I've been digging these guys for a while now. Anyone else really into them? They're so charming and weird with a vintage but unique look. First 2 photos are from his instagram page.
Oh yeah, I saw these in the lineup for the recent Mandarake festival. Forgot to follow up on the maker's name, so thanks for posting this here. My gut reaction is 'ooh, clear with mechanical innards, tell me more!', but then my brain takes over and suggests that a lot of it seems derivative of other popular toys/themes. I don't like the moon-face baby head. It makes me think of Grody Shogun, and maybe Mirock Toy (the split mechanical face). Personally, I would have slimmed down the head and torso a bit. But I guess it would start to look like Mr. Ree at that point. I do like the diagonal cut on the head, which seems to be multiple pieces. It's unique and will probably allow for some interesting color/material/paint interaction. The painted collar and belt are also nice, rather than just a 'naked' torso. Heck, I'd take one if they offered it to me at retail!
I guess they sold out pretty fast at Mandarake festival(maybe there weren't very many because of how new they are). There number of followers has jumped since then too...though nothing instant or too crazy.
I want to like them more than I do--but I say that about most new stuff. It's executed well. Like akum6n said, derivative of what's been known to "work".
I agree that it's not the most startlingly original design, but the toy brings together many elements I enjoy: henshin cyborg-style simple guts, the wrestler type of body, large number of joints in a small figure, mechanical details, and substantial paint on a clear base. All makes for a figure I want powerfully, to the dismay of my wallet although I will add, with a figure like this the proof of quality will reveal itself in-hand. A design like that has to be executed perfectly imo. By the way, I believe this little guy is called Paranoid-X. Been combing YJA for one at a reasonable price since M-World told me they wanted $200 + retail for each one at the Mandarake fest. Here's my favourite version on the left.
I think Daniel really summed up my first impressions as well, but the more I look at them, I think the more exciting feelings win out. They are not perfect, and there certain things (proportions, detailing) I might change, but that just boils down to personal aesthetic; I am not the maker and if I think I could do better maybe I ought to have. The vintage Henshin connection, the fun design, the 'play' value these offer - I can certainly see them growing on me [and that backdrop is only doing them favours, if I am honest]. I do feel it is following on some popular current styles a little too closely, but really, that seems to me more the rule in the scene in 2019 than the exception. I would love to have one (or even a handful) at a low retail price, but as soon as these cross into the 'art toy' category - and spaghetti monster forbid - Ilu Ilu-like pricing - then I can appreciate the photos of them but will just have to continue to enjoy them by proxy. This is sort of the thing I would love to be coming from Unbox, with big numbers and affordable pricing; that allows the toy to speak for itself, and not build up any sort of self-manufactured scarcity [i.e. popularity].
Fingers crossed they're affordable if and when international sales eventually happen. I believe the blank green was ¥4k
Oh wow, that is actually really decent. The M-World pricing had me very leery of even thinking of chasing. But definitely, if international sales come following along those lines, I am more than willing to sign on for support. Anyone know the size of these by the way, as I don't think it was mentioned? I am hoping that they are larger than I actually think they are (though mini toys are plenty fun, too).
I'd like to see the head sculpt in solid vinyl, its a bit tricky to see only in clear. Its pretty cool though.
Really, really enjoying these little guys. I was able to grab this unpainted from the Mandarake Festival while in Japan. For 4,000 yen a piece I'd say they're way more than reasonable.. Also got a little guy which is so much fun! I will post a photo later.. While maybe not the most original or new concept, they are very well executed! I think my original reaction in seeing them was a bit underwhelmed and thinking "okay, another iluilu bandwagoner".. But seeing them in person gave me a much better idea and appreciation. Overall, excellent toy with lots of character. Very much so looking forward to seeing more from this artist and what new things they create. -GGML guys for size reference, they are just a hair taller. An even better comparison for scale is PK's Mr. Ree.. They are almost identical in height and limb size. View this post on Instagram Spoiler: Mini figure View this post on Instagram View this post on Instagram
This is me patting myself on the back a little... I started this thread the same day I found out, I'd have his toys at Dcon. I can't say enough about this toy, without showing it to you in person. It combines so much toy history into 1 sculpt in the most perfect way. I can't wait to see what comes next. Here's what we brought to Dcon. I did the art for the print.
Dat mini figure tho ( ^ω^ ) Mileage really varies for me on this toy depending on which colourway. Of course I want coloured clear vinyl but as Moog pointed out it’s ideal to be able to make out the face. No doubt it takes influence from many recognisable names but at the current pricing and from what I’ve seen promotion wise, it looks like a genuine labour of love and I’m on board with it.
Does anyone have a photo of this with the head popped off? I love headless Gorz and I'm thinking this is similar