Toy Fair 2014: Kidrobot

    Where to even begin with all the stuff Kidrobot has coming out this year?  Let's start with my favorite things that I saw, and that's plenty of Labbits.  Frank Kozik's iconic character is gonna multiply like crazy in a few different sizes.  There are the new 7 inch Deadpool and Ghost Rider figures that you can expect to see in March to coincide with series 2 of their Marvel blind box toys.  There will also be a series of blister packed figures that are variants from the first series, such as Wolverine as Weapon X. 

    But this was by far the best news I heard at the entire show.  Kidrobot secured the licensing for DC Comics products and they are going nuts with them.  I'm a huge Batman fan so I almost had to change my pants when I saw the packaging for the new Joker 7 inch Labbit.  And they're making blister packed ones and a blind boxed series.  I could actually feel my wallet getting thinner the longer I looked at all this stuff.  None of the actual products themselves were on display, so I'm guessing it will be later in the year before we're able to purchase these.  

    And I'm sure by now you've seen the new line of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles figures they've produced.  Most of these were on hand and actually getting to play with them really made me want them all.  It was a total nostalgia trip with each one I picked up and I have a feeling this collection is gonna blow a lot of minds.  Again, they will have blind boxed and blister carded figures, as well as some larger ones featuring Bebop and Rocksteady.  Look for these to drop in May.

    Each license also has an assortment of keychains and diy figures and TMNT will also have some shirts available.  I was literally geeking out so hard over the DC Labbits that I feel that rush of euphoria coming over me as I type this.  I may need to go lay down.  

   I took a lot more pictures of their booth and they can be found at www.facebook.com/TheToyViking

Toy Fair 2014: Sons of Anarchy

    Toys aren't dangerous enough anymore.  When I was a wee little lad I used to play with Tonka trucks that were made out of sheet metal and would require you to be up to date on your tetanus shot.  And I had toy guns that looked like real guns just to up the ante if the cops happened to drive by.  Ok, I wasn't that tough when I was a kid and may or may not have cried if I got dirt in my mouth.  But we gotta toughen these little buggers up to prepare them for the realities of life, and what better way to do it than with toys from Sons of Anarchy.

    Sure, these aren't meant for your little one's toy boxes, but there are a lot of important lessons to be had in the trials and tribulations of everyone's favorite fictional motorcycle club.  They can learn the ins and outs of running your own business (pornography, gun running, etc), interpersonal communication (usually involving fists and guns), and the importance of working as a team (to hide bodies).  Mezco are kicking off their line of action figures with Jax and Clay, but assure me there will be many more characters to follow.  And something tells me their plush line will be exceptionally popular with the ladies.  I swear if I come home and my bed is full of bearded dolls used as throw pillows I'm gonna be pissed.  Not that I like throw pillows or anything.  Moving on.  

    So maybe we can't all be outlaw bikers in real life because we're not fans of getting arrested or punched in the face.  It's cool though, cause we can still ride around on Harleys and get a taste of being a badass while we look out for potholes. But if you're a biker on a budget, or you just want your desk at work to convey how much you're really not into dealing with other people's nonsense, Maisto has a second series of bikes from the show that are perfect for you.  These diecast replicas feature every detail from the bikes that they use in the show, including their unique tank graphics.  You'll even be able to buy the tow truck that has been used on more than one occasion to get the boys out of trouble/escape from law enforcement.  Expect to see them in stores this June.  

Toy Fair 2014!!!!!!!!!!!

     I'm probably going to stop taking pictures now that I have this one.  How do I follow up a photo with Grumpy Cat?  Everything now will just be a step backwards, and I'm not willing to go that route.  So here you have it, the last picture of me ever featuring a famous internet cat and me making a sour face.  Print it out and put it on your walls like it came from an issue of Tiger Beat.  

    So as you can see, Sharon and I made our way to Toy Fair in New York yesterday and I took a lot of pictures of cool stuff that you're gonna spend all your money on this year.  We got back kinda late last night and I have to be at work soon, but I promise I'll do my best to upload all of our pictures tonight on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/TheToyViking.  And all this week I'll highlight a different booth every day and showcase all the stuff I wanted to steal.  Not that I would do that, but when you're surrounded by toys you can't buy yet you start to think bad thoughts.  It's like going to comic con but forgetting your wallet.  

   There are a few pictures now on our Instagram, mostly of the new line of DC Comics Labbits from Frank Kozik x Kidrobot.  

