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Jun 30, 2019
Ron English at Toycon Pop Life FanX in Manila
Ron English's whirlwind tour of Asia continued this weekend as he made his way to Manila as the featured artist for the ToyCon Pop Life FanX convention held at the SMX Convention Center. Ron signed for fans at the Popaganda booth which featured an illustrated mural of many of his characters, both familiar and new.
As you might expect, he also released several new vinyl art toys at the show from Pop Life including Elefanka (a butterfly + elephant hybrid) Menace Hulk, Grinnie, the Delusionville Minis, and a new MC Supersized proudly wearing an outfit inspired by the Filipino flag. Look for several of these new releases (and more) to be released in the United States soon, perhaps as early as SDCC Be sure to follow both Pop Life and Ron English on Instagram for the latest info.
Ron's appearance at Toycon followed his sold-out English Translation Series exhibition in Shenzhen and a release event in Macau, known as China's Las Vegas.
Jun 27, 2019
Nouar x Martian Toys —Blackberry Mister Self Indulgence (6.28)
Just in time for summer comes the Blackberry Mister Self Indulgence vinyl from Nouar and Martian Toys. The picnic-ready edition of the DTA-winning vinyl toy embraces two delicious ways to indulge oneself, blackberry pie and a Lil Scoopy of French Vanilla. Always a snappy dresser, Mister Self Indulgence takes his retro wardrobe to the next level with his snazzy check shirt in a lovely shade of purple. Limited to 140 pieces, the Blackberry Mister Self Indulgence will be released this Friday (6.28) at 9AM PDT exclusively at MartianToys.com and Mothership Toy Gallery in Philadelphia.
Amanda Visell —Tiny Tanuki and Stardust Jack
Amanda Visell has just released two new smaller (3.5") resins, ideal for your desk or cubicle. First up is Tiny Tanuki (Edition of 25, $90) which packs all the charm and mischief of the OG 6.75" resin in a space-friendly size. For those that like their cute with a bit of bling, Stardust Jack ($40) is here to save the day. The newest edition of the donkey character is cast in clear resin with generous amounts of silver glitter. For your wall, there's the official Tanuki Fanclub poster (16x20", $30) as well the original painting (18x24", $2000). All of this is available on Switcheroo.
Afraid Of The Dark? Brachiosore GID by James Groman x TAG (7.3)
Your nightmare awaits with the new Brachiosore GID soft vinyl figure from James Groman and Toy Art Gallery. The unpainted, glow edition of the 8" zombie dino features 5 points of articulation and a 'subdued' GID effect, for an eerie effect. This is one for the true GID connoisseur. The new GID edition drops on Wednesday (7.3) at 12 PM PDT from the TAG web shop for $95.
Jun 26, 2019
Alex Face x Mighty Jaxx — Baby Beyond (6.29)
Mighty Jaxx will release its Baby Beyond polystone figure (12") from Alex Face on Saturday (6.29) at 6 AM PDT from its online store for $249 which includes worldwide shipping. This latest collaboration with the Thai graffiti artist features his signature character holding eternal love (heart) and peace (dove) as symbols of an ideal world while at the same time attempting to hold hardship and suffering at bay, represented by the pink rat. First released in limited quantities at Thailand Toy Expo in early May, Baby Beyond is in stock and ready to ship.
Jun 25, 2019
Arcane Divination: 'The Lost Cards Chase' Figures
In addition to the standard 13 designs, the new Arcane Divination: The Lost Cards Dunny series from Kidrobot includes three chase variants. Series curator J*Ryu has revealed the three elusive designs which include a partially mono version of Strength by Camilla d'Errico and two editions of his 'The Ghost' design. The Imprisoned Ghost features a chains and padlock design which ties back into his previous work around the symbolism of keys and locks. His other chase, The Lost Ghost, features a pared-down design with what appears to be a GID version of the spirit, looking for meaning and direction.
Camp Out with a Giant Companion for KAWS:Holiday Japan
For KAWS:Holiday Japan, KAWS is inviting folks to camp out with a giant inflated Companion and enjoy a beautiful view of the iconic Mount Fuji. The fourth KAWS:Holiday event—following Seoul, Taipei and Hong Kong—takes place at the Fumotoparra campground starting with the Ceremonial Camp Day (7.18) open only to raffle winners and continuing through 7.24 with six 'public camp' days. The raffle for tickets that include a tent/vehicle space for the Ceremonial Camp Day starts on Thursday (6.27) at 6 PM PDT and runs for 24 hours.
