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Sep 23, 2019
Coarse — States of Matter Ignited (9.24)
Coarse debuted its new States of Matter Ignited (15") vinyl art toy at the Beijing Toy Show in mid-August. This GID edition features a cool pallete with blues, black and purples — set off with the bright green glow of Noop's popsicle and underwater bubbles. Limited to 234 pieces, the worldwide online release is set for Tuesday (9.24) at 8:59 AM PDT from the Coarse shop for $278 each. The figure is in stock and will ship out in October.
Sep 20, 2019
King Saladeen x Pop Life Global — JP The Money Bear 18" Dear Summer Edition (9.21)
Philadelphia-based artist King Saladeen has announced the next exciting step for his JP The Money Bear character. Created in memory of his best friend, John 'JP' Thompson, who passed away to brain cancer in 2013, the Money Bear is a personal, motivational symbol urging the artist and others to pursue their dreams with a relentless passion.
Prominently featured in Saladeen's art work, from gallery paintings, to numerous hand-painted sports cars and an expansive mural at the Philadelphia airport, JP The Money Bear went from 2D to 3D with a 10" vinyl art toy by Pop Life Global in early 2019. Now comes the follow up in a new large-format design.
The Dear Summer edition (Pop Life Global) makes the jump from 10" to 18" with a bright, relaxed and joyful design featuring a striped shirt, white pants and pristine sneakers with 'Sala' and 'Deen' on the right and left shoe, respectively. Expanding on the original 10" design, Dear Summer features inspirational words in the artist's hand, on the right sleeve, stressing the value of Family, the urge to Create, the power of Art, and the pursuit of Dreams. The motivation continues to the back of the sneakers with 'Faith' and 'Love'. In the jump to 18", the figure has also gained articulation with five points of articulation at the head, shoulders, and wrists versus the single head joint of the OG figure. Finally, the multi-color foam dollar signs that the figure is packed in have been upsized as well.
The JP The Money Bear 18" Dear Summer Edition will be available in limited quantities for pre-order on Saturday (9.21) at 9 AM PDT/12 PM EDT from KingSaladeen.com for $425 each.
Martian Toys — Astro Crash Chrome Editions
U: Updated to reflect Strangecat Toys' statement
Martian Toys is going upscale with their new limited, custom Astro Crash editions. These shiny takes on the Astro Crash vinyl all about the chrome treatments. While they are editioned, they are strictly customs and not done with the approval of the toy's creators Josh Divine and Strangecat Toys.
For those that want the traditional super reflective look, there's a classic ultra chrome edition with crimson red boots and splat. For the road less travelled, the black nickel and metallic gold beckons.
Ten of each are available for pre-order now over at Martian Toys for $350 each. Production on these will take 4-6 weeks.
Sep 19, 2019
Josh Mayhem x Jermaine Rogers — Resist and Resign Veil Customs + Print Sets (9.20)
Josh Mayhem and Jermaine Rogers have collaborated on two short-run, limited-edition custom Veil figure and print sets. Limited to 9 pieces each, the sets feature Veil East Specimen #72 vinyl toys (10.5") hand-customized by Josh Mayhem in his signature 'Blown Away' style and accompanying prints by Jermaine Rogers.
Resist (above) features a subdued, blue-heavy rainbow palette on GID Veil figures while Resign features a vibrant, metallic rainbow of colors on standard Veil toys. The sets include edition-specific 23 x 17" print (torn edges) with the Resist print set against the night sky and Resign backed by warm daylight.
Limited to 9 sets per edition, the Resist and Resin custom + print sets will be available for preorder on Friday (9.20) at 9 AM PDT on JoshMayhem.com for $1250 each. The custom Veils will ship in 1-2 weeks from Josh Mayhem and the prints will ship in 2-4 weeks from Jermaine Rogers.
Joe Ledbetter — Wolfgang Gray Edition (9.20)
Joe Ledbetter is following-up his Wolfgang OG figure with a vintage-styled Gray Edition. The new version evokes the black+white mayhem of the old school cartoons—from Tex Avery and others—that inspired the toy. With at least two shades of gray as well as black and white, could also be thought of a stylish mono, almost as if a pencil sketch had come to life.
