SoftoyHobby Archives

MAN-E-NEWS// The Angel Abby exclusive “Barabaran” sofubi from Yamomark…

Hot on the heals of last week’s “Kingyo Zaurus” release, the guys over at Hong Kong-based toy retailer Angel Abby are proud to reveal that they’ve landed yet another exclusive from Yamomark in the form of Barabaran! Standing at around 9″ tall and featuring 5 points of articulation, the beautiful flowering beast has been produced in a light blue soft vinyl this time around, compete with yellow, green and brown sprays. Touching down in the Angel Abby store tomorrow (7/18) at midnight Hong Kong time, expect Barabaran to come in at around $90 plus shipping…

MAN-E-NEWS// The “Emerald” and “Raspberry” Glitter Bomb Finger Five sofubi from Fig-Lab…

With the Finger Five “Glitter Bomb” sets having long since sold out, Datadub over at Fig-Lab is proud to reveal that his sofubi finger puppets have returned for the same sparkly treatment in 2 new colorways! Featuring a total of 5 figures based on iconic characters from Paul Kaiju, Lamour Supreme, Matt Doughty, Sucklord and Monstre Hero, the little guys have been produced in both “Emerald” and “Raspberry” glitter-infused vinyl this time around, coming in at just 1,000yen ($8) each plus shipping. Go check them out in the Fig-X store right here before they quickly disappear…

MAN-E-NEWS// The Wonderfestival exclusive “Gamuratsuisuto” keshi from Yutani Shouten…

Up and coming keshi producer Yutani Shouten is proud to reveal that his debut mini figure – Gamuratsuisuto – will be making its first appearance at Wonderfestival Summer ’15 next weekend! Whilst we won’t pretend to know much about the figure, the limited research we’ve managed to do has informed us that the little guy is actually an officially licensed product from Japanese food company Kracie, leading us to assume that the design is based on one of their many food mascots. Standing at around 2.5″ tall and coming cast in the standard “flesh tone” soft resin (rubber), expect to see Gamuratsuisuto at Yutani’s WF booth on Sunday, July 26th for around 2,000-3,000yen ($16-$24). As a licensed product, we doubt the figure will be made available overseas, so to anyone interested, we suggest hitting up forwarding service M-World at m-world-service@dream.jp with any enquiries…

MAN-E-NEWS// The “Negora Vs. Tateobesu” Monster Battle set from Konatsuya x Sunguts…

Konatsuya is very proud to reveal that she’s teamed up with Sunguts for the latest Monster Battle set! Featuring Konatsuya’s signature “Negora” figure alongside Sunguts’ awesome “Tateobesu” shark monster, the pair are due to be released in 2 different colorways – blue/brown and brown/black – both coming cast in a light grey soft vinyl and treated to gold, red, white and black detailing. Going on sale this Friday, July 18th at a number of Japanese retailers including One-Up, the “Negora Vs. Tateobesu” Monster Battle sets can be yours for just 5,400yen ($44) each. Whilst we’re still unsure as to whether the little guys will be available to overseas customers, we’re sure forwarding service M-World will be able to help out with any requests- interested parties can hit them up at m-world-service@dream.jp…

MAN-E-NEWS// Any Old Ion’s “Bullet Agate” and “Emme Power” sofubi prototypes revealed…

Having had continued success with their debut “Ion Men” sofubi, the team behind Any Old Ion (AOI) Toys have started work on a follow-up release, the “Bullet Agate” and “Emme Power” Roller Derby Girls! Born out of a love for the hugely popular high-impact sport – and as a nod to the powerful women who take part – the pair have been designed by AOI’s Matt based on his partner, the derby-loving Taz, coming sculpted by the legendary Siccaluna Kobo at a mini-sized 4″ tall each. Due to be produced in Japanese soft vinyl later this year, be sure to keep a close eye on the AOI Instagram feed here for more news on the duo soon…

MAN-E-NEWS// The “Infinite Edition” Andre the Giant’s Posse Has a Posse resin figure from Junkfed…

Resin artist Junkfed comes with his latest slab of mashed-up pop culture goodness, the Andre the Giant’s Posse Has a Posse custom bootleg! A loving tribute to cult horror “They Live”, legendary wrestler “Andre the Giant” and street artist Obey’s repurposing of the two in his own work, the stunning 5″ tall figure has been booted from a static vintage wrestler toy, featuring a re-sculpted face based on the aforementioned flick’s mind-controlling aliens. Cast in 1.75 ounces of solid resin and treated to an authentic “OG” paint app in blue, black and red for this first run – titled the “Infinite” edition – the figure comes packed with a custom header based on Obey’s original Andre art for just $40 plus shipping. Look out for the release in Junkfed’s store next Wednesday, July 22nd (time TBC)…

MAN-E-NEWS// KtoKto’s Kaibutsu: Series 3 test shots revealed…

Japanese sculptor KtoKto is proud to reveal the third wave in his ongoing Kaibutsu (Monster) series! Originally assumed by us to be the next figures in Newtervision’s Derformate series – largely due to their striking similarity in style – the latest set features just 2 characters this time around, Frankenstein and Dracula, that come with a matching tombstone accessory. Pictures here in vinyl test shot form, we’ll be keeping our fingers crossed that the little guys see their first painted release at Wonderfestival Summer ’15 next weekend… Look out for the full lowdown soon!

