Plastic and Plush

REVIEW: Scare Me Nots - Guardian Gus and Valiant Valerie

Background

ScareMeNots™ are plush creatures designed to take the “scary” out of monsters in more ways than one. Soft, cuddly, and appealing, they are perfect bedtime companions for all children. However, for kids with nighttime fears, ScareMeNots™ offer an extra sense of protection and comfort. Their special features allow them to ward off those scary things that hide in all the usual places (under the bed, in the closet, behind the drapes)—and in the unusual places as well!

The plush line is made up of six different characters: Defender Dave, Fearless Fred, Guardian Gus, Protector Patty, Valiant Valerie and Watchdog Wally. For purposes of our review, we’ll be taking a look at Gus and Valerie.

The Facts



Guardian Gus
Series: Scare Me Not
Manufacturer: Innovative Toys
Material: Polyester plush
Height: 26” (including tail)

Valiant Valerie
Series: Scare Me Not
Manufacturer: Innovative Toys
Material: Polyester plush
Height: 28” (including tail)

Go Lucky Neko Blind Box Series

Go Lucky Neko is a new blind box series from Dreamland Toyworks. The 3" tall figures are designed by Delme and sculpted by Dave Bondi. There are 9 different variants in the series...the 8 you see here plus a secret variant.

It's not often that I see a blind box series where I like all of the designs in it...but I'm digging these.

For wholesale inquiries contact DKE Toys. Look for them to retail around $11 each.

Samurai Guard Paper Foldable

Bryan from Paper Foldables has dropped his latest Kid Niki foldable - the 06 boss - Samurai Guard. It's now available for downloading via the previous link. And here's what Bryan has to say about the newest addition to this series.

Got just one more boss to go and then I'm all done with the series! I guess I have to make the Kid himself tho. The Kid Niki Paper Foldables aren't exactly the most popular downloads on my site... maybe no one remembers the game? Maybe it was too obscure? Or maybe they just suck? I hope not... I like 'em and this is more of a personal project than anything. Anyway, Samurai Guard! He guards the gate at the castle Kid Niki needs to get to so he can save his girlfriend from The Stone Wizard. He is an ominous being who hovers over the radical ninja. I always used to think he was a robot. He's rather SLOW and mechanical in his movements, but bust him in the kneecap and he'll drop his weapon thing and then go in for the kill! Awesome! Be patient, you can do it Kid!

Real Robot Series 1 Custom - VF1-S Valkyrie

The latest custom from Rotobox's Real Robot Series 1 comes From the anime Macross/Robotech - the VF1-S Valkyrie. This custom figure can actually transform from Fighter Mode to Gerwalk Mode to Battroid Mode.

This one of one piece is quote - "probably the most challenging custom figure that we did so far." And for the lucky purchaser...an instructional manual is included.

Brand New Curster Collections

The Monkion and Good Girl/Bad Girl collections have landed at Curster.com.  Never before have droves of Cursters appeared on planet earth in unison, accompanied by corresponding apparel and giclee prints.  Technically speaking, the invaders haven't exactly arrived in droves, but rather in limited edition productions of as many as 10 guys.  It used to be that Cursters could only be found in singlets, and the appeal of that can't be denied.  But as we humans know, when everybody's unique, there's nothing that special about being one of a kind; hence the octuplet phenomenon, and the inexplicable preoccupation with Jon & Kate.  Well, now Curster has bigger and vastly better news:  decaplets.  And they're for sale.  Take that, Octomom.

Monkion Collection:

• Monkion Print - $40
• Monkion Shirts - $25 ea.
• Monkion Plushies - $35
• Large Monkion Plushies - $250
• Commander Donde - $250
• Mister - $175

Good Girl/Bad Girl Collection:

• Good Girl Print - $50
• Good Girl Shirts - $15 ea.
• Good Girl Medium Plushies - $110
• Bad Girl Plushies - $175

Giant Eyezon Plush

Max Toy Co is currently taking pre-orders for their Giant Eyezon plush created by the amazing artist Sebastian Curadeau. Each plush will be about 21" tall and 12" wide.The front side will be leather with airbrushed and stitched details. The backside will be a colored glitter vinyl material.