Limited to just 100 pieces, the Wolfgang Gray Edition (10.5") resin art toy will be available from Joe Ledbetter's online shop for a rather reasonble $220. Wolfgang was produced by Bigshot Toyworks with final sculpting from Dave Bondi.
Sep 18, 2019
myplasticheart — NYCC Exclusive Bear Champ Lights Out GID Edition
myplasticheart has just announced it's NYCC Exclusive Bear Champ Lights Out GID edition from JC Rivera and UVD Toys. Lights Out goes beyond previous editions, using the toy as a canvas with a detailed portrait, presumably of the bear champ family, on the lower half of the figure. And… it glows for good extra oomph.
Limited to just 50 pieces, the NYCC Exclusive Bear Champ Lights Out edition will be available at the MPH booth [#888] for $75 each during the show (10.3 - 10.6)
Sep 17, 2019
Kaze — Mc Kongrit Pre-Order (9.18)
Next up for Thai artist Kaze is a fun, fast food-inspired edition of his new Kongrit gorilla toy. The Mc Kongrit soft vinyl features the classic yellow, red and white design with a golden crown. The deco/paint on this production piece looks quite sharp.
Standing 3.15" tall, Mc Kongrit will be available for pre-order on Wednesday (9.18) at 5 AM PDT for $48. As a bonus, the first 100 orders will include a free mini-hamburger accessory. No word yet on exact ordering procedure — stay tuned to the artist's IG.
Sep 16, 2019
myplasticheart — NYCC Exclusive Dragon Boy Hulky by Martin Hsu
myplasticheart started its NYCC (10.3 - 10.6) reveals with their Exclusive Dragon Boy Hulky Edition by Martin Hsu. The latest in the Dragon Boy Super League series of retailer exclusives, Hulky features mean, green editions of Dragon Boy and his dragon dog, Blacky or is that Greeny? The purple accents are a nice touch.
The Hulky set will be available for $75 at the mph booth [#888]. Martin Hsu will drop by the booth on Friday (10.4) from 2 to 3 PM for a signing/sketch session. Don't miss out.
[Photo courtesy of myplasticheart]
Apportfolio x André Saraiva — Snoopy x Mr. A Art Toys
First previewed at Shanghai Toy Show back in April, Apportfolio has just officially launched their ambitious Peanuts Collection in conjunction with the Peanuts Global Artist Collective. First up are a trio of fun pieces by celebrated graffiti artist André Saraiva. Each one features Charles M. Schulz's beloved Snoopy character from the classic comic strip and André's signature top hat-wearing Mr. A. character. They are available for pre-order directly from Apportfolio's web shop and are slated to ship in January of 2020.
Instead of titles, each of the pieces is identified by letter-coded styles. While the other two pieces incorporate Mr. A into Snoopy's world, Style A switches things around with a large, spindly Mr. A comforting Snoopy. The head-turning moment comes when you notice that Mr. A's feet resemble Snoopy's, in a sort of deconstructed, reassembled manner. Mr. A's yellow head seems in part a nod to Snoopy's companion, Woodstock. The Style A resin stands 30 cm (11.8") and is available now for pre-order for $250.
Styles B and C offer a more conventional take, incorporating both Snoopy and his iconic red dog house with a Mr. A graffiti tag on the side. For Style B (30 cm, resin, $178) Mr. A peeks out from the dog house while Snoopy looks down from the roof. Standing an impressive 120 cm or nearly 4-feet tall, the large-format Style C (Edition of 50, 120 cm, fiberglass, $2940) features Snoopy and Woodstock (on his head) sitting on top of the dog house—perhaps the most conventional of the three designs.
In addition to André's designs, Apportfolio's Peanuts Collection will also feature work from Friends With You, Kenny Scharf and AVAF (Assume Vivid Astro Focus).
