Before I Take A Nap on These, Let's Review Happy Labbit Plushies from Frank Kozik x Kidrobot

  We made it to day 4 of Labbit Appreciation Week!  If we do this again next year I'm gonna have to start training early cause all this appreciating has tested my stamina.  Labbit Appreciation Week is a marathon, not a sprint, but I just get too excited.  Luckily the only thing I have to do today is get a haircut, and I'm pretty sure I can get some sleep while that's going on without any risk to my personal safety.

    I'm a bit jealous of these Labbits cause they have some pretty wicked beards going on.  I can grow a mean mustache and I have ample coverage on my chin, but my mutton chop game is weak.  I wanna go full lumberjack but no matter how hard I will my follicles to cooperate, they're just kinda lazy.

I feel your pain, bro.

    What I love about these things is that they're so freakin soft that they almost completely calm the fires that rage inside me.  Are they shaving chinchillas to make these things?  Seriously, these could be great anger management tools.   When you're at work and you're at the point that you want to beat one of your coworkers to death when they can't do simple math (someone's elementary school dropped the ball) just grab one of these guys, squeeze it next you your face, no watch your anger slowly melt away as the bearded bunny works his magic.  You'll be whisked to a magic land of tranquility, where the air smells like baked goods and the streets FLOW WITH THE BLOOD OF PEOPLE WHO DONT UNDERSTAND HOW TO DO ADDITION OR SUBTRACTION AND THUS MAKE YOUR JOB HARDER THAN IT HAS TO BE!!!!!  Sometimes you need more than one Labbit to effectively calm your nerves.

I think it's starting to work. 

    Like their bretheren I wrote about yesterday, these don't come with that troublesome hang tag and are instead packed in a nice cardboard thingy that easily detaches from the toy for maximum snuggle capability.  And you might be worried that these are some of those annoying hipsters you see hanging out at the bookstore like some really depressing gang that dresses in their grandfather's old clothes, but I can assure you after spending time with them that they are not.  Not one of them owns a typewriter, let alone taken it to Central Park.  The only vinyl records any of them owned were the Iron Maiden reissue picture disks and that's because once hung on the wall they really tied the whole living room together.  And they are kinda partial to hanging out in the woods, but not so they can craft a zine about how we are living in an existential void supported by rampant consumerism.  No, they're looking for skulls.

 

Big Skulls.

To make lamps.  

 

Get your snuggle on at www.kidrobot.com and wherever designer toys are sold.  

    

Oh So Soft and Fluffy Review Time Featuring Frank Kozik x Kidrobot's Prehistoric Labbits

    Day three! Day three! Day three of Labbit Appreciation Week!!!!! I had choreographed an entire routine with cheerleaders and fireworks and stuff, but I forgot to actually write it down, or hire cheerleaders, or go to Pennsylvania and secure festive explosives (New Jersey doesn't understand fun).  I forgot to do anything other than think "that would be cool" and then I went and read wrestling news online.  My bad.

    We're going a little soft for the next few days as we talk about plush.  Now I for one don't have a lot of plush figures, but my wife does. When we started dating I would try and win her stuffed animals from those crane machines on the boardwalk.  She ended up with all kinds of random things that we have boxed up somewhere in the house.  But other than that we've kind of ignored the world of stuffed critters.  Those days of plush ignorance are now over.

     These Labbits aren't just cute and fuzzy, they're also prehistoric.  This is like, man-plush, like if Frank Frazetta was gonna design cute little critters. And they have mustaches, which ups the manly level to 1000.

I took this picture while saving a small child from a tiger attack.  With my bare hands.  While building a boat.  

    But they're not just for dudes by any means.  They're also some of the softest things you'll ever feel in your life, which the ladies are gonna love.  They're softer than that toilet paper those weird cartoon bears are always going on about that totally wrecks your pipes whenever you use more than one and a half squares because that stuff is as thick as a beach towel.  I'm gonna need a plumber, fyi.

Go ahead and squeeze me.  I can take it.  

    It's obvious that these guys are cool and that no matter who you are they posses the qualities you're looking for when you decide to fill your bed with soft cuddly rabbits,  but there are some subtle reasons that make them even better that you may not even think of at first.  That's why I'm a professional.  For one, they don't have those annoying hang tags.  For anyone that is interested in keeping their collectibles as pristine as possible this is a a blessing from the toy gods.  It would drive me nuts to cut one of those tags off and drive me equally as nuts trying not to bend it all up.  These Labbits eliminate any of that worry by coming in a cardboard halo that easily releases from the toy and can be stored safely away.