These will be made to order, so if are interested in purchasing one...pre-order now. Max Toy Co is asking for a 50% deposit (refunded if they can't deliver the item). Each plush runs $250 plus shipping (US=$12). Please allow 8-10 weeks, as these are hand made the time my vary. Email info@maxtoyco.com to order.

**Please note that these pictures are only a sample and NOT the final product.**

Big Turtle

Toy2R and David Horvath will be releasing a "Big" version of their Turtle vinyl figure. From the Bossy Bear series, the above photo is showing a 'to scale' version of the Big Turtle next to the Big Bossy. Notice that this Turtle is wearing a crown.  We'll give you more details once we know them!

REVIEW: Jawa Vinyl Collectible Doll

Background

“Of the many dangers that travel the dunes and crags of the arid world, few can send a droid’s behavioral matrix circuitry into a tizzy like the Jawas.” You were first introduced to the glowing eyed creatures in Star Wars: A New Hope when they jumped R2-D2 and sold the droid – with his pal C-3PO - to Luke Skywalker’s uncle Owen Lars.

The legions of Star Wars 1:6 scale collectors have been clamoring for different characters from the six film series. And Medicom has listened. They’ve released – with Sideshow distributing in the US – a 1:6 scale version of those little scavengers from Tatooine – the Jawas.

The Facts



Jawa VCD
Series: Star Wars Vinyl Collectible Dolls
Manufacturer: Medicom
Material: Rotocast vinyl articulated body
Height: 6”
Points of Articulation: 5 (neck, shoulders, wrists)
Accessories: Ionization Blaster and Droid Caller
Outfit: Brown burlap-like cloak with separate hood; Two faux-leather utility belts

Erick Scarecrow and Pimpit 3D

Erick Scarecrow and Pimpit 3D have teamed up to bring you 3D online templates of the Shiitakes and Soopa Coin-Up Bros. vinyl. On Pimpit 3D will can download 2D templates via PSD and custom them and upload them online.

Who said Pimpin' Ain't Easy? Pimpit 3D is simple to use.

1. Download template to your computer.
2. Customize and pimp it.
3. Upload and battle.

MINDstyle Taipei Toy Fair Exclusives‏

MINDstyle will be releasing a trio of vinyl art toys for Taipei Toy Fair. The first is the 9″ Two-Faced Hazel from Kathie Olivas. This is a larger figure based off of the chase figure of the same name from the Scavengers Series 1. The TTF edition of Two-Faced Hazel will be released in Taipei for USD $100.00 and is limited to 200 pieces.

The second exclusive will be Kathie Olivas' Daisey. Taken from her tremendously popular Scavengers series, this TTF exclusive mini figure will be released in Taipei for USD $20.00 and limited to 200 pieces.

Finally…from one of summers hot new mini figure series launching this month, the Serv-O-Matics by Brandt Peters. This is the first exclusive outside the states, and the Testbot will be released in Taipei for USD $20.00, limited to 200 pieces.

The Forbidden Planet Rocket

In 1978, the Forbidden Planet rocket was launched from a little comic book store in Denmark Street, London – a store still remembered with great fondness by many of their customers. In 1988, to commemorate the move from Denmark Street to New Oxford Street, Forbidden Planet commissioned acclaimed artist, designer and typographer Rian Hughes to create the world famous rocket logo and typeface.

And to commemorate 30 years in the business, Forbidden Planet decided to launch a pair of rockets. And while the original will surely appeal to some folks, we're enjoying the variant design from Matt ‘Lunartik’ Jones. This peeled banana version is limited to only 350 pieces worldwide and run £34.99 each. (I'll be honest...I didn't know what I was looking at as I scrolled down this photo)

Toy Break Episode 83: (Insert Witty Name Here)

Toy Break Episode 83: (Insert Witty Name Here) is now available for your viewing pleasure. George and Ayleen are back for another edition of their entertaining weekly toy show. What's on this week's episode?

Check out Topo de Maderan by DGPH, Terminator Toys from Playmates, Pay Day by Nate Van Dyke, On Location with Junko Mizuno, and much more!

Carlos the Jackal B.U.D. Custom

Jon Paul Kaiser is giving us a peek at one of the custom pieces he's done for the Strangekiss SDCC booth. It's Carlos the Jackal painted on a 9" tall Glow-in-the-Dark B.U.D. by Jamungo. Since he couldn't undercoat it (to keep the GID look), Paul drew and painted straight onto the plastic itself...and it actually still glows.

