SoftoyHobby Archives

MAN-E-NEWS// New customs from TERRTHOM…

Since posting his debut Bulletpunk-inspired Multiskull custom a few weeks back, up and coming toy artist TERRTHOM has set working on a whole slew of similar pieces, the results of which you can see above… Featuring the same unique blend of kit-bashed mech kit parts and meticulous weathering, the latest round of incredible customs feature the likes of Turbopistola’s Elephantos, Rivet Wars and threeA. Due to be touching down in the TERRTHOM store tomorrow (April 9th), expect the same crazy-cheap pricing as before… But that’s not all! Continuing his onslaught, TERRTHOM has stated that there will be a total of 6 custom OMFG sets, 4 Baby Deadbeats, plus a whole host of Glyos, Visell and even H.U.S.T.L.E customs (woohoo!) dropping in the near future. Stay tuned for more news on those soon!

MAN-E-NEWS// Natural Brown Raar and the ‘Cornish Copper’ Evil Origami from Monsters & Mecha…

Hot off the heels of an impressive ToyCon showing (best both design- hands down!), DMS and Neese over at Monsters & Mecha are proud to announce 2 new post-con releases that have just crept into the M&M store, the Natural Brown Raar and ‘Cornish Copper’ Evil Origami… Going down a storm over the weekend, Neese’s Natural Brown Raar stands at a monstrous 12″ tall, coming with resin features cast by DMS. Limited to just 10 pieces, the figure is available now for $75.99 plus shipping. Neese has stated that at second wave of the ToyCon exclusive ‘Jade’ colourway (an instant sellout) should be available online soon… Joining Raar, DMS has also released the latest batch of Evil Origamis, seeing the return of the highly popular ‘Cornish Copper’ colourway. “Mined from the cliffs of Cornwall, UK”, the pieces, designed by Alto and produced by DMS have been rotocast in resin, coming complete with a beautiful copper-oxide paint job. Limited to just 10 pieces this time around, the 3″ figures can be yours for $49.99 plus shipping…

MAN-E-NEWS// Disarticulator/H.U.S.T.L.E ToyCon exclusives online tomorrow…

As mentioned earlier, we’ll be putting the remaining Disarticulator/H.U.S.T.L.E ToyCon UK exclusives in the Man-E-Toys store tomorrow (Monday, April 8th) at 9pm GMT+1 (London time), so without further ado, we bring you a quick rundown of what will be on offer (including revised pricing in US dollars)…

H.U.S.T.L.E Artist Series: Wave 1 “ToyCon Edition”// Cast in a regal mix of magnetic plum and red/gold flexible rubber, a limited number of these will be available for $15 each.

The Royal Fail: LETTERS ‘AVE IT!// Created by Lunartik and cast by Tru:Tek in a flexible ‘magnetic plum’ rubber (w/ gold chase), this H.U.S.T.L.E crossover has been limited to 25 signed and numbered pieces, each coming packed in a beautiful custom mail box w/ signing card for $35.

Martin Hairybottom// Created by UME Toys for H.U.S.T.L.E Wave 2, the little rubber guy has been cast in a ‘pearl pink’ rubber complete with black resin hat and H.U.S.T.L.E badge. A couple of these are still left, priced at $12.

Intruder-San// Part of an upcoming H.U.S.T.L.E x the Mark Ultra collab to be released later this week (expect additional press tomorrow!), the micro figure has been kit-bashed by Ultra coming in ToyCon exclusive ‘magnetic blue’ and ‘red/gold’. Complete with insert and capsule, these have been priced at $8 each.

Man-Nie H.U.S.T.L.E// Finally seeing the light of day, Peter Kato’s awesome H.U.S.T.L.E exclusive Man-Nie resin comes with H.U.S.T.L.E badge, stat card and mini print for just $15.

H.O.R.D.E Ape and Minion 2 Pack// The debut of Jimmy Rommel x H.U.S.T.L.E’s H.O.R.D.E sub brand, these little guys are up for grabs in either red/gold or pearl pink, with the H.O.R.D.E Ape ‘single’ priced at $15, the Minion 2 Pack $25, or both for $35.

Tiny Terrors from the Deep// Available in extremely limited numbers of both ‘Flesh’ and ‘Not So Standard’ colourways, the beautifully packaged X-Com inspired mini figure 3 pack is available for $40 per tub.