    And secondly, they must be made close to a catnip factory because the moment I unpacked them my cat Icarus claimed them all for himself and wouldn't let the other cats anywhere near them.  Once he felt his bounty was secure he sat in the middle of them and went to sleep.

We never should have let him watch The Hobbit.  Smaug is not the best role model.  

    You better get your hands on these before they go extinct (how could I not make the most obvious joke).  They're available right now at www.kidrobot.com and wherever designer toys are sold.  

Let's Review the Pants Off the New Joker Labbit from Frank Kozik x Kidrobot

   We are knee deep in Labbit Appreciation Week and so far it's going splendidly.  Have to been appreciating your Labbits?  Don't lie to me if you didn't, cause like Santa Claus and the NSA, I see you when you're sleeping.  Ok, that's kind of a stretch, but I'm taking your word for it that you're getting your appreciation on and I don't want to be made to look the fool.  And why wouldn't you be appreciating these iconic little bunnies?  Let's keep the festivities rolling with our second review of the week, this time featuring The Joker Labbit.

    What is it about sociopaths in popular culture that are so appealing?  Ok, spoiler alert, if you're watching The Following and you missed last week's episode don't say I didn't warn you.

    But that moment Joe Carrol finally met his demise at the business end of a lethal injection cocktail I was completely bummed.  And it wasn't just me; everyone I know who watches the show felt the same way.  The dude was a pretty filthy human being, with all the murder and whatnot,  but he was also the most compelling character on TV in recent memory.  Let's face it: the bad guys are always the most interesting and there loss can be tough to take sometimes.   Which is good that Batman has that whole "no kill" policy, otherwise we might have long ago been deprived of the madness of the Joker.

    The Joker has been involved in a lot of controversy as of late, with that comic book cover featuring Batgirl that wasn't released to the fact that Jared Leto is playing him in the Suicide Squad movie.  People are passionate because he's one of the greatest villains of all time, and as many incarnations as we may be used to seeing him, we've never seen him like this.

   I've been waiting nearly two years for this guy to come out and I was starting to worry it wasn't gonna happen.  I had only seen the box art at Toy Fair, which certainly doesn't do this figure justice.  What I like most about the toy is how minimal the design really is.  It would be easy to go completely over kill and fill every space you can, but his face is composed mostly of a rather unnerving grin and little else.  His blacked out eyes let you know that this is one clown who's probably hiding more than handkerchiefs up his sleeve.  But even as crazy as he may be, he has opted to forgo the traditional cigarette that most of his brethren prefer, and has instead planted a deadly squirting flower between his teeth.  Much less deadly for him, much more deadly for everyone else.

    I don't usually advocate for allowing criminals in your house, even when they are in the form of woodland creatures, but there's always exceptions to every rule right?  Besides, it's not like The Joker is known for eating all your food and ordering pay per view that you'd be embarrassed to have on your cable bill.

Photograph me like one of those Kardashian girls.

 

    The clown prince of crime is available right now at www.kidrobot.com and anywhere designer toys are sold.  

Super Shogun Review Time: Personal Happiness Labbit Series from Frank Kozik x Kidrobot

    Here's the deal folks:  This week is officially Labbit Appreciation Week.  It's official in so much as I called it official and not by government decree or anything, because the White House never responded to my petition.

    The other day I received a giant box from Kidrobot filled with all things Labbit and I'm gonna share them with you each day this week.  We'll laugh, we'll hopefully not cry, and we'll do a hell of a lot of talking about plastic and plush bunnies.  Basically it's what any other grown man you know is up to on a typical day.

    We're gonna kick off this week by checking out the brand new Personal Happiness mini series.  There's no better feeling than sitting in the floor with an entire case of figures and tearing into each one.  I wonder if there's a career path in opening up blind boxes, because I can't think of a job I'm better suited for.  I love mindless tasks, I love toys, and I like throwing trash all over the place.  I assume if I had this job that there would be another person responsible for cleaning up the boxes and foil innards.   Maybe I should bring that up during the interview process.

