Lunartik Presents Mr. Tea

    Oh my God.  Oh my God this might be the greatest things I've ever seen.  I'm not even kidding this time.  It's Mr. T, in a tea cup.  I pity the fool who doesn't preorder this amazing toy from Lunartik.  There's only 100 of them made and they come signed and numbered by the artist himself.  Click here right now and then email me to let me know how much better I just made your life.  If you don't buy it Mr. T himself will come to your house and punch yo momma square in her face.

Metallica Monopoly

    Have a metal head in your family that also loves a quiet night at home playing board games?   Then have I got something that will make your Christmas shopping list that much shorter.  It's Metallica and it's Monopoly, all in one big package for $42.99.  Ummmmmmmmmmm, wow, it's really harder than I thought to be positive about this one.  I'm gonna go put on Master of Puppets and pretend like this never happened.  

Toys R Us Exclusive Ugly Doll

    Check out this guy I discovered while reading the Sunday paper (it's still a viable media source for anyone over 30).  He is a Toys R Us exclusive and retails for $19.99 or you can get him for $7.99 with any Ugly Dolls purchase of $20 or more.  They say he's an Uglydog, but I think he looks like my cat Icarus, who you can see below:

   The resemblance is uncanny, except for the whole cyclops thing.  But I swear he has that same scarf.

G.I. Joe Gets the Anime Treatment

    I first saw these figures at New York Comic Con and have since seen them for sale at a few different stores.  Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles got the anime treatment a few years back and the results were not that good.  But recently Thundercats have relaunched with the same look that these figures have and it seems to not only make the original fans happy, but it is also exposing them to a new generation that completely missed out the first go round.  With that being said these reinterpretation of G.I. Joe was kinda weird to me at first, like they where blaspheming something sacred from my childhood.  But the more I look at them, and the more I think about kids playing with the same toys today that I did 20 years ago, the more ok I have become with their existence.  I just hope their parents will let them open the packages and dig up the backyard the way I did to create an entire world they can play in.  I still have figures with the grit of dried mud clogging up their joints.  I'm sure many people will collect these and stow them away in a box or leave them to collect dust on a shelf, but the love I have for toys today comes from the extent to which they aided in building my imagination, something nearly impossible to do through cardboard and plastic.  I hope the kids will love them now as much as I did then.

The Hammer of Thor Bottle Opener

    There are times in one's life when one needs a device to rescue a tasty beverage from the clutches of an evil glass prison.  If you are to free your mead from the grasp of all that is unholy, you should probably do it with Thor's Hammer!  Diamond Select Toys will be releasing Marvel themed bottle openers in 2012, with the first being the mighty Mjolnir.  Wield the power of Asgard while you unleash refreshment among your friends!  Just don't hit anybody with it.

Feroshi the Dino Slug from Shawnimals

       To close out 2011, Shawnimals has created a dinosaur/slug hybrid that is probably slow moving but looks like it would bite the crap out of you when it caught up.  Limited to 100 handmade pieces, Feroshi will go on sale December 7th right here for $30 American dollars.

Ajee Kosplay

   I was lucky enough to attend this year's New York Comic Con and while I was there I got to meet the artist behind this toy.  Her name is Ajee and she had these on display but unfortunately they were only samples and you had to preorder the figure a wait a few months for it.  As soon as I got home I pulled out my already tired credit card and snagged one.  Now almost 2 months later I get a package from France and guess what's inside?  I was so excited to finally have it that I thought I'd snap a few pictures and share them with you all.
   This figure is even cooler in person than it looks here.  The sculpt is amazing and the manufacturing is spot on.  I own plenty of figures with flaws in them, whether it be a paint smear or the molds just not lining up properly, but this figure has none of those.  Definitely the best quality control I've ever encountered.  And I love how the piece just looks like it is part of some epic story line that is begging o be told.  There seems to be much more to it than just plastic and paint.
    If you need one for yourself you can now buy them directly from the artist on her website.  They also come in all black and glow in the dark, but the black and white was obviously my favorite and really brings out the angular design.  By the way, these were made by Bonustoyz Epz who have to be commended for their attention to every detail.

Jesse Hernandez Calavera Dunny Release info

     I already told you that this was coming, but now I have the date and the price.  Jesse Hernandez and Kidrobot will be unleashing this 8 inch Calavera Dunny on December 15th.  There are only 1000 of them in the world and they cost $75.  Being that December 15th is also my birthday, I feel Kidrobot should send me one cause I like it and I managed not to die this year.  Believe me, staying alive was not as easy as I make it sound.  It took hard work, dedication, and the knowledge that my wife is too pretty to scoop the cat litter.

