MAN-E-NEWS// A slew of new projects from Miss Zukie…

We were beginning to worry that Alison Perez aka Miss Zukie was showing signs of slowing down (ok, it’s only been a week since our last Zukie post!), so it came with great pleasure yesterday to find not one, but three new custom projects and a contest announcement in our inbox yesterday! First up we have the absolutely hilarious “Fishing Sux” custom 7″ Munny. Created for the upcoming Kidrobot Munnyworld Contest, the beautifully sprayed and hand painted figure comes with three koi fish (a mother and 2 babies) profusely sucking on the poor little guys head! Alison has really upped her sculpting game on this piece, with the addition of subtle detailing on the feet, claws and mouth really helping this custom to pop! Unfortunately, we have no news as to whether this piece will be available to purchase after the event, so be sure to stay locked-on to Alison’s blog for updates…

Next up we have three new custom 3.5″ Teddy Troopers. Continuing her popular “Krun-Churz” style, the first has been coloured in a mixture of green, blue, pink and purple sprays, coming with the trade mark b/w eye detailing and chomping teeth that we all know and love. The other two take a more aquatic approach to design, featuring a beautifully sculpted octopus and the return of the “Fishing Sux” koi to dazzling effect. All three of these guys will be heading to the Zukie store this week for an undisclosed price…

Rounding off the trio of customs comes the return of Zukie & Munko! Featuring two brand new designs (the baby carrier and egg protector), the hand sprayed and painted customs are our favourite in the series yet. Set to drop alongside the Teddy Troop customs, expect to see these little guys in the Zukie store for around $40 plus shipping this week…

As well as a huge batch of customs, Alison has also been working on bringing her fans another treat, the Zukie Photo Contest! As from today, Alison wants you to snap your Zukie, with the top three most fun, craziest or interesting photos set to win one of three cool prizes! Professional photography is by no means a must, so be sure to get snapping and post your entries before the April 25th close. In need of a Zukie? Alison still has a number of Tiny Zukie charms for just $6 plus shipping on the store. Here are a few examples Alison sent over to get you started…

E-mail your entries to- Alison.Perez1@gmail.com

MAN-E-NEWS// Ultrus Bog “Blue Velvet Star Crusher” version from Skinner x Lulubell Japan…

Lulubell Toys (I know, twice in one day!) are proud to reveal the first test shot of their latest collaboration with Skinner, the Ultrus Bog “Blue Velvet Star Crusher” version! The second standard edition of this 10″ beast, the fully articulated “Blue Velvet Star Crusher” has been cast in baby blue vinyl, featuring a psychedelic mix of metallic purple, royal blue, yellow, brick red and black spray accents. Available to pre-order exclusively from the Lulubell Toy store now, Ultrus Bog has been priced at $85 plus shipping. Expect this guy to ship late May/early June…

MAN-E-NEWS// ‘NKOTB: 420’ custom resin figure from Healeymade x myplasticheart…


“Celebrate all things green with these all pink concoctions!”

Following the sell-out success of both ‘Gray’ and ‘Purple’ bootleg resin series, Healeymade is gearing up for his latest myplasticheart exclusive, the mash-up M.U.S.C.L.E resin figure, NKOTB: 420! Created in celebration of 4/20 (a date marked by smokers worldwide!), the beautifully cast figure has been booted from one of the stranger original M.U.S.C.L.E figures, the arch shaped #15. Coming in a vivid clear pink resin, Healeymade has revealed that a super-rare ‘417’ chase will be available (details on variation still forthcoming). Dropping on the myplasticheart store this Friday at 4.20pm EST, the 2″ tall NKOTB: 420 can be yours for just $19.99 plus shipping…

“Light it up!”

MAN-E-NEWS// RESTORE’s Kingdom Mind ‘painted vinyl version’ at Lulubell Toys…

Lulubell Toys are proud to announce that RESTORE’s latest vinyl figure, the sinister Kingdom Mind, will be hitting their store this week! Originally released as an unpainted resin mini figure, the first full colour edition stands at a mighty 9.5″ tall, has been cast in purple vinyl and comes with gold, red and black painted detailing. With pricing and edition size still unconfirmed, be sure to head over to the store this Friday (April 20th) at 10am Pacific Time to secure yours…

[Note// This is a pre-order. Kingdom Mind, along with the Grody Shogun NYCC Create Your Own Monsters, KFGrodyUps mash-ups and some split shipped Grody items (like head sets) are in transit from Japan as we speak, so expect news on their various shipping/release dates soon.]

