Plastic and Plush

REVIEW: New Pheyden and Exellis Colorways

Background

Onell Design has released several new Pheyden and Exellis colorway designs from their Glyos System series.  Among the characters that we’ll be looking at are the Eclipse Pheyden, Cosmic Wave Pheyden and Andromeda Pheyden (all pictured above).  We’ll also be taking a peek at the new Pulse Pheyden (purple and pink) and the Empire Exellis (black and white).

Packaging

Each figure comes individually packaged in a small rectangular box.  The piece is secured in a plastic tray and visible through the plastic window front.  Also included in the box is a short informational comic and a card containing several Glyos System characters.

Buck Rogers' Jet Pack

The Go Hero continues to release teaser images of their 1/6 scale Buck Rogers figure.  This week, it's his jet pack.  The little LEDs should make it appear like flames if you're in the dark.

REVIEW: TOBOR

Background

Joe Spada is a fan of the designer toy scene.  You might have seen him around the various discussion boards.  Living most collectors dream, he decided to have his own character design produced.

TOBOR “is a cyborg mercenary designed to eradicate the evil Zurblobz”.  The character is based on old school wind-up robot toys. 

Joe ended up releasing the TOBOR vinyl figure at last month’s NY Comic Con through his BCBCB Toys label.  This initial colorway will be one of several different versions of the character.

Packaging

Each TOBOR comes bagged with a header card.  However, since this is a DIY project, the bag is a Ziploc and the header card is the inside of a cereal box.  Everything on the header card is hand drawn.  The small comic is included within the bag.

Mars1 and David Choong Lee at Bucheon

Bucheon is presenting a two person show featuring a duo of San Francisco artists - Mars1 (aka Mario Martinez) and David Choong Lee. The show of mixed media painting and sculpture will open on Friday, May 16th, with a reception for the artists from 7PM through 10PM, and it will run through June 21, 2008.

David has been a teacher at the S.F. Academy of Art University where his ideas continue to evolve with help of other creative artists and his own fervent enthusiasm for painting. He also took a great interest in the underground music scene, and started d.j.ing as a new way to express himself. It is reflected clearly in his choice of materials like cigar boxes, his narratives  and the lyrical quality of his work.

Mario will be showing for the first time his vinyl figures transformed into bronze and fiber glass along with a new series of paintings. Both artists collaborated on self published books of their work, and have been actively showing internationally in different venues depending on what they’re working on.

Bucheon Gallery
389 Grove St.
San Francisco, CA 94102

The OUIP Project

The OUIP[wip] Project is a platform toy from the Korean delitoys label.  Delitoys is supposedly short for "Delicatessen of interesting toys" and/or "Delicious Toys".  Either way, the first teaser image of their platform toy is posted above.  The concept behind it is a light bulb, but we'll get more info once the next teaser image is revealed.

REVIEW: The Last Mimzy Plush

Background

Here’s part of The Last Mimzy synopsis from RottenTomatoes.com:  Two kids find a bizarre box on the beach and are soon exhibiting signs of off-the-chart genius in this gently mind-blowing fantasy film. Little Emma (Rhiannon Leigh Wryn) finds a cute bunny doll in the box, who talks to her in electronic code.

That little bunny doll is named Mimzy.  Very fittingly, Tonner Doll Company acquired the license to produce authorized replicas of the plush bunny.  Mimzy was one of the hot toys for this past Christmas, albeit tough to find.  But Tonner now has the Plush Mimzy back in stock and ready to rocket into your living room.

Packaging

The Plush Mimzy is packaged within a black rectangular box that has the logo of the film on the front.  The piece is packaged with tissue paper and secured with a ribbon.

An Offering at the Altar

From Andrew Bell's latest show - Burning Desire - and produced by Hobbymaster 2K3 Studio come the Altars. These limited edition sculptures come in 3 various styles (from left to right in group photos): All Seeing (limited edition of 3), Skull (limited edition of 5) and Big Mouth (limited edition of 3).

