I think I had the pizza guy and one other. I'm pretty sure I picked these up from the leftover product samples at a trade show when I was a kid. It was pretty awesome... at the end of the show a lot of the booths were trying to get rid of their samples so that they didn't have to take them back in luggage. In hindsight, I guess I should have taken better care of them, since some of them could have been prototypes. What is the deal with these? Are they available anywhere online?
I made them for a small gallery opening in LA on Feb. 2nd. I'll keep back a few blank sets to sell through instagram. If they do well I'll make some army green sets, and maybe some flesh. But for now, just these.
Heck YES I do! I sadly remember them as being one of those rack-fillers, taking up precious space for other toy lines I coveted back on those rare occasions when we got to make a visit to the American toy store. I honestly wished I appreciated them more back then, as I think it's actually a great, fun little line. That is a great story @akum6n, you never know I guess. Boy, am I jealous of those experiences, I bet you probably saw a great deal of interesting things. David, these are really great! You're working on so many wonderful - but almost 'secret' - projects. I can think of a bunch of other micro lines these will fit right in with. Thanks for sharing them with us.
^ Wow, really? Huh, odd world. I wonder what other connections like this there are, would be great to document some of these associations here. I think generally people associated with toy making from a 'western' centric (i.e. US market) have always gone unsung. I mean, yes, it is a very different [see corporate] group design system, but the people who have had such influences on children, without them even knowing it perhaps, is largely untold. Some of the more major lines have gotten attention now from The Toys The Made Us, but that is limited, and actually I think it is smaller lines like these, or MIMP, etc., where I am sure there are actually incredible creative stories to be mined. Not to divert from the topic at hand, sorry David. Really nice work on the packaging. I almost wish for baggies on toys, just so I don't feel as guilty ripping them open with child-like glee.
I instantly open every vinyl toy I get, but tend to keep the very few action figures I collect carded. I think it's because I always did that, since working at KB toys in the 90s. Also most card art is better than the toy itself, and it makes for an easier wall display.
God I loved KB toys. That place used to sell real live Mexican jumping beans. The 80s we're an incredible time to be alive!
The food fighter idea came about when I was asked to be part of a kawaii foods themed gallery. The gallery opening was last night and it was really fun. There are sets of unpainted food fighters left and are available here: https://leannalinswonderland.com/co...roducts/david-coffman-food-fighters-unpainted
been seeing these posted all over the 'gram! Really great packaging for these greasy guys. I may have to pick your brain when the time comes...
Thanks for the info and heads-up on the gallery sale. I picked up a set. These look really great and remind me of the Baikin Gundan figures produced by Gargamel. Although I guess these went in the reverse direction, since the Baikin figures were upsized vinyls based on keshi figures, whereas these are downsized resin figures based on vinyl toys. Very cool and I hope to see a few more sets.
I have been posting a lot... I'm pretty excited with how they turned out. Feel free to ask me anything. I'm new to this, and am figuring it out as I go. The blisters came from dke toys and cardbacks from overnight prints. The backs could be thicker, they're like a 5x7 postcard advertising a gallery or club. Dke has a sample pack of blisters you can get with 5 or 6 sizes to test out. The resin is all done by straifseven. He pulls some good colors, works quickly, and runs with whatever idea I have. I went with him initially with my tanuki because he is close and I needed them fast.
Thanks for grabbing a set. I hadn't thought of the baikin comparison, but it is a good one. I have a few ideas on future releases, assuming these are well liked. The carded set looks nice, but makes me want to keep them new in the packge. Some might be bagged/header, making them easier to open and a little cheaper. Others might be blind bag gachapon style with wild/random colors.
I've thought about it. I'd either have to get my molds and send them to someone who does work in rubber, or make new molds.
Nice work on the gallery entry, David. Glad it was a success, and it looks like the whole show was pretty great, so I am stoked you were a part of that. Happy to see some good SBers get recognition for their work, particularly so when it is out of something so honest.