MAN-E-NEWS// Plaseebo at MOAH’s “The Art of Toy” show…

Bob Conge aka Plaseebo is proud to introduce to pieces that he’ll have on display at MOAH‘s upcoming “The Art of Toy” show this weekend! First up, we have the ingeniously titled “After Hieronymus Bosch” (top). A one of a kind custom that’s been hand cast by Plaseebo in resin, this ode to Bosch’s fantastical paint style comes with fitted with inset red eyes and an internal switched color-changing LED unit…

Next, we have the “Mummy Gnaw-X 1”. The latest custom to feature Plaseebo’s Gnaw-X head on top of the Skull Head Butt body, the 9″ tall figure again features red glass inset eyes and an internal motion LED unit, all coming wrapped in an authentic cloth bandage… On display at the event starting this Saturday, July 18th, pricing for both pieces is still to be confirmed…

MAN-E-NEWS// Joseph Harmon x Toy Art Gallery’s “Wolf Thing Bat Mother” sofubi revealed…

Joseph Harmon has been working closely with Toy Art Gallery on a number of new vinyl toys recently, the first to be revealed coming in the form of the wonderfully strange Wolf Thing Bat Mother! Whilst very little is known about the figure at present, it would appear that the clever totem-style design stands at around 5″-6″ tall with articulation in both the arms and head. Due to be making its debut at a group show Harmon will be participating in at TAG next month – hopefully alongside the previously teased Vampirass – look out for a full, painted reveal plus release details over the coming weeks…

MAN-E-NEWS// The “Major League” Madballs of Death from Joe Whiteford x Zectron…

Joe Whiteford has teamed up with Zectron for a special “Major League” run of the Madball of Death keshi! Designed and sculpted by Zectron and cast by our very own Tru:Tek, the ingenious 3-part figures have been treated to a number of jaw-dropping one-off paint apps courtesy of Joe, each coming packed in a custom baseball with a deluxe oversized header, also by Joe. Limited to an edition of just 7 pieces, the “Major League” Madballs of Death will be touching down in the Joe Whiteford store this Friday, July 17th for just $85 shipped in the U.S… Can’t wait until then?! Well, you’ll be glad to know that Joe is currently accepting preorders via e-mail. Hit him up at joecalibretto@hotmail.com with your enquiries…

MAN-E-NEWS// New “Iron Monkey II”, “Dentetsu-Jin” and “Roly Poly the Bomb” sofubi from Kikkake…

After a brief hiatus, Kikkake make a welcome return this week with a whole slew of new items for their online store! Featuring a maraca holding “Dentetsu-Jin” in metallic blue for 4,500yen ($37), plus 2 new “Roly Poly The Bomb” figures, also priced at 4,500yen ($37), these are to be joined by the latest iteration of the mid-sized “Iron Monkey II”, featuring a mix of life-like brown/metallic sprays and coming packed with 2 randomly assorted “Roly Poly” omake for 15,000yen ($122). Look out for all 4 figures in the Kikkake store this coming Sunday, July 19th at 11pm Japan time…

MAN-E-NEWS// Mirock Toy’s new sofubi test pulls revealed…

Mirock Toy have just unveiled not one, not two, but a whopping total of five new figures that have just made the transition into vinyl! Offering up a slightly more traditional aesthetic than their usual mecha-infused Dr Mirock figures, the set take on an idol-like quality, featuring a mix of Buddhas, monks and even Mirock’s “Mirocku Maru” VAG entry, all sculpted/carved by Kaneko Yowohei in a unique mix of “chemical” wood and clay. Pictured here in finished vinyl test shot form, we’ll be keeping our fingers crossed that all 5 figures make their way into the next online Mirock sale over the coming weeks. Keep a close eye on the Mirock Instagram feed here for more info soon…

MAN-E-NEWS// The “Make A Dream” Cap Duck resin figure from Shonside…

Taipei-based artist Shonside has just unveiled his latest figure up for grabs, the adorable “Make A Dream” Cap Duck! Standing at just under 3.5″ tall, the little guy – a loving homage to both Disney’s Donald Duck and urban design – has been cast in a crystal clear resin complete with teams blue, orange, pink and black sprays. Currently available via preorder through the Shonside online store right here, the “Make A Wish” Cap Duck will set you back just $45 plus postage. Expect shipping in late August ’15…