TTFTD Lobsterman ‘Pearl’// Cast in a gorgeous pearl pink, Zectron’s highly sought after entry into the TTFTD series can be yours for just $15.

KESH-E-FACE// Our trademark figure will be available in 3 different colourways this time around; a cold cast aluminium K-1000, Red/Gold rubber, and a standard Flesh (open edition). Coming packed in an authentic blister with button, these will be available for $35.

‘Critters inspired’ mini figure// Back by popular demand, Zectron’s Critter will be available in an ‘After Dark’ metallic blue colourway. Limited to 5, these have been priced at $15 a piece.

Higekami: Master of Beard-Fu// The first figure in our Break Fighters series, Higekami is once again available in a random assortment of neon colours, this time alongside a ‘Midnight Assassin’ magnetic blue w/gold chase. Packed in an authentic mini blister, these will be available for $20 each.

On top of all this, EVERY order comes packed with either a Higekami, TTFTD or KESH-E-FACE mini print and button… what more could you ask for?!

MAN-E-NEWS// ToyCon UK in photos…

One of the most hotly tipped toy events of the past year, ToyCon UK finally opened it’s doors yesterday at London’s Baden Powell Centre to a resounding success. Featuring a uniquely British array of bespoke resins, customs, mini figures and prints alongside a tight selection of exclusive vinyl releases (from both the East and the West), a fun time was had by all, giving us event-hungry Brits a chance to bag some great toys, and more importantly catch up with old friends and new… Ahead of a more in-depth look at some of the incredible pieces on offer, we bring you a rundown of the event in pictures- be patient waiting for them to load, there’s nearly 30 in total!

The remaining Disarticulator/H.U.S.T.L.E stock will be heading to the Man-E-Toys store tomorrow at 9pm GMT. Stay tuned for full release details later on today!

MAN-E-NEWS// The Disarticulator/H.U.S.T.L.E ToyConUK line-up in full!

As promised yesterday, we can now exclusively reveal the TON of exclusives we’ll be hauling along to ToyConUK tomorrow! Featuring a mix of Disarticulator/H.U.S.T.L.E releases old and new, mini art prints, buttons and some free stuff (!), the collection will be available from the Unbox Industries booth, where myself (Tru:Tek) and Lee ‘Bigmantoys’ Burbridge will be situated for most of the day… And for all of you unable to attend the con, fear not! We have set aside at least one of every piece for online sales (accept customs), which will be dropping in the Man-E-Toys store on Monday, April 8th at 9pm GMT– more news on that this Sunday!

H.U.S.T.L.E Artist Series: Wave 1 ToyCon edition// Seeing the return of the original 10 characters (plus display ring!), the mixture of original sculpts, kit-bashes and customs have been cast in a regal mix of plum and gold rubber. Limited to just one of each (20 in total), these will be available with button and insert for £10 a piece.

Royal Fail: LETTERS ‘AVE IT! “Regal Plum” (not pictured)// Created by Matt ‘Lunartik’ JOnes in conjunction with H.U.S.T.L.E: Wave 2, the figure has been cast by Tru:Tek in a flexible urethane rubber. Limited to 25 pieces in the ToyCon exclusive “Regal Plum” colourway, the figure comes signed and numbered in a custom box for £25.

Martin Hairybottom// Another upcoming Wave 2 entry, this little guy, sculpted/kit-bashed by Rich of UME Toys, will be available in 2 different colourways; a UME pink/blue which will be available at the UME Toys booth, and a Pear Pink on sale at Unbox. Both come with resin hat accessory and H.U.S.T.L.E button for £8. Limited to 5 of each.

Intruder-San// An upcoming collaboration between H.U.S.T.L.E’s Tru:Tek and the Mark Ultra, the little GI Joe mash-up made an appearance in resin a while back with limited supplies now available in rubber. Dropping on the Mark Ultra store next week in standard flesh and green colourways (more news on Monday), a metallic blue and gold will be available at the con. Coming capsule packed with button and insert, these have been priced at £6 each. Limited to 10 blind packed.

