First this is just plain awesome but more importantly Robert ( XSuicide SquadX) is taking the photos for it! So I want to take a moment and congratulate him on this big achievement. Your work is strong and consistent and I am beyond stoked to see your hard work and perseverance pay off. You more then deserve it my dude
congrats Robert! I hope there is plenty of fight figure photos... and that it is easier to get than the typical Mondo release.
Nice to see a book focused hard on modern sofubi. I hope we get some quality write-ups and analysis, but at least we know the photos will be absolutely excellent. Congrats Robert!
Holy shit, the response has been super overwhelming for me, but I couldn’t be more excited, thankful and grateful! Being approached for this to begin with was jaw dropping, and it’s only getting more and more real. Thank you guys, so much, for the insanely kind words. I’ve seriously had a blast just putting images out for the sake of record and discussion on the board, showcasing on social media. For it to now be brought [hopefully] to the masses is...wild. As it stands, it definitely seems to be more modern focused, as books like the Super7 Mook, The Beautiful Book of Monsters, So Crazy Japanese Toys we’re very prolific on vintage kaiju. Information is scarce at the moment, and the general direction is early stages of planning. The Mondo crew has been incredible as far as taking in information and suggestions, and I have no doubt that will continue throughout the process. The book title and cover, as Spencer mentioned, is strictly a mockup to give the general idea. Lots and lots of discussions, ideas and planning will be had moving forward! I can’t wait to get started!!!
Whelp, if it would help squeeze Oohasi-san between those covers, sign me up for some Buta loans! Congrats, Robert. Stellar news!
Thank you, everyone, so much. The response has seriously been way, way above what we expected!!! In addition to the minimal information I have provided, I would like to make it known that this mockup cover wasn’t the intended one to be used. The one presented in the opening comment was actually one that was internally presented to the powers that be as an “Hey, this would be a cool idea, right?!” and was never intended to see public eye. The reason being was that the photos were ripped, not borrowed, from various Instagram accounts without permission, and was accidentally posted by the heads of Mondo’s IG account. Even mine were used before I was approached about the project. Not necessarily a huge deal, but some were rightfully sus and bummed about seein’ their images used without consent. I know all about that feeling! I’ve since tried to go out of my way to explain things and hopefully it’ll be cleared up by tomorrow! For the record, this was the mockup that was supposed to be used/posted!
@qquuiidd I’m still in a state of awe and disbelief that I was even presented with such an opportunity. I think I’ll reserve pride for when the project is finished and feel I’ve done right by all who choose to partake in the book! I am thoroughly lookin’ forward to gettin’ started, though.
So neat, I find myself more of a grouch these days (is this the SB effect?) and dont like the majority of the new sofubi being made, but for the photography alone this is as good as it gets. Congrats, Robert! Its going to be a lovely visual encyclopedia for any of us interested in the hobby. With all that said, there's a paul kaiju shot on the cover so I will probably end up with a copy just to oogle over your crispy-crisp shots of Paul's paint apps.
@gatiio Thank you!!! I think grouchiness comes with age, and aging is definitely an SB side effect. As far as the newer toys being made, I’m sure there will be a handful, but we’re lookin’ to also take it back about 10 years and then some(in certain cases). So it should be rather varied with a little somethin’ for just about everyone! PK is an absolute necessity, and most certainly will be featured!
Congrats Robert, truly amazing and well deserved. You're the best at what you do! https://mondoshop.com/blogs/news/li...844938&utm_medium=social&utm_source=instagram
Wish they had a lighter for size instead of an apple in that promo. Will have to keep an eye out for the preorder
Wow Robert, this is such amazing news. I am quite happy for the makers that will be featured in this tome, but just absolutely thrilled for you particularly. I think as has been said here (and throughout the board, but cannot be overstated) your photos have captured and brought a whole new life and appeal to these great pieces of vinyl. I am sure you are singlehandedly responsible for multiple people falling absolutely head over heels for toys they might otherwise not have known about or given a second thought to. Your photos on the board are always a treat to behold, and even when it is new stuff and things that are mostly outside of my general scope, I immediately have to pause and take it all in. Through that I learnt to appreciate a lot of it, but especially the photography skills (and I know the time and effort you put in) to capture them so wonderfully. This is great news all around, and I look forward to the highlighted content of these pages. Massive props to you, and thanks to the responsible folks at Mondo for making this happen.
@ultrakaiju Thank you very much, Steve! That’s a fantastically wonderful compliment! My photos being able to capture one’s attention, even on a toy that doesn’t exactly pertain to one’s interests, is a major win to me, and to the toy! Being able to highlight toys, their details, textures, paints, smoothness, character; all of those are attributes of toys I take in and appreciate, which turns into what I want others to see! Taking from my inspirations and simply wanting to learn and improve on that craft has only ever been taken as a hobby. To now have it being taken to something of a grandiose stage is rather jarring, but also gives me goosebumps. Also, if I may, are you on Instagram???
I just found out about this book this weekend. This looks amazing. I appreciate so many toys, but try to keep my own collection laser-focused for the sake of my wallet. It'll be great to have a hardcover collection filled to the brim with AMAZING photography so that I can salivate over these toys away from a computer/phone screen! Put me on the list for a Robert-signed edition!
If you havent seen it yet, @Mutonismyfriend 's interview/announcements start around minute 26. Goes without saying, but huge congrats to all the board members involved in this project!