   Toy Fair is a weird time.  It's mainly set up for people from companies to come in, preview upcoming product, and place wholesale orders.  So it's half carnival, with girls wearing blinky mustaches to attract attention to their booths (that happened, and we have something really cool involving said mustache and a cross bow coming soon), and half high-powered business meetings, with people in suits spending more money than most of us make in a year.  Oh, and there was one sleepy kitty cat who people lined up in droves to take pictures with.  

The Loyal Subject's Optimus Prime Custom Show at Toy Tokyo

    You wanna see some cool, custom Optimus Prime figures? You wanna buy some new Transformers toys before everyone else? You want free food? Well, you might be a little greedy (kidding, we all know free food tastes the best) but you are in luck because The Loyal Subjects and Toy Tokyo are gonna make all your dreams come true this Saturday. Look at all those details right in that picture. Could they make it any easier for you to have a good time? And you could be the first collectors anywhere to get your hands on the new 3 inch Ultra Magnus figure and make all your friends jealous.

    On a side note, I know there's a huge debate about designer toy companies making licensed toys. What I would love to see is a marriage of both worlds by having artists interpret these classic characters and release them as production figures. I know it's probably much harder to make it happen, what with the people that own the properties having to be convinced that it's cool for the brand, but I think it could be successful for everyone involved. What do you think?

  

Help Make Zombitron from Kenth Toy Works and Acolorfulmonster a Reality

    Collaborations can either be amazing or disastrous.  Sometimes you'll get one of the artists taking more control and pushing the other one out, or the designs just don't mesh well and both of their individual styles kind of get lost.  Kenth Toy Works and Acolorfulmonster have found a way to prevent all that and make a truly original toy:  one artist took one side of the figure, while the other took the opposite.  The result is two very unique creatures in one body.  But there' no guarantee that this guy will come to life unless you help out.  They've launched a Kickstarter campaign to get the money together to make this figure happen.  So now you have the chance to not only involve yourself in the production of a toy, but to get some cool rewards for helping them out.  There are blank figures, standard painted versions, and one-off editions depending on your level of contribution.  Check it out by clicking here.   They only have 17 days left so let's get moving people!!!!!!

Game of Thrones Legacy Collection Figures from Funko

    It's almost that time of year again.  The time where I call my cable provider, complain about their service, and get HBO for free just long enough to watch Game of Thrones.  Maybe it's not the most kosher tactic on my part, but we're in a recession and that show is addicting.  Plus, if HBO didn't charge so much for their dvds we wouldn't have this issue.  I'd wait patiently and be a proper consumer.  Do you see what you've made me HBO, you've made me a criminal!!!!!!!!!  Not that I feel too bad, as it's the most illegally downloaded show in history, which means many of you reading this also resort to nefarious means to get your fix.  

    

    Just make sure that when you visit your local Barnes and Noble to get these exclusive figures from Funko that you do actually pay for them, cause it would be real embarrassing for you to be arrested for stealing toys if you're over the age of five.  And they won't let you keep them to play with in jail, so you're bound to be pretty bored waiting for someone to bail you out.   

New Minions Sets from Paul Kaiju x Skinner x Lulubell Toy Bodega

    I had this dream last night where I laid down to go to bed and for some reason there was this recessed part of the ceiling directly above my pillow.  Inside that space were the biggest, most grotesque insects I had ever seen.  Giant spiders, beetles, and all kinds of other crazy bugs were moving all around and threatening to fall on my face.  In the dream I jumped out of bed and this one flying critter flew over to me and started speaking english, all wanting to be my friend and hang out  with his razor-sharp talons and blood-soaked teeth.  He spoke like he had done really well in school, but that didn't stop me from beating the living hell out of him.  I splattered his bug blood everywhere, all while trying to keep an eye out for his little buddies.  I felt kind of bad about it, but I figured he was a dirty liar who would probably bore a hole through my ear drum and suck out my brain.  This dream can really mean only two things:  either I need to start getting more sleep or I need to stop looking at toys like this before bed.

    Skinner and Paul Kaiju are set to release this brand new series of Minions on an unsuspecting world this week, and Mr. Kaiju himself hand painted these creepers.  They will be sold blind bagged and you will get one of the two sets you see featured above.  They go on sale this Saturday, February 15th, at 12:01 Pacific time only from Lulubell Toy Bodega.  

