SoftoyHobby Archives

MAN-E-NEWS// Grizlli Atom’s “The Ancient Ones” WIP revealed…

Reaching even further back in time for his latest round of sofubi under the Gnosis monicker, Grizlli Atom has just unveiled a WIP look at the follow-up to the Old Ones… the Ancient Ones! Featuring a total of 3 new designs, the paperclay-style sculpts have been inspired by a unique mix of ancient Aztec culture, Miura’s vintage pachi Dinosaur kaiju, and early Jack Kirby creations Zzutak and Inhuman, Sporr. Hopefully making their way into production soon, anyone interested in giving their thoughts on the project in the meantime can do so by heading over the the Grizlli Atom IG right here…

MAN-E-NEWS// Jon Malmstedt’s custom Tunnelran for the Elegab x Plaseebo show…

Jon Malmstedt over at Rampage Studios has just revealed one of the many pieces he’ll have on display at the Elegab x Plaseebo show later this week, a stunning one-off custom Elegab Ton’neran! Finally giving the awesome sculpt the realistic paint job it’s been aching for since its debut back in 2010, the mighty tunnel beast has been treated to layer upon layer of contrasting industrial/organic toned sprays, complete with a staggering amount of hand painted detailing- just check out the work on those micro cars! Making an appearance alongside a whole host of other Elegab, Plaseebo and Rampage customs at Tokyo’s Rampage Studios gallery space this Friday, May 30th at 7pm, the show is set to run through ’till Sunday, June 1st, with online sales slated for the following Monday (time TBC). For those that haven’t already, head over to the Rampage blog here and sign up to the newsletter for first dibs on any leftovers before they head to the store…

MAN-E-NEWS// HipHopRobot’s Franken Molar paint tests revealed…

First teased here way back in January, the guys over at HipHopRobot have just revealed the very first paint tests for their debut toy, Franken Molar! Pictured here alongside another upcoming release, a collaboration with Cory Rogers entitled “Skull Rose” (more info on that soon!), the 5″ tall figure was designed by HHR’s Mark Bentley and sculpted by his other half Maren Seibold, drawing inspirations from classic B-Movie monsters, neo-kaiju and, of course, the Ooze-It doll to dazzling effect. Originally due to come in soft vinyl, the guys have since decided to take production into their own hands for this one, with this first batch coming hand cast in solid resin by Bentley. Beautifully sprayed in a vivid mix of Monster Kolor paints, this first batch of test paints will be up for grabs at some point later today (5/27) through the HipHopRobot Instagram feed for around $50 each (TBC)… Here’s hoping a bigger batch follows soon, as these 4 are certainly not going to last long!

MAN-E-NEWS// The Kreepskull Boy resin figure from Kalaka Toys…

With so many figures touching down in the Kalaka Toys store since it’s launch last weekend, we thought we’d shine a spot light on one of our favourite releases from owner Matias so far, the Kreepskull Boy custom bootlegs! Standing at an impressive 8″, the ingenious piece has been kit-bashed from a vintage ThrashMetal Boy figure, coming complete with a reduced and re-sculpted version of the iconic MOTU Greyskull playset for a head. Limited to a run of 30 hand cast resin figures in a selection of randomly assorted colours, Kreepskull Boy can be found right here for $80 plus shipping…

Still looking for more bootleg Greyskull madness?! Then you’ll be glad to know that Matias is cooking up another release for the store soon… the Kreepskull Project! Featuring straight-up, reduced and recast versions of the original playsets in a ton of blank, unpainted colourways, this looks like it’ll be the perfect chance for customisers to jump on board and offer up their take on the classic castle without having to deface an original! Keep a close eye on the Kalaka store for the drop over the next few days…

MAN-E-NEWS// New WF exclusive Real x Nibblers and Datadub F5’s at Fig-X…

Originally making an appearance at Design Fiesta 39 a couple of weeks back, Datadub has just revealed that a number of new figures are up for grabs in the Fig-X store right now! Marking the first online release of Datadub’s very own “Don” Finger 5 sofubi, a total of 3 designs are up for grabs from the WF mini DON-TEN exhibition (pictured top), with both Kick (red) and Kaider (blue) homage paints from legendary sofubi painter Goto-san, and a Rampage Blue IFR version from Jon Malmstedt. Priced at just 2,000yen ($20) plus shipping, the trio can be found right here…