Wasabi Pow Mallows

Shocker Toys is showing off the first design from their Sushi Pack Mallows lineup.The Wasabi Pow figure is our favorite Mallows design we've seen so far. It definitely has that designer figure personality. Not sure when it'll be released, but it's on my purchase list.

Soopa Maria SDCC

Erick Scarecrow of ESC-Toy has announced that he'll be attending San Diego Comic Con later this month. He'll also be signing at the DKE Toys booth. Oh...and there will be a surprise release of a new Soopa Maria figure (limited to only 20 pieces). You'll just have to wait to see the design.

Curiosities at Rivet Gallery

Rivet Gallery present Curiosities, showing new works by Amanda Louise Spayd, Jake Waldron and J. Shea. The opening reception will take place on Saturday, July 4 from 7PM to 10PM.  Amanda L. Spayd will be making an appearance at the opening. And the show will run through July 29th.

Rivet Designer Toy & Art Gallery
1200 N. High St.
Columbus, OH 43201

Big Rollin' Rascal

Scott Tolleson has released production sample photos for his upcoming resin toy - Big Rollin' Rascal. This is the follow up to his Tricycle Terror figure - a personal favorite of mine. Similar to the Tricycle Terror, the black and white pieces will be SDCC Exclusives and should be here just in time for everyone's favorite con. They will be limited to only 50 pieces, so you best act fast.

The color pieces will be the standard run and should be available following Comic Con. Look for them to run in the $45 to $50 range. I'm digging the B/W edition because I like how the freckles stand out from the face.

2.5" Qee DIY Series 2

Toy2R has announced the lineup for Series 2 of their 2.5" tall DIY Qee line. Collectors will note that there will be several "new" Toy2R characters included in this release: Pigee makes its 2.5" D.I.Y. debut as well as Grizee, Boxee, and Toyer BB. They'll also be including the newly designed Toyer Kaiju Qee. This new series is expected to be released in July of 2009 at TTF.

Play Imaginative Midnight Launch Madness

Play Imaginative will be releasing a few new lines on Saturday July 4th between 12 (midnight) and 1AM. The 4" tall TO-FU Baby Version as well as the Play TO-FU Mini Vinyl Series 2 will be released. The figure I'm looking for? Umm...the Pumpkin! You include a pumpkin in your blind box line and you get a gold star from yours truly.

Dudley Papertoy Bottle Rocket

Matt Hawkins' other papertoy bottle rocket - Dudley- is available to download for free. Then you can print him out and attempt to launch him into space. Although...since he's a dud...I'm going to guess he's going nowhere.

Buff Monster's GID Miao and Mousubi

Miao and Mousubi have returned, sporting a delicious new design, done exclusively for Zakkamono by none other than Buff Monster. From his creative mind he has delivered 3 creamy variations to fill the collector’s every need.This one - Version 3 - is the SDCC exclusive done in stunning green GID and limited to 100 pieces. If you want to pick one up, Buff will be signing on July 24, 2009 at 1PM at the DKE Toys Booth - #4732.

Boris & the Picnic Land Series Launch Party

Nathan Hamill will officially release his Boris the Raccoon figure (from the Picnic Land Series) at Meltdown Comics on Friday July 17th from 7PM until 10PM. The first figure from the series is produced by U1 Toy Arts and sculpted by David Kawano.

Not only will the 2.5" tall rotocast vinyl figure be released, but collectors will have a chance to pick up one-of-a-kind custom Boris figures from some of today's top artists.

GID Crocadocas

David Horvath will have the limited edition Glow-in-the-Dark Crocadocas (from the Bossy Bear book) at Toy Tokyo's SDCC booth. They'll be there on Saturday of the show, from noon until 1PM...which is during one of David's signings.

Volcanoes For Beginners & Slaphappy

If you're around Chicago, Rotofugi Gallery will be hosting a two for one show from July 10th through the 31st. They both decided to switch things up and work in different mediums from what they're used to.

Volcanoes For Beginners

All metal sculptures from Amanda Visell.

SlapHappy

Ceramic works from Michelle Valigura.

So get to the opening on (July 10th) Tuesday night from 7PM until 10PM.