MAN-E-NEWS// The Rose Vampire Snapback Cap from Super7 x Brandiose & The Clink Room…

Super7 is proud to present their first collaboration with sportswear designers Brandiose and The Clink Room, the ‘Green Hell Rose Vampire’ official New Era Snapback! Born from the wild imaginations of Josh Herbolsheimer, the Rose Vampire has appeared in many forms, originally released as a Super7 Monster Family toy and most recently appearing in the highly sought after Casket Cruiser release (featured here).

Crafted by New Era, the limited edition black Snapback cap features a red visor, black undervisor and red, green, blue, white and black embroidery. Set to drop in two sizes, Small (7 – 7 1/2), or Large (7 5/8+), the Green Hell Rose Vampire cap will be available from this Thursday (April 19th), at Noon Pacific on the Super7 Store for just $35 each plus shipping.

“About Brandiose: The Clink Room is our after hours clubhouse in the back of Brandiose’s studios. It’s a behind-the-scenes place to introduce new ideas, experiment in the world of sports design, and collaborate with friends of the studio. The ideas are flying, the beer is cold, and bottles are clinking! The Clink Room offers a few different types of caps…”

MAN-E-NEWS// Real Steel’s Midas 1/6th scale figure from threeA…

Hot off the heels of the recent Ambush pre-order, threeA Toys are gearing up for their next installment in the Real Steel collection, the mohawked Midas! Once again shying away from the sleek, flashy robots that take centre stage in the film, threeA have opted for a weathered and exposed design that is more in-sync with the rest of their creations. Set to feature the same hyper-articulation that has been wowing viewers of the MGS Rex and Ambush recently, you can expect to see Midas hitting the Bambaland store in the coming months for around $290 shipped. More news as it hits…

MAN-E-NEWS// The Mini Mecha painted test pull from DMS…

UK based toy designer and customiser DMS has been working on a follow up to the mighty T42 custom for some while now, with the highly anticipated ‘Mini Mecha’ finally revealed as a painted test pull. Already looking absolutely stunning, the hand sculpt and cast resin figure is set to stand at around 3″ tall, coming with a rusted paint scheme and custom made Mini Mecha decals. Planned to hit the DMS store soon, stay tuned for more info on this awesome mini figure in the coming weeks…

MAN-E-NEWS// The ‘Breaking Bad’ clear blue resin Mini MAD*L from MAD…

Following the instant sell-out releases of both the polished black and clear Mini MAD*Ls, MAD has wasted no time in revealing the third awesome instalment, the ‘Breaking Bad’ edition! Coming in the same blue as the crystal meth made infamous by the cult T.V show, the hand cast and flawlessly polished resin mini figures should be dropping on the MAD toy store in the next couple of weeks. Going by the previous 2 releases, we’re guessing that ‘Breaking Bad’ will be limited to an edition of 20 priced at $50 plus shipping. Be sure to follow the MADL brand twitter feed for more info in the coming days…

MAN-E-NEWS// The Heavy Metal Qee Custom Show revealed…

On passing through Covent Garden yesterday we couldn’t resist taking a quick diversion to Forbidden Planet to check out the newly opened HMQ (Heavy Metal Qee) Custom Show, and boy are we glad that we did! With a staggering 30 of the UK’s finest artists on board, each and every custom proved to be a winner; from Lunartik’s Hokusai inspired ‘Waves’ Knuckle Bear, to Robotic Industries’ meticulously recreated ‘Marshall’ amp, each interpretation took the heavy metal theme to a new and imaginative place. With the show running for another 2 days, be sure to head down for the close on Thursday (April 19th) at 6pm, where 22 of the featured artists will be on hand to talk toys, and more importantly, sign HMQ show books (read more here)!

Participating artists include: Jon-Paul Kaiser, Matt JOnes, Jim Freckingham, Fark FK, DMS, A Little Stranger, Lisa Rae Hansen, Michael Harrism, Zro, RunDMB, Chris Morris, Fadeworks, Sneaky Raccoon, Lunabee, Penny Taylor, Adam Lister, Hoakser, Alto, Mimic, Zukaty, Fordybo, Amigurumi Island, Tesselate, Jack Wade, Flatties, Mark Treharne, Rhys Inkbotz Brown, PJ Constable, Planet Domu, and Lex Luthor.

Check out all of the featured designs pictured below (advance apologies for the amateur photography!)…

MAN-E-NEWS// The “Remember the Cherry Blossom” resin series from Peter Kato…

Hot off the heals of the recent Green-Gold Leader Turtle Tetsujin, Peter Kato has been slaving away to bring us his new spring inspired drop, the beautiful “Remember the Cherry Blossom” series! Featuring 3 of Peter’s most popular figures, Turtle Tetsujin, Kawako and Sky Baby, the hand cast clear pink resin figures will be hitting the Peter Kato shop tomorrow (Tuesday, April 17th) at around 4pm EST.

Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect-

Cherry-Jelly Turtle Tetsujin// Cast in clear pink resin with hand painted metalic pink highlights, the Cherry-Jelly TT also features a hand painted cherry design in its chest that has been sealed inside with crystal clear resin. Limited to 10 pieces, he will be available for $20 plus shipping.

Kawako// The usually swamp coloured Kawako has been given a much needed make-over for spring, coming in 2 new colourways, clear pink and light clear pink. Limited to just 5 pieces each, spring time Kawako has been priced at $10 plus shipping.

Sky Baby// One of our favourite minis from the Pocket Powers series makes a return, the Sky Warp inspired Sky Baby! Once again coming in clear pink resin, the tiny 1″ tall figure can be yours for just $5…

“With Spring almost over, these figure color waves are to remind us of the few weeks when our world was decorated with those beautiful cherry blossom trees.” 

Peter has mentioned that he plans to bring a new wave of colours every week and a half or so, so expect more news on the next series to follow soon…

MAN-E-NEWS// (UPDATED) The Fly Definition x JC Rivera “Bearlee” A Broken Champ Project…

Almost a year in the making, music collective Fly Definition are proud to reveal that their highly anticipated collaboration with Chicago’s JC Rivera will be ready for release later this week. Entitled “Bearlee: A Broken Champ”, the 4″ tall hand cast and painted resin figure has been modelled on the boxer bear character set to feature in Fly Definition’s upcoming fashion project. With no news as of yet with regards to edition size or pricing, be sure to head over to either JC‘s or Fly Def‘s Big Cartel for the drop sometime this Friday (April 20th). Expect more pics soon…

“Fly Definition, a brand of high integrity, that for the past 3 years has been  experienced through music events, a website & other various projects can now be experienced through fashion. Collaborating with JC Rivera is something we’re very excited about and hope that we can create something every fan of art & fashion will appreciate…”

UPDATE// Fly Definition have kindly sent over some new info on the second part of this project, the awesome Bearlee tees! Available to pre-order through the Fly Definition Big Cartel now for either $25 on its own, or just $40 with the figure included- that’s just $15 for a hand painted Rivera resin figure! Due for an official release on Friday, be sure to get your pre-orders in fast as these wont be around for long!

MAN-E-NEWS// The Steel BlueBird Sprog series from Cris Rose…

Cris Rose has just revealed the latest additions to the Sprog family, the Steel Bluebirds! Consisting of 5 popular Sprog designs, each with a 1/5 ratio, the blind-boxed series (no actual boxes, just randomly allocated!) with also be featuring a  26th design, a super-rare one off ‘Raymond’ chase! With an expected retail price of around $65 plus shipping, be sure to head over to Rose’s store on Thursday, April 19th to secure yours…

MAN-E-NEWS// Custom Mini Berties from Rich UME…

With threeA‘s DIY Mini Berties shipping a couple of weeks back, the art toy community has wasted no time in getting to work on these little beauties, with Richard Page of UME Toys‘ efforts being some of the best we’ve seen so far. Procuring 5 from close friend JPK last weekend, Rich set about cutting and pasting the un-articulated bots, giving the newly posed figures an expertly weathered paint job in a variety of vibrant colours (our favourite has got to be pink!). Unfortunately, it’s unlikely that these will be for sale, but, if you have a few of these guys spare (and ask Rich kindly!), we’re sure he will be more than happy to work his magic on them…

MAN-E-NEWS// The custom Skullwagon Playsam from Plaseebo…

Bob Conge aka Plaseebo kindly shares with us his custom Playsam for Super7’s upcoming Playsam 500 charity show (find out more here),  the 1919 Skullwagon Land Speed Record Car! Featuring a beautifully sculpted skull cockpit and tail, the suitably ‘creeped-out’ speedster even comes replete with 2 very scared looking passengers! Easily one of our favourite Playsam customs so far, the Skullwagon will be taking it’s place alongside another 58 entries at Super7’s San Francisco location come April 28th. Head over to the Playsam 500 Facebook page for more details…

“The 1919 Skullwagon was designed and piloted by Claude Faytte Bragdon, the american architect based in Rochester, New York. The car was sponsored by the Fox Sisters, a clairvoyant duo from the same city, who dabbled in the paranormal and spiritualist beliefs.