MAN-E-NEWS// Plaseebo’s “Sleep Crawler” custom for TAG’s Lucid Dream show…

Bob Conge aka Plaseebo is proud to announce that he’ll be making an appearance at Toy Art Gallery‘s upcoming “Lucid Dream” group show with his latest custom creation, the super creepy Sleep Crawler! A one of a kind mash-up featuring the head of Kurobokan‘s Sleep Walker sofubi, the piece features a hand cast resin “Octo” base complete with clear glass eye inserts and a switched color-changing LED unit mounted in the base. Joining a whole heap of other Sleep Walker customs at the show’s opening on Saturday, July 10th, pricing for the Crawler is still to be confirmed…

MAN-E-NEWS// The “Rainbow” Nei sofubi micro-run from Candie Bolton…

Artist Candie Bolton has taken on Baketan’s new “Nei” sofubi for her latest painted run release! Produced in a beige soft vinyl, the 4.5″ tall figures have been treated to a swathe of beautiful rainbow Monster Kolor sprays, coming complete with some wonderfully ornate brushed gouache detailing and a protective clear coat. Limited to an edition of just 3 pieces, Candie’s “Rainbow” Nei will be available from her online store here at 6pm Pacific time today (7/13) for $150 each plus shipping…

MAN-E-NEWS// The “Pink” OozeOozeOoze ball from Blurble…

Having only been made available publicly once since it’s first appearance a few months back, we’re very happy to reveal that Blurble‘s OozeOozeOoze ball is now finally available online! Inspired by cult gross-out line “Madballs”, Shigeru Arai’s highly sought after “NagNagNag” ball, and more recently, The Disarticulators’ “Oozeball”, the beautifully realised piece has been sculpted in-scale by Chris Grondin at around 3″ across, coming cast by the artist in a squishy paintable foam similar to the original 80’s balls. Limited to just one one-off piece in a stunning pink/blue colorway, Blurble’s OozeOozeOoze can be found in his store right here for just $80 plus shipping…

MAN-E-NEWS// Mondo’s Madball revival revealed at SDCC ’15…

Joining Super7 and their epic revival of Masters of the Universe – and of course, M.U.S.C.L.E too – the team over at Mondo took SDCC ’15 as the perfect chance to announce another classic 80’s brand that’ll be making a long awaited comeback this year… James Groman’s Madballs! Whilst details on the project are still scarce at present, it would appear that a total of 3 designs from the original series will be made available first – Slobulus, Horn Head and Skull Face – each coming re-designed and sculpted in the original 3″ scale by the guys at Ramirez Studios. Due to go on sale via preorder over the next few months, be sure to stay tuned for the full lowdown on this exciting project as soon as we have hit…

MAN-E-NEWS// The Wonderfestival exclusive “Iron Meat” sofubi from Restore…

After numerous teasers and reveals over the past few months, Restore have finally unveiled the first fully painted version of their latest figure, “Iron Meat”, in-full! Said to be the friend of the previously released “Neo Japan”, the lumbering cyborg – originally realised in garage kit form – has been reimagined by RESTORE’s Abe Junnokai, standing at little over 8″, coming with 8 points of articulation and featuring clear cutaway sections in the stomach and on the head as well as a fully removable “rocket” arm. Wonderfully painted up in a mix of subtle grey tones coupled with ultra-realistic rust weathering and a striking pair of yellow/black striped pants, this first version of Iron Meat will be making it’s debut at Wonderfestival on July 26th, coming in at just 8,000yen ($65) a piece… Stay tuned for news of the first overseas release soon!

MAN-E-NEWS// Mirock Toy’s “Emerald Mountain Dragon” overseas sale…

Mirock Toy have just unveiled their latest release currently available for overseas order, the “Emerald Mountain Dragon” sets! Offering up a total of 4 different purchasing options this time around, we have – (starting bottom left) Mirocloneputar and Sanntennou for $70, Dr Mirock OG-AT with Mirock Attack tank for $80, Mirock Hontai, Kurama Houshi and Nottorijyaki for $70 and newcomer Massive Attack (top) for $75 – all coming cast in a bright teal vinyl with metallic green, purple and gold sprays. Currently available via e-mail lottery, those interested in entering must send their desired product/set, name, Instagram name, country, shipping address, phone number and PayPal address to kaneko@mirock-toy.com before close on Monday, July 13th… Good luck to all who enter!

MAN-E-NEWS// The “Nuke Beach” resin mini figures from Slime Time…

Artist Louie Chavez aka Slime Time is proud to present his debut mini figure series, Nuke Beach! Drawing inspiration from classic gross-out toys of the 80’s and 90’s, as well cult cartoons such as the Toxic Crusaders, the line-up is set to feature a number of surfers that are said to have been mutated by a nuclear tsunami during a Fukushima surf competition- the first 2 coming in the form of Chum Bucket and Fukushiman. Designed, sculpted and cast in resin by Chavez, the pair both stand at around 3″ tall, coming meticulously hand painted in UV reactive paints and packed with a mutated surf board, can of glow goop and a character nuclear stat sheet. Limited to just 6 of each, both Chum Bucket and Fukishiman can be found in the Nuke Beach store right here for $65 each…