, often depicted in and sometimes literally wearing the most unusual of bird houses—bombs, grenades, robot heads, farm houses and more. The curious and clever winged ones have adapted to their changing environments, shifting from the natural to the man made. As part of a special capsule collaboration with the House of Blues, Rodriguez created Hobs, a water tower bird inspired by the iconic structures which beckon music and food lovers to the restaurants for which he is named.
The Hobs figure—skillfully produced by 3Dretro—is striking with its reality-bending concept with the weathered, old-fashion water tower enclosing all of the bird's head except for its long, curved beak. The sculpt makes strong use of its numerous individual parts to achieve the distinctive shape the concept demands. This approach is most notable in terms of the beak that extends far beyond the water tower in a fashion rarely seen in art toys. Other impressive details include the sculpted ends of feathers which jut just below the bottom edge of the water tower, further creating the sense that a bird lies within. Relative to Rodriguez's paintings which typically feature birds with spindly, delicate legs, the larger and thicker three-toed feet are the one conspicuous concession of artistry to the reality of gravity and the need for the stability they provide.
Following its debut as a House of Blues Exclusive as part of the October 2018 capsule collection and a subsequent vibrant Red edition, the distinctive Hobs vinyl art toy returns today (4.8) in a Tenacious Toys exclusive GID edition. At first glance the new exclusive edition bears a strong resemblance to the OG House of Blues edition with little hint of being a glow in the dark toy. Wisely, the artist has chosen to take a subtle approach to glow by retaining the painterly, brush-like deco which gives Hobs a distinctive, organic appearance.
Starting with a hand-painted master sample from the artist, the factory has managed to recreate his overall original visual feel with colors blending seamlessly and naturally throughout the entire figure from the water tower to Hobs' elongated beak, tail feathers, body and feet. The result is a production vinyl toy that delivers on the promise of a three-dimensional painting/art object, remarkable given the complexity of the source material. With at least several hundred production vinyl figures in my personal collection, few deliver the sense of a hand-painted art piece as well as Hobs does with each edition from the Tenacious Toys exclusive to the OG edition.
In lieu of the vibrant orange, reddish hues of the original edition, the Tenacious Toy exclusive offers a more neutral-hued approach with a stylishly pared-down treatment which allows the slight green of the GID vinyl used for the sides of the water tower and the feet to peek through and between the weathered-style paint. As suggested before, this choice prioritizes the figure's concept over maximizing the glow effect. While the GID exclusive has a definite glow, most pronounced in the feet, less so on the sides of the water tower, the effect is subtle relative to a pure GID figure. Think of it as an extremely well painted figure which offers 'stealth' GID features as an added wrinkle.
From Johnny Rodriguez's imagination-provoking, pop-surrealist concept to the visually striking, ambitious sculpt and the organic, painterly deco, Hobs stands as one of the finest art toy releases of 2018/2019.
Limited to 75 pieces, Tenacious Toys will release their GID Exclusive Hobs vinyl by Johnny 'KMNDZ' Rodriguez and 3Dretro on Monday (4.8) at 9 AM PDT for $79.99 each from TenaciousToys.com.
Apr 06, 2019
Yoskay Yamamoto x Mighty Jaxx — Wish Upon Me… Sunset
You can now welcome both day and night with Yoskay Yamamoto's Wish Upon Me… figures. Mighty Jaxx has released the new Wish Upon Me… Sunset on their online store for $165. Limited to 200 pieces, the first 100 pieces of the follow-up to January's Sunrise edition are in-stock while the remaining 100 are being offered as a pre-order.
Unbox Industries — Who Goes There? (4.6)
Unbox Industries is set to release the Who Goes There? blind-box series on Saturday (4.6) at 8 AM PDT for $13.50/blind-box or $156/case. Shrouded in a bit of darkness until recently, Unbox's second mini series turns the tables with a celebration of monsters and beasts from David Arshawsky, Retroband, The Last Zectron and Vilesore. From the clever packaging which features purple eyes peering out from behind a pair of cut-outs to the original gritty, keep-the-lights-on, marbled designs, Who Goes There? refreshingly flies in the face of today's trend of cute, cute and cuter. For those that enjoy their toys with a snarl rather than a smile, WGT delivers wicked, corrupted, evil fun in a box.
Apr 05, 2019
adFunture at STS: New Space Woody by Law Sun-Yeung
adFunture will return to the second-annual Shanghai Toy Show (4.12 - 4.14) with several new editions of their toys as well as special runs from guest artists. After the unpainted blue/GID debut and several hand-painted micro runs, Space Woody by Law Sun-Yeung is set to step out with the first fully-painted edition. Limited to 50 pieces, the new edition features a white suit design created on clear-cast soft vinyl. It will be available at STS (A73) as well as online from adFunture.com.