Wonder Woman Ame-Comi figure from DC Direct

   
   I love these figures from DC Direct.  They take classic female characters from the extensive history of DC Comics and give them the anime treatment.  You'll have to wait until March to get this new version of Wonder Woman, but I figured I'd tell you about it anyway so you have time to decide whether or not a life of crime might be beneficial to your toy collection.  It will set you back $70, so no one would fault you for going all Jesse James on a couple of banks.  Not Jesse James the womanizer mind you.  That would just be weird.  

Kozik x Maqet Holiday Heathrows

   Not really known for doing toys that are warm and snuggly, Frank Kozik has decided to bring the cute with these Holiday edition Heathrows.  Made by the super geniuses at Maqet (I'm not even being sarcastic, it blows my mind how they make these things) each one stands 3 inches tall and you get both for only $50.  Not many set were made, so if you want physical evidence that Kozik has a softer side, you better act soon.

Occupy Cybertron with the Super Sucklord Dec. 7th

    Everyone's favorite contestant from Work of Art is not sitting around and crying about his elimination from the reality show.  Instead he's being insanely productive and continuing his quest for ultimate world domination.  He's coming loaded with his classic bootleg figures as well as his first attempt at an 8 inch Mego style toy.  He'll also have miniature protestors and jewelry made by his girlfriend.  There will be a DJ, free trading cards for anyone in costume, and enough craziness to give you stories to tell for years to come.  So if you're not lame and in the New York area, you need to spend your December 7th at End of the Century from 7pm-9pm.   

Shawnimals Ninja of the Month 2012 Subscriptions

   Shawnimals makes awesome ninja plushies that you know you need in your life and for only $400 you can guarantee that you get every one that he hand makes in 2012.  You get one plush per month, plus they send you lots of extra stuff that they have lying around and think you would like.  The subscriptions go on sale December 5th at shop.shawnimals.com.  

Frankenmonkey Glow in the Dark version

    I have several of these figures that Atomic Monkey has released.  I have a brown one and a black one, and their little brains come out and they glow in the dark and freak my cats out at night.  Not content with just the brain shining brightly in the dark, now the whole dang monkey glows.  For $45 though, I think this is a figure that customizers rather than collectors will pick up.  My other monkeys have such great detail to them that is missing from this one and that kinda bums me out.  It will be interesting to see what a good artists can turn this blank canvas into.

Super7 Neapolitan Milton Set

    My wife likes ice cream a lot.  No matter how cold it is outside we always manage to make our way to the frozen food section and she always manages to con her way into some, which leaves very little room in the freezer for food that will actually keep you alive.  While not edible, I'm sure she would appreciate this brand new set of Miltons from Super7.  Available in Strawberry, Vanilla, and Chocolate, this Neapolitan bunch can be had individually for $25 per flavor or as  complete set for $70.  You can get your hands on them tomorrow, December 2nd, at noon Pacific time on their website.

GIANTmicrobes: Final 2011 Products

   GIANTmicrobes can make anyone who is mildly afraid of germs (this guy) let his guard down and accept a little illness into his life.  To end 2011, you can now cuddle up with your very own plush Dengue Fever, Fruit Fly, or C. Elegans.  They're $8.95 each and promise not to make you bleed from your orifices or give you raging diarrhea.  Wal-Mart doesn't guarantee those things.  

Toy2R Qee Flash Drives

    I just saw this online and am really shocked these haven't come out before.  Then I was even more shocked when they said it was an "overseas collaboration", which now just means if you really want one you have to not be too lazy and search a bit on the internet.  Go on, you know you'll need a place to store all that stuff you labeled "Taxes 1998" when the Mrs. finally catches on.

Jesse Hernandez Dunny **Update**

    I posted about this about an hour ago and now I can show you what the finished product looks like.  Jesse Hernandez and Kidrobot will be releasing this 8 inch Dunny in December and it looks pretty killer.  I love the feathers going around the head and the overall minimal design (compared to the Jaguar Warrior Dunny) of the figure.  I'm sure in another hour they'll announce the price and edition run, but for now you can marvel at how amazing it is and know that you have to leave someone off of your Christmas list so you can buy it.  I'm sure they were pretty heinous anyway.

Jesse Hernandez x Kidrobot Dunny Teaser

    Jesse Hernandez posted this image on his Facebook page today.  Looks like he and Kidrobot will be teaming up for another 8 inch Dunny.  Can't wait to see what the final product looks like.  

