SoftoyHobby Archives

MAN-E-NEWS// Tru:Tek’s “Ooze Tank” micro keshi teased…

Originally posted on IG over the weekend and subsequently covered by fellow toy blog Spanky Stokes, we’ve decided to finally shed some light on the latest work-in-progress toy from our editor-in-chief, Tru:Tek… the Ooze Tank! Once again drawing obvious inspiration from the much-loved 70’s Ooze-It doll, the hand sculpted piece – pictured here alongside the MoYF Ooze ring for scale – will form the basis for a whole line of sub 1″ micro-sized tank keshi influenced by classic/cult toys, as well as becoming the standard omake accessory for future Oozeball releases. Due to be cast up in a flexible, keshi-style rubber once the sculpt is complete, expect details of the first Ooze Tank release towards the end of next month…

MAN-E-NEWS// The Toy Tokyo exclusive “Kanda Kaiju” from Siccaluna Koubo…

The guys over at esteemed art toy retailer Toy Tokyo are proud to reveal that they’ve secured an exclusive colorway of the latest figure from Siccaluna Koubo, the stunning Kanda Kaiju! Standing at around 10″ tall, the lumbering, stacked head beast appears to have been produced in a red soft vinyl for this release, coming hand painted in a mix of black, white and pink sprays. Limited to just 30 pieces worldwide, the TT exclusive Kanda Kaiju can be found right here for just $130 plus shipping…

MAN-E-NEWS// Paul Kaiju at Rampage Studios’ “Clash of the Titans” group show…

As promised in our earlier announcement, we will be revealing a number of works that’ll be featuring in the huge “Clash of the Titans” show at Rampage Studios next week, the first batch coming in the form of this trifecta of one-off customs from Paul Kaiju! Featuring a gorgeous spotted “Callico Radon” Pollen Kaiser and a partially revealed “Sea Wolf” Goboking, our favourite so far has got to be the “Pollenator”; an ingenious mash-up of both previously mentioned figures, complete with a gorgeous metallic paint app. Touching down at Rampage Studios next Friday, June 26th alongside a whole host of other figures from some of kaiju/sofubi’s finest, we’ll be keeping our fingers crossed that one or two of these pieces manage to make it to Rampage’s online store soon after…

MAN-E-NEWS// The “Two Face Todd” Trouballz sofubi from Bad Attic…

Originally teased as a near-finished wax proto just a few weeks back, the “Two Face Todd” sofubi from Bad Attic Toys has just been revealed in-full! The first to feature in the ongoing Madball-inspired “Trouballz” line, the gruesome ball comes in at an authentically scaled 3″ wide, featuring a two faced, gross-out design complete with a rather clever cranium cap joint. Produced in a thick light purple soft vinyl for its first release, we’re told to expect a bootleg/knock-off inspired paint app on the figure before it makes its official debut in just a few weeks time. Stay tuned for the full lowdown – plus details of Bad Attic’s upcoming trading card and mini figure releases – soon…

MAN-E-NEWS// The “Sunobite” Strange Monsters keshi from Tru:Tek x Unbox Industries…

Originally teased in prototype form back in December of last year, the “Sunobite” mini figure from our very own Tru:Tek will finally be available soon! Created as part of Unbox Industries‘ new “Strange Monsters” line, the nightmarish mix of both rikishi (sumo) and Hellraiser’s most fearsome Cenobite – the Chatterer – was designed by Tru:Tek and rendered by Unbox’s digital team, coming in at an oversized 2.5″ tall and 2″ wide. Produced by Unbox in a unique green, rubber-like soft vinyl for it’s first release, the Sunobite is set to drop in the Man-E-Toys store alongside a few neat little extras – including a mini print from none other than Sexual Youkai – within the next couple of weeks. Look out for the full lowdown, plus details on the upcoming Strange Monster releases from Bigmantoys, Zectron and Ironhaus Pro, soon…

MAN-E-NEWS// The “Online Exclusive” Astro Unkotsu sofubi from Goccodo…

Seeing numerous exclusive releases since it’s debut last year, the highly sought after Astro Unkotsu sofubi from Goccodo is set to receive it’s first online release soon! Whilst the above pic is all we have to go on at present, we can at least confirm that the head has been cast in a blue soft vinyl with flesh, pink and purple sprays. Due to touch down in Goccodo’s online store over the coming weeks, be sure to keep a close eye on the artist’s Instagram feed here for a full reveal of the figure – plus release details – soon…