The Skullwagon was powered by a 500 hp psychic energy turbine, the first and only of its kind. At 1:30 PM on November 23rd 1919 the Fox sisters had arranged

for 8,697 of their followers to tune in and direct their psychic energy to the specific coordinates of latitude and longitude of the location of the Skullwagon on the starting line of the Salt Flats Racetrack Playa in Death Vally California. At 1:31 PM the cars aluminum skin began to shimmer, emitting a pulsating blue light and at 1:36 the Skullwagon broke inertia, silently inching forward. Continually gaining speed at an ever increasing rate with only the sound of its wheels turning through the white dust and the air whistling along its sleek body, the Skullwagon appeared more akin to a sailing ship than car. At 1:43 she reached a top speed of 167 miles per hour shattering the previous land speed record. A title the Skullwagon would hold for the next 28 years.

Some years later, long after the memory of the Skullwagon had faded from racing history, the first siteing of the “sailing stones” appeared and continues to this day. The “Sailing Stones” which leave linear “racetrack” imprints are a geological phenomenon found in the playa. The stones, some weighing over 100 pounds, slowly move across the surface, leaving a track as they go, without human or animal intervention. They have never been seen or filmed in motion. The stones only move once every two or three years and most tracks last for three or four years.

Some believe the stones are being moved by the residue of psychic energy from that long ago run of the Skullwagon.” 

MAN-E-FEATURE// ‘Ed Skworm vs. Min-E-Face: Our debut resin mini figures coming soon!!!

[Above, ‘Ed Skworm & Min-E-Face WIP protos]

After several months on the drawing board, we can finally reveal to you the first of 2 incoming resin toy drops from us here at MAN-E-TOYS! Inspired by a love of classic 80’s toys and cartoons, our debut release will be coming in the form of a custom bootleg M.U.S.C.L.E ‘duel’ pack, featuring the evil ‘Ed Skworm vs. our very own hero, Min-E-Face!

With head sculpts and customization from our writer/artist Tru:Tek, production duties have been passed over to the über talented Steve Patt of Papagrim Toys, who is currently in the process of making molds for the 2 little guys (production photos to follow soon). Initially coming in 2 super-limited unpainted colourways, M.U.S.C.L.E flesh and Violet GID, we are currently in the process of securing a number of ‘MAN-E-TOYS featured’ artists for small painted runs- the first coming from the mighty Adam Pratt!

Coming bagged with trading card and header art from Tru:Tek, expect to see the pair drop on the newly opened MAN-E-TOYS store at the beginning of June. Stay tuned for more info in the coming weeks, and be sure to follow us on twitter (@trutek) for a number of contests and giveaways in the build up to the drop…

[Above, ‘Ed Skworm & Min-E-Face WIP protos]

BACKSTORYS:

MIN-E-FACE// Cast aside from the MAN-E family at birth due to a rare defect that left him without the use of two of his faces, Min-E was kindly taken in by an NJPW wrestler who nurtured the otherworldly fighting skill that laid dormant inside the young boy. Sworn enemy of the Skworm (his estranged family’s closest ally), MIN-E is about to embark on his biggest quest yet- to rid the world once and for all of these putrid, sickly creatures and gain revenge on the family that once left him for dead!

‘ED SKWORM// Although one of the smallest species of [sick worm], the ‘Ed Skworm is widely known as the most brutal. Reported to be able to ingest a whole human head within 6.66 seconds, natives of the Stench (the Skworm’s most common hunting ground) have taken to wearing ‘Pepto-dysmal’ charms, the sorry beast’s only weakness, in a bid to stay alive. With a penchant for midget Japanese Pro wrestlers, our hero Min-E will have to watch his back or he’ll be losing the use of three faces instead of two!

[Above, ‘Ed Skworm & Min-E-Face WIP protos]

Incidently, the original Skworm design is set to become our second resin release at the tail end of June- more news on that next week!

MAN-E-NEWS// Custom Quad Stug series from Adam Pratt x Rivet Wars…

Previously featured in our recent interview with Rivet Wars creator Ted Terranova, the Quad Stug custom series will finally be seeing the light of day next week! Consisting of 5 one-off custom painted quadrupedal tanks expertly painted and weathered by Adam Pratt, anyone lucky enough to bag one of these beautiful creations will also receive an original Rivet Wars watercolour, a stats card, custom box and authenticated orders from the commanding general plus a number other goodies! No news on pricing or release (these were originally slated for Sunday, April 15th), so be sure to keep checking the Rivet Wars site for updates in the coming days…

 

MAN-E-NEWS// The Atorpa 8″ Dunny from Jason Limon…

The exquisite painting and sculpt style of the revered Jason Limon will finally be adorning a production toy, with the post-apocalyptic Atorpa 8″ Dunny receiving an official announcement yesterday. As with the recently released Supernatural from 64colors, Kidrobot are really stepping up a gear, with Atorpa featuring the beautiful curves, unique sculpt style and meticulous attention to detail that has collectors queing around the block to acquire his work. Retailing for $70, Atorpa has been limited to just 1000 pieces worldwide, and will be available from  April 26th at all good Kidrobot retailers.

