I agree, and viewing them as simple "product" from a "marketer" would allow me to enjoy them. If Tim Biskup's work was as repetitive I'd be disappointed because I see him as an artist. On the other hand if they came from KAWS he'd merely be delivering the "product" expected from him.
Hmmm....I like the companion, I like star wars, like vader, and I don't have any big hangups about kaws as artist or product maker etc....but I just can't get into this. Something about the head/helmet etc...maybe it's too much of the VCD or superdeformed look about it. I never really liked those.
After seeing the full body shot, I still can't get into it. It's too doll-like for me with the cape. the chain, the helmet. Basically the whole "outfit". To me, the Anraku Dako Vader is a more interesting riff on Darth Vader.
*please read this as a non hostile post...rather a sort of 'academic' question/statement with no animosity intended* Lets see..Labbit has pretty much nothing to do with Kaws stuff. 'Labbit' is meant to be available in a variety of formats, sizes and prices to anyone that wants one. Labbit is about being inclusive. Labbit takes it cue from the punk/music aesthetic of its there for everyone. enjoy! Non exclusive vibe. kaws seems more to draw his approach from 'high hip fashion/fine art' where the desirability comes from exclusion. Im not very interested in that approach, so, in a way....I can't really draw a valid comparison between what i do and Kaws does. I have found that MOST (not all) people I have met or heard 'negatively critique' Kaws do so for silly reasons...mostly having to do with 'he's sold out or he's banal'. But then again, i am not a big fan of anonymous critique. I have yet to meat a Kaws Hater that actually does anything but CONSUME pop debris. And yes, I totally respect your 'right' to criticize, but when it's done in a weird sort of anonymous way....with no way to measure your negative critique...it just comes off as 'hate'. Let's see what you do, so I can 'judge' your 'aesthetic/life reason' and then I might be prone to respect your negative comments a bit more. I mean, who knows...you might be an amazing artist who's work leaves Kaws in the dust. Or you might just be some guy that works at Denny's. A "Critic' needs to have as much 'background and cred' (in my opinion) as the target of the critique does in their field of eandouver. ..to give the critique itself some sort of context...in my personal opinion. to paraphrase some woman who is Ridley Scotts Editor..."I always tell my assistant editors that when they go out and make their own major motion picture, then they can second guess the Director of a film' so...other than having a hobby...what is the basis...? Just being someone with a nominal knowledge of 'toys' really isnt enough in my personal opinion. "lets go round in circles'.
Mr Kozik bringing damn logic and reasoning into a hate debate! It's Kaws, and it's Star Wars . . . what's not to frickin' like!
I just wish it had been Boba Fett or a Stormtrooper instead...I do collect those characters. Personally,not a big Darth Vader fan...don't really know why...maybe its the cape? But I think as far as a Vader piece, whoever did the sculpt did a pretty good job of fusing the Companion character with Vader.
Same deal . . . a fabric cape may smack of dress-up dolls . . . hoping for molded vinyl! Next up is the Tokyo Tribe Hasheem character so I dunno if this is the start of a series or just random homages!
personally, just by the amount of pages this kaws piece has is testiment to something whatever way you view it,,its won
""To me, the Anraku Dako Vader is a more interesting riff on Darth Vader."" The Dako Vader is really cool and I wish I could get one. I got the Anraku Cambodia Vader and wasn't sure if he looks cool but when I opened the box and watched him in real I was satisfied with him. I guess same as the Anraku Vaders splits the Anraku fans who love and who dilslike them the Kaws Vader splits the Kaws fans too. However will try to get one for a decent price.
I'm not a KAWS hater. His Dissections that were taken from Damien Hirst were great. This is too Western pop culture for me. I wouldn't be into a Simpsons one either.
It might end up that's the cheaper route, but I'm going to cross my fingers. I've got a spot for this guy. I've been waiting since I saw that picture he painted over.
was wondering to read its being called kaws vader companion lately, or is it a really 5YL companion size figure??? thought its supposed to be way smaller, same size as usual vcd figures. at least it looks like that from this foto, only little bigger than hasheem who was originally 15 cm back then. isnt kaws all about western pop art??? for my credibility to say so - not working at dennies, not black or gay. guessing retail could be higher as for the rights and all - also dont think they occur as lucas will be pretty happy about it.