El Diablo Wave 5

 

According to Argonaut Resins and Robbie Busch, the last batch of resins from their El Diablo project will be released this Friday (July 3rd) at noon. For this pre-'Independence Day' extravaganza, they'll be dropping Wave 5 in the following versions: Cosmic, Sepia, Tattoo, Amethyst Redux, and Blood.

 

 

Each resin piece includes a signed certificate of authentification, a handpainted box and mini gauche canvass painting. This is said to be the last batch of Diablo resins...so if you haven't picked one up...this might just be your final opportunity.

Splodey the Bottle Rocket Papertoy

Oh...just in time for Independence Day a.k.a. the 4th of July a.k.a. let's blow some stuff up day...Matt Hawkins created the Splodey the Bottle Rocket papertoy. So go ahead and print him out and shoot him into outer space!

New at Frozen Empire Toys

New products available now at Frozen Empire Toys:

The Giver: Pestilence Edition by Andrew Bell/DYZ Plastic - $57.50
Pure Trance Mini Figures by Junko Mizuno/Kidrobot - $9.95 each
Black Walrus Rider by Alex Pardee/Upper Playground - $109.95
Bomb of the Month - Terminade by Van Beater/Jamungo - $9.50
Original Koibito by Yoskay Yamamoto/Munky King - $77.50
Green Dragon Scout by Amanda Visell/Switcheroo - $64.00
House of Liu: Shaolin Monk Master by Crazy Label - $32.50
Tree Show Postcard Microportfolio by Mark Ryden - $12.00
Big Mongers by Frank Kozik/Kidrobot - $24.95 each
House of Liu: Baby Monk by Crazy Label - $11.50
Pugzee - Street Edition by David Cortes - $29.95

Be sure to keep an eye on their website for frequent updates!

Luke Dagobah Mimobot

Mimoco has announced the release of their third, limited-edition version of Darth Vader Unmasked MIMOBOTs, which will take place at San Diego Comic Con.

When the helmet is removed, the unmasked visage will be the face of Luke Skywalker, as Luke imagined himself on Dagobah in Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back. Only 500 Darth Vader Unmasked Luke Skywalker Dagobah Variant MIMOBOT drives will be produced and they will only be available at Mimoco’s Comic Con booths - #2913 in the STAR WARS Pavilion and #4938 in the Toy Growers section - from July 22nd through 26th. A minimum of 100 units will be available each day of the show with a limit of 2 units per person

Just Bossy Bear Series

Toy2R has unveiled the ad sheet for the Just Bossy Bear Series of 5" tall rotocast vinyl figures. Bossy Bear is the title character of David Horvath's book of the same name. The original Bossy Bear vinyl was released several years back, but these three new characters have different facial expressions of eyes.

Tokoichi Seiju

Koji Harmon has announced the debut of a new Cometdebris character, Tokoichi Seiju. Tokoichi Seiju was designed and sculpted by Kiyoka Ikeda of Gargamel exclusively for Cometdebris. The first release will be made available at the San Diego Comic Con next month. Add it to your shopping list.

Smery and Bad Friends

 

Devil Robot's stinky tofu character is being released by Phalanx in a brand new series of mini figures (1.5" tall) – Smery and Bad Friends.  Smery is set to introduce collectors to his “Bad” friends in this series, which includes 8 characters (Angry, Allury, Drunky, Theafy, Bully, Poory, Sicky, and Gobly) as well as 2 secret characters.  Smery and Bad Friends will be released at 2009 Taipei Toy Fest on July 9th. Look for the blind-boxed line to retail around $5.99 each.

Shawnimals' Pocket Scrub

The Shawnimals folks are set to release the newest in their on-going quarterly special releases - the Pocket Scrub.

This all-new soap-shaped addition to the Pocket Plush family is boxed with a little window to the world for maximum cuteness not to mention life-giving air, while a unique name inside every box gives this
new rectangular friend even more personality.

The Pocket Scrub is limited to 300 pieces with an MSRP of $15 each. They'll be made available beginning Wednesday, July 1st at 10:00am CDT via the Shawnimals online store.

No Future Companion

As with every figure released by KAWS, the No Future Companion - Black Chrome Version quickly sold out. The metal figure featuring a chrome finish (limited edition of 500 pieces) sold for $980 each. That's not a typo...$980 for the 12.5" tall figure...and it sold out in less than a day. The piece was produced by Medicom and a joint project from KAWS and Hajime Sorayama.