The Altars stand in at 30" tall, are hand painted and will run you $1,000 plus shipping.  They are only available through Lulubell Toys.

Astro Krieg Prints

Patrick Ma from Rocket World has released a few prints based on the original trio of Insurgents Wilderness Gruppo (IWG) members in their Astro Krieg outfits.  While I'm digging the retro movie poster styled print (above), if you're a diehard fan of Titus, Affonso or Hannibal...you can pick up one of their individual character prints.

1/6 Scale Predator - Aliens vs Predator: Requiem

Hot Toys has revealed their 1/6th scale Predator collectible model from the movie Aliens vs Predator: Requiem.  This full geared Predator features a newly developed Predator body with complex skin pattern and 22 points of articulation, a fabric net body suit with detailed armor.  It also comes with:

Weapons:

• one articulated shoulder cannons
• Rolled-up whip
• Extendable spear
• Closed Shuriken
• Retractable Wrist blades
• Wrist computer
• Syringe
• Cannon (hand-held version)

Accessories:

• Predator Mask (damaged version)
• Corrosive liquid container
• Skull necklace
• Neck Wrap
• Med Kit
• Cleaner case
• Interchangeable mandibles
• Bandolier
• Alien Corpse display base

Custom Moody Video

Darrin Maxwell sent in the above video detailing his creation of his 2D and 3D Moody customs.  These were created for the Don't Cry Over Spilt Vinyl show in Phoenix on May 16th.

Sideshow Announces 2008 SDCC Exclusives

Sideshow Collectibles has announced their lineup of 2008 San Diego Comic Con exclusives.  Star Wars fans can get excited about the Aayla Secura 12" tall figure from Sideshow and the Shadow Guard VCD from Medicom.  They will also have the Skeleton Jack Cosbaby from Hot Toys' Pirates of the Caribbean line, as well as the Iron Man Archive Set - Mark II.

Viking Mickey VCD

Medicom, Disney and Sideshow have all teamed up again to bring us the Viking Mickey VCD (Vinyl Collectible Doll).  Medicom - production; Disney - rights; Sideshow - distribution.

Look for this iteration of Mickey, dressed up in his Viking garb, to be released in the 3rd quarter of 2008.  But it's currently up for pre-order through Sideshow.

Reformation: Nathan Jurevicius Solo Show

Internationally acclaimed artist Nathan Jurevicius (creator of Scarygirl) will be exhibiting a series of original works and limited edition figures in Toronto at the Magic Pony gallery from May 15th through June 30th, 2008.  The opening reception will be held on May 15th from 7PM until 10PM.  And Nathan will be in attendance.

He will also be joining the folks at Magic Pony again on Saturday, May 24th, to sign artwork and figures and meet his collectors and fans.  A series of limited edition Peleda figures, as well as a super-limited bronze (edition of 30) will be available at the show for purchase and signing.

Magic Pony: Concept Shop & Gallery
694 Queen Street West
Toronto, ON M6J 1E7
(416) 861-1684

VTN Exclusives at 3DRetro

3DRetro has announced that collectors now have a chance at picking up the left over exclusives from the VTN show that ran this past weekend (May 4th).

Exclusives still available are:

Sancho Red Yellow Color

Sket-One's Buck Eye Rott Yellow Tomato

Skllbud 1.7

Dai Kaiju Monsters Exclusive

If you were a Max Toy Club member...you would have recently received an email like this:

Hi Max Toy Club Members!
Today we offer an extremely limited set of 3, Dai Kaiju Card Monsters from ilanena!  Based on vintage trading card illustrations form Japan, these cute but deadly mini vinyls come in Pink vinyl with Black and Metallic Gold paint. Each stands about 3-4 inches tall. Each features exclusive header card art by Mark Nagata. We have fewer than 25 sets for sale. First come, first served... when they are sold out thats it, folks!

