Some fans only come to SDCC for one reason: Pushead. The chance to score a Pushead handpaint is enough to save your money all year long just to come to Comic Con, wait in line, hopefully draw a lucky number and get a coveted Pushead handpaint. This year the Pushead event was held at the Toy Tokyo booth. News that Pushead was not coming to SDCC next year made this year's show all that more important. Although Pushead did say he will be at New York Comic Con next year instead. For West Coasters, this is sad news so with a bit of hope and a pocket full of cash (or maxed-out credit cards), we massed for the event. Unfortunately, I was so caught up in the event, I didnt' get a chance to take any pics of the crowd. In fact, many of these pics are stolen from other Skullbrainers. Above is Pushead, Devilboy and Hiddy of Secret Base.
There was a dizzying array of handpaints this year with an HP Cococroc at the top of the list followed closely by a few "stippled" Captains and one Pirate. Pushead is extremely loyal to his longtime fans and supporters. If you were lucky enough to be one of the 40 on the "Skeletal" email list, you drew a number for your spot in the line. You also had 3 chances to improve your line position by lottery. It was pretty fun and exciting. Anyone not on the list was able to also draw a number to determine their position after the first 40 spots. My understanding is that a number of those folks were still able to score a FHP Skull Captain which is almost as beautiful as an original handpaint.
When you ask most Pushead fans what toy really represents Pushead, most will answer with the Cococroc. I used to think it was my favorite toy, the KvP, but since it's a collaboration with Kaws, I tend to agree that the Cococroc is the definitive Pushead toy. This year's HP Cococroc has really given me a new appreciation for this toy.
So won big? The apply named Pusaddict drew the #1 spot in line via the lottery. His choice? The HP Cococroc of course. But as Pushead is such a generous guy, he also got this insane bonus pack. You couldn't find a happier dude at the show...! Congratulations Pusaddict!
Scott licking the Stipple!! Much to the horror of Alex..! Ack!!
Scary Andy and Pushead
Above pics stolen from Darth Hank, Joe, Scary Andy, Devilboy, Winu. Thanks guys!!!
The following a few screen grabs from the upcoming Toy Punks DVD coming in late 2009. This is significant because I don't believe that Pushead has ever let anyone see his painting in progress let alone a film crew...!!
In addition to visiting Obitsu factory and original Marusan painter Goto-san, the Toypunks crew was fortunate to film with legendary punk artist Pushead as he hand-painted an array of his own original toys as well as a handful of figures by Rumble Monsters. In this unprecedented footage, Pushead shares some (but certainly not all) of his process with the camera, offering compelling insight into the nature of creating vinyl toys in both the Japanese and
modern underground tradition. Please look forward to it in Toypunks Vol 2, coming in winter 2009!