Sep 14, 2019
Art Junkie Tokyo Solo at QPop (9.14)
QPop is hosting Shinichiro "AJ" Kato (aka Art Junkie Tokyo) for a solo exhibition opening on Saturday (9.14) from 7 to 10 PM. The show will feature original paintings, several QPop exclusives of his popular sofubi designs and King Pacara artist customs. If you're on the hunt of the hot newness, the show will see the debut of his Flying Butiger and Sushi Wrestler figures. AJ will be in the house for the reception, so come out and meet the man behind the mysterious 3-eyed toys.
Art Junkie Tokyo Solo Exhibition
Opening: Saturday (9.14, 7 to 10 PM)
QPOP Gallery
319 E 2nd St. Suite 121
LA, CA 90012
Kidrobot Unveils First 'Spiritus Dea' Dunny: Nyx by Lisa Toms
Saturday surprise! Kidrobot has announced its upcoming Spiritus Dea Dunny series and revealed the first glimmering design. Latin for the 'Spirit of the Goddess', the new series features goddess designs from twelve artists centered around the cycle of life.
The first reveal is Nyx—Goddess of the Night—by Lisa Toms. Known for her fantastical soft sculpture figures, Toms' design captures the spirit of the night with a rainbow glitter-filled translucent treatment and cloud-shaped Dunny ears. With its sofubi-like style, the peaceful Nyx fits nicely into the current trend towards super cute, rainbow-hued, translucent minis. We're very curious to see more of Spiritus Dea.
The Spiritus Dea Dunny series will be released on Friday September 27th from Kidrobot.com (9 AM PDT) and select retailers.
Sep 12, 2019
JC Rivera x Pobber — Lucky Punch (9.17)
JC Rivera and Pobber have collaborated on a fun new figure. Lucky Punch riffs off the artist's signature Bear Champ figure and the traditional Lucky Cat (maneki-neko) statues. While Lucky Cat figures are quite common, this one's got the chops to go the distance. While the reference is clear, the figure still has its own identity with its more rounded shape and the Bear Champ crossover. Oh, did we mention it's ridiculously cute?
Pobber will release the 4" Lucky Punch figure for pre-order on Tuesday, September 17th from their online store.
Yao x Devil Toys — Yao: The Beauty of Vanishing
The prototype of the Yao: The Beauty of Vanishing resin art toy (8.5) was one of the clear highlights of the Merry Go Round / Devil Toys booth at this April's Shanghai Toy Show. It's a surreal, striking take on the most famous mouse of all. Created by Taiwanese artist Huang Zhengyao, the piece is a 3D translation of his eerie Disappeared series paintings featuring pop culture icons with elongated, distorted faces.
The final figure has a bit more of a friendly feel with his arms confidently placed on his hips versus the more neutral pose of the STS prose which featured his arms at his side. Limited to 99 pieces, Yao: The Beauty of Vanishing with included certificate of authenticity will be available for pre-order on Friday (9.13) at 8 AM PDT direct from Devil Toys for $230 (includes worldwide shipping). It will also be offered from select retailers including myplasticheart who is offering it for $269.99. The figure is slated to ship sometime in November.
Futura x MINDstyle — 'Johnny' Online Release (9.13)
Friday the 13th is coming and with, the much anticipated online release for the new Johnny art toy vinyl (10") from NYC graff legend Futura and MINDstyle. While it might be coincidental, the drop date fits with the name and partial inspiration behind the toy, a certain 80s horror film that put Johnny and Jack in the forefront of people's nightmares.
The new black+white figure features a stylized version ofFutura's signature character style with the traditional pointy legs and arms and a more recent flatter, wedge-like head. The face features a sketch-like design with a toothy, mischievous smile.
Since its debut at this year's SDCC, collectors have been asking… 'when'. Tomorrow's the day. Friday September 13th at 9 AM PDT from MINDstyle.com for $175 each.