While you might not be able to go on Holiday with Companion, you can take home some vicarious souvenirs. As with the previous Holiday events, KAWS has collaborated with All Rights Reversed on an extensive KAWS:Holiday Japan collection of limited-edition goods. In honor of the iconic landmark, KAWS has created a fun Mount Fuji character featured on many of the items including totes, tees, cushions, pins and a cute plush toy.
The collection features three new toys including the 8" Mount Fuji Plush (HK$1415 /$181) in Pink, Blue and Grey (Japan only), a 9.5" KAWS:Holiday Japan vinyl toy—featuring the Companion in the restful Holiday Japan pose— in Brown, Gray and Black (HK$1565/$200), and a limited Kokeshi Doll Set (HK$5890/$754) featuring three Companion versions of the traditional Japanese wood toy.
The Kaws:Holiday Japan collectibles will be available on July 17th at 6 PM PDT from the Ding Dong Takuhaibin online store.
Jun 24, 2019
Inch Lab -- New Art Toy Line Showcases Malaysian Artists
Inch Lab unveiled their new art toy line, showcasing artists from their native country of Malaysia, at last weekend's TAGCC in Kuala Lumpur. In addition to the pre-released Odette by Evangelione and the four figures we recently previewed, Inch Lab also showcased RoboApe by CZ Blank (above), Tiki Daruma by Bone Alfie, Ball La by Palee Abu and Dinocor from Orkibal. Check the photo gallery for close-up's of 3d-printed prototypes of each figure—hand-painted by the artists —as well as bios and character descriptions. We will be sure to keep you updated on the upcoming releases for Inch Lab's new vinyl art toys.
Toy Geeks Behind The Counter S3E17: ' Super Star Destroyer McMullen'
Toy Geeks Behind the Counter is back with a brand-new episode featuring none other than Bill McMullen. The Geeks (George, Ben, and Jack) chatted with 'Billions' about his intriguing, inspiring, and eclectic career. It was a pleasure to learn about the origins of his pioneering AD-AT toy as well as the just released Super Star Destroyer from Munky King. The first-hand look at the SDCC exclusive edition was a personal highlight as well. We also reviewed several new toys released at Five Points Festival including a pair of adFunture releases, Sad Salesman's new Symbiosis vinyl from Clutter and more.
The Super Star Destroyer McMullen (S3E17) episode is available for streaming on Youtube or below.
Jun 22, 2019
The Opening of Ron English's 'English Translation Series' in Shenzhen
Ron English continues to add to his stardom in China with his sold-out English Translation Series exhibition, which opened on Friday evening at the Pop Life Art Space within Q-Plex in Shenzhen, China. Featured guest Taiwanese actor/rapper Show Lo (羅志祥) joined Ron English to announce their new collaborative toy, a Grin version of the celebrity's lion mascot. Presented by Pop Life Global, the high-profile exhibition featured a new collection of original paintings on canvas and works on paper, immersive sculptural installations, and an exhibition shop stocked with Ron English merchandise including several new toys.
The exhibition's striking installations include an army of Ronnie Rabbbits and a giant MC Supersized in front of the venue, a menacing Everlast skeleton boxer within and towering Modzilla and Poultry Rex sculptures four stories high. The collection of original paintings features a smiley grin interpretation of the Mona Lisa as well a large number of pop-culture pieces from portraits of Street Fighter characters to Grin pieces of cartoon icons such as Charlie Brown and Tom and Jerry.
Pop Life debuted several new Ron English toys at the event store including a Ronnie Rabbbit vinyl (with wilted carrot), the new Delusionville minis, Elefanka and Allie Quack.
The English Translation Series runs through July 14th 2019 and is open weekdays, except Mondays.
