SoftoyHobby Archives

MAN-E-NEWS// The Oozeball sofubi wax prototypes revealed…

With the sofubi Oozeball preorder proving to be a huge success last month, we thought we’d give those early adopters of the figure a little update on its progress. Having been recast in wax and retooled for jointing over the past week, the ball is now in the hands of the factory over in Japan for the final stages of mould making… So not long now! One thing that we neglected to mention during the preorder was our choice of a vintage-style matt finish over the typical gloss of most modern sofubi, which – along with the super squishy soft vinyl that’ll be used – will create a look and feel more akin to the original 1970’s Ooze-It doll. Stay tuned for a reveal of the first test pull over the next few weeks…

MAN-E-NEWS// Rampage Studios’ Holday Extravaganza online sale…

With Rampage Studios‘ Holiday Extravaganza event proving to be a huge success this past Friday, owner Jon Malmstedt has revealed that only a smattering of figures remain for general sales. All currently available in the Rampage Toys store right here, we bring you a quick rundown of exactly what’s on offer…

Rampage x Konatsuya “Kubiros”- Rampage’s Jon Malmstedt takes on Konatsu’s fox sofubi Kubiros for his latest official micro-run. Limited to just 5 pieces, these have been produced in a yellow soft vinyl with subtle orange, white and red sprays for just $50 each.

Rampage x Tarantulas “Merry Nibbler”- A one-off, 4 armed variant of The Tarantulas ever popular “Nibbler” RealxHead figure, the little guy has been treated to a festive mix of metallic red, green and yellow sprays with a shiny gloss coat, coming in at just $90.

“Metal Brigade” Unicorn Tanks- The Gachapon Goblin micro tanks return for a special holiday release with Unicorn riders! Featuring a tank in either silver or bronze, each set comes complete with a full Unicorn micro that can be split in 2 and fitted on top of the tank. Priced at just $15 a set, these have been limited to just 4.

2014 Rampage x Krotpong “Killer Krampus”- Following the success of last year’s release, Krotpong’s Killer Krampus returns for another Christmas edition! Produced in a blue glow soft vinyl, the 9″ tall figure has been treated to a number of paint apps from both Rampage’s Jon Malmstedt and famed Kaiju Painter, Goto-san. Coming packed with a “demon bad child” omake, ruten (for beating said child!) and removable gold chains, the limited batch – including a one-off chase – have been priced at $100 a piece.

Rampage x Bukimi Blasters “Evil Demon”- As originally revealed here, Rampage’s Jon Malmstedt has taken on Bukimi Blasters’ Evil Demon sofubi for his latest painted micro-run. Produced in the standard mint green soft vinyl, the 5.5″ figure has been adorned with a number of blood-red sprays, rubs and hand painted detailing courtesy of Jon, coming complete with a super-gruesome matching severed head omake. Limited to just 5, these have been priced at $100 each.

MAN-E-NEWS// RedJaroJam’s Puke Horse prototype revealed…

Pushing full steam ahead with a whole slew of new mini figure creations at the moment – a couple of which we’ll be featuring very soon – Jared DeCosta aka RedJaroJam has just unveiled one of his most intriguing projects of all, the Puke Horse! What appears to be an unofficial companion figure to the artist’s OMFG Series 2 entry “Puke Knight”, this all-new addition ingeniously replaces the original ghost for an in-scale “puke” stead that the hapless knight can be mounted on the back of. Whilst the still WIP figure is unfortunately unlikely to see an official release through the October Toys mini line, we’ll be keeping our fingers crossed that one of the many indie producers out there picks it up soon…

MAN-E-NEWS// The Cheestroyer keshi from Bad Teeth Comics x Eric Nilla…

Debuting at Designer Con 2014 last month, the Cheestroyer keshi from Bad Teeth Comics is now up for grabs online! Sculpted and produced by keshi master Eric Nilla, the 2″ Monster in My Pocket-style figures have been cast up in a wide variety of finishes including neon, thermal color change, glitter, marbled and more. Currently available to customers from Australia, New Zealand and South East/East Asia in the Bad Teeth Comics store right here for just $15AUS each plus shipping, everyone else will be able to pick one up from the Eric Nilla store at some point this weekend. Keep a close eye on Eric’s Instagram feed here for an exact drop time soon…