Man-Nie H.U.S.T.L.E// Laying dormant for months, Peter Kato’s exclusive H.U.S.T.L.E entry is finally here! Cast in blue resin with silver sprays and tight detailing, each figure comes packed with a stat card, button and mini art print for just £10! Limited to 10.

H.O.R.D.E Ape// The first ‘single’ figure in the new H.U.S.T.L.E sub brand, H.O.R.D.E Ape, sculpted by Jimmy Rommel, has been cast in both Pearl Pink and Red/Gold colourways. Coming packed with header and button, the figure can be yours for just £10. Limited to 5 in each colourway.

H.O.R.D.E Minion 2 pack// Joining H.O.R.D.E Ape, 2 of his finest minions will also be available in an authentic clamshell blister! Once again cast in Pearl Pink and Red/Gold, the sets will be available for £20 each. Again, limited to 5 of each colour.

Tiny Terrors from the Deep// We are extremely happy to reveal an all-new and improved version of our debut mini figure line as the Disarticulators! Available in either ‘Flesh’ or ‘Not So Standard’ editions, the set of 3 designs have been cast in a flexible rubber (and resin in some cases!), coming packaged in a custom made plastic tub. Priced at £30, the sets have been limited to 5 of each.

TTFTD Bio-Drone: X-Ray// The first ‘single’ release in the TTFTD series, Bio-Drone has been cast in a mixture of rubber and c-thru resin, coming complete with computer board insert. Limited to 5 one-off colourways, these little guys have been priced at £10 each.

TTFTD Lobsterman: Pearl// Joining X-Ray, Lobsterman also receives an outing as a ‘single’ figure, this time around cast in a gorgeous Pearl Pink rubber. Again limited to just 5 pieces, the figure can be yours for £10.

KESH-E-FACE// Our trademark figure will be making an appearance in 4 different colourways this time around; a cold cast aluminium K-1000, Red/Gold rubber, standard Flesh and a custom Green w/Black rub. Coming packed in an authentic blister with button, these will be available for £25. Limited to 5 pieces of each.

‘Critters inspired’ mini figure// Back by popular demand, Zectron’s Critter will be making an appearance in an ‘After Dark’ metallic blue colourway. Limited to 5, these will be available for £10 a piece.

Higekami: Master of Beard-Fu// Last, but by no means least, our first ever Break Fighter will be making a return! Coming in an all new blister pack design, the figure will be available in a ToyCon exclusive ‘Midnight Assassin’ metallic blue, plus the standard neon assortment. Priced at £15, these have been limited to just 3 and 5 respectively.

MAN-E-NEWS// Plastic B.A.S.T.A.R.D mini figures and the B.A.S.T.A.R.D Universe from Triclops Studios…

With ToyConUK a mere 24 hours away now, the pair over at Triclops Studios have started to reveal the huge selection of new toys that’ll be on offer at their booth… and judging by the first 2 offerings, they most certainly aim to please! Mentioned in our previous post last week, the B.A.S.T.A.R.D Universe will not be an artist series as previously thought, but a monster collaboration between the guys, Skinner and Unbox Industries! Unlike the standard B.A.S.T.A.R.D line, ‘Elephant Graveyard’ appears to be in a much larger scale, whilst still retaining the sensibilities of 80’s mini figures. We’re still not sure if the piece will be made available at the con, so stay tuned for the full lowdown tomorrow…

Joining B.A.S.T.A.R.D Universe, Triclops will also be unveiling their much anticipated ‘plastic’ B.A.S.T.A.R.D’s, Goober and Big B.A.S.T.A.R.D. Cast in a hard wearing ABS style material, the figures will be available in a ToyConUK exclusive Custard and Grape. Unable to make the event? Then you’ll be glad to know that a batch will be heading online soon after…

MAN-E-NEWS// The Rampage Toys x Uky Daydreamer sofubi blind bags…

Filling the gap whilst we wait to see what’s in store for this month’s Superfestival, Jon over at Rampage Toys has teamed up with Uky Daydreamer for an impromptu blind-bag custom release! Featuring a total of 40 creatures from Uky’s new micro sofubi line, the little guys have been cast in a mixture of orange, blue, green and milky soft vinyl, with painting duties split between the artists. Packaged in a closed silver bag with Rampage Studios header, the figures are available from the Rampage store right here for just $12 each plus shipping… Joining the micros, Jon has also got to work on one of Uky’s bigger Jellien sofubis. Featuring a similar rainbow-dot paint scheme to the Uamous created for Studio Uamou last March, the stunning piece can be yours for just $55… Stay tuned for a full Superfestival reveal from Rampage soon!