If they don't sell out to the Toy Club members...you'll have a shot at picking one up.

Aliens vs. Predator Cosbaby

Hot Toys has announced their lineup of Aliens vs. Predator Cosbaby figures.  Each Cosbaby stands approximately 3" in height and features the following characters in baby form:

• Alien
• Battle Damaged Alien
• Wolf Predator
• Ancient Predator
• Predator
• PredAlien
• Plus a secret design...

I'm just wondering why they didn't do this for Predator 2.  Wouldn't YOU have picked up a Danny Glover figure?

New Zune Arts Podcast Goes Behind-the-Scenes

The latest Zune Arts video podcast takes you behind-the-scenes with Parisian art director Yves Geleyn during the production of the next Zune Arts film Mother Like No Other.  Inspired by Mother’s Day, the film showcases Yves’ innovative use of various fabric, textured papers and photographs to animate his story.  The podcast features commentary from Yves where he walks the viewer through his ideas, tools, and inspiration behind Mother Like No Other (featured below).  He explains that the style of the film reflects the story narrative, and features a cut-and-paste look and feel that is reminiscent of an elementary school art project that one might make for Mom.  Yves also describes how the music in the film, which features LA-based duo The Bird and The Bee's track Come As You Were, helps drive the creative process.

Who Has The Sqwerts?

There are just so many poop jokes one can make in reference to Jamungo's line of vinyl Sqwerts.  Although, who wouldn't be interested in a line of Hershey Sqwerts?

Anyway...Jamungo announced two new designs from a pair of fairly well-known artists.  Brian Morris (the skull face design) and MAD (named Slimeball) will be dropping soon.  So keep your eyes peeled...whatever that means.

New at Frozen Empire Toys

Now Available:     Walrus - Orange Edition w/Print by Greg Simkins/Ningyoushi  $69.95   Uglydoll Kaiju - Clear Orange Wage by Horvath/In the yellow  $68.50 KFGU - Teal Hammerhead by Joe Ledbetter/Wonderwall  $74.95 Uglydolls - Pink Uglydog - 12" Plush by David Horvath  $18.50 Uglydolls - Red Uglydog - 12" Plush by David Horvath  $18.50 Buff Monster 1.5" Mini Figure Series 2 by Mindstyle  $5.95 KFGU - Salary Ika by Frank Kozik/Wonderwall  $82.50 The Saddest Devil by Devils Head Productions  $54.95 Skwak's MONO by Colorblok/Kaching Brands  $92.50 Spraycan Mugsy by East3/Kidrobot  $39.95 Purple Defcon SUG II by Unklbrand  $95.00 Classico Dr. Destruction by Muttpop  $48.00 Black Bean Mini Gobi by Muttpop  $11.50 Clutter Magazine - Issue #12  $9.99   Back in Stock (limited quantities):   Cactus Friends:  Bruttino by Tokidoki/Strangeco Cactus Friends:  Carina by Tokidoki/Strangeco House of Liu - Classic MeiMei by Crazy Label House of Liu - Classic DiDi by Crazy Label Pushers - Pirate by Thomas Han Pushers - Spirit by Thomas Han

Regina Heinlein at Ogilvy & Mather‏

CWC International has announced a special exhibit featuring the work of Regina Heinlein and the Bilderklub artists at Ogilvy & Mather NY on May 8th from 5PM through 7PM.

Which Way is the Beach? will include a painted mural and other original artwork by Berlin illustrator Regina Heinlein, one of the newest artists to join the CWC International roster.  Heavily influenced by nature and folk art, Regina frequently combines imagery of trees and women for work that is compelling both in its beauty and social statement.

A collection of prints by the acclaimed BILDERKLUB group of illustrators (bilderklub.de) will also be on exhibit.

Ogilvy & Mather
12th floor of the Worldwide Plaza
309 W 49th Street, NYC, NY

I.W.G. Zipper Pulls

The I.W.G. Zipper Pull Series from Rocket World will measure about 1" tall.  These itty-bitty figures will attach to any zipper pull, cell phone leash, backpack, messenger bag, etc.  Now, you can carry and represent the human fighting I.W.G. everywhere you go.