I'm gonna need my assistant to take care of this.  

    Sharon and I parked ourselves in front of the TV and one by one opened each and every box.  The first thing we noticed is how damn cute this series is.  Not that any previous Labbits haven't been cute per se, but these guys have given up smoking and seem more adorable for it.  The designs are fun: from a bowl of punch, to a magician, to a few mustached and polka dotted gifts.  They make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, which I'm sure we could all use more of.  Not me, cause I'm already too evil to be helped in any way, but they still made me crack a smile. A dark, evil smile.

     The second thing we noticed is that on the little fold out checklist that comes with each figure there is absolutely no mention of ratios or silhouetted mystery designs.  Now I don't know if this is something that will continue, if it's going to to translate to other types of Kidrobot product, or it's just a test to see what people think, but I for one like it.  There's no feeling of dread that you won't get the figures you want; no discouragement that you're rotten luck will prevent you from enjoying the toys you love.  After all, collecting plastic rabbits should be fun and not involve complicated math usually reserved for cheating at blackjack.

    A full case of these contains 25 blind boxes, and out of those we were only 2 figures short of a full set (we're looking for the piñata one and the Labbit in the hat if you have them to trade).  It's by far the best results we've ever had opening a case of any type.

    I feel that I have presented a compelling case for you to immediately stop what you are doing and obtain some of these delightful little critters.  Buy them by the handfuls and fill your pockets with them to remind you that no matter how bad your day gets, you still have Labbits stuffed in your pants.  I think I just started a self-help revolution!  

     These little dudes are available now at www.kidrobot.com and wherever else designer toys are sold.
    

New Toys from DC Comics x Kidrobot to Debut Tomorrow

    My poor kitty Wednesday is sick.  She's got really long hair so she frequently gets hairballs and I think she may have one stuck somewhere in her digestive track.  We're going to the vet later today so instead of pacing around the house and making myself sick with nerves I decided to share new toys with you.  

    Back with another sudden release, Kidrobot is unleashing new toys tomorrow based on characters from DC Comics.  There will be a mini series featuring many of your favorites, but the real stars of the show are the Batman and Joker Labbits.  I've been coveting these suckers for well over a year and wouldn't you know it that they come out the day after I have to pay what I'm sure will be a huge vet bill.  I'd do anything for my cats though, so while I may not get them tomorrow, I'm sure I'll get em eventually.  They're both the 7 inch versions and will retail for $59.99, while the mini series of figures will be sold via blind box and will cost $11.99 each.  They will be available starting at 10am MST on www.kidrobot.com.  

Heathrow the Hedgehog Blind Box Series from Frank Kozik

    Hedgehogs are freakin adorable.  In fact, they are one of those flawless creatures that make the world a better place.  I'm pretty sure they don't even carry diseases, as their cuteness has, like, anti-bacterial properties or something.  And sure they're kinda pokey, but just "hey it would be really chill if you don't try and swallow me" pokey and not "I have these terrifying spines filled with poison that will slowly melt the flesh from your bones" pokey.  If I didn't already have a house filled with cats I wouldn't mind having a pack of hedgehogs running around.

    Frank Kozik has captured the cuteness of these critters in his Heathrow character, which is now available as a blind box series.  As we speak, or type, or whatever, your favorite toy stores should have these little 3 inch vinyl dudes ready for you to collect.  Why don't you pay them a visitand become obsessed with something new?  Do it, do it.  

A Literal Pile of New Releases from Kidrobot

    Kidrobot has gone all rogue on us by unleashing new releases under the cover of darkness.  I like to think I'm a man that knows a thing or too about toys and I didn't even know a new Labbit series was coming, yet alone the fact that they're already on sale.  The "Personal Happiness" Labbits aren't concerned with what society thinks they should be doing; they're following their own dreams like Laverne and Shirley (look it up young folk).  Unfortunately, my dreams mostly consist of things with which there are laws against, like punching people in the face, but thankfully these guys don't seem to have such a propensity to violence as I do.  

    

    It's a good thing this 3 inch version of Homer Buddha was released, because I need something to remind me to channel my anger in a more positive direction than someone else's jaw line.  I could glue him to my dashboard for serenity during New Jersey traffic, or leave him in the mail box to counter act those bills that seem to show up like clockwork every month.  Teach me your ways, Homer Buddha, as I fear enlightenment is slowly slipping from my grasp.  