MAN-E-NEWS// Studio Uamou’s 4th Anniversary Fortune Uamou sofubi minis…

With Studio Uamou closing for it’s 4th anniversary next Wednesday, December 10th in preparation for the upcoming “UAMOU ♥ MAYU meets CUVEE” exposition, the team have decided to celebrate a little early with the release of a very special batch of Fortune Uamou sofubi minis! Coming in 3 different hand painted colorways; Cosmic GID, Cosmic White and White Dawn, the trio are currently up for grabs in the Tokyo-based store as a set for early birds (price TBC) or singularly for just 2,000yen ($17). International customers can make enquiries by e-mailing Uamou directly at info@uamou.com…

MAN-E-NEWS// The “Winter Chibi Set” Pocket Sideshow sofubi from Circus Posterus x Tomenosuke…

The guys over at Circus Posterus and Tomenosuke are proud to reveal the second release of their Pocket Sideshow sofubi, the Winter Chibi Set! Featuring all 4 designs from the series – Otto from Brandt Peters, Snowshoe from Amanda Louise Spayd, Penelope from Kathie Olivas and Puddlesproot from Chris Ryniak – the gang of 3″ minis have been produced in a GID soft vinyl this time around, with an 8-pack (full painted set + full unpainted set) available for $150, a 4-pack (painted) for $95, and 2-packs (painted and unpainted versions of a single figure) priced at $45. Limited to an edition of 100 of each figure, 50 are due to be heading to Tomenosuke, whilst the remaining half will be touching down in the Circus Posterus store on December 10th…

MAN-E-NEWS// The “Army Green” Rancid Raptor from James Groman x Lulubell Toys…

Having made brief appearances at both NYCC and Designer Con over the past couple of months, James Groman‘s follow-up to Rotten Rexx, the Rancid Raptor, has finally made his debut online! Designed and sculpted by Groman and produced by Grody Shogun, the 3.5″ sofubi mini has been cast in an unpainted “Army Green” soft vinyl for the release, alongside a few rare chase figures in red, yellow, tan, mint and black. Limited to just 2 per customer, the Rancid Raptors can be found in the Lulubell Toys store right here for just $35 each plus shipping…

MAN-E-NEWS// Skull Toys’ DOCK ‘n ROLL “Clear Ver” sofubi…

Having seen a limited release at Designer Con 2014 last month, Skull Toys are proud to reveal that their DOCK ‘n ROLL sofubi is now available to purchase online! Standing at around 5″ tall with 4 points of articulation, the soft vinyl figure comes complete with 2 additional, fully interchangeable heads. Whilst the DCon exclusive black, grey and white marble edition has long since sold out, a small supply of the pictured Clear Ver. remain, coming in at just 4,500yen ($39) plus shipping. Interested parties can order by sending their name, address, telephone number and PayPal address to go_go_starman@yahoo.co.jp…

MAN-E-NEWS// Tug-O-War from Zectron x Unbox Industries revealed…

Known for his extensive work as part of The Disarticulators, the Amazing Zectron has just revealed images of his first ever solo mini figure, Tug-O-War! A labour of love that’s been nearly 2 years in the making, the over-sized, 2.5″ tall keshi blends elements from right across kaiju and classic sci-fi, featuring, amongst other design flourishes, an ingenious back-mounted tug boat so that the nautical beast can travel the seas unnoticed – until it’s time to attack that is!

To be produced by Unbox Industries alongside designs from 3 as yet unconfirmed artists – more on those very soon – as part of the upcoming “Strange Monsters” line, Tug Kaiju is due to come in a unique, keshi-like slosh cast soft vinyl, something we’re very interested in checking out! With a debut release slated for as early as Christmas, you can be sure that as soon as anything’s confirmed, you guys will be the first in the know…

MAN-E-NEWS// Rampage Toys x Medicom Toy’s “RAMPAGING Polar Bear” Kesagake revealed…

Jon over at Rampage Toys is very proud to reveal that he’ll be teaming up with Medicom Toy for an exclusive “RAMPAGING Polar Bear” edition of his hugely popular Kesagake sofubi! Standing at a lofty 10.5″ tall and coming with 4 points of articulation, the menacing grizzly has been produced in a snowy white soft vinyl for the release, coming complete with a number of icy blue sprays plus both male and female Hokkaido settler omake in a frost-bitten light blue. Due to touch down via lottery on the Medicom Toy store at some point in mid-December, the “RAMPAGING Polar Bear” Kesagake will set you back just 20,000yen ($173) plus shipping… Look out for an updated post once the release goes live!

