Thought I would drop a few photos to increase the value of this thread to TE fans. No clue as to when it came out or if only a paint sample but it's hands down the best version of Gebora out there!
Hmm, I was stumped on that one, myself. Believe there was a flesh vinyl Gebora among the last few releases, but it was painted very differently. My guess is that it's a paint sample, or, possibly, a lottery prize from one of the Patchi-Summits. I'm partial to the original grey-green version. Hope to track that one down one day.
Damn, that is one gorgeous version! I love the flesh vinyl of course, but the subtle colouring and paint scheme really brings it right up there. A nice blend of metallic and classic paints which you don't see to often. An excellent example of a great sculpt, one off or not, someone got a great toy there.
One thing I have long appreciated about Japanese sofvi monsters is the paint, in regard to highlights being interchangeable with ones perception of the base color. This Gebora is a great example, as is the 1st version Daniel mentioned. From ten feet away it's not always obvious what the actual base color is. There is a genuine simplicity in authentic Japanese paint applications, that very few artists outside of Japan achieve. Folk art is closer to what these dolls exhibit. Mr. Sato is among the most talented sofvi craftsman in Japan and while not for everyone, his contributions and aesthetics can neither be ignored nor denied.
I know the body is an SHB sculpt, however, the head is very much Mr. Sato - San’s work. Therefore I feel should also be displayed here! Spoiler
@1one1 Wow, what's the scoop on the middle Gebora in last photo? Official TE paints or a custom paint? Looks great.
The Smogon2 is such a timeless sculpt, in my opinion. No matter how you feel about it versus the Kougai, there is an undeniable charm and personality to this rendition of the pollution monster. The expression, though similar, is slightly goofier, the arms with “claws” add a totally different dynamic to body, as do the puffy shoulders. The feet(which I initially didn’t appreciate until I got my first one a couple years ago) have a stomping - through- the - city feel. It’s just fun. This version, I didn’t even know existed, until I saw it last year on Instagram(one of the few things it certainly can be good for), and had only seen it in two collections via photos. Once more reiterating Sato - San’s mastery in simplicity when it comes to both his sculpts, and his paints, this Smogon2 is simply gorgeous in hand. I’m both elated and lucky to have come into it. Thank you to the board member that reached out and upheld a fantastic community standard.
That's a great version, Robert. Congratulations on landing a precious monster there, and thank-filled props to the board member who assisted. I agree that the TE version is dearly underappreciated. I think all versions deserve love in their own right, and I for one really love this guy too.
@ultrakaiju Thank you kindly, Steve! The duality of TE toys that they can be both appreciated by kids and collectors is one of my favorites. Everything about this sculpt, from the face, stance, limbs, texture, articulation, heavily read both for me!!!
Target Earth takin’ “bumpin’ uglies” to a whole new level. LOVIN’ this Bumpy Golem, and the omake mini is just fantastic, and morbidly adorable. The colors aren’t quite as vibrant as depicted here, but I really had to highlight what’s brilliantly and subtly placed throughout the sculpt. Edit: I went ahead and added a true to color photo in a spoiler, just to eliminate misconception of my intentional highlight as the face value colors. True to color: Spoiler
Totally forgot to mention I saw these blanks on Mandarake the other day, too. The Moon Knight and Cosmic Fish all left for nice prices, but holy shit on the Golem blank! I can only assume these are more that came direct from Sato - San, or someone close to him!
Also, is this a gallery of display pieces only, or an event where TE toys are bein’ sold? Either way, I’d love to see photos! Thank you bringin’ that up, Anthony!
So what's the story here @kichigai - I'm guessing this is just an exhibition of your personal collection? If it's a proper exhibit by Target Earth with customs and things then that's not a good look for all these guys waiting on pre-orders..