[Photos: iToyz]
Kenny Wong x Pop Mart — Buzz Lightyear Molly
Just in time for Toy Story 4, Pop Mart has released a new Buzz Lightyear Molly by Kenny Wong. Given the popularity of the Astronaut Molly line, this new crossover is a natural fit and very much in character. Released on Friday (6.21) for 499 Yuan ($73), the medium-format figure is currently only in Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan due to licensing considerations. This is Pop Mart's second high-profile Molly crossover project following the Minions Molly figures which were released at Shanghai Toy Show in April.
In addition to the standalone Buzz Light Year Molly, Pop Mart has also announced and teased their upcoming Toy Story Series Mini Series featuring what appears to be 12 characters including Woody, Buzz, Alien and Bo Peep. The new series carries over the seated pose from the brand's first Disney series, Mickey Family, which was released in the Spring.
Tomenosuke Exclusive Meowlting Strawberry by I Love Doodle x Mighty Jaxx
Tomenosuke's Exclusive Meowlting Strawberry Flavor figure from I Love Doodle and Mighty Jaxx comes just in time for the Summer sunshine. This one is all about love: cat love, ice cream lovers, and love for food toys. Oh, did we mention it's adorable?
Limited to 100 pieces, the Meowlting Strawberry Flavor vinyl toy (6") is available from Tomenosuke for ¥11,000 ($102) from Tomenosuke's international store or from their Japan-only store (¥11,880).
3DRetro Exclusive Thomas Nosuke Altaire by Doktor A x Tomenosuke
3DRetro has released it's Exclusive Thomas Nosuke Altaire sofubi from Doktor A and Tomenosuke. Having had a chance to see this edition up close and in person, it's quite nice with the mix of the smoke + glitter vinyl and the metallic silver painted elements. It's also the first edition of the figure with the brand-new retro tin-toy style box which replaces the previous bag and header card packaging. Tomenosuke has put a lot of love into the box which nails the retro feel right down to the staples used to hold it together.
Limited to 30 pieces, the Thomas Nosuke Altaire edition (8") is available exclusively from 3DRetro for $169.99.
Jun 21, 2019
Jim Dreams x Unbox Industries — Chubbi Chunk in New Colors (6.22)
Chubbi Chunk—such a clever play on 'chibi'—is back in five new colors. Jim Dreams' signature character returns in a super cute, standing mini version (3.5"), based on the seated Chunk mini in the recent Unbox & Friends series. Previously released in the OG blue, Superman Toys (HK) Exclusive Smash (green) and TTE exclusive Tropical (red) editions, Unbox is set to release five new colors of Chubbi Chunk—Black, GID, Gray, Pink and Yellow—for $25 each or $125 for the set of five. The new colors drop this Saturday (6.22) at 8 AM PDT from the Unbox shop.
Jun 20, 2019
Whatshisname x Mighty Jaxx — Lick Balls (6.22)
Mighty Jaxx continues its long-running collaboration with UK artist Whatshisname with the newest addition to the Popiki family: Lick Balls. Apparently an advocate of straightforward titles, the aptly named balloon dog toy follows POopek, Peepek, Humpek and others.
The new piece answers the question of what Popiki do with their down time—about the same as their canine counterparts. Lick Balls will be available for pre-order on Saturday (6.22) at 6 AM PDT for $129.
Jun 19, 2019
Ron English x Pop Life Global — 'English Translation Series' in China (6.21)
Pop Life Global will present Ron English's solo exhibition, English Translation Series, opening on Friday, June 21st 2019 at the Pop Life Art Space at the Q-Plex in Shenzen, China. The exhibition will feature an elaborate installation with life-size Modzilla and Poultry Rex sculptures, 15 new original oil on canvas paintings, 18 new works on paper and an array of toys, some for sale as well as never seen before prototypes.
Ron will be showcasing several new toys including a brand-new Poultry Rex, complete with just-hatched baby, as well as his new Aqua Apes which will be shown as painted prototypes. This version of Poultry Rex is perhaps the most chicken-like that we've seen so far. And… Ron has quite a few more toy surprises waiting for attendees.
Ron English ||English Translation Series
Opening: Friday, June 21st, 2019 (7 to 10 PM)
Through July 14th, 2019 (Weekdays except Mondays)
Pop Life Art Space at Q-Plex
Tower 1
No. 4080 Qiaoxiang Rd.