MAN-E-NEWS// ‘Cowababa’ Giant Monster Embryo custom from Creo Designs…

Following the work in progress shots we posted last week, Chris Alexander over at Creo Designs is proud to reveal Cowababa: Baby Mutant Ninja Turtle in all his pizza eating, shell spinning glory! Created for the debut of Taylored Curiosities‘ Giant Monster Embryo, Chris has completely transformed the humungous resin figure (which, incidentally was sculpted and produced by Creo based on TC’s design) with a mixture of resin and epoxy sculpting. Opting for TMNT’s Michelangelo, the orange bandana’d hatchling has been painted in a mixture of Montana sprays and brushwork, finished off with a beautiful matt varnish on the main body and hi-gloss on the shell. Weighing in at a monstrous 3.5kg, Cowababa will be available alongside a whole host of other Giant Embryo customs at Taylored Curiosities’ ToyConUK booth for £800…

MAN-E-NEWS// The ToyConUK exclusive Royal Fail: LETTERS ‘AVE IT! from Lunartik x H.U.S.T.L.E…

As promised in our post on Tuesday, we can now reveal details of the second ‘Royal Fail’ mini figure heading to ToyConUK this weekend… presenting LETTERS ‘AVE IT! Created by Matt ‘Lunartik‘ JOnes in conjunction with Tru:Tek’s upcoming H.U.S.T.L.E Artist Series: Wave 2, the figure will be the only one in the line to be cast in an authentic M.U.S.C.L.E style rubber. Available at the Unbox/Disarticulators ToyConUK booth in an exclusive ‘Regal Plum’ (with a red/gold chase), LETTERS ‘AVE IT! has been limited to just 25 signed and numbered pieces priced at £25 each… Stay tuned for the full lowdown on Disarticulator ToyCon exclusives tomorrow!

MAN-E-NEWS// The ‘Eye of Death’ one-off Madball sculpt from Zectron…

Whilst we wrap up the last of our ToyConUK prep for a full reveal tomorrow, we hand over to our first ever guest writer and fellow Disarticulator, The Amazing Zectron, for the full lowdown on his latest one-off project, ‘The Eye of Death’…

There was a project put together by an artist a couple months ago where people sign up and create a one of a kind monster. Then everyone involved gets assigned randomly to another artist and they send off their creations. Really neat concept. I don’t have time for stuff like this normally but the fact the project was opened to everyone regardless of their level of experience made me want to get involved. The fact some truly great artists signed up and encouraged people who have never made any kind of toy or monster before to join in was pretty inspiring. All in the name of fun and sharing is a rare thing these days. To take a one of a kind piece of art that could be rather marketable and trade it away for another piece is in my opinion awesome.

So here’s my contribution…

Inspired by the MadBalls many of us loved as kids. A one-off evil cracked skull with a bloodshot eye soon to be sent off to another random person who liked the idea of making a piece of art to give away as much as i did.

Oh and a special thanks to my toy partner in crime Tru:Tek for helping me put the header card together so it looks like a real toy…

Expect full service to resume at Man-E-Toys tomorrow, where we’ll be taking a look at the last batch of ToyConUK reveals, the Disarticulator line-up in full, and more importantly, when, where and how you can grab it all for yourself!

MAN-E-NEWS// The Tarantulas’ ToyConUK exclusives…

With ToyConUK just a few days away now, The Tarantulas finally reveal the plethora of exclusives they’ll be bringing along to the Fishtank Castle LIVE booth… Neo-kaiju fans not attending the event be warned- you’re going to be turning all shades of green when you see what’s on offer! For those lucky few that are though, here’s a quick rundown of what you can can expect…

Bubblegum II// Based on the 2009 SDCC resin NIBBLER release, this ‘remake’ has been cast in a flesh soft vinyl, coming complete with black eyepatch. This little guy will be available when the doors open at 10am.

Chompy Man// Once again opting for an awesome flesh-toned soft vinyl, Chompy Man comes with a striking pair of blue pants inspired by Action Man. He will also be available open doors.