The series includes the original three I.W.G. members (Titus, Affonso and Hannibal) with a total of 17 colorways and 2 mystery chase figures.  The series will be blind boxed and include a few human skulls.  (These are photos of early sculpts)

NVC Got the Mad Cow-Boy Disease...

Dr. Bao and Spive (aka The NVC Crew) have released photos of their latest custom project: Mad Cow-Boy Disease.  According to Bao, the custom Moody "design is very hard for a toy customizer to work with".  But it doesn't look like they had any difficulty.  A very cool custom.

REVIEW: The Saddest Devil

Background

A small demon named Keek dreamt of one day becoming a true Devil.  Lucifer eventually sent him to walk the Earth and create chaos and fear amongst all men.  It quickly became clear that Man himself had already created far more chaos, fear and destruction than Keek could ever have caused on his own.  Depressed and mortified by what he saw, knowing that his task had been taken from him before it began, Keek walked aimlessly into the darkening world, doomed to forever be…the saddest devil.

Toby Dutkiewicz created the character and story behind The Saddest Devil.  And his Devils Head Productions (you might have heard of Devils Head Records) produced a vinyl figure of Keek aka The Saddest Devil. 

Packaging

The Saddest Devil is packaged in an interlocking plastic tray, which is inside of a window-front box.  The story of the character is print on the back panel.  There is a minimal artwork on the box, with most of it looking like the flames of hell.

I.W.G. Airborne Series

Remember those ol' 5&Dime paratrooper toys?  You'd throw them up in the air and then run after them? 

Well Rocket World is releasing our own I.W.G. version.  Of course, their version is designer art toy quality and will float down on their chutes just like the original classics.  Standing about 1.5" tall with high quality parachutes.  There will be a total of 15 colorways between the three characters (Hannibal, Affonso and Titus), including 2 mystery chase figures.

This line will be blind boxed.  And some of these Airborne Series will be available for FREE to attendees at SDCC 2008. Just be at the Rocket World Booth #4633 at the right times and one just may float down into your hands.

Felidae Leporidae - The Evolution of Cat-Rabbit

Cat Rabbit is a Hobart (Australia) based artist and toy designer who constantly creeps citizens out with her odd doll creations. Cat is often seen bleeding from the fingertips whilst looking at kittens in a pet store window.

Her hand-sewn creations can be seen at Ruban Rat Designer Toy Store and Gallery from May 9th until the 29th. The opening will take place on May 9th beginning at 7PM.

Ruban Rat designer toy store and gallery
423 King St
Newtown, Sydney

Singapore Toy & Comic Convention

The Singapore Toy & Comic Convention is scheduled over 2 days - June 28th through 29th - at the Suntec International Exhibition & Convention Centre (Hall 603).  The inaugural event will see a celebration of toys, comics, animation, gaming, design, licensing and Cosplay.  Admission is free and the event is open to the public for both days.

Boasting up-to-date advancements and cutting-edge products in the various industries, the international flavor of the Singapore Toy & Comic Convention will make the event a major vehicle for setting the tone and shaping trends in pop-culture in this part of the world for years to come.

REVIEW: Beans and Spoon Racers

Background

Beans…they’re good for your heart…right?  Well, Beantown Toys puts an interesting spin on the original Boston Baked Bean.  Currently, the line has been released as individual Beans as well as Spoon Racers (a Bean on a spoon).

The line is the handiwork of toy designer Matt Doughty (also of Onell Design).  So you might end up seeing some interactivity between these figures and the Glyos System series of mini figures.

Packaging

The individual Bean figures are all bagged with a header card.  Each piece is packaged with a checklist of the characters in that series.

The Spoon Racers are carded (also with a checklist) and are secured in a plastic bubble.