Introducing Creo Design

    I'd love to take credit and say that I did a massive amount of work in discovering the folks at Creo Design, but they in fact found me.  What makes that even better is that the toys they are producing are really cool and different from what I'm used to.  Check out guy above named Lawhill.  He was designed by Akinori Oishi and is based on a place in Scotland that the artist had never actually seen before.  For you history buffs you can read a little about it here.  Creating a character based on the design of a physical place is not something I've seen before and possibly why I find this guy so fascinating.  Check out their store if you're as smitten with it as I am.

   Next year you'll also be able to purchase Chebaka from Russian artist Serg Basargin.  Very minimal design wise, yet it still grabs your attention and leads to many possibilities in the realm of customization.  Hopefully they make a blank one, or create an artist's series, that will allow for different interpretations.

Black Friday Sale by Bonustoyz

    Bonustoyz are getting in the spirit of Black Friday shopping by offering up an awesome sale on all-black figures.  Pick up the brand new Kosplay figure from Ajee (as seen above) or Cody from Jon Knox.  More than this will be available tomorrow and they are shipping them free anywhere in the world.  That alone is a deal you can't pass up.  The sale starts at 8am Paris time.  Check it out at http://www.bonustoyz.com/.

Toy2R Black Friday Sale Starts Now!

    25% off of everything in stock at www.toy2rusa.com. That pretty much speaks for itself.  And you don't have to wait until Friday, so it would be in your best interest to get moving and buy some stuff already.

Super7 Black Friday Release and Sale

    This is how I look when I think about having to deal with holiday shoppers.  Everyone acts like they've lost whatever little sense they were born with and don't care what they have to do or who they have to destroy to get their kids something stupid that they'll lose interest in within the week.  But thanks to the beauty of the internet, I never have to leave my house again to buy gifts for those that I love (or mainly just me).  Check out this new Blackest Fridays Stomp from the fine folks at Super7.  This bad boy is $60 and worth every penny just for the fact that you don't have to go to the mall to get him.

   
    Super7 will also be running a pretty cool sale starting Black Friday and lasting the whole weekend.  I'm eyeballing a few things right now and just waiting to see what goes on sale before I make my move.   It's all about patience.  Unfortunately my lack of patience is really starting to hurt right now.    

K. Olin tribu Black Friday Sale

    K. Olin tribu make some of the most amazing toys you've ever seen.  That's because they take figures from the vinyl world and remake them in porcelain.  The results are stunning and it really transforms them into pure works of art that even the the biggest art snob can appreciate.  That being said, they are not cheap, but to celebrate Black Friday you can get 20% off one of these amazing pieces.  Check out some of their figures below and then get your credit card ready to do some shopping.

                                      

Kozik x Kidrobot Christmas Labbit Plush

    When I think of Christmas I think of rabbits with mustaches.  For a long time I was told I was "crazy", that I was "maladjusted".  Well now who's laughing (other than the therapists who made a lot of money off of me and my psychosis)?  Kozik and Kidrobot want you to snuggle up with this dapper bunny for the low low price of $15.95 this holiday season.  He's available now and unlike a real rabbit, he won't chew your electrical cords or drop little brown love nuggets all over the place.

The Qeemas Contest from Toy2R

 
    The holidays are a great time to spend with those that we love and spread good cheer throughout the land.  Ok, realistically they're about getting awesome stuff and not having to pay for it.  Toy2R understands this and wants to feed your greed with The Qeemas Contest.  There are 4 bundles of toys each worth $500 and all you have to do is get creative and take a few pictures of your toys.  Click here for all the rules and other details you may need and get to winnin some free stuff.

Jon-Paul Kaiser x Toy2R Capt. Sturnbrau Qee

    We've seen this figure before but never with so much detail.  Jon-Paul Kaiser's instantly recognizable style is all over this version of Captain Sturnbrau and it really brings the character to life.  No word on when he will be released or how much he'll cost, but I'll let you know as soon as I hear.  He makes Johnny Depp look like a wussy.  Well, a bigger wussy I suppose.

Celebrate 10 years of Halo and Minimates

   Halo turned 10 years old this year and Minimates turns 10 next year, so what do you do?  You combine them and create toys ya big dummy (I'm just kidding, I'm sure that was your first guess).  In January you will be able to pick up the figures above at all Toys R Us locations.  The one's below will be available in a special box set for comic shops and other independent retailers.  You should really stop looking at Cortana that way.  We all know she's the hottest hologram in the galaxy, but don't be too creepy about it.  