MAN-E-NEWS// Vinyl Pulse’s 10th Anniversary Exclusive Astronaut from Itokin Park…

As one of the very first sites to start covering the then new designer toy scene, the guys over at the industry leading blog Vinyl Pulse have decided to celebrate their tenth year in the game with a very special release… an exclusive version of Itokin Park‘s Astronaut sofubi! VP’s Jack Muramatsu kindly explains a little about the project… “Vinyl Pulse first started covering designer toys back in the Spring of 2005 and we’ve loved doing our “jobs” throughout the years. To celebrate a decade of toy blogging, we wanted to offer collectors, fans and our readers a special toy. To do so, we’ve gone full circle by asking our good friend Kazuhiko Ito (Itokin Park) who created the first VP exclusive–the VP Robo resin figure back in 2006–to do the honors for our 10th Anniversary toy, an exclusive version of his adorable Astronaut sofubi…” Coming in an eye-catching mix of green and black inspired by the Vinyl Pulse colors, the soft vinyl figure comes packed with a header, sticker sheet and bonus 10th Anniversary button created by Kazu. Going on sale through the Vinyl Pulse site this coming Friday, June 19th at 7.30am Pacific time, the 10th Anniversary Exclusive Astronaut has been priced at just $35 plus shipping…

MAN-E-NEWS// The GID King Negora w/Glitter Guts from BLObPUS x Max Toy Co…

BLObPUS has teamed up with none other than Max Toy Co for his latest one-off custom release, proudly presenting the GID King Negora with Glitter Guts! Produced in BLObPUS’ signature glow soft vinyl, the 9″ tall beast has been treated to a swathe of neon pastel sprays with black and pink spot detailing, coming complete with removable head and stomach sections that reveal gold glitter sofubi guts inside. Currently up for grabs via lottery for just 13,980yen () plus shipping, those looking for a chance at the stunning piece are going to need to fire over an e-mail to shopping@blobpus.jp with “KING NEGORA [GID with Glitter Guts]” in the header, being sure to include their name, country, address, telephone number and PayPal address… Good luck to all who enter!

MAN-E-NEWS// The “Mad Wrestlers” keshi from Monster Island x Disart ToyLabs…

Originally seeing a limited release in resin courtesy of Toy Art gallery, Monster Island‘s awesome “Mad Wrestlers” are set to return in keshi-form courtesy of the Disart ToyLabs! Heavily inspired by the Weirdballs mini figure off-shoots, these ingenious little guys feature recast and reduced Madball heads that have been kit-bashed with a number of different M.U.S.C.L.E bodies. Featuring a total of 6 different designs from Monster Island’s Paul Bass – 3 more than the original release – the group have all been recast by our very own Tru:Tek in a flexible, UV resistant rubber. Due to come packed with exclusive artwork from tattooist/illustrator AshMadeThis, the Mad Wrestlers will be up for grabs in a number of limited colorways soon, with the main drop penciled in for DCon in November. Look out for the full lowdown on these over the next couple of weeks!

MAN-E-NEWS// Rampage Studios’ “Clash of the Titans” sofubi show announced…

Jon Malmstedt over at Rampage Toys is proud to announce arguably the biggest show in sofubi this year… Rampage Studios’ one-day-only “Clash of the Titans” mega event! Featuring works from some of the biggest artists in contemporary kaiju and sofubi, including Paul Kaiju, MVH, Splurrt, Leo Sofvi Bouya, Izumonster, GEEK! and of course Jon himself, the event will also play host to a very special “secret” Oozeball release from none other than Cosmo Knight Alpha/Longneck! Whilst details on the release are still close guarded at present, it would appear that The Disarticulators’ “squeaky toy” is set to receive a very limited painted run courtesy of CKA’s Yoda-san. Opening it’s doors at the Tokyo-based location next Friday, June 26th at 7pm, expect teasers for the show – plus details on that Oozeball release – over the next few days…