Sep 10, 2019
KAWS x NGV — 'GONE' Pink Edition (9.20)
In conjunction with the KAWS: Companionship in the Age of Loneliness Exhibition opening on September 20th at the National Gallery of Victoria in Australia, KAWS has created a special product collection with the NGV Design Store. For art toy fans, the anticipated vinyl editions of his GONE sculpture—featuring a Companion carrying BFF—are right at the top of the list. In addition to the previously revealed all black (nearly) edition, KAWS has quickened pulses with photos of an additional pink + gray edition.
Both of these GONE editions will be available at the NGV Design Store on the 20th as well as online via KAWSONE.
myplasticheart Exclusive Brightstar OG TEQ63 (9.13)
Friday the 13th is quickly shaping up to be TEQ63 Friday. Myplasticheart will release its exclusive Brightstar OG edition of the uber popular figure from The 3D Hero x QUICCS x Martian Toys—one of two exclusives slated for the 13th. Limited to 100 pieces, the new edition features a red/yellow/gray version of The 3D Hero's Brightstar design concept, first seen on the Five Points Festival Brightstar Blue edition. As a fun touch, 'mph' is emblazoned on Brightstar's leg.
The Brightstar OG TEQ63 will be available on 9.13 at 9 AM PDT exclusively from the myplasticheart web shop.
ToyQube x Lance Inkwell — Gordie (9.13)
ToyQube has collaborated with Lance Inkwell on a new original art toy, Gordie (8") The frightful debut edition of the vinyl art toy brings the artist's retro 'toon style to life, complete with scary mask and jack-o-lantern accessory. Gordie will be available for pre-order on Friday the 13th (9.13) from ToyQube and will ship out in November. Future editions will be go beyond simple colorways with different concepts realized through new accessories.
Mintyfresh — Exclusive Atomic Star TEQ63 (9.13)
Friday the 13th is turning out to be a good omen for QUICCS collectors with two separate exclusives. First up is Mintyfresh's Exclusive Atomic Star TEQ63 from The 3D Hero x QUICCS x Martian Toys. Limited to 100 pieces, Atomic Star features a vibrant blue, red and gold colorway of his futuristic design first seen on the Brightstar Blue TEQ63 released at this year's Five Points Festival.
The Atomic Star TEQ63 will be available exclusively from Mintyfresh's online store on 9.13 at 7 AM PDT.
Mist x Artoyz Originals — Devil Erectus (9.18)
Mist has announced that his Devil Erectus Blue Edition vinyl toys will be released from Artoyz on Wednesday, September 18th. Limited to 200 pieces, the nearly 8" vinyl features the graffiti artist's signature devil character in a cocky, contorted pose, pointing with one hand, the other tucked behind his back. The stylized, angular design recalls Mist's graffiti.
First announced back in 2016, it's good to see it done and ready for collectors. This is the latest in a long, successful collaboration between Mist x Artoyz collaboration.
Sep 09, 2019
Tokyo Jesus x Clutter Studios —Oni-Tayū (太夫) Smoke and Mirrors Edition (9.13)
Every once in awhile, a figure catches us completely off guard. While named as a follow-up edition to the Crystal Blood Tayū released back in April, the new Oni-Tayū (太夫) Smoke and Mirrors Edition (12")from Tokyo Jesus and Clutter is, in reality, a completely different figure and tour de force.
While the Oiran's overall shape remains the same, Tokyo Jesus has sculpted a breathtaking skeleton or perhaps more accurately, a network of interconnected skulls and bones. Double cast in an outer layer of translucent smoke resin and GID resin for the inner skeleton, the new figure conveys Tokyo Jesus's aesthetic in a clear, powerful, and perhaps unmatched manner.
Limited to 50 pieces, the Oni-Tayū (太夫) Smoke and Mirrors Edition will be available for pre-order on Friday (9.13) at 11 AM PDT from Clutter for $350. Handcrafted by Clutter Studios in New York, these standout figures will begin to ship on November 30th, 2019.
Touma — Hitch Bear Set to Debut at TTF and DesignerCon
Japanese artist Touma will debut his new Hitch Bear toy (3.5") at Taipei Toy Festival (10.10 - 10.13) and DesignerCon (11.22 - 11.24). The new toy debuts in one of the artist's signature color combos: deep blue with red + white accents. Following in his father's footsteps, Hitch always encourages the other animals in his village with a positive, 'thumbs up'. The good vibes result in the animals letting the friendly bear tag along for a ride, hence the name. Articulated at the hip, Hitch can both stand and sit/ride.