Seek Streetwear Enlightenment with Buddeng by Yama
After months of eye-catching photos, Korean artist Yama is set to debut his new Buddeng project at Shanghai Toy Show with pre-orders available (B82). Happiness comes in many forms including streetwear bliss. The apparent deity of hypebeasts the world over, Buddeng contemplates material existence decked out in Jordan 1 Off Whites, red kangol style hat and black-rimmed glasses. He's surrounded by a supreme calling from the golden Air More Uptempo to the unmistakable red+white luggage. In addition to the OG red edition, Yama has also shown a striking Stone Gold edition with a statue/idol vibe.
Starting with a fun, stylish idea, Yama has achieved the full potential of the concept by delivering precise detail throughout. From the sneaker silhouettes (down to the treads) to the Rimowa-style suitcase which opens and features rolling wheels, Buddeng represents the culture in impeccable fashion. The pristine execution of the hypebeast essentials elevates the figure from commentary to coveted.
Fools Paradise — 'I Just Felt Like Running'
The April Fools collection picks up the pace with the fourth and latest announcement from Fools Paradise. I Just Felt Like Running continues the adventures of Mario meets Forest and follows the previously released Super Run. Fools Gum's first stop is Shanghai Toy Show with a special pre-order offer with a special STS-only gift. As with the other April Fools releases, I just Felt Like Running will be available for online pre-order on April 12th directly from Fools Paradise.
Tomenosuke x Doktor A — Thomas Nosuke GucciSherryline (4.6)
Luxury comes in many forms including sofubi. Tomenosuke will release the third edition of the new Thomas Nosuke figure from Doktor A on Saturday (4.6) at 7:59 AM PDT from both their international and Japan-only online stores. Guccisherryline features the classic green + red of the esteemed luxury fashion house and is the first multi-color edition, following Tiffanyblue and Hermesorange. As with the previous fashion-inspired editions, Guccisherryline is limited to 40 pieces, with 30 available online.
Apr 04, 2019
3imension — Rorot First Edition Release
It's been awhile since we first mentioned the personable Rorot figure (5+") from Korea-based 3imension. The 3D-printed (PLA/ABS) figure features a minimalist, industrial design with impressive articulation and nicely weathered paint application. Happily, the wait for the self-produced figure has come to an end.
3imension is now taking orders for the debut Rorot edition (10 pieces) which includes Rog, his robotic dog, as a special bonus exclusive to this first release. The Rorot and Rog set is available for $250 and includes a tin box with foam insert. To order, email [email protected] with a subject of 'Rorot + Rog set' and include your Name and IG ID, Country, Shipping Address, Phone Number and Paypal ID. Check the official announcement for full info including shipping information.
Rorot's high quality design, execution and tremendous articulation are impressive and set it apart. As seen in the pictures after the jump, Rorot can strike several poses including standing, sitting, kneeling and more. If you've been looking for a distinctive robot art toy to add to your collection, your search is over.
Jermaine Rogers — Choices Sunlight and Moonlight Editions (4.5)
First revealed back in February, Jermaine Rogers' new Choices Sunlight and Moonlight editions are dropping on Friday (4.5) at 12 PM PST from his online store. The Sunlight edition ($65) features a a white body and pink eyes with a brown nose. Limited to just 200 pieces, the Moonlight edition which blends light blue fur with a dark blue nose—a nice choice, indeed—will be available for $75. These fateful rabbits follow the FYE Stlorm exclusive as the 2nd and 3rd releases of Choices Series 2.
Apr 03, 2019
Fools Paradise — XL Three King: Two Three // White Debuts at STS
As part of it's April Fools collection, Fools Paradise has announced its new XL Three King: Two Three // White edition. The large-format figure (!9.7") features a stylized version of his airness complete with highly detailed Jordans (white + baby blue). The follow-up to the sold-out OG XL Three King: Two Three //Red debuts at Shanghai Toy Show (4.12 - 4.14) with 100 pieces available. Online preorders will start on 4.12 from the Fools Paradise shop.
Frank Kozik x Kidrobot — Labbiter XK-5 Wasp (4.5)
After numerous rigorous R&D cycles, the technical marvel that is Labbiter XK-5 is ready to begin its mission to save Earth. Evoking retro giant robots, Frank Kozik's half Labbit/half Robot warrior features an upright design with twin missiles, flight capabilities, and in a possible first for a KR figure— four (!) sets of interchangeable hands.
The 8" Labbiter XK-5 debuts with the yellow + black Wasp edition, dropping this Friday (4.5) at select retailers and Kidrobot.com (9 AM PDT) for $100. KR will also have a Kidrobot.com exclusive which 'may or may not' be the chrome version they recently teased. There are several other editions coming including the silver+red edition set to launch at Shanghai Toy Show (4.12 - 4.14) via the Polyphony booth [B51].