    Oh, you know I love me some Dunnys.  As of last count I have 251 different 3 inch ones, which is not nearly all of them, but is still a whole heck of a lot.  These 3 are commemorating the very first Dunnys that were released 10-ish years ago.  They were not made in equal amounts, so they won't be easy to get all of unless you pull the trigger now.  Why live with regret, when you can live with toys?  

    All of these are available now from wherever you like to buy toys, and should be up on Kidrobot's website today. 

Kidrobot at Toy Fair

    We all are well aware that Kidrobot is in a heavy transitional period, not only with their purchase by N.E.C.A. but with naming Frank Kozik as creative director.  Many people are still skeptical while many more are hoping for a return to what it was in the past.  I can tell you right now that things are not going to return to what they used to be and after the conversation I had at Toy Fair, you wouldn't want them too.  That's because they're focused on the future, which is paved with possibilities you wouldn't have even thought of and that will return a level of excitement to the world of designer toys that has been lacking.  I spent over an hour talking with Frank and new head of marketing Steve Elmes and here are some of the highlights from our discussion:

- The rules are out the window.  You will see production pieces using any and all of the Munnyworld characters.  This will not only include stand alone figures but complete blind boxed mini series.  If the design makes sense and is cool, it will happen.  The first series to encompass this new philosophy will be this set of Tricky Cats that will debut later this year:

    This is an in-house series with a few Kozik designs and the rest created by their design team. They're cute, they've got great mass appeal, and they will cater to not only the seasoned collector but someone who just likes their look and uses them as a gateway drug to fuel a new toy addiction.  It's a great way to build a new collector base while appealing to the already existing one.  There are going to be many more series that will be single artist driven that you will absolutely lose your mind for.  Trust me, as soon as I heard the names involved I started looking for a second job so I can afford them all.  

-  If you're a toy customizer the ability to have an actual Kidrobot piece has never been greater.  Seriously, they are scouring social media on a daily basis to look for new talent.  Keep posting your custom figures but more importantly keep refining your work because they want to make your stuff.  There is no longer a stable of artists that they will only pick from when deciding what to produce.  If what you make is awesome, you've got as good a shot as anyone of getting into a Dunny series.  

-  A lot of people were talking about their stance on bootlegging vs. customizing from a few weeks ago and those discussions have led to something really interesting.  There will be a submission period in the near future where people who want to make resin multiples or a series of Dunnys that is just too complex to factory produce will be able to propose their ideas and possibly be granted a license to go ahead and make it themselves.  Not only does that make your toy super legit, but they will even help you promote it.  Again, now is the time to refine your technique and get your work on social media to start building hype.  More info will be available soon on this program.

-  Almost any license N.E.C.A. has is open to Kidrobot.  Now for those of you that aren't into licensed toys, what if it was your favorite artist putting their spin on it?  What if Tara McPherson made an Alien toy, or if Skinner tackled Friday the 13th?  Not that those particular ones are coming out (I'm not trying to start a riot here) but they could happen in this new philosophy of anything goes.  From what I understand the ball is already rolling on a few.  

-Mega Man is happening and here is the proof:

-So is this amazing 8 inch Dunny from Junko Mizuno that I cradled like the baby Jesus:

- Kidrobot is not only making it's return to San Diego Comic Con but will also be at Designer Con

-Expect to see more toys with social and political commentary

- Expanding on the last note, not everything will be as dark as it has been.  Cute is coming back to help balance things out a bit and make us less angry.  I need something to calm me down.

- Frank Kozik is pretty tall and might dunk on you.

    I saw waaaaaaaaay more than I was allowed to take pictures of, but I swore a blood oath that I wouldn't go starting rumors and leaking information.  What I can tell you is you won't be disappointed, especially when things kick into high gear in 2016.  