MJ Hsu x UVD Toys — Ellie The Jellyfish Princess Teal Edition (9.10)
UVD Toys will release the new Teal Edition of the Ellie The Jellyfish Princess (8.5") from MJ Hsu on Tuesday (9.10) from their online store for $75. The Teal edition compliments the OG Pink edition by swapping around the teal and pink with a teal dress and pink accents. As with the previous edition, the translucent Jellyfish dress is the highlight of this piece. Ellie really shines in natural light, as you can see in the lovely pics from the artist.
Sep 08, 2019
Tokidoki x 8 oz — Salaryman Family Statues (9.9)
Apportfolio has collaborated with Tokidoki on two new large-format (14.5") Salaryman Family statues. The new pieces are part of the new 8 oz brand which offers art editions for collectors starting to explore the higher-end market. Previewed at Shanghai Toy Show back in April, the impressive pieces feature Simone Legno's Salaryman Tiger characters envisioned as rules of ancient Rome. The fun concept, inspired by his love for his home city of Rome, is well executed and offers a fun, visually enticing take on his characters.
Seated on ornately decorated thrones and dressed in traditional Roman garb, the male and females character hold their daughter and son on their laps, respectively. The metallic silver thrones feature Roman iconography with the signature Tokidoki flair including Unicornos and Tokidoki-style Roman soldiers.
“My Tiger Nation family has many important elements that are very dear in my life. First of all, the Salaryman design is my favorite character and tiger is my favorite animal. These designs are all about family and in fact, family is the most important thing to me. This has been so since I was a child, and even more so now that I am the father of a girl and boy. I feel I exist, work and breathe just for them right now. The choice of this Tiger family being in ancient Romans look is because Rome is my home town, and I love and feel pride for its rich history and iconography" — Simone Legno
Limited to 150 pieces each, the Salaryman Family statues (Male and Female) will be released this Monday (9.9) at 7 AM PDT directly from Apportfolio for ¥2380 ($334) each.
Pop Mart x Pucky — Sleeping Babies
It seems that Pop Mart releases new super cute toys every day. While that's an exaggeration, it's not *that* far off the mark. Next up is the latest Pucky mini series. Sleeping Babies brings us back to our childhood where we all had one thing that was precious to us, an indispensable companion be it blanket, bear, book or something else. Most of the designs (12 standard + 1 chase) feature the Sleeping Baby holding or in some cases dragging a treasured item to bring with them on their slumber journey. While each is very cute, the Sloth Baby, Owl Baby with Dreamcatcher and the Little Moon Baby (chase) are some of our 'picks'. What are your favorites?
Sleeping Babies will be released on September 13th in China at Pop Mart's many retail outlets (stores, robo shops, app and more) for ¥59 ($8.30) per blind box and ¥708 ($100) per case. We expect to see these available in the USA shortly with higher pricing to account for shipping costs and such — likely $10,99/blind box.
Kidrobot x Stephanie Buscema — Santa Muerte 8" Dunny (9.13)
Stephanie Buscema's upcoming Santa Muerte 8" Dunny is inspired by the Mexican folk deity, often referred to as the 'bony lady', worshiped for protection on the journey to the after life. Buscema's design features a flower-adorned version of the deity with flowing robes and traditional scythe. Her at-peace skeletal expression features large, closed eyes and softer details befitting the subject. The mix of sculpted and painted floral deco is a nice aesthetictouch, adding depth and taking advantage of the 3D medium.
Santa Muerte will be released on Friday, September 13th (9.13) in both a standard black and a red edition, presumably a KR exclusive. Both editions are expected to retail for $100 each with the KR.com release set for 9 AM PDT on the 13th. While not specifically so-labelled, the release comes just a month or so ahead of Dia de Los Muertos (11.2).