SDCC Exclusive Mallows

We have photos of the SDCC Exclusive Mallows from Shocker Toys. If you're wondering why they are called Mallows...you might want to check out their marshmallow shaped noggin. These are the new designer toy line that's been introduced by the folks at Shocker Toys.

The trio of exclusives include The Phantom, Dr. Rockso (Metalocalypse) and the SDCC Art Mallow. The Phantom and Dr. Rockso are limited to 500 pieces, while the SDCC Art figure is limited to 250. Out of the three, I think I like the SDCC Art figure the most. It'll be a great little momento to commemorate another Comic Con.

Baseman Vacuum-Form Masks

Gary Baseman is set to release a limited edition run of vacuum-form masks, all hand painted, featuring the Enlightened Chou, the central figure in Baseman’s most recent exhibition La Noche de la Fusion at Corey Helford Gallery. They'll only be available via Baseman's website on Wednesday July 1st at 10AM Pacific time.

The available colors include: purple, black, gold, pink, blue, off-white and silver. Not all colors will be available, so you'll need to pick your top three colors and note them choices in your PayPal transaction. Each mask measures 10"x10" and will run $75 unsigned or $90 signed by the artist (includes shipping for domestic orders).

We On Award Tour...

DGPH have a rather full calendar for the month of July...including stops in three countries. Check out their events, and if you're in the area....get on out.

Taiwan.
July 9 - 10th . Taipei Toy Festival Signing and live painting at Adfunture booth and the Topo comic Prerelease.
July 11 - 12th. Workshop at Xue Xue, Taipei
July 13 -16th . Workshop at Wenzao Institute, Kaohsiung

Japan.
July 18th . One UP! store exhibtion, Tokyo including original pieces, the prerelease of the Tsuchi figure + Topo Comic.

USA.
July 23 - 26th . SDCC, CA. Signing toys at the Munkyking booth and presenting the TOPO comic.

Tara McPherson Takes on Europe

To coincide with her European book and toy signing tour, Tara McPherson has released a number of limited edition canvases, cushions and giant floor pillows via ClickforArt.com. The prints run £63.00, while the pillows are going for £33.00 each.

Beat It Jacket Beer Bottle Topper

Bryan from Paper Foldables has created his personal tribute to The King of Pop. You can print out this lovely Beat It Jacket Beer Bottle Topper and pour a little out for MJ. Or if you're a little too young to drink the Jesus Juice...you can place The King of Pop on your pop.

HELL-O-PLUSH

ARTDENKA is touting their new edition of Skullbox vinyl toys as the HELL-O-PLUSH version. Available now, HELL-O-PLUSH is a collaboration with OLLA-BOKU - an artist from Taiwan. This version is available wearing three types of "devil skins".

• Gabba (The bloody frog)
• Din-R (The traveling rabbit with backpack)
• Prisoner (The criminal with the iron ball)

Each piece includes a sticker of the character. They're all available at TOMENOSUKE.

A Plush 'Stache

Get your 'stache on...the latest plush facial hair has been unveiled in a line called the Fuzzies. These super soft doodads are available in a variety of colors and come in small (with optional strap), large and monster sizes depending on your snuggling prowess.

The plushies are available in the following styles:

• Small - 9" wide (blue, brown, green and red) $9.95
• Large - 18" wide (blue, brown, green and red) $19.95
• Monster - 45" (brown) $54.95

The Tummie Friends - Adventures on Sugar Hill

BUBU Co has teamed up with Netherland designers LouLou & Tummie to produce a line of plush toys and accessories based on The Tummie Friends - Adventures on Sugar Hill. And in anticipation of this release, they will be launching an original website, thetummiefriends.com, dedicated to the Tummie & Friends line.

They'll also be holding an exhibition at Hong Kong’s Delay No Mall with a live painting session to boot. Join them on July 3rd from 7PM to 9PM at 68 Yee Wo Street in Causeway bay for a great show (show runs through July 14th).

The exhibition will feature artists from around the world giving their interpretations of some of the Tummie & Friends characters. Artists will include: LouLou, Tado, Charuca, Clementine (Bupla),Bubi Au Yeung(Treeson), Juliana,(Colorblok), Mark Verhagen, Sauerkids, Easy Hey (delkographik), Cecy Meade and Zeptonn.