1983// The rather aptly titled figure comes in a mix of familiar 80’s action figure colours that The Tarantulas played around with when the NIBBLERS were originally conceived. Unlike the previous figures, 1983 will drop at some point in the afternoon. We suggest keeping on the lookout for this one, it’s going to disappear pretty quick!

Joining the big 3, The Tarantulas have also confirmed a super limited batch of mixed part Real x Nibbler one-offs, the remaining 10 copies of the 1983 Annual, a special ‘under the counter’ resin release, plus a whole host of guests that will be dropping by throughout the event… Expect a full booth reveal over the weekend!

MAN-E-NEWS// Sergey Safonov’s ToyConUK exclusives: Part 2…

Joining the trifecta of resins dropping at The Hang Gang’s ToyConUK booth this coming weekend, Sergey Safonov shares details on yet another batch of exclusives for the con, this time around for up and coming art print/toy purveyor, Fugi.me… Consisting of a set of giclee photo prints of Sergey’s Govra figure, these will also be joined by the return of said figure in the pictured ‘Zenith’ colourway, plus the debut of all-new resin, ‘Eclipse’. Sergey will be on hand at Fugi.me’s booth from 1pm for both the release and signing, so be sure to head over on the dot to be in with a chance of securing these incredible pieces!

MAN-E-NEWS// Lunartik’s The Royal Fail: Mail Bomb resin for ToyConUK…

Matt JOnes aka Lunartik has been hard at work on several exclusive pieces for this weekend’s ToyConUK, the first to be revealed coming in the form of his latest resin figure, Mail Bomb… Created for Lunartik’s upcoming ‘Royal Fail’ mini series, which, you guessed it, lambasts the inadequacies of the UK’s Royal Mail. Designed in the style and scale of M.U.S.C.L.E, the little guy has been cast in a mix of pink, turquoise and black resin, limited to just 25 pieces, coming signed and numbered for just £30 a pop… But that’s not all! To celebrate the arrival of the new series, Lunartik has been working with our very own Tru:Tek on a Royal Fail/H.U.S.T.L.E crossover! As well as joining the ranks of H.U.S.T.L.E’s Wave 2, the as yet unrevealed piece will also be offered up at the con in a similar way to Mail Bomb (albiet through the Unbox/Disarticulator booth)… Stay tuned for the full lowdown tomorrow!

MAN-E-NEWS// The ‘Gentlemen of Violence’ mini figures from IroNilla…

Following the release of Universe of Violence’s Arn Hellstorm last month, Eric Nilla and Jimmy Rommel have just announced some major changes for the monthly mini figure series, taking the aesthetic down a much more stylised route with an ingenius fusion of steampunk and kaiju. Newly titled ‘The Gentlemen of Violence’, the revamped line will make it’s debut later this month with sculpts from both artists; Deadface Worthington III from Jimmy, and Dr Eyeklops Chesterworth (a reimagining of UoV’s Wave 1 figure). No news on an exact release date or pricing as of yet, but you can be sure that as soon as we hear anything, you guys will be the first to know…

MAN-E-NEWS// Triclops’ ‘Threet Sharks’ Sametan custom for the Don’t Tread On Me group show…

Created for Pangeaseed x Comet Debris‘ “Don’t Tread On Me” charity custom show this weekend, the Triclops boys have tackled the Sametan sofubi platform in a way only they know… Threet Sharks style! Heavily influenced by cult kid’s cartoon Street Sharks (a no brainer for the 90’s obsessed duo!), the soft vinyl figure has undergone a serious overhaul, with the addition of vintage action figure arms, a completely re-sculpted jaw, plus a faithful ‘Ripster’ style paint job… Available to purchase alongside a dizzying array of other Sametan customs on the Pangeaseed store right here, proceeds from the sales will be going towards the foundation’s latest shark-saving project, 2014 “Year of Living Dangerously” art tour of Asia. Head over to their dedicated site here for more information…