MAN-E-NEWS// Peter Kato introduces the “Satyr” resin figure from Seulgie…

Having successfully guided Inamitoyland‘s Kevin Namm into the world of indie toys through his apprenticeship program back in 2013, our good friend Peter Kato is proud to reveal yet another artist he’s taken under his wing over the past year, the super-talented Seulgie! As with Kevin, Seulgie was given a 7 month whistle stop tour of every aspect of hand made toys, extensively covering the likes of hand sculpting, silicone mold making, resin casting and sanding techniques. Finishing her apprenticeship back in 2014, Seulgie has been hard at work developing her debut figure “Satyr” ever since, the first batch of which will finally be available through Peter’s store later this week. Standing at around 4.5″ tall, the Kewpie-esque piece has been 100% hand produced by the artist, coming in a choice of 6 one-off, hand painted pastel colorways. Priced at a very reasonable $85 each, Satyr will be up for grabs right here this Thursday, June 8th at 8pm Eastern time… But that’s not all! To celebrate her debut, Seulgie will also have a number of Peter’s Bedtime Danglers and Sleeptime Bunnies up for grabs too! Produced in a variety of pastel hues, each comes with hand painted detailing that match the Satyr run. Limited to just a handful of each, the Danglers have been priced at $15 and the Bunnies, just $12…

MAN-E-NEWS// The super-limited blank “Purple” and “White” Oozeball sofubi from The Disarticulators…

As if the previously announced “Galactic Teleportation” Oozeball sale wasn’t enough, The Disarticulators are proud to reveal that they’ll also have a small supply of the figure in blank purple and white up for grabs too! Designed by Tru:Tek and sculpted by Zectron, the ball has once again been produced in a super squishy vinyl complete with a vintage-style squeaker mounted in the bottom. Limited to just 2 in each color – the rest are being held back for painted runs and one-offs over the coming months – the “Purple” and “White” Oozeballs will be available alongside the Galactic Teleportation release in the Man-E-Toys store tonight at 9pm London time, coming in at just $50 each plus shipping…

MAN-E-NEWS// The “Red/Grey” Elder Demons: Series 1 sofubi from DeathCat Toys…

Debuting at Superfestival 68 a few weeks back, DeathCat Toys‘ Elder Demons: Series 1 sofubi will finally be available online later today (6/12)! Designed by DeathCats’ Johan Ulrich and sculpted by KtoKto, the 2.5″ tall Bikkuriman/Ma-Ba-style split torso minis – Oni Mira and the Red Pharoah – have been produced by none other than Luke Rook of Lulubell Toys, coming in a gorgeous dark grey and red marbled soft vinyl for this first general release. Due to be making an appearance in the DeathCat Toys store at 10pm Eastern time tonight, the limited run of 20 sets have been priced at just $35 each plus shipping…

MAN-E-NEWS// Splurrt, Kagemaru and Leo Sofvi Bouya at Toy Art Gallery’s “Abnormable” group show…

Toy Art Gallery are proud to announce that their latest group show, the rather aptly titled “Abnormable”, will be opening it’s doors this coming Saturday, June 13th! Showcasing works from unlikely trio Splurrt, Kagemaru and Leo Sofvi Bouya, the show will play host to a number of original one-off custom toys – including the pictured Broken Bones, Cinema Monster and Bone Usir – and limited runs, plus the debut of Splurrt and TAG’s latest collaborative sofubi, the Cadaver Balls. Running from 7pm – 10pm at the LA-based location, expect any leftovers to hit the TAG online store soon after…

MAN-E-NEWS// The “Gobo King” raffle from Paul Kaiju…

Yep, yet more news from Paul Kaiju today, as the sofubi heavyweight proudly announces the first online sale for his latest slice of soft vinyl perfection, the Gobo King! Standing at a lofty 12″ tall and featuring 7 points of articulation plus a removable helmet, this first edition has been produced in a black soft vinyl complete with layer upon layer of deft metallic sprays and hand painted detailing. Priced at $340 plus shipping, anyone looking to bag the piece is going to need to fill out the dedicated raffle form that’ll be appearing on the artist’s site (click the “Raffle Open” tab on the front page) this Sunday, June 14th at Noon Pacific time. Open for a 24 hour period, winners will be notified via e-mail within 4 days of the raffle’s close… Good luck to all who enter!

