I've meant to post this for a while now, but the recent flood of teasers (from various sculptors and creators) served as impetus to finally sit down and compose. As recent as two years ago, if you'd of told me that some of the coolest, well-detailed, true-to-vintage-masters kaiju (and similar) toys being made would come from American based creators, I would've checked yo'self before you wrecked yo'self. Alas, the day(z) have come to fruition! What we've all seen in the past 12 months is, to this humble man, nothing short of true artistry and love of craft. This list is non-exhaustive, and my apologies if I leave someone off (feel free to edit): --Cannibal Kaiju--General Kyofu (totally badass, and I'm not usually a fan of fight figures. This toy immediately brought back memories of wondering if Red Skull from ol' Cap'n America could be real!) --Paul Kaiju--what cannot be said of Paul's attention to detail and unapologetic love to contemporaneously riff on the bizarre and the childlike. It seems PK continues to blow minds with each subsequent creation. If Boss Carion is an indication of what is to come, my excitement cannot be contained. It's like PK is channeling a Yamanaya or M1go sculptor from years past. --M.V.H.--at one point, in the course of this past year, I thought Rich may secretly be employed by Siccaluna or Mr. Bemon. For reals! With each test shot or teaser he'd put on Flickr, I would adjust my monitor in hopes I could unblur the picture so as to reveal the artistic beauty. Rich's love of monsters is overtly apparently in each one of his creations to date. I was like an annoying little kid, asking his parents to give hints about coming birthday presents, for months leading up to MVH's first Sludge Demon to drop. My excitement for Ollie trumps that anticipation tenfold! --Greasebat--we've all shown Jeff solid love for his contemporary kaiju illustrations, and with the photos of his first toy, it only seems meant to be. 'Nuff said. --MonstreHero--is their anyone Cliff and Sean haven't helped? Not only do they create their own blend of characters, of a style reminiscent to 1950s/60s comic heroes, but lend their talents to help many of the previous mentions to realize their own ideas. Men for others! --Monster Worship--if you don't yet own a Kusagon, well, you are probably sleeping, or mustard. One look at this sculpt and I found my mind transported to a simpler time, when I would get a new Star Wars figure from my grandmother, and I needed nothing else. I'd hold a rude droid in my hands, and while so simple, it removed all the complexity from my life. Somehow. Even if they never released another toy, they helped me transcend the decades with that same simple smile. --Max Toy Company--Mark may very well BE Ultraman. I don't know HOW he does it. Years as an illustrator and love, I mean REAL passion, for kaiju and tradition exude everything he touches! --Lamour & Mishka--these guys get real props, 'cuz they constantly seem to be like the US diplomatic cheerleaders for international kaiju love and appreciation. These cats refuse to believe they are the only ships on the sea, and do what they can to keep the torch lit. The Adfuncture Bootleg is everything I love about modern day toys/kajju/fight figures: rough, unadulterated cool; and, since I never was able to get more than one Madball as a kid, let me add another one (sorta) to my collection. As I've told some of you, thank you for sharing and everything you do! As always, as a humble fan and artist I will always give my services to you gratis--for headers, art, whatev--cuz you've already given us a lifetime of smiles and fun!! Thanks, Futureman
Yes!!!! Spot on my man. It's like you took the words right out of my mouth. All of the artist you have paid homage to deserve to be recognize and thanked for all the joy they bring into our lives on a daily basis. There's not a single one on that list that I don't have the greatest respect and admiration for. Your beautiful and eloquently composed letter makes me so proud to be a part of this community. This shouldn't be buried in the FAQs section.
I think Lixx had a little musing from a year or two ago where he said something to the effect that it is hard for other people to conceive how you can feel close and friendly with people you've never met in person. But I agree with him that our mutual appreciation for a rare craft brings us together. It's wonderful to see our friends do good things!!
I think there may be room to stretch the USA based toy making angle a bit without deminishing the original concept. In my mind I would connect people like Ricky and even Brian Bunting/mondocoyote of Galaxy People to this US/Skullbrain based phenomenon. I don't see it as a bunch of individual artists working on their own, but more as a community that consistently cross paths and help each other to see their dreams to fruition. As Futureman mentioned MonstreHero have cast toys for both MVH and PK. People are forming their own toy production companies. Monster Worship is helping Jeff release the Greasebat and there is recent news of Velocitron and Luke of Lulubell starting their own toy production facility. I would even add Matt W of Dead Presidents for his new line of paints that have helped replace the void that V-color left. I also hear that Matt will be releasing his own new toy very soon. If you want to experience an aspect of this community effort in the flesh I suggest you look no further than the Crossover Global Figure Symposium at Comic Con where a large majority of this group will be working together to bring some of their amazing creations our way.
Fully agree on all your and Lixx' points. What I believe it comes down to is that there's much truth to the concept of Phyles As desribed in Diamond Age by Neal Stephenson. We are connected by all the various cultural markers, kaiju or otherwise, that are and not so well known in the mainstream, nevertheless all too human. Monsters and the fear of them, combined with the need to stand up to the man. Whomever that might be.. Beauty is in the eye..
Great compliments. Good idea to bring this up ! I would add to this great list 3x3is9/Grumble-Toys couple team. The toys they did so far are awesome. Manmorah is sadly underrated.
Good call, Steph! Grumble Toys is an essential in my home. Whether it is the great store stock, easy customer service, or vintage-style collabs with Amapro, Chris and Ainsley definitely have a place on my top shelf!
Bob conge too! wow thanks for all of the kind words. first and foremost i like to think of myself as a fan. I think thats what sets us all of us a part is that we all make the stuff that we want to see made and we do it on our own terms, DIY, punk as fuck, whatever. working with people like John (kichigai) at beaK on Kusogon and Jeff Lamm on Greasebat is defintely inspiring and rewarding. To work with friends and to make new friends/fans along the way is awesome!!! hopefully all of us will fuel/motivate others to do their own stuff as well and continue the cycle. I would also like to mention/props to SUPER 7, because they are defintely still KILLING IT!, and keeping things relevant and offering inspiration for all of us. there is still lots of stuff to be made from all of us for sure. thanks Chad
If it weren't for one particularly dedicated and altruistic collector, we wouldn't have this incredible resource that has made so much possible for so many. photo by Kirkland Jue
Thank you FutureMan for writing those words that probably many of us thought of but never quite put into paper. And of course thank you to all those artists/creators that you've mentioned that have shared with us their wonderful work. As a person with almost no artistic talent and experience I always feel excited and proud when someone else manages to transform their thoughts and ideas into something material (in this case toys) that can be appreciated by others. And the fact of it being toys is just amazing!!! It's so cool to be here and being able to see it happen. For me is just seeing a dream come true, even if they are not my creations! It is so great. And yes! a very especial mention to Super7, Glenn, Brian and all the folks that work there everyday, as well as the artists they work with to create all the awesome toys!!
I agree, Ax! I am glad all these people--and many before them--helped make sure toys for grown ups never go out of style! No matter how old I get, I can never hate toys!