My New Favorite Thing: Super Models with Designer Toys

    Now this is more like it.  This is how I would forever like to think of designer toys.  Not the standing in lines waiting for a new release, not the sweaty people at comic cons who always find a way to offend the senses with their unique odors, and certainly not the flippers who buy up everything and sell it for ten times the original price.  Nope, I want to think that super models would flock to pose with the toys I love so much.  And here is a picture that is bringing that dream to life.  It just so happens to be my favorite super model Coco Rocha (what, you don't have one?) greatly enhancing Kidrobot and Samsung's new MiWe character during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.  All of you customizers might as well retire, because you can't make this figure look any better than it does right now.   

Akashi 5YL Exclusive from Dave Bondi x Mintyfresh

    It's that time again, where every two years I am fascinated by the Olympics and I can't watch anything else.  The Winter Olympics have always been my favorite because every sport seems like it was created by someone who lived where it snowed a lot and was extremely bored.  I lived down south for most of my life and when you run out of things to do (which happens pretty fast) you start to remember how easy it is to buy ammunition and fireworks.  We passed the time by shooting things, blowing them up, and sometimes doing both.  If we had access to huge mountains and piles of snow we probably would have spent that time doing the crazy stuff that is now celebrated in competition.  We could have been athletes rather than juvenile delinquents.  

    As you've probably figured out by now (if you've ever been to this website before) the above paragraph has nothing to do with this toy.  But it was about current events, so that brings me a little closer to being like the legitimate news.  You've undoubtedly seen this dude from Dave Bondi before, but you've never seen him like this.  This colorway is exclusive to Mintyfresh and is available to buy right this moment!!  There's only 50 in the whole wide world, which is about the same amount of people that can actually explain the rules of curling.  

http://www.mintyfresh.eu/

Smokin' Valentine's Day Poos from Frank Kozik "Release" Today!!!

    The test of any great relationship is whether or not you are comfortable talking about each others bowel movements.  For us men this is not a concern, as poop has been our go to topic of hilarious conversation since the dawn of time.  But when you're a woman you'd like us to believe that there is no part of your meals that goes to waste.  That somehow your digestive system is the equivalent of the American Indians and their favorite prey, the buffalo.  Any unused portions of your food mysteriously are woven into fine linens and trinkets.  Sure, we allow such mythology to exist mostly for our own comfort, but the true test of our bond comes in that singular moment when you look us in the eyes and with four simple words refute any ideas we may have had about why you were taking especially long to get ready this morning:  "I had to poop."

    Finally, we can commemorate this beautiful moment of love's affirmation with this Valentine's Poo set from Frank Kozik.  Each set it handcrafted (gross) in resin (not so gross) and will cost $40 when they go on sale today, February 7th, at 2pm Pacific time.  Only 20 sets were made and they are exclusively available from www.frankkozik.net.  

Brain Bug Boogie Man from Cure x James Groman x Lulubell Toy Bodega

    I love a good descriptive title.  Brain Bug Boogie Man doesn't really leave a lot of room for interpretation does it?  Every component is there, as you can clearly see.  And the picture itself has all the info you need as a consumer to make a wise purchasing decision.  Go on, take a moment to peruse it, I'll wait.

    Oh, but wait.  The picture doesn't tell you where to buy it from.  See, I'm not completely expendable.  Though you could have Googled the name and found it easily on your own, I'm glad you stuck around here and waited for me to tell you.  That's why we're such good friends.  

http://www.lulubelltoys.com/

Political Nightmare Figures from We Become Monsters

    There are few things more universally hated than a politician.  I would bet money that intestinal worms are more popular than anyone running for office.  I hate em, you hate em, their mothers hate em.  We Become Monsters is obviously no fan of those dirtbags either, because look how he portrayed them in this new resin figure.  Looks fitting to me.  Starting tomorrow, February 7th at noon Pacific time, you can pick either a left wing or right wing blind bag for $30.  And if you happen to be in the Las Vegas area you can check out the flyer posted below for a little shindig that's going on where you can buy one in person.  For everyone else, get em at http://webecomemonsters.storenvy.com/.

Nosferatu Resin Figure from Super7 x Kirk Hammet

    I haven't been to a horror convention in quite awhile because to be honest, they can get a bit stale.  You see the same vendors, the same actors, blah blah blah. But what's this you say?  Kirk Hammet from Metallica has put together his own convention that not only features horror movie stars, but bands such as Carcass, Orchid, and Death Angel playing?  Now you've got my attention.  The game has been upped when it comes to Kirk von Hammet's Fear Festevil that takes place this weekend in San Francisco.  He also got local toy makers Super7 in on it with this Nosferatu resin figure.  This was designed to resemble the old Monster Soakies that were filled with bubble bath way back when.  While this dude won't help you clean away your man funk, he will look pretty cool sitting on your shelf.  This prototype edition of the figure is limited to 50 pieces, comes in a gift box, and Kirk will be available at the event to sign them for you.  If you're in the San Francisco area check out the event at http://www.fearfestevil.com/.

