here's the story from the lulublog for those that missed it... not sure if that actually answers the question though.

nag inspired toys popping up like mushrooms lately...
i like this toy, but it definetely reminds me of a lot of other toys rather than impress with an own design.

It's not my bag but I have to admire how Luke's playing it . . . he's admitted he's but a sofubi Padewan and things will develop over time. The price point and DIY ethos are a nice nod to tradition and I wish him nothing but the best!

It has so much character there's no way I could pass this up.

Still kicking myself hard for missing these. Got to find a pair somehow...

Definitely not seeing the Nag comparison. Smoother sculpt. No prolapsed buttholes. Wider head. Etc.

Im with you, I really dont see a Nag inspired toy in the execution of these.. They look like they are carved from stone instead of melted plastic/skin.. With the nag it really depends on the paint app to dictate different looks of the figure itself. These are gonna look like stone no matter what.... They are pretty original IMHO. I missed them as well, I was on the fence, went back to grab one and they both were sold out... OUCH!

Edit: better explanation

I know I'm the one that laid the comment, but I want to be clear that I really like these thing, too!
Personally, I'm neither for or against the-toy-that-shall-not-be-named, it's just another interesting peripheral culture phenomenon to me. When I popped on this thread last week my first thought was "Hey - they made toys of those toys!" and it sent me on a mental ramble about the meta nature of things that are solid, but aren't 'real', spawning representational objects - Much different, say, than a toy line getting a tie-in TV series, or a popular film leading to a plastic thing with Mark Hamill's face on it - All the while digging the memory of those ancient-looking idols, seeming carved out of undiscovered gem-stone, that I'd just seen pictures of.
When I clicked back a while later, to look at the toy again, bryce had asked about what exactly these mysterious new thing were. My brain presented me with, among many other images, a picture of the Muppet babies. Hence my comment was born.
I 'prolly should have gone on with an appreciative paragraph at the time, because I honestly didn't think that that's all these fellas were. In fact, they're two of the very few toys outside of the classic toku realm that I instantly liked and wanted to have around the house.
There. Said it.

*bangs head against wall*

Playing catch-up...these are really wonderful!
The design is organic, playful and original while still being reminiscent of characters from Yokai folklore,
Abura Sumashi comes to mind but unique to their own.
Well done Luke!

some more stuff from luke. even without having the 1st releases in hand yet, i am loving his stuff more & more.



i have no idea what that wonky dog thing in upper left corner is or who made it... but want.
plus, pk's seagool ain't anything to sneeze at either

These are fun in the same way as Ouji, but I don't like the low placement of the arms.

The Yokai release was cool, I was all "Pretty neat, but I can hold back" but those things are like "DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMN!" Love them all, such a nice feel from the pics!

I'm very excited about these toys!! I want them all, Grody Shoguns, 'wonky dog', Seagool, and Jeffrey included.

I agree, this is continuing to impress me more and more. I really like these other guys, even if they don't have the yokai aspect to them. The range in variations is amazing, and it is really interesting to see how the character can change with the combinations of body parts. It is really hard for me to pick a favourite from these selection of these heads I love the colour choices too! I hope these are priced similar to the last ones, 'cause I see myself wanting a whole line of 'em.

Please have these at SDCC!

Loving these guys too. Pretty sure the top pick is new arms and heads on the karakuri body. Maybe he's creating a whole mix and match parts universe.

Anyway about 99% sure that slime green vinyl is left over from my pre-order. I hope that means I get dibs when these guys release.

Love the heads, but not sure about the body and arms feel a bit award

I didn't notice till now that those heads are based on monsters. I think I like the wolfman the most.

Like creepy living puppets.

I would love to see these wood and blood colors.

i was wondering why the back left one looked like frankenstein. when i read your comment, it clicked

Yeah, and the full body shot is the Vampire with what looks to be a frankensteins monster right arm and a werewolf left arm.

I agree, but personally I love the mixed-up hodgepodge look Hopefully it is not just for these protos.

I totally agree with all the enthusiasm, these look great. First time I see of them but I really like what I'm seeing. I don't feel these are really Nag related in any way, ok the lips are somewhat similar but at the same time they remind me of many other influences while maintaining their own personality. I'll defintely be keeping my eyes open for these fellas.

Why is everything crude compared to the Nag now ? ESP. When the nags crudeness was ripped from BEMON....