A Clockwork Carrot: Lil Alex Haunted Edition from Frank Kozik x Blackbook Toy

    I'm glad that the "haunted" part of this toy is just implied and not really a testament to the fact that a malevolent spirit has taken up residence in it.  I have enough things in my house with the potential for bad juju without having to worry about the toys I buy needing a young and old priest.  For my birthday my wife bought me an antique glass eye cause I've kinda been obsessed with them for a while.  The craftsmanship on them are mind blowing and they really are stunning little works of art that just so happened to have once resided in a real human being's vacant ocular cavity.  No big deal right?  But on the off chance that the previous owner is not too happy about not entering the afterlife with his prized prosthetic, the wife and I found a vintage pill box, propped it up with some cotton, and gave it a display fit for royalty. Or hopefully fit enough to calm any angry ghosts.  When you have peculiar tastes you sometimes have to go out of your way to prepare for anything.

    This is my favorite edition of Frank Kozik's Lil Alex figure by far.  I like the fact that it's made out of what I can only describe as a smoky vinyl.  Sounds classy right?  Like you could be sipping Absinthe and discussing art with Marlene Dietrich in Weimar-Era Berlin.  

Snap out of it doll face and flick your cigarette already before you burn yourself. 

    Blackbook Toy has this guy available right now on their website: http://www.blackbooktoy.com.  

NECA Buys Kidrobot, Appoints Frank Kozik as King of All Designer Toys

    Thankfully people now have something to talk about other than Bill Cosby, how cold it is outside, and whether Obama is responsible for both.  Yesterday it was announced that uber detailed action figure company NECA had purchased Kidrobot for four magic beans and a Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card (kidding, I'm sure it involved more money than I've ever seen) and that Frank Kozik is the new creative director.  What does that mean for us collector folk?  Well, it probably means that our bank statements are gonna make us a little sadder each month because more of our funds will be diverted into buying cool toys that otherwise may not have existed.  While I'm sure it will take some time before the impact is felt in the product (toy making is slow business) you couldn't ask for anyone better to be in such an important position.  Not only does he create, but he collects, and he's been involved in every aspect you can be in the designer toy world.  Plus, he likes cats and you can trust a man that likes cats.

Woot Bear Grand Opening this Saturday!!!

    You know what I'm gonna be doing this Saturday?  Working.  Twice actually.  Gotta go to the day job, then gonna go make some extra scratch lugging around concert equipment at a casino.  Begin crying your tears of sorrow for me any time now.  

    Just kidding cause I like working.  Gives me a sense of pride that I can go out and support my family.  But I also like toys, and hobnobbing with artists and collectors, which makes me sad that I'm gonna totally miss the opening of Frank Kozik's Woot Bear gallery and toy store.  Also, it's kind of a far drive from New Jersey to California, so that plays a small part into why I can't go.  But the good news for you is that I'm one less person you'll have to compete with for all the stuff you want.  Like those massive Heathrows you see there, or any of the three other special releases that will be happening this Saturday as part of their Grand Opening.  Don't worry, I'll only be slightly jealous.  

    Get any other info you need over at http://www.wootbear.com/.

Carded DC Labbits from Kidrobot Are Here

    I first showed you pictures of these that I took at Toy Fair last february.  Since then there hasn't been anything else said about them, other than some websites offering them for preorder.  Then magically they were unleashed upon an unsuspecting world yesterday in what could best be described as a pseudo-surprise release.  Things have been weird with Kidrobot lately, and I know people have been panicked after their huge sales they've been running online and the fact that there hasn't been nearly the level of communication through social media that fans have come to expect over the years.  But I take this as a step in the right direction, even if the only way we found out about them was from stores posting on Instagram that they had them in stock.  At least there's new product out, and it's stuff I've been excited for since I heard about them.  These 6 carded Labbits retail for $10 each and I'm gonna especially need that Batman one.  

    I'm not one of those internet trolls that complains about Kidrobot for everything that they do.  I love them and a huge portion of my collection in made up of their releases.  Hopefully everything is going well there and they will continue to drain my bank account for many years to come.  

I stole this picture from myplasticheart's Instagram account.  I regret nothing.  

Large Albino Heathrows from Frank Kozik on Sale Today!!!

    I have never been tan a day in my life.  It's scientifically proven ya know.  I'll get a sunburn, then it will peel off and I'll be paler than I was before.  Which is weird when you live in New Jersey, where so many folks look like old footballs that had been set on fire.  I used to work with a girl who was a big fan of bronzer and you could always tell where she had been because there would be little tan fingerprints all over.  She would have been a pretty terrible criminal.  