MAN-E-NEWS// The “BLObPUS Paint Ver.” Barabaran and Cosmegira GID Set…

Hot on the heals of the recent Cobra Ningen release, BLObPUS is proud to reveal that he’s teamed up with Yamomark for yet another round of open-run sales, proudly presenting the Barabaran and Cosmegira GID Set! Both produced in BLObPUS’ signature glow in the dark vinyl, the pair have been treated to a number of contrasting sprays; Barabaran coming in a stunning mix of blue to crimson rose, and Cosmegira, inspired by the covers of the Japonika plant books, a selection of lush greens, pinks, yellow and gold. Priced at 17,000 yen ($146) as a set or just 8,800yen ($76) for Barabaran and 8,500yen ($73) for Cosmegira separately, the figures will be available via open preorder through the BLObPUS blog right here until Tuesday, December 9th…

MAN-E-NEWS// S.U.C.K.L.E Series 2 Kickstarter stretch goals revealed…

Having just smashed the $25,000 target with just 2 days left until the end of their S.U.C.K.L.E Series 2 Kickstarter campaign (get the full lowdown on the project here), DKE Toys and The Sucklord are proud to present another 3 stretch goals to help push that total even further! Bringing the staggering total of figures in the series up to 14, the new additions include a mini rendition of the Glyos Sucklord available at $26,000, Scott Tolleson’s Blowpeg at $27,000 and the Sucklord Dumny at $28,000. If the specified goals are reached by the end of the campaign, every pledge over $45 – the price of the Kickstarter Exclusive Set – will be guaranteed to receive a copy of each figure in both GID and the standard flesh-tone, an extra 6 figures to an already brimming collection of 22! With the campaign finishing in little over 30 hours time,we suggest heading over to the page right here and getting that pledge in ASAP before it’s too late…

MAN-E-NEWS// The MonstreHero “Stegoforest” sofubi micro-run…

Artist Jesse Narens has teamed up with the guys over at MonstreHero for the latest edition of his debut sofubi, Stegoforest! Standing at around 5″ tall and coming with 3 points of articulation, the nature loving dino has been cast in a slime green soft vinyl this time around, coming with a plethora of brown, grey and light green sprays courtesy of MH. Packed with mini matching Acorn Warrior omake, the limited batch of 5 figures are currently up for grabs in the Stegoforest store right here for just $80 each plus shipping…

MAN-E-NEWS// The Mini-Niku Ring Series from Sean Gallagher…

Featuring alongside the previously posted Mutant Mickeys at ConArtistNYC‘s Action Figures: Objectified group show over the weekend, we thought we’d shine a little light on the latest release from ToyAsObject‘s Sean Gallagher, the Mini-Niku Ring Series! Featuring the same 2 kit-bashed and re-sculpted Kinkeshi mini figures from the previous Mini-Niku release, the pair have been cast in a selection of 6 one-off colorways using a flexible urethane this time around, each coming packed on a matching over-sized custom cardback – the sixth, a full color chase, featuring a special resealable hexagon blister with an additional magnetic Robo figure. Priced at $75 a set, the 5 remaining will be available through the ConArtistNYC gallery until the show’s close on Saturday, December 6th…

MAN-E-NEWS// Rampage Toys’ Ultrakaiju Series “Aboras” test shot teased…

Having seen a huge amount of success with Jamira over the past 6 months, Jon Malmstedt over at Rampage Toys has revealed that a second entry into the officially Tsuburaya-licensed Ultrakaiju Series will be making an appearance early next year! Taking on Ultraman’s dino-kaiju “Aboras” this time around, it would appear that the mono-horned beast will be in-scale with Jamira, standing at around 5″ tall and 6″ long. Teased here as the first vinyl test pull, we’re unfortunately going to have to wait a little while before we can get our hands on this one, the debut currently slated for Wonderfestival in February 2015. Here’s hoping we won’t have to wait until then for a full reveal…

MAN-E-NEWS// One-off custom Maxx Bots from Buildbots…

Artist Will Long aka Buildbots has taken on Max Toy Co‘s Maxx Bots for his latest round of one-off customs! Utilising both bat-ear and mohican variants of the 2-part sofubi mini, the pair have been treated to Will’s instantly recognisable blend of kit-bashed found objects and meticulous weathered paint detail, both coming complete with all-new articulated arms and cut out, mesh backed masks. Currently available by e-mailing Max Toy directly at info@maxtoyco.com, the Maxx Bots have been priced at just $150 each… Here’s hoping we see more of these little guys from Buildbots soon!