Ghost Butler from Peter Kato

    I've been thinking recently that my wife and I should strive to make our house more like Downton Abbey.  Specifically I wanted a cook in the basement that would keep me well fed without me having to make my own meals, but we could probably use a butler too.  Not that we entertain a lot of guests, but it would be nice to have someone at home to sign for our packages and shoo away the door to door sales people.  But it would be weird having someone stand in our living room, waiting for something to do as we're trying to watch tv, so this idea of a ghost butler would work out well.  He'd still be there, but we wouldn't have to feel awkward about it.

    Ghost Butler is the newest resin figure from Peter Kato and will be available for the first time tomorrow, February 6th.  He made 12 of the white ones and 12 violet ones especially for Valentine's Day and they each will be $50.  Help your home more closely resemble an English manor by visiting http://peterkatoshop.com/. 

Penelope McStompsalot 8 Inch Dunny from Huck Gee x Kidrobot

    Oh snap son, look at this thing!  By now you may have already seen this new and impressive 8 inch Dunny from Huck Gee and Kidrobot, but that doesn't mean I'm not gonna put my two cents worth in.  I don't like to write about stuff the moment news is released about it.  I like to let the toy marinate in my head a little bit, and not succumb to any knee-jerk reactions I may feel upon the initial reveal.  Not that my feelings changed about this sucker one bit, because I am in love with it.  I have a soft spot for platform toys because I like to see what an artist will create while working within a set of parameters, such as the actual structure of the figure.  That's why I've always been a Dunny fan.  Of course not every design blows me away to the point that I must own it, but this is pretty spectacular.  And as if the giant mecha Dunny wasn't enough, it even comes with it's own little 3 inch driver.

    Crazy right?  And it comes in two different color schemes:  the black is a Kidrobot store and online exclusive, while the green will be available at retailers.  Now something this intense won't come cheap. It's gonna retail for $199.99, which isn't anything to sneeze at, but think about it like this:  you'd pay more for a tattoo on some random place on your body that you can't see without a setup of strategically placed mirrors, so why not for something that you will also own forever but can stare at on your shelf as much as you want?  That being said, I would love to borrow $200 from someone out there that is willing to quickly forget they loaned it to me.  Don't worry, you can think about it a little bit, as this isn't  going to be released until February 13th.  

Pink Lemonade Octopup from Nathan Hamill

    Yes, I watched the Super Bowl, and yes I was pleased by the thorough beating Seattle put on Denver.  My other thoughts on the big game:

1.)  There were no monkeys in any commercials as this was the year of the bear.  I noticed 3 commercials with bears, 0 with monkeys, which I was kind of disappointed with at first, because there is not much I enjoy more than monkeys doing people stuff.  But overall I did like the commercials and would tell you my favorite ones but I have the memory of a goldfish.  I was told I liked them though, so we'll go with that.

2.)  Bruno Mars didn't suck it up as bad as I thought he would.  You should save that last sentence to use against me at a later date, because I will deny I ever said it.  I still think his music is in direct relation to what is sitting at the bottom of your septic tank, but the showmanship was there.  And the Red Hot Chili Peppers weren't around long enough for me to want to puncture my ear drums with ice picks, so that was a plus.

3.)  Did you see Prince on New Girl directly afterwards?  I never pegged him for having a sense of humor, but he even referenced the Chappelle's Show skit about him making everyone pancakes.  Though I would have lost my mind if he had said "game...blouses"after he beat Zoe Deschanel at ping pong.

Ok, back to business.  Nathan Hamill is releasing these Pink Lemonade Octopups tomorrow (Tuesday, February 4th) for $25 each.  He only hand painted 7 of these canine/cephalopod hybrids and you can get one at noon Pacific time only from http://nathanhamill.bigcartel.com/.

Super Series Sunday from Tenacious Toys featuring MegaSeth

    This is the greatest resin toy of all time.  There, I said it, cause someone had to.  This makes me think of summers spent going to Ozzfest and seeing my favorite bands.  Then coming home dehydrated and with a wicked sunburn and wondering what the hell was wrong with me for thinking it was a good idea to go to a show with 30 different acts playing in 100 degree heat.  Then a year later I forget all about the suffering and go again only to repeat the cycle.  I'm pretty sure it was still worth it though.

