Weekend in LA Part 2 of 3: Vinyl Toys Network Show in Pasadena!!!

The VTN Show has become a bit of an annual thing for me. It just happens to land on the same sunday as our May visit to So Cal to celebrate my mom and daughter's birthdays. Very convenient for me. So in one weekend, I get to see my family, celebrate my mom and daughter's birthdays, hang out with LASK and check out VTN!! Win/Win for everyone! Woot!! VTN was fun. The room was bigger this year thank god, but it's really mainly a western toy show. I'm not completely opposed to that, but I wish there was more Japanese toys. Super 7 didn't make it due to a conflict with the Le Merde show. A couple of cool exclusives to be had, but nothing earth-shattering.

Cameron Tiede showed off his new resin figure. It's pretty big and heavy, but kinda cool....





These new mini figures from Kathie Olivas look promising....



Munky King with Thomas Han's new Pushers.



This pink version is limited to 25.





















Luke from Lulubell Toys tripping out with Amanda Visell...



Speaking of which, one of the show exclusives is this underwater giraffe. handpainted resin by Amanda Visell. Came with a mini print. Limited to 25 pieces. Very nice....



My homie Robert De Castro pimping his new Combat R Zeros!!! You gotta get a set from Atomic Mushroom







Check out this sneak peek at a new mech from the Combat-R Zero line up!! I'm digging the mohawk and the tank treads....



Carl with his one-off Super 7 Fan Club shirt...



LASK in the house!! Luke, Havingmysay and Ouister



I was impressed with the LASK showing!! Ribbon Controller, Plastic Hunter...all in full effect!!



Coasterbear hanging with Huck Gee



This was a little lame...Secret Base figures thrown in a box on the floor...like a garage sale! yet the price was still retail?!

Killer J Smoking Star: Grumble Toy Exclusives!!!!

Check it out. Grumble Toy is releasing two exclusive versions of Killer J's Smoking Star figure. Both will go on sale at Grumble Toy on May 10th. I'm digging the metallic green version and might have to pick this one up....

Secret Base Skullbrain DBM Mask!!!

So here it is. The Secret Base "Dokuro King" Skullbrain. Sadly, very sadly...I was too late to get this directly from Secret Base so I am scouring the aftermarket in search of one. I dig it, but maybe not as much as I first reported when I thought it was a brand new head sculp.





I suppose worse comes to worse, I can always just make my own.... lol...

Weekend in LA Part 1 of 3: Peter Gronquist @ Gallery 1988: Firearms and Fashion

I spent the weekend in LA with family but did manage to get away one night and one morning to hang out with LASK. Contrary to all the trash talking, I was treated like Krew... Carl, Pete, Scott and the rest of LASK were extremely gracious hosts to the BASK invader...

Missed the Murakami show, but met up with Carl and Pete at the The Revolution will be Fabulous show by Peter Gronquist held at Gallery 1988. Fashion and firearms....great combination!!! Only in LA on Melrose Ave. would this show make perfect sense...

LASH Official Popsoda Release TODAY!!!

Today is the day that LASH will release his very first official run of the popular Popsoda figure. Better jump on these cause there are only a total of 20 pieces available for $85 each from Brainbulb.com.

From BrainBulb:

BrainBulb presents an official, super-limited Popsoda release by the talented artist, LASH. Invading Virus—limited to only 32 unique, hand-painted pieces, with only 20 available to the general public—measures 6" tall and comes in a special biohazard bag with custom header. In addition, a lucky few will receive a small mystery print with their purchase.

LASH (short for Last Dying Wish) is a humble artist, influenced by all around him, but dedicated to his own distinct aesthetic. He possesses a great admiration for other artists and their work, whether they be famous or not—people who have a general passion for their art. In his words, "We all have our own takes on all things and that inspires me."

Kaiju and Japanese culture hold a special place in LASH's life. Interestingly enough, when it comes to Kaiju, LASH expresses an appreciation for the figures more than anything. He states, "The toys don't rely on paint to make them something, or make them better." Considering LASH's technical talent and eye for color, we found this statement especially refreshing.

In a time when some exploit the Kaiju name, in an attempt to cash in on the latest craze, we consider ourselves fortunate to have the opportunity to work with such an artist, one who understands and values the culture and history of the Kaiju toy. We, like him, strive to keep the art and culture away from the hands of money hungry artists and collectors.

Please note that about half of the pieces will be available for pre-order on May 1st at 3pm EST here, with the rest available May 8th at 10pm EST.

Ningyoushi Exclusive Dream Rocket Balbagon!!

Ningyoushi is coming to the table with yet another exclusive set!! This time with monster masher Dream Rocket and this set of awesome Balbagons!!! The first version is a neon pink with a very subtle and beautiful purple spray hand painted by Yajima-san from Dream Rockets. The second version is crystal clear stealth-mode vinyl. Both are sure to please the monster dino collector in your household. Both exclusive versions will be released tomorrow, Friday, May 2nd at noon. $80 for the clear and $90 for the neon pink versions. Get 'em while they last because they are limited edition exclusives to Ningyoushi.