Whoa… The holy grail ? Maybe that’s too strong – but we’ve heard so many rumors of an art toy by the incomprable Mark Ryden we were wondering if it would ever see the light of the day. But that day is here. Based on the painting of the same name, YHWH stands 16” tall (rotocast vinyl) , has three acrylic eyes and is slated for a mid-summer release from Long Gone John's Necessaries Toy Foundation. The first image of the new figure is this beautiful shot by Brian McCarty done for an upcoming issue of Hi-Fructose. The eyes in particular are stunning – love the ears too.

Speaking of Hi-Fructose, they posted an excellent piece on their blog about the making of YHWH with quotes from both Mark Ryden and Long Gone John. It made us smile to learn that Ryden’s son Jasper was finally the one to convince his father to make an art toy and also chose the character. On the subject of the long-rumored toy, Long Gone John explains that it’s been a three year struggle to get the toy made properly with results that satisfy Ryden’s understandably high standards. YHWH is currently in production after failed attempts at two previous facilities. In terms of editions, there will also be at least two limited editions – one white, one black (80 pieces each).

In more Ryden toy news, YHWH sculptor Dave Pressler will be revealing a step-by-step making-of process on his blog next week. Interestingly, the original plans called for a figure of the girl to accompany YHWH. Ryden eventually decided to focus solely on YHWH.

I always imagined if Ryden released a toy it would be a furry plushie with a cute/creepy vinyl face. Not sure about this one, Being part of a compostion, it may not stand on it's own quite as well.

I have to say I'm incredibly disappointed by this. Ryden has created so many cool images (why not a Lincoln toy, or a vinyl steak or one of his classic figures of a girl)

This one is just dumb. And i usually love Long Gone John's toys and Mark Ryden's art. I had high hopes, but this thing sucks.

Is it that much different from a Dokuwashi? Or how about a magic wand? Is that a toy?

I'm kind of amazed. I thought it would get a better reaction here. I look at this in the same way you go to see a band play and they play what they feel is what they would want to hear. Although I know it's not always the crowd favorite. I think this is the figure that he wanted to see on his shelf.

Is it more sculptural then an articulated toy? Yes. Is it that much different from a Dokuwashi? Or how about a magic wand? Is that a toy?

It made us smile to learn that Ryden’s son Jasper was finally the one to convince his father to make an art toy and also chose the character.

an ice cream truck playset, a santa worm vinyl would be rad.

I don't think Mark ever wanted to do this, and basically just acquiesced to his sons wishes.
I still think it's pretty "meh" - but a lot of the posts seem to have overlooked why this "figure" was made.

Of course this all came about 3 years ago when Jasper was seriously into the "Urban Vinyl" craze. I hadn't planned on the LONG process of making this toy. Now Jasper has moved onto to other interests (punk rock).