    I haven't been to a giant spectacle of a show in forever but every time I see this toy I wanna go see Iron Maiden.  That's why this is the greatest resin toy ever, because it evokes so many memories for me of days gone by.  Lisa Rae Hansen captured my youth perfectly (without intending to) in this MegaSeth figure and now you can get one for yourself as part of Super Series Sunday from Tenacious Toys.   Only 8 pieces were created for this release and feature Tenacious owner Benny's pitbull Love Monster emblazoned on the tshirt.  Each one will be $60 and they each come with a mini print and a button.  They will be on sale tomorrow, February 2nd, at 6pm Eastern time only through www.tenacioustoys.com.

Glow in the Dark Marty and Killer from Bwana Spoons x Toy Art Gallery

    I didn't realize they were making Miley Cyrus toys now?  Just kidding, these aren't nearly as gross as that twerking hillbilly, even if they do fancy having their tongues hang out of their mouths.  Bwana Spoons and Toy Art Gallery are releasing a very limited number of these glow in the dark Marty and Killer toys today, January 31st, at noon Pacific time at www.toyartgallery.com.  Each hand painted figure will retail for $90.  

Kookie No Good from Scott Tolleson x DeKorner Releases Today!

    You'd look kinda bummed too if people wanted to crack your head open for a little piece of paper with a fortune on it.  But cheer up little guy, because it's Chinese New Year and people want to celebrate with you.  Scott Tolleson and DeKorner teamed up for this exclusive sofubi figure.  Limited to only 20 pieces, this edition will be on sale today, January 31st, at 10am Pacific time for $35.  Pick one up for yourself at http://dekorner.bigcartel.com/.  

Skull Butterfly by NooN x K. Olin Tribu

    You know what I never get tired of?  Skulls.  I could fill my house with skulls and be a happy camper.  Real skulls, plastic skulls, art skulls, your skull.  I want all the skulls!  So I am always excited to see what K. Olin Tribu is gonna do next with NooN's porcelain skull.  Well, now I know, cause this time they have adorned his brain case with butterflies.  This thing is beyond cool and I want one pretty badly.  They're limited to 50 pieces and available right now at http://www.artandtoys.com/.

Carded Labbits from Frank Kozik x Kidrobot Out Today

    Guess what day it is?  Guess what day it is?  It's Labbit Thursday!!!!!!  Sort of the same principle as taco Tuesday except you'll still be hungry after buying these.  These crazy bunnies from Frank Kozik x Kidrobot are the perfect gift for Valentine's Day or any other gift giving holiday that you feel like buying me stuff for.  And they're the bigger 2.5 inch ones just like the Marvel series and each one is only $9.99.  The question is not whether I will buy them all, but whether or not I will open them.  Frank will also have complete sets of these and his Lore of the Labbit mini series on his website tomorrow, January 31st.  

www.frankkozik.net 

    

Two New Sofubi Figures from Buff Monster Release Tomorrow

    I bet you all were wondering where I was today.  It was no big deal, just had to shovel some more snow like the manly man I am.  Then I had to go to work, where I don't have computer access, so my posts are a bit delayed today.  I hope you didn't miss me so much that you did anything drastic, like shave off your eyebrows or listen to a Justin Bieber song.  

   But here I am now, to tell you about these awesome little dudes that Buff Monster is releasing tomorrow (January 30th).  You could get yourself the hand painted Mister Melty bro on the left for $35 or the unpainted Zombie Mister Melty on the right for $30.  Or get them both because trying to pick just one is too hard.  They go on sale at 10am Eastern time at http://buffmonster.com/.

   

The Brewmaster Resin Kit from DuBose Art

    This sucker is pretty killer.  Used as the mascot for the Homebrew line of paints and resin dyes, The Brewmaster has been brought to life thanks to a 3D printer and a whole mess of resin.  This sucker weighs in at a full 2lbs, which doesn't seem like a lot, but is pretty solid for a toy.  DuBose Art is running a special preorder right now on unassembled kits of this nearly 8 inch tall figure.  For $50 you'll get all the pieces you need and even instructions on how to assemble him.  Then you can paint him up, or leave him like he is, which is what I would do.  The amount of detail is really impressive and makes me think the future of designer toys really does rest in the hands of the independent artists and not the big companies (there's an ongoing debate about that on Facebook as we speak).  Reinforce your shelving and then get one for yourself at http://duboseartanddesign.com/.