    While I am destined to have the skin tone of a fresh corpse, ol Heathrow here has taken on the complexion of those weird cave critters that never see the light of day.  You could start up your own curiosity show with one of these and hope that Kozik makes a wolf boy and a two headed version in the near future.  That could be a nice part time job.  

    These go on sale today at noon Pacific time over at www.frankkozik.net.  

Kozik Has a Flood of Releases for You Sometime Tonight

    Look at the amount of stuff is in this picture.  It's a lot right?  Well, sometime tonight it's all gonna be for sale at www.frankkozik.net.  What time exactly?  He won't say.  How much will any of it be?  It's a surprise.  What's the meaning of life?  Ham sandwich.  

Rocket Raccoon Labbit from Frank Kozik x Kidrobot

    I am one of five people in the continental United States that has yet to see Guardians of the Galaxy, but even without seeing it there's no way my favorite character could be anyone other than Rocket Raccoon.  First off, I love raccoons.  Secondly, he is sassy and carries heavy firepower.  I love woodland creatures with guns!!!!!!!!!  

   Frank Kozik had a limited number of these dudes on sale at San Diego Comic Con and they sold out really quickly.  Then some turned up on eBay for a ridiculous amount of money.  The joke's on those fools who thought they were so clever and had such a perfect scheme to make some cash, cause the general release of these Labbits from Kidrobot is tomorrow.  

   Did I even tell you the best part about this Labbit?  I didn't?  HE HAS A FUZZY TAIL!!!!!!!!!  You could pet it if you want, or hold it against you while you're not wearing a shirt.  There's nothing wrong with a grown man holding a fluffy critter next to his bare chest, despite your neighbors yelling at you to "close your curtains, freak".  They're just jealous.  

Peruse the SDCC Wares of Frank Kozik

    By this time next week all of the attendees of San Diego Comic Con will be bankrupt and suffering from what is called the "nerd flu", which is transmitted by being stuffed like sardines into big convention spaces.  But don't worry, it's rarely fatal.  Once your germs stop arguing about whether or not Star Wars is superior to Star Trek they usually just move on about their business.  Frank Kozik will be there trying not to get sick while selling you lots and lots of neat stuff he made, like these Clockwork Carrot figures.  He's got some of the originals left for $125 and the new Supervillian edition for $145: 

    Or maybe you're more of a bear person, I don't know your life!  Check out this matte black Dim Bear for $145 with awesome gold beat down chain.  

    Do you like adventures and mysteries, cause William, Henry, and Reginald here look like they're about to do some exploring/sleuthing that will probably lead to epic hijinks and other words you won't ever use in a sentence in your daily life.  This is the Heart of Darkness edition, which leads me to believe their quest will take them beyond the family friendly realms of PBS and into the seedier underbelly of HBO.  For $110 you can make up your own gripping tales of suspense, intrigue, and scandal!

    Ooooooh I like this.  Heathrow is looking like a rare treasure in clear blue vinyl.  And he is pretty rare, cause only 50 of these were made and they will be $40 each.  

    Ahhhh more clear blue vinyl!  Look how it shines like the Hope Diamond.  And it's probably equally as cursed.  I think I need a light box to display my clear toys, cause this setup is just too nice.  This is that wow factor that people will see when they come into your home and make them forget all about the cat smell.  25 of these sets of Hateballs were made and can be yours for $65.  

    Are two Hateballs just too much commitment for you?  Do you not feel you'll be able to love them both equally and show them the attention they need to flourish in this cold hearted world?  How about you stick with one big one that glows in the dark.  He's unpainted and will run you $40.  If you buy enough of them you could hang them from your deck and create party lights.  If you have any friends that would come to a party, which I don't and no I don't wanna talk about it.  

    The future is kinda stupid isn't it?  It's mainly stupid cause we'll miss out on most of it.  Sure, we'll get to see the immediate future, like lunch time and whatnot, and we'll get to see what remains of the future until our mortal bodies give out like broken down flesh sedans, but the way way future is completely lost to us.  It's a complete rip off.  At least we don't know what we will be missing, which is nice.  Plague victims were never like "Damn, guess I won't be around to Tweet or take selfies."  I need to get more sleep.  

   You need a lavender resin Gipper in your life.  Just trust me, it's all part of the bigger picture.  Only 50 were made and they cost $40.  

Visit Frank at booth 5051 starting today!