Mars Attacks Pop! Vinyl from Funko

    I don't think the people that work at Funko believe in vacation time, or paid holidays.  There s no way they can make as many toys as they do with anyone taking a break.  They may never see their families, and may be so pale from a lack of sunlight that their skin now resembles that of a transparent cave worm, but their labor bears great fruit.  For example, check out this Mars Attacks Pop! vinyl figure.  He doesn't come out until January, but that gives you some time to find someone to buy it for you.  

The High Priest of Toby by Gary Baseman x Kidrobot

   Fresh from his secret society inspired mini series, Gary Baseman and Kidrobot have teamed up once again to bring you The High Priest of Toby.  At a commanding 9 inches tall, this charismatic enigma is ready to lead you down the path of enlightenment.... or certain doom, one can never be too sure about these things.  But for $100 you can give it a go and see where he takes you.  There are only 450 of these available worldwide, so get your magic Kool Aid brewing, your track suit dry cleaned, and be ready to snag one of these on December 1st. 

Sucklord "Jerk of Art" Figure

    Leave it to the Sucklord to turn lemons into high priced lemonade.  After being voted off of Work of Art, he immediately posted a photo of this figure online.  It's a cool response to the shafting he got on the show.  No matter what he did, he was always seen as just a toy maker and was never taken as seriously as the other artists involved.  Somehow, I think he'll still get the last laugh, and this is one heck of a start.

Pop! Vinyl Ugly Dolls from Funko

    Funko is really churning out these Pop! vinyl figures like crazy, and in January they're adding Uglydolls to their already impressive roster.  Here's hoping that they run out of ideas soon so they're forced to make a Sanford and Son set of toys.  It could happen.  

Coarse Toys Paw! Raw

   Coarse Toys has decided that because people have enjoyed customizing their Paw! figure (and there are some amazing ones out there) that they needed to bite the bullet and make a blank one.  Available in their webstore now, this blank figure is aimed at stopping artists from painting over their special releases and thus limiting the amount that are available to collectors.  It's a double edged sword because on the one hand, the less there are available means that the remaining products will increase in value.  The flip side of that is that there are fewer of them for collectors to buy up on the secondary market because their original design is compromised.  Well, for $165 toy artists can now paint without the guilt of possibly ruining a limited edition.

Kidrobot x Skullcandy

   I just learned about this collaboration between Kidrobot and Skullcandy and I have mixed emotions.  First, I think it was a great idea to bring the two brands together, which Kidrobot seems to be looking to do more and more.  But my major beef is that you only get the chrome Dunny with the headphone jack in his face if you buy the black pair, which are $300.  The sets are limited to 1000 worldwide, but the price is waaaaaaaaaay outta my comfort zone.  But the blue pair are cool and sensibly priced at $60, but you don't get a toy with them.  When they did their Swatch collection there was only 1 watch without a matching toy and is was only $10 cheaper.  I'm sure there are people that will have to have the $300 pair because they want to get every Dunny they possibly can, but I will be totally fine with never being able to have this one.

Tara McPherson x NagNagNag Black Friday Release

    Tara Mcpherson and NagNagNag have teamed up to bring you this...thing.  It's called the Zombie Ice Baby and I suppose the name is fitting?  I really don't get the ugly toy movement of misshapen critters that look like they would be better suited moonlighting as scabs than sitting on your bookshelf.  But if unlike me you enjoy a plastic representation of venereal disease, then you should spend your Black Friday at The Cotton Candy Machine in Brooklyn rather than at Wal Mart (which I would have thought was the best place to collect the grotesque).  Lord knows how much these things will be but I'm sure it's not cheap.  I can honestly say this is one Tara McPherson toy I will be happy to not add to my collection.

The Walking Dead from McFarlane Toys

    Anyone who knows me knows that I'm behind on everything.  New movies come out and I see them when they're on DVD, and that's usually after there's been a few sequels.  But thanks to the combination of Netflix and Comcast On Demand, I no longer have to yell at people to not spoil The Walking Dead for me.  Speaking of spoiled, how about all that nasty meat just laying around everywhere?  Hopefully if the zombie apocalypse happens for real we will be able to quickly lose our sense of smell.  

    Back to business.  McFarlane Toys will be releasing the first series of figures inspired by the show this December.  You get Officer Rick Grimes, everybody's favorite redneck Daryl Dixon, and two zombies that are just begging for you to put a bullet through their moldy skulls.  

   For Toys R Us shoppers you will also get an exclusive black and white Rick Grimes that is covered in blood.  For some reason, I don't think it's his.