I feel like I’ve seen an original Marx Great Garloo in an antique shop, vividly, but I can’t factually say if I did see it, or just thought I did. Regardless, I am overly familiar with the toy itself and seen plenty of photos. Going solely off of that basis I’d say Knuckle’s sculpt perfectly captured The Great Garloo in the Kustom Monsters fashion. Fantastically, though, the colors are so damn spot on. It’s impressive as is that Justin was able to obtain the Marx license for Garloo, but the overall teamed up execution is just perfect. He’s beastly, too. Neckline and head measure up above the standard KM toys in Headlock’s arsenal. As previously mentioned, Justin choosing to breathe new life into Marx’s original Garloo box design in favor of the standard bag and header is super fun. The loin cloth, the sandals, the mohawk spike, the expression and facial features(nose, mouth, jawline/chin), all true to the original 60’s predecessor. But I gotta say, my favorite detail is the “Garloo” necklace. I feel like the rope string is more fitting than the original chain, but it’s a great accessory that’s crucial to the overall presentation. I’d love for Ken and Justin to play around more with this license and get experimental with colors for Garloo in the future. Spoiler Shinigami Megane(Death Glasses) is designed by Nagoya tattoo artist Masato(who is also a current member of the Kustom Monsters roster) and sculpted by Knuckle. About the same dimensions as the HLS Amabie, and another fantastic example of a tattooer’s art being translated into a 3D platform. This is the Creature Bazaar exclusive. And PuriPuri Fink returns. Spoiler
Great writeup Rob! Two details I like on Garloo are the sculpted chain on one arm, true to the original, and the yellow cross spray on his back (visible in your photos). I don't know if the vintage toy has a cross or just yellow accents on his back, but the pattern adds another layer of structure to the toy, on top of the regular raised scale texture. The size is also more manageable than I thought it would be--my only other full-size Headlock is the MVH Flying Freak collab, which is massive because of the oversized head. This one is much easier to handle. Still deciding if the face and head are for me personally, but Garloo is another very strong showing from Headlock.
Thanks, Taimur! If I remember correctly I think the back of the 60’s Garloo has a couple fade spots on the shoulder blades? I don’t recall the X - ish pattern seen here. I did notice the chain on the right hand, but for some reason I glossed over shooting it in lieu of all the other details presented. But that’s a great one to point out! Aside from being a bit taller, the head is also pretty big, but not to the point of being disproportionate to the body.
I missed going back and bidding on a gorgeous Amabie because of stupid eBay security certificate bullshit. By the time I could connect, the auction was over. Nice timing fleabay ... That'll teach me to bid immediately.
Just got my Shinigamimegane through from Korekore. Not tried the tshirt on yet (he says hopefully) to see if it fits. Really lovely green vinyl on this one.
That’s a great one, @Bob!!! That’s the one I got with my tee combo from Creature Bazaar! I just gotta set it up and shoot with it. All colors available were pretty spectacular, so I wouldn’t have been disappointed by any in the bunch.
Following in the exact footsteps of Bob, I too received the green/yellow lamé Shinigame Magane from Creature Bazaar. Pretty fascinating green, and the glitter in the vinyl really makes for a night sky appearance in the skull and cloak! The green is much deeper and saturated, but Imgur is a bit shitty with degradation and desaturating when it comes to certain colors, green being the majority victim. Really enjoy these single pull figures/characters Headlock’s been producing out of Nagoya through Unplug Works. Spoiler
@xSuicide Squadx your pics really show how lovely the vinyl is. I too am loving the single pull sculpts.
@Bob That’s always my number one intention with these types of shots! To show off the vinyl, colors, paints, sculpt details, etc! @rattanicus Thank you, Rei! That is a VERY high compliment!!!
Ken Joho and Knuckle, to me, are somethin’ of a Walt Disney in their own right with sofubi and the character lineup. Next time I take a trip out I’ll have to bring along the Knuckle Kun and Mini Ken Kun. Spoiler
Nagoya’s local hip hop bad boy G.Cue is now immortalized in soft vinyl! This is an entirely, newly sculpted figure by Knuckle, sans the left, open hand. Easily my favorite detail of G.Cue is the fade in his haircut. It’s just so damn perfect. Second to that, I’d have to say the hangin’ belt, reminiscent of my adorned style as a kid. Knuckle really nailed his facial features and likeness, too. Not too surprising, after the success of his Ken and Masato sculpts! The tattoos are great and well executed, even some bein’ his actual tattoos. Obviously the signature “sex finger” hand is just that: signature to Cue. Kama Kazy on his shirt is his clothing brand, which is a pretty cool marketing tool if it drives people to look it up. As with everything else in Headlock’s catalog I’m lookin’ forward to seein’ what new versions arrive of G.Cue. And if you haven’t already, I recommend checkin’ out his music. There’s unfortunately only one album on Spotify, and while it’s not my favorite release of his, it’s still a goodin’. Spoiler G.Cue for reference.
Another toy you'll own (Which is great..) Another toy that will fetch 4x Plus on the aftermarket. (Not so great) I'm still patiently waiting for the bride of frankenstein and mummy!!!!
@bryce_r I mean, I’m always hopeful, but never expecting! I’d like to see a good handful of HLS fans on this board come up! @drybones69 I’m still most partial to the open mouth Tibeo, but this is definitely a great and fun iteration. Takin’ it to the classic imagery of the flattened, bird’s eye view is so rad. @coma21 I, too, am eagerly awaiting the Bride!!! It was teased so long ago I was hopin’ we’d have seen her debut by now! Maybe near or during October? Seems like it’d be an appropriate time! And since the lottery is now closed, Johnny Akihito of Weird Collections’ Myce has officially debuted! I’ll leave my impressions for if I’m chosen in the lotto, but this is a super fun and lighthearted character. Another perfect representation of Johnny’s 2D paintings in 3D form! Knuckle’s sculpting is wild.
Haha I completely missed the tush – looking forward to receiving him! I've done alright with HLS lottos recently (touch wood!) --- Recent pickup from my side – Ko-Re Ko-Re Exclusive Puri Puri Fink in unpainted choco brown. Missed out on this at release and I've been on the hunt since. Very happy he's finally in the collection ☺️
SURPRISE, SURPRISE!!! The day before Creature Bazaar we get a cryptic e - mail of a “mystery figure”. Lo and behold, CB comes out the gate with another mascot - esque release by way of Lil’ Diablo. I’d like to think just about anyone that sees this version immediately thinks of The Hulk. But because it’s a devil there’s something mystic about it to me, as well. Couldn’t be more appreciative and happy for Headlock to collaborate with Creature Bazaar once more.
Congrats, Robert! He's brilliant – The green and purple work really well together, even though they shouldn't! Still on the hunt for a Creature Bazaar x Headlock Studio piece, one day!
I’ve been adding to the Headlock page over at Sofubiki this week – still work to be done but it's awesome seeing everything together.
Agreed! And, Robert's photo only made that feeling worse I wonder if, given the standard CB colour palette, an orange skinned devil was considered... perhaps next time!