MAN-E-NEWS// Algangu’s “Dissolution of Smoke: Vol. 2″ sofubi minis…

Originally teased here a few weeks back, the second wave of “Dissolution of Smoke” sofubi from Algangu will finally see their debut release this week! Featuring a total of 3 all-new designs inspired by traditional yokai and 1970’s candy shop playing cards, the figures – a gourd holding monk, a castle and a cycloptic hat – stand a little shorter than the first release at around 2.5″-3″ each, coming complete with a finger puppet-style open base design. Produced in an unpainted “red bean” colored soft vinyl for their first outing, the trio will be available to Japanese customers through the Fat Moes store this weekend, whilst overseas orders can be placed by e-mailing Algangu directly at algangu @bugsyweb.co.jp. Pricing for the set is still to be confirmed…

MAN-E-NEWS// Daniel Yu’s “Wilbur” and “Jiangshi Acolyte” release in-full…

Following our preview posts earlier in the week, we can now bring you the full line-up of both “Wilbur” and “Juangshi Acolyte” figures that our good friend Daniel Yu will have up for grabs in his store this week! Here’s a quick rundown of exactly what will be on offer come drop time at 9pm Eastern time tomorrow (6/12)…

Wilbur (grey, Unicorn Barf & Terracotta editions)// Inspired by H.P. Lovecraft’s classic tale, The Dunwich Horror, Wilbur the mutant goat stands 3.75 inches tall and will be available in a cast grey edition limited to 10 at $30 each, as well as 2 handpainted mico-runs – Terracotta and Unicorn Barf – each limited to 5 and priced at $45.

Jiangshi Acolyte (singles)// The hopping ghoul from the orient stands 3.25 inches tall and comes in 3 unpainted editions; grey, jade green and pink, each limited to 5 and priced at $20 each.

Jiangshi Acolyte (3 pack)// Build yourself a zombie horde in one fell swoop! Includes 3 mixed parts Jiangshi Acolytes (limbs not interchangeable). Limited to 10 sets, these have been priced at $60.

MAN-E-NEWS// The “Camo” Domino Jack micro-run from Mechavirus x Paul Kaiju…

Todd Robertson aka Mechavirus has just revealed that he’ll be taking on Paul Kaiju‘s Domino Jack sofubi for a special “Camo” micro-run! Limited to an edition of just 3, the space cowboy cyborgs have each been treated to unique camo-style sprays and a number of Todd’s signature “mecha” enhancements. Due to touch down in the Mechavirus store at some point next Friday, June 19th, pricing and an exact drop time are still to be confirmed. Keep a close eye on Todd’s Instagram feed here for the full lowdown soon…

MAN-E-NEWS// The Disarticulators x Rampage Toys’ “Galactic Teleportation: Wave 2” Oozeball sofubi…

Originally debuting at Superfestival 68 back in April, the second wave of “Galactic Teleportation” Oozeballs from The Disarticulators and Rampage Toys will finally be up for grabs later this week! Produced in a squishy clear matt soft vinyl, the Tru:Tek-designed, Zectron-sculpted “squeaky toy” has been treated to a mesmerising mix of pink and gold sprays with neon green detailing courtesy of Rampage, coming complete with a motion-activated LED unit that’s been mounted in the base. Limited to an edition of 9 pieces, the “Galactic Teleportation” Oozeballs: Wave 2 will be touching down in the Man-E-Toys store this Friday, June 12th at 9pm London time, priced at just $65 each plus shipping…

MAN-E-NEWS// The “Terracotta Warrior” and “Unicorn Barf” Wilbur resin figures from Daniel Yu…

Fresh from our look at the “Grey Version” Wilburs and Jiangshis just yesterday, Singapore-based artist Daniel Yu reveals yet more figures that’ll be up for grabs in his online store later this week! Once again taking on the meaty goat-faced Wilbur, the 3.5″ tall figure has been cast up in resin for 2 painted micro-runs; “Unicorn Barf” (top) and “Terracotta Warriors”; both coming in a slew of detail hugging washes and brush work. Limited to just 5 in each colorway, Wilbur will be joining the previously posted figures – plus a few soon to be revealed – in the Daniel Yu store this Friday, June 12th… Look out for more info tomorrow!