Haling out of what I believe to be Yokohama, Japan comes Meteora Toyz. And they’re actually not new to overall toy making in the slightest. Meteora has been producing original resin sculpts in the kustom/hot rod/Fink/chopper sub scene in Japan since as far back as 2013, and he’s done quite a few! Massive selection over the last seven years! However, his earliest character, SKULL KID, is what has been revisioned and produced in sofubi. In his own words this is SKULL KID: “What is SKULL KID? The original character created by METEO RATOYZ for the first time in 2013. A boy who loves HOTROD, MOTORCYCLE, SKATEBOARD, BMX, LOWBROWART died due to an accident. His body is only bones, but his soul remains, he revives as SKULL KID and enjoys KUSTOM KULTURE all over the world every day. Why don't you enjoy the deeper world of KUSTOM KULTURE with him by decorating it in various places such as your house, garage, car, etc. or going to an event together.” The chain wallet and hangin’ belt are my absolute favorite details here, as both were heavy fashion choices of mine as a young cholo kid during my formidable teen years. The stance of this toy is perfect for placing on a Tech Deck skateboard, too. His resin painted toys are very, very cool. So I’m eager to see a painted version of this toy ASAP.
Though this isn’t his first painted version of SKULL KID, this is the first that has caught my eye. The red vinyl base and black hat/shoes work so perfectly together, and his matte paints for the bone portions of the kid are insanely clean! Plus, the split between glossy vinyl and matte paints is a great aesthetic contrast. The resin skateboard accessory is awesome, too. I sadly didn’t think to photograph the top of the deck, but he’s got actual grip tape laid down! His pin striping as a skate graphic is super, super clean, too. The bandana has cool duality from goin’ Suicidal Tendencies to Wu - Tang face covering. The artist’s name, TACO, embedded into the hat, as opposed to maybe the foot, is a fun marker. I hope to see a straight up black vinyl/stark white painted version. Like, cartoon skeleton black and white. Spoiler
I always love seeing the random sofubi that look like cholo rocker foos. It's such a random aesthetic to see people so fond of across the ocean. Could totally see this dude crowd killing lol With that being said this is a crazy clean figure and I love it.
@Urk There’s actually pretty big lowrider/Chicano cultures in Nagoya and Osaka, or really, they’re inspired take on the culture. Lots of imported cars, mimicked styles and fashion, though I’d very much say it falls in line with appreciation, rather than appropriation. The Skull Kid is a pretty amazing amalgamation of kustom, skate, hardcore and street cultures all packed into one toy. It’s like a new age street figure to me! Japan’s kustom and punk/hardcore scenes are also very much healthy and thriving all over, as well! Funnily enough, you mentioning the cholo type vibe is exactly why I want a stark black vinyl/white bones painted version. I want it too look like it exists alongside the artwork I saw on the walls and gang tattoos I grew up around in South Phoenix. I’m sayin’, that hangin’ belt is my favorite part of this toy.
