New Releases

Kidrobot is coming out with some cool stuff in April. Looks like it could be an expensive month for me.

First up, a blind box set of Adul Swim figures. 18 characters plus two chases in the set. Even though I'm not a fan of the show, one figure I'll definitely want to have is Assy McGee. Other characters include Moral Oral, Robot Chicken, Metalocalypse, and Aqua Teen Hunger Force. The set will be released on April 17.

One week later, on April 24, Patricio Oliver gives us his 8" Zombie Pet Dunny. Transluscent blue in the light, this figure glows when the lights go out.

Both of these items will defintely find their way into my collection.

When Worlds Collide

Paris Hilton and Benji Madden share a moment at Kidrobot LA:
Paris: So, what, they're plastic?!?
Benji: No...vinyl.
Paris: . . .
Paris: . . .
Paris: . . .
Paris: That's not hot!

So, apparently Good Charlotte's Benji Madden is a vinyl fan. It's only natural he'd want to share his hobby with his girlfriend. But when that girlfriend is Paris Hilton...? Come to think of it, it makes sense for Benji to be down with the vinyl. After all, vinyl toys...plastic girlfriend.

Skullman

My westcoast friend and fellow vinyl enthusiast Puppetbrain continues to gain streetcred as a top notch customizer with his latest triumph - 2nd runner up in the Balzac Skullman custom contest.

For those not in the know (and that would have included me until I did some research), Balzac is a popular Japanese horropunk band, similar to the American band The Misfits. Over the years, the band has developed a selection of band-themed toys and figures, one of which is the Skullman figure. Prototype figures were sent to participants in December '07, and the winning entries were annouced on February 14. Here's a shot of the prototype figure as well as Puppet's finished entry:






You can go here to see pictures of all of the entries, as well as read the awesome comments on Puppet's piece by the judges. As a customizer, you've got to love having the word "masterpiece" used in connection with your work.

Kidninja - Blood splattered version

I just read on the Vinyl Pulse site that this Friday at 12:00 pm PST (3:00 pm my time), Joe Ledbetter will sell a total of 50 kidninja figures with "blood splatters" at his eBay store. There will be 25 of each color way, and all of the figures will be signed by Huck.

At $50 a piece, I'll have to think about whether or not I'll try to get any more of these. I've already purchased two. Besides, if I get bogged down at work I might not be able to get online before they're all sold out (just like Joe's Bummer figure last week).

Cartoon Madness 3: Toyland

There's an interesting new art exhibit set to premiere at the Alcove Gallery here in town. It's called Cartoon Madness 3: Toyland, and it looks to be something worth checking out:

30 plus artists bring toys back to life...a event based on the ongoing memories and fascination with toys and childhood imagery. Expect to see some of the brain children from Cartoon Network and Adult Swimmers, along with a healthy repast of the country's best illustrators and painters. This show not only will launch you into the future but will take you down the retros of retrograde.

I'd check out the show just to see what the Cartoon Network and Adult Swim folks come up with. Also, I was fortunate enough to meet the curator of the Alcove Gallery at ACE; his name is Chris Warner and he's actually a fan of vinyl toys. He's interested in showcasing vinyl art toys in the gallery, as well as getting together with local enthusiasts to customize figures, prmote the hobby, and maybe even develop some new product. This is definitely someone I'd like to get to know better.

The exhibit will be held on Friday, March 7. Click here for more information.

Joe Ledbetter's Tiger

Here's my next acquisition - Joe Ledbetter's 8-inch Dunny, "Tiger". No word on the size of the production run, but there will be a blind chase edition. Priced at $39.95, Tiger will be in stores on March 20.

Huck Gee's Kidninja

As expected, I picked up two of the kidninja figures today - one white, one grey. I have to admit, they are pretty sweet! When (if) I ever part with them, it'll be tough to let them go.