Joining the mini Dons, Datadub has also unleashed a total of 4 Real x Nibblers from The Tarantulas! Featuring the return of the ToyCon exclusive Bounty Nibbler and Power Nibbler (albeit in a super-charged DX form), the pair are joined by 2 all-new colourways; Datadub’s signature “Welcome to the Jungle” camo (edit- sold out) and Kinnikuman/M.U.S.C.L.E homage “S.A.U.S.A.G.E” (!). All 4 can be found in the store alongside the mini Dons right here, priced at 4,800yen ($47) plus shipping…

MAN-E-NEWS// Rampage Toys’ custom Samael sofubi for the upcoming TAG group show…

Having been produced in strictly limited numbers under Wonderfestival’s one day licensing agreement, we sadly don’t see too many customs of Zoomoth‘s Samael sofubi… so when we found out that Jon Malmstedt over at Rampage Toys would finally be busting out the paints on one for an upcoming group show at TAG, we had to stand up and take note! Taken from iconic video game Super Ghouls ‘n Ghosts (the final boss, no less!) Jon has interestingly side-stepped the demon emperor’s mix of gold and purple for an altogether darker selection of colours, including blackened silvers and a devilish red… Joining a whole host of other customs from Jon, alongside works from Bwana Spoons, Martin Ontiveros, Joseph Harmon and T9G, the as yet untitled show will be opening its doors at the Toy Art Gallery next Saturday, June 7th…

MAN-E-NEWS// New Dr Mirock sofubi set from Mirock Toy coming soon…

Mirock Toy has just revealed that the highly sought after Dr Mirock mini sofubi set has been resurrected for an all-new painted run! Featuring all 3 designs (albeit in a mashed-up configuration), the beautifully sculpted mecha-dieties have been produced in a dark grey soft vinyl this time around, coming with a number of subtle grey sprayed highlights, black washes and tight hand painted detailing. Slated for release “soon” according to recent IG postings, stay tuned for the full lowdown right here in the coming weeks…

MAN-E-NEWS// Elegab’s Gakkon and mixed part Bukimindas for the Rampage Studios show…

With his collaborative show alongside Plaseebo at Rampage Studios just a few days away now, Elegab‘s Nari-san has just revealed a few of the pieces he’ll have on offer… including all-new kaiju, Gakkon! Referred to by the artist as a “monster of school”, the bully busting monster has been cast in a deep purple/blue for its debut release, coming with Garamon-style face sprays coupled with the artist’s signature metallic fades. Joining Gakkon, Elegab have also whipped up a fresh batch of mixed part Bukimindas. Cast in a mix of blue and red soft vinyl with contrasting yellow and green pilots, the towering mechas remain unpainted save for their all-seeing eyes… Opening it’s doors at Tokyo’s Rampage Studios gallery space this Friday, May 30th at 7pm, and running through ’till Sunday, June 1st, the show’s online sale has been slated for the following Monday (time TBC). For those that haven’t already, head over to the Rampage blog here and sign up to the newsletter for first dibs on any leftovers before they head to the store…

MAN-E-NEWS// MVH x Brandt Peters’ Bag Head and Ol Scratch coming soon…

Having been teased since as far back as December, Brandt Peters and Rich of Mutant Vinyl Hardcore‘s much anticipated collaborative release has finally been confirmed for production soon! Featuring 2 all-new head designs from the pair; the super-creepy Bag Head from Brandt and devilish Ol Scratch from Rich, the guys will rather interestingly be using swapped bodies for the release- Bag Head utilising the MVH DX and Ol Scratch, Circus Posterus‘ Stingy Jack. With just some minor sanding and surfacing before the duo head into production, we’ll be keeping our fingers crossed for news of the first release in the next few months…

MAN-E-NEWS// Medicom Toy’s Batgirl and Catwoman for the DC Comics Retro Sofubi Collection…

Having neglected the female angle in their first 2 DC Comics Retro Sofubi releases, Medicom Toy intend to right their wrongs with the addition of Batgirl and Catwoman in this third round of figures! Once again sculpted by Bear Model and colour coordinated by Frenzy, the vintage-styled figures stand at just shy of 10″ each, coming with 5 points of articulation, and, in Batgirl’s case, an additional vinyl cape and removable headpiece. Currently available in Japan through the Medicom Toy store for just 8,000yen ($78) each, international orders can be placed through Rakuten right here…