Signing events will be taking place at Kidrobot’s NY, LA and San Francisco stores between April 24th-26th, so be sure to check the Kidrobot blog if you’re interested in swinging by…

“In Jason Limon’s post-apocalyptic Earth, humans have ravaged the planet, and plant life has found a way to make a drastic shift to survive. Atropa comes to fruition, and in abundance, consumes the planet. They commandeer the bodies of remaining people and animals, blending mammal and plant to create a new life form. Body becomes seed, leaves become wings, and memories live on flowering vines. Atropa is the new life form, and the only one that can survive.

Atropa is a type of flowering plant, the name deriving from Atropos, the oldest of the three fates in Greek mythology that ended the life of each mortal by cutting their thread.”

MAN-E-NEWS// The Lovebirds from Kronk x Kidrobot…

Originally given to guests at his wedding last year, South African artist Kronk is proud to reveal that the Lovebirds will soon be available to the general public in 4 alluring new colourways- Teal, Black, Purple and Orange! Packaged individually in an Kronk-designed box, each 4″ tall figure stands on its tail with its feet in the air, ready to connect with (or push away) any potential partners. Priced at just $19.95 each, expect to see the Lovebirds at your local Kidrobot retailer from April 26th…

“Stellar on their own but perfectly complete when mated, the Lovebirds are both half and whole. Like yin and yang, macaroni and cheese, ice skaters and spandex – you will enjoy just one, and fall in love with two.”

MAN-E-NEWS// Real Steel ‘Ambush’ 1/6th figure from threeA…

Announced way back at the tail end of last summer, threeA Toys are finally gearing up for the release of Real Steel’s ‘Ambush’ in 1/6th scale. Following the same meticulous attention to detail seen in the recent MGS Rex release, Ambush’s articulation is second to none, featuring countless moving parts including pistons, sliding biceps and led lit eyes that faithfully mimic all of the articulation in the film.

Whilst many complained that the choice of robot wasn’t the most immediate (Ambush only appears for around 5 minutes at the beginning of the film!), it’s easy to see why he was chosen looking at the finished product- the weathered, beaten style and exposed mechanics lending themselves perfectly to the threeA aesthetic. Hitting the Bambaland store with an exclusive 1/6th scale remote control on April 17th (9am HK time), Ambush will be available for $290 shipped, with threeA’s premier distributors,  BBICN, Good Smile and Sideshow all offering pre-orders from May 1st.

 

MAN-E-NEWS// Megantrann TRANNYformer bootleg figure from 2 bit Hack…

“Evil leader of the Decepticocks bent on stealing all the Gynergon from the TRANNYformer home world. Will the Autoballs be able to stop him?”

Following the release of Optimus Prima and Ultra Wagnus earlier this year, warped bootlegger 2 bit Hack is proud to present the first TRANNYformer villian- Megantrann! Hand cast and painted, the 4″ tall resin peg toy follows a similar aesthetic to his predecessors, featuring a mixture of bootleged toys, original sculpting and a rather unsettling bulge! Priced at $40 plus shipping, head over to the 2 bit Hack store and pick up yours now…

“The heroic Autoball TrannyFormers and their courageous leader, Optimus Prima, have departed their home world to travel across the megacosm — to the planet Earth — in search of Gynergon cubes. But there’s an evil new force in the universe, one willing to relentlessly pursue the Autoballs and claim the prize as their own, one not even the powerful Ultra Wangus seems capable of stopping: the evil Decepticocks, led by the maniacal Megantrann. And even when the battle is over, the galaxy-spanning adventures of the TrannyFormers will continue…”

Not content with just the one evil transvestite robot, 2 bit Hack is already gearing up for the release of Megantrann’s minions, Starscream and Skywarp! Both of these guys are going to need renaming before release, and 2 bit Hack is prepared to offer prizes to anyone who can come up with the goods! Just tweet your entry with the tag #TRANNYformers and be sure to keep track of his twitter feed (@The2bitHACK) for the results…

[photos/info- spankystokes]