Shenzhen, China
The Latest from Arcane Divination: The Lost Cards (6.21)
Since our first update on the Arcane Divination: The Lost Cards 3" Dunny series, project curator J*Ryu and Kidrobot have revealed eight more Tarot-based designs. With the four previously mentioned, we've seen twelve of the thirteen designs from this second series which will be released on Friday (6.21) from select retailers and on Kidrobot.com (9 AM PDT).
Both of J*Ryu's previewed designs—The Star and The Ghost—are standout designs that showcase the project's efforts to push Dunny beyond what we expect from it. The Star features a brand-new sextant-inspired head sculpt that appears as if it's capable of swiveling. And then there's The Ghost offers a contemplative scene as a ghostly lady floats through a foggy forest. This piece stands out in part because it takes us full circle back to J*Ryu's early customs which featured this ghostly character and also because it's the only previewed design that retains the standard Dunny sculpt—albeit with the addition of the embedded figure.
We're looking forward to the final reveal and the release of Arcane Divination: The Lost Cards this Friday, June 21st 2019.
Junko Mizuno x Superplastic — White Lotus Superjanky (6.20)
Superplastic has been dropping hints that about it for awhile now, so we're pretty sure the White Lotus Superjanky by Junko Mizuno is right at the top of many collector's must-have list. The follow-up to the OG Lotus Superjanky, the new edition features a white janky with a powder blue Japanese school girl uniform. As with the previous edition, the White edition features a matching magical tooth companion. While these things are very subjective, we're temped to say the new edition just might top the OG with its slightly softer appearance that builds on the enigmatic angle while tamping down the in-your-face feel.
Limited to 444 pieces, the White Lotus Superjanky is slated to drop on Thursday (6.20) at 9 AM PDT from the Superplastic web shop for $65 and should ship out in August. The OG Lotus Superjanky sold out in minutes so we expect a similar pace for the new edition, though the larger edition size (444 vs. 300) might extend availability just a bit.
Jun 18, 2019
Inch Lab Will Debut New Prototypes at TAGCC (6.22 - 6.23)
Malaysia-based Inch Lab is off to a quick start with their new toy line showcasing designs by Malaysian artists. In addition to Odette by Evangelione, now available for pre-order, the new brand is headed to TAGCC (Toys/Anime/Games/Comics Convention) in Kuala Lumpur. They will be displaying painted prototypes of several new art toys this weekend (6.21 - 6.22) in booth A81.
Our first preview of the new line features four of the new figures: Kaki Bakar from Kupeh Rodriguez, DiD Hapser by Arifin Amin, Lionbxi by Darrel Cheong, and Smoke Skull from Messy Desk Studio. All four feature detailed sculpts that reflect each character's story and personality.
The curious, walking matchbox that is Kaki Bakar (Mischievous Arsonist) from Kupeh Rodriguez is in fact the unseen 'devil on the shoulder' of a young boy who enjoys playing with fire. The spirited sculpt offers a dynamic vision as the mischievous one strikes a pose while preparing to ignite yet more trouble with a lit match. There's more to come as the match's unlit friends lie waiting, nestled safely within the instigator. Be sure to check out the photo gallery for preview images, artist bios and character stories for each of the four new Inch Lab figures.
Beyond The Streets New York Opens On June 21st
Following last year's wildly popular Beyond the Streets exhibition in Los Angeles, organizer/curator Roger Gastman and a historic roster of artists will open Beyond The Streets New York in a 100,000 square foot space in Williamsburg on Friday (6.21). Set in the roots of graffiti and street art, the New York exhibition will explore the foundational role of music within this art world as well as art as activism.
The new exhibition features the work of 150+ pioneering, influential, and highly relevant artists including Aiko, Barry McGee, CES, Chaz Bojórquez, Cleon Peterson, Dabsmyla, Estevan Oriol, Futura 2000, Invader, Lee Quiñones, Patrick Martinez, Martha Cooper, Mister Cartoon, Saber, Slick, Swoon, RIME, Risk, Ron English, Takashi Murakami, Todd James, Vhils and more.
Beyond the Streets New York will also feature showcase installations including the stateside debut of Shepard Fariey's 30th Anniversary touring exhibition, a Beastie Boys installation with artifacts and ephemera spanning the legendary band's timeline, large-scale sculptures by Futura and Cleon Peterson, and more.