MAN-E-NEWS// Galaxxor’s ‘Space Knight Eldrus’ for the Toys Are Us group show…

Ben Spencer of Galaxxor/Nerd City fame has just revealed images of his entry for Killer Bootlegs‘ upcoming ‘Toys Are Us’ group show… presenting the mighty Space Knight Eldrus! Seeing a return of the popular Cyborg Space Barbarian head sculpt, the stunning one-off Galaxxor figure has been cast in resin by Marty ‘Godbeast’ Hansen, coming painted by Ben in rather striking lime green/purple colourway. Going up for sale online after the show’s opening reception next Friday, April 5th, we’ve been told that if the figure is well received we’ll be seeing more of the Space Knight (albiet in different colurways) throughout the year…

In association with Killer Bootlegs and Monster Kolor, the “Toys Are Us” group art show will be taking place at the Rockford Art Deli between April 5th-6th. Participating artists are as follows…

2bitHACK, 5.5 Customs, Battle Babies, BigManToys, Broken Pigeon, Cash Cannon (4 the Luv of Toyz NY), Concocted Curioddities, Davemarkart, Dead Hand Toys, Dead Presidents, Dubose Art, Evilos, Forces of Dorkness, Galaxxor (Ben Spencer), Giest Lab, Goodleg Toys, GUUMON, Hamfx, Hoakser, Kid Ink Industries, Killer Bootlegs, ManOrMonster?, Mechavirus, MonsterArm, Motorbot, Suckadelic, The Mark Ultra, Wasted Talent and We Become Monsters.

MAN-E-NEWS// The ‘Taste the Rainbow’ custom Glyos run from Clawfreak x Ersico…

Custom mini figure heavyweights Clawfreak and Ersico have teamed up for their latest custom Glyos drop, rather aptly titled Taste the Rainbow! Featuring a collection of 6 clear PVC Glyos’ including Crayboths, Phedens and Armorvors, the figures have been expertly painted by Clawfreak and dyed by Ersico in a slew of bright Monster Kolor fades, coming finished in a hi-gloss clear coat. Hitting the Clawfreak store last night (March 29th), the little guys have been priced between $15 and $34 plus shipping… We suggest heading over quick if you’re interested though, only 3 of the 6 figures remain!

MAN-E-NEWS// Plaseebo’s ‘Vampire QiQi’ for the Project QiQi 2013 show at ToyConUK…

Bob Conge aka Plaseebo kindly shares details of his latest custom piece, ‘Vampire QiQi’ for the Project QiQi 2013 show… Opting for a minimal approach this time around, Plaseebo has replaced the figure’s original arms with vinyl bat wings, inserted multiple eye inserts into the bubble-like hair, whilst giving the whole piece a stunning Monster Kolor metallic pink-red spray. Coming complete with Plaseebo’s signature switched colour-changing LED unit in the back of the head, the signed ‘Vampire QiQi’ will be going on display alongside a breathtaking array of artist contributions at the Creo Design ToyConUK booth next Saturday, April 6th…

MAN-E-NEWS// ‘VICTIM PERSONA’ Super Special Easter Sets from Monstrehero…

It appears that Monstrehero are back in full swing this week, as joining the newly retooled ‘Axeface’ we posted recently, the guys have prepared a fresh batch of ‘Victim’ resins ready to drop later on today! Entitled ‘VICTIM PERSONA’, the super special Easter sets include one Victim body and 7 different, fully interchangeable heads, each coming with their own display base! Priced at $100 each, the randomly assorted ‘Candy’ coloured sets will be dropping in the Monstrehero store at an undisclosed time later today… Joining the main release, the guys have also been hard at work on the latest batch of Head Puddles! These ‘gooey guys’ are blind-bagged for your enjoyment and come in a huge variety of colors and designs for just $10 a piece. As always, we suggest checking the store regularly for updates, these won’t be hanging around for long!

MAN-E-NEWS// The ToyConUK exclusive Mini Greasebat from Monster Worship x Unbox Industries…

Hot off the heals of news on exclusives from both Jeff Lamm and our very own Disarticulators this week, Unbox Industries are proud to present yet another must-have release for next week’s ToyCon UK… limited edition Mini Greasebats! Based on the original design by Jeff Lamm, sculpted by Chauskoskis and produced by Monster Worship, the highly sought after mini has been cast in a ‘GB’ red soft vinyl, standing at around 4″ tall. No news on pricing or edition sizes, but you can guarantee however many of these are available, they most certainly won’t be around for long! Stay tuned for more news from the Unbox booth soon…