MAN-E-NEWS// Zarigani Works x Medicom Toy’s “Centaur Wrester” Vinyl Artist Gacha Series 1…

Joining the previously featured “Emerian” minis from Mee Mei, Medicom Toy have secured yet another figure for their newly established Vinyl Gacha Artist: Series 1, the adorable Centaur Wrestler from Zarigani Works! Similar to Emerian, the paunch little guy stands at just under 2.5″ tall, coming in a selection of 5 different blind-bagged colorways. Touching down alongside Emerian at Village Vangard as well as 26 other Japan-based retailers on December 13th, the Centaur Wrestlers will be up for grabs at a super-cheap 463yen ($4) each. Overseas customers are going to need to get in contact with forwarding service M-World at m-world-service@dream.jp to be in with a chance of bagging these…

MAN-E-NEWS// Leo Sofubi Bouya’s new “Guzo Taboo Kaiju” revealed…

Having had a huge amount of success with his debut sofubi, the Guzo Taboo Kaiju, Leo Sofubi Bouya has been hard at work on a follow-up! Featuring the same unique, snake-like body of the original, the massive 13″ tall figure comes complete with an all-new pair of elongated arms, open palm and fit-clenched hands, plus the pièce de résistance, an ingenious 4-way head design! Presumably making it’s debut in the pictured tan soft vinyl with brown sprays soon, we suggest keeping a close eye on Leo’s Instagram feed here for details of the release soon…

MAN-E-NEWS// The Rampage x Bukimi Blasters “Evil Demon” for the Rampage Studios Holiday Extravaganza…

Jon Malmstedt over at Rampage Toys is getting in the Christmas spirit as he prepares for the latest show over at Rampage Studios, the Holiday Extravaganza! Opening it’s doors at the Tokyo-based gallery space this Friday, December 5th at 7pm, the event is set to play host to a whole slew of different toys, including works from Fig Lab, Paul Kaiju, Cosmo Knight Alpha, Leo Sofubi Bouya, Krotpong and of course original Rampage sofubi from Jon himself. Whilst final reveals are still pretty thin on the ground at the moment, we can treat you guys to one figure that’ll be featuring, the stunning “Evil Demon” you see above. Produced in the standard mint green soft vinyl, the Bukimi Blasters-produced figure has been adorned with a number of blood-red sprays, rubs and hand painted detailing courtesy of Jon, coming complete with a super-gruesome matching severed head omake. Dropping at the event as part of a simultaneous online release, pricing for the figure is still to be confirmed… Be sure to keep a close eye on the Rampage Instagram feed here for a look at the rest of what’ll be featuring throughout the week!

MAN-E-NEWS// The “Mutant Mickey” resin figure from Wizard Skull…

Brooklyn-based illustrator Wizard Skull is proud to present his latest resin figure, Mutant Mickey! Inspired by the artist’s reoccurring character of the same name, the towering 6.5″ figure was kit-bashed from a pair of vintage Disney Marx figures, recast in resin by our very own Tru:Tek and then hand painted by WS in an authentic pallet of black, cream, white, yellow and red acrylics. Making it’s debut at the recent Action Figures: Objectified at ConArtistNYC over the weekend as a run of just 2 figures accompanied by one-off paintings, the artist has thankfully produced another limited batch that are currently being offered to Wizard Skull e-mail subscribers – sign up here – for an undisclosed sum. Not on the mailing list, but want to bag the figure? Then you’ll be glad to know that you can also make enquiries by e-mailing info@wizardskull.com… Stay tuned for news on the next edition – a Man-E-Toys exclusive, no less – in the near future!

UPDATE// Wizard Skull has very kindly confirmed that these have been priced at $150 each. Be sure to hit him up before the remaining are gone for good!