MAN-E-NEWS// The BZLBRX-1 Thesis Gameplay Figure from Novelty Haus…

Noel Danger over at Novelty Haus is proud to announce the arrival of a rather unique multimedia release, the BZLBRX-1 Thesis Gameplay Figure. A collaboration with programmer Olya Androsik, the project marks the return of Danger’s reoccurring BZLBRX character, although this time it’s not just in resin… but as the star of his very own video game! Up for grabs in 2 different versions – a “fully-packaged” edition, featuring a 4″ figure cast in white resin with black/silver paint treatments, a 3D scan coin, a mini magazine, plus a DL code to a Beta version of the BZLBRX game (PC/MAC) and a one-off edition, featuring 11 uniquely cast and hand painted figures that have been simply bagged and headed with the DL code – the pair have been priced at at just $15 and $10 respectively. Interested parties can check the BZLBRX-1 Thesis Gameplay Figures in the Novelty Haus store right here…

MAN-E-NEWS// Awesome Toy x Medicom Toy’s Fake Spectreman sofubi…

Wasting no time since the launch of their debut sofubi Fake Baron in March, the guys over at Awesome Toy have once again teamed up with Medicom Toy for another pachi-style release… Fake Spectreman! Offering up 2 different bootleg takes on the classic tokusatu character; a traditional version in red/yellow, complete with blood sucking monster companion-omake Bakura, and a standalone version in blue/gold, the pair come in at around 9.5″ of Japanese produced soft vinyl. Up for grabs in Japan through the Medicom Toy store, priced at 11,500yen ($113) and 9,000yen ($88) respectively, overseas customers are going to need to hit up Rakuten here to bag theirs…

MAN-E-NEWS// UME Toys’ ButtPlug resin mini figure revealed…

Getting in early with his NYCC prep, Richard Page over at UME Toys introduces us to a little fella he’ll be debuting at the event in October… the UME ButtPlug (for external use only)! Based on an original sculpt created by the artist a few years back, the “cheeky” little chap has actually been sculpted directly onto a British 3-pronged plug, coming in at a mini 3″ tall. With just a few finishing touches needed before moulding and resin casting, expect to see a full reveal of ButtPlug over the coming weeks…

MAN-E-NEWS// The Medicom Toy exclusive King Jinx from Paul Kaiju…

Paul Kaiju has teamed up with Medicom Toy for an exclusive run of the mighty King Jinx! Cast in a purple soft vinyl this time around, the towering 10″ tall figure has been treated to a number of metallic sprays, coming complete with matching “Screaming Siren” omake. Currently up for grabs in Japan through the Medicom Toy store, overseas customers are going to have to fill out the dedicated lottery form here before the close on June 10th. Priced at 23,760yen ($233) plus shipping, those lucky enough to purchase one can expect delivery late June 2014…

MAN-E-NEWS// Calabbity the Assuming Rabbit resin figure from The PBKs…

“Calabbity the rabbit does not care. The idea of eating too many mushrooms do not scare! One day Calabbity ate too many, his bones and feet felt all funny. Into the darkness the rabbit fell, almost like a dizzy spell. He woke up to see that gone were his feet, and he was but another trick up the magician’s sleeve!”

Having just returned from the recent Art Toy Culture convention in Seoul, The PBKs collective have just unleashed their remaining figure exclusives in-store! Joining new colourways of the previously posted Bammer Budskis and NO GUTS, NO GLORY! slingshot, the guys have also unveiled an all-new creation that debuted at the con, the adorable Calabbity the Assuming Rabbit… Standing at around 3.5″ of hand cast resin, the little guy features an ingenious split design whereby the top and bottom half can be pulled apart and displayed separately à la Portal! Currently up for grabs in a marbled green colourway right here, Calabbity can be yours for just $19.90 plus shipping…

MAN-E-NEWS// Bob Conge’s customs for the Elegab x Plaseebo show at Rampage Studios…

With the previously announced collaborative show with Elegab little over a week away now, Bob Conge aka Plaseebo has just unveiled a number of different customs he’ll have on display! Joining a one-off “Blue Moon” Warui Inu and a whole crew of LED infused Ugly Unicorns, the focal point has got to be the ominously titled Ghost Catcher- a one of a kind custom vinyl mash-up of an Elegab Kouzira and a Plaseebo Night Gamer that’s been fitted with glass eyes and a whopping 3 internal LED units! Opening it’s doors at Tokyo’s Rampage Studios gallery space on Friday, May 30th at 7pm, and running through ’till Sunday, June 1st, online sales for the show have been slated for the following Monday (time TBC). For those that haven’t already, head over to the Rampage blog here and sign up to the newsletter for first dibs on any leftovers before they head to the store…