Tickets for the not-to-be-missed exhibition which runs through the end of July are available now for $25.
Beyond the Streets New York
Wednesday - Sunday (11 AM - 8 PM)
25 Kent St.
Brooklyn, NY 11249
Secret Base — Big Scale Astro Boy GID #3 Lottery
Attention Astro Boy fans! Secret Base is releasing a new large-format, glow-in-the-dark sofubi of the celebrated manga/anime hero. The Big Scale Astro Boy GID #3 figure stands nearly 18" tall and features a classic painted design over a mix of GID and clear vinyl with sculpted robotic inserts—sfx all the way.
Big Scale Astro Boy GID #3 is available via e-mail lottery for ¥35,000 ($323) through 4:30 PM PDT on Tuesday (6.18). To enter check out the official release announcement on Instagram and follow the three entry steps including IG follow/repost instructions as well as the email request. As usual, the lottery is limited to one entry per customer. Winners will be notified via e-mail with instructions to complete the sale. Best of luck!
Jun 17, 2019
Whereschappell — Where The Wookie Things Are Pew-Pew! (6.30)
For his next release, Whereschappell brings us everyone's favorite intergalactic bounty hunter who may also be the most popular character from that galaxy far, far away. Where The Wookie Things Are (WTWTA) Pew-Pew! offers a playful mash-up resin figure of a Wookie Boba dreaming of an epic chase between the two iconic spaceships. Love the details here, especially the two spaceship toys and the furry children's book crossover. Maybe it's sacrilege (probably is), but the sentiment reminds us of the end scene from The Last Jedi.
WTWTA Pew-Pew (7.1") will be available for pre-order on Sunday, June 30th 2019 at 12 Pm PDT in three colorways—Jedi (green helmet), Kenner (blue helmet) & Holiday (gray helmet)—for £84.99 (~$108) each direct from the artist's web shop. You likely know this, but expect these to insta-vanish. These hand-painted resin figures are slated to ship at the end of September.
Jun 14, 2019
Unbox Industries — A Trio of Sanrio Soft Vinyl Toys (6.16)
As you might know,Unbox Industries has partnered with Sanrio to produce a new line of soft vinyl toys featuring several of the brand's kawaii characters. As part of their upcoming weekend online drop, Unbox is releasing three figures from their Sanrio collection including Hangyodon (5.5", $49), Ahiru no Pekkle Red Chase Variant (5", $54) and Minna No Tabo (5", $9). All three will be available on Saturday (6.16) at 8 AM PDT from the Unbox web shop.
Unbox is also offering the Sanrio figures at their Hong Kong Toy Festival booth this weekend. They are also showing additional, yet-to-be-released figures from the line.
Evangelione x Inch Lab — Odette Pre-Order (6.16)
Inch Lab's upcoming art toy line showcases the work of artists from it's home country of Malaysia. First up is the lovely Odette by Evangelione (Mei Yang Yeo). Known for her handmade dolls, Evangelione has focused her first vinyl toy of a swan girl around her signature facial aesthetic featuring large, nearly-square eyes and blushing cheeks which blend into the chin.
Odette stands nearly 4.75" tall, features an articulated head, and removable red flower accessory. Photos showing Odette wearing the flower on either side suggest that it's magnetic. Odette debuts in a pearl white edition which will be available for pre-order on Sunday (6.16) at 8 AM PDT from select retailers including myplasticheart (USA,$95), Strange Cat Toys (USA, $95), Big Bang Toyz (Malaysia), PlayToysForever (Taiwan), Wee Toys Gallery (Thailand) as well as direct from the Inchlab online store. Odette is slated to ship in Q3 2019.
Twelevedot — 'You Make Me Happy When Skies Are Gray' APO Frog
Korea's Twelvedot continues the stylish return of its APO Frog art toys with the fashion-forward You Make Me Happy When Skies Are Gray edition. First released at Five Points Festival, the striking new edition pairs a gray APO frog with a vibrant pink coat.
Limited to 300 pieces, the newest APO Frog (5") is available now for $70 SRP from myplasticheart (USA), Fifty Fifty (Korea), Ozzo (Singapore), Xinghui Creations (China) as well as direct from Twelvedot.