MAN-E-NEWS// Daniel Yu’s Art Toy Culture online sales revealed…

Debuting 3 new releases at the recent Art Toy Culture convention in Seoul, Daniel Yu has thankfully held back a limited amount of each for an online release this Sunday, May 25th at 11pm EST! Here’s a quick rundown on the trio that’ll be up for grabs in-store…

Gory Bomb & Bronco Buster “Irish Whipped” edition- Cast in a green swirled resin, the pair of vintage-styled 5.5″ (6″ in Bronco’s case!) wrestlers feature multiple points of magnetic articulation, each coming bagged with their own unique header card designed by RatKing. Limited to an edition of just 10 of each, both Gory Bomb and Bronco Buster have been priced at $40.

R. Mortis “Day The Earth Stood Still” edition- The latest hand painted run of the ever popular gas-masked mini, this time around coming in a stunning array of muted tones inspired by Niktos outfit from Return of the Jedi. Limited to a run of just 5, the beautifully detailed 3″ resin figure can be yours for just $35.

Mystery Mortis- Featuring an array of different versions, including metallics, GID, pearlescent, translucent and swirled editions, each 3″ Mystery Mortis figure comes blind-bagged with a total edition size of 60 hand cast resin pieces priced at just $10 each. As an added bonus, Daniel has randomly inserted 1 fully painted Day The Earth Stood Still R. Mortis figure into the mix… Let the fun begin!

MAN-E-NEWS// Rampage Toys’ officially licensed Jamira kaiju teased…

Taking his toy game to a whole new level, Jon Malmstedt over at Rampage Toys has just revealed that he will be releasing an official Tsuburaya-licensed version of Jamira at Wonderfestival in July! Whilst we only have the above teaser to go by, we’re presuming that the soft vinyl kaiju will be going on sale under the event’s unique one day license agreement, which, unfortunately for most of us, is going to mean it’ll to be pretty hard to come by in the West. Regardless of obtainability, a Rampage take on the iconic neckless beast is sure to be a must-see once it’s finished, so we’ll be (rather impatiently!) keeping our ears to the ground for the full lowdown soon…

MAN-E-NEWS// Undead Toys’ Zombie DobuRat sofubi at Lulubell Toys…

Having seen numerous releases in resin, Undead Toys‘ Zombie DobuRat has finally made the leap into grade-A sofubi! Standing at around 5″ tall and coming with articulation at the neck, the unpainted black soft vinyl figure made it’s debut at Design Fiesta 39 last weekend, with a limited batch thankfully being held back by Lulubell Toys for a Western release. Up for grabs via pre-order right here until June 4th (or whilst supplies last), the Zombie DobuRat has been priced at just $40 plus shipping…

MAN-E-NEWS// The Zombie Disuko Smasher bootleg mini figure set from Jack’s Attic…

It’s been a while since their debut toy, “Weekend at the Lake”, touched down last year, but Jack’s Attic are finally back with what has got to be one of the best custom bootleg releases we’ve seen all year… proudly presenting the Zombie Disuko Smasher mini figure set! Based on the super-obscure and extremely weird 1987 Famicom game of the same name, the 3 piece set features all of the main protagonists; a zombie disco (disuko) club bouncer, an alien sumo wrestler and an Akido master possessed by the Egyptian god of the dead, Anubis- yep, you read that right! Standing approximately 2″ tall each, the resin cast figures come poly-bagged with a 3-panel perforated trading card (with real game tips on the back!), plus the pièce de résistance… a header made from a vintage (non-working) Famicom cartridge! Limited to an edition of just 7 hand numbered sets, Zombie Disuko Smasher will be heading to the Jack’s Attic store on Wednesday, May 28th for an unbelievably cheap $12 plus shipping…

But that’s not all! If the awesome figures, trading cards and cartridge headers weren’t enough, Jack’s Attic will also be choosing one order at random to receive a free set of the figures cast in a retro M.U.S.C.L.E. flesh tone colourway! At just $12 a set, we suggest keeping a close eye on the store next Wednesday, as these sure won’t hang around for long!