Personally I think that only toys designed/produced by Japanese toy makers should sit under the Japanese section. All the US toy makers (or the ones coming from other countries) should sit in the American Idols section (or why not introduce a worldwide one too?), regardless of the fact that the toys are actually made in Japan et cetera. It's just my personal pov but I must admit that being into Japanese culture in general (as many of us are) I personally think there is a difference when something is designed by a Japanese or not. It's a bit link talking Manga on one side and Manhwa on the other. They looking like each other but not the same thing. I'm not saying it's better or worse but I think a few people, especially the ones that are new to SB, may appreciate finding only 100% real Japanese toys in this section. Just my two cents.
Having said this and as I've already expressed before, I regret not having bought any GS: together with Joe's Cadaver Kid these are among my favourite so far this year.

this isn't the right thread to get into this discussion, but...

I don't agree with this. As a newcomer to this stuff, I'm just starting to understand the differences between Japanese vinyl and the rest. Regardless, I don't think a toy should be classified as anything other than japanese if it is made of japanese vinyl and has been totally conceived and wrought in Japan. That the artist is an American or any other nationality shouldn't matter. It shouldn't be about race (or nationality).

Myself, I would prefer all the Western designed stuff to stay in American Idols forum so I can avoid it for the most part.
Or selectively look at it.

Anything Luke is putting out right now is freaking Awesome!!

Like this?

I really should have started a new thread about that topic...since this is about Luke's work.

To get things back on track, I want to whine about forgetting that Dokugan was being released today...I'm on vacation and completely blanked. The paint job on that black Dokugan is amazing, and I will be hunting for one in the future...just in case anyone feels like giving up theirs.

Luke's tiny-ring paint application is super nice, and those that got the Dokugans will be very happy. It's hard to see the detail in Ricky's version with pictures, but in person, it's all veiny and meaty looking. Plus, when it glows in the dark, all the veins pop out, too.

A couple I picked up:

Awesome pieces!! The dude is a genius!

Great mashup Andy

very cool, andy... that thing truly is a monster. can't wait to see what you and luke [& irene?] have up yr sleeves.

I really dig the Monsterkuri (I just came up with the name. It isn't Grody Canon...)

Speaking of monster mashups, Luke and I met this afternoon, and all the Grody x KK release details are set. Info should be up on KK in around a week.

The more I see them the more I want one

Not only are the sculpts and paints great. But the name is too, glad to see someone else keeping the word grody alive!

They are just epic. Nuff said.

Really excited to see what you guys are coming up with Andy. Especially now after seeing the PK collab, it seems these Grody guys can be mashed up with anything for a sweet look. So many possibilities, and when you start throwing in paint, and GID, well then, 'nuff said.

As an aside, is anyone still waiting for the second shipment of Grody monsters from Lulubell?

Me!

Are the Monster Karas (Karamons?) going to be entirely painted or is just the body going to be painted like in the pics so far?

For the painted Monster Karas, the whole figure will be painted, not just the body. The pic I put up a couple weeks ago was a one off mashup. It`s actually the "origin" figure of Monster Kara. When I saw it, I really liked it, so I talked to Luke (who will be painting the KK releases) about doing a production run. Now here we are. Bada bing.

That's hot. I'm loving everything about this release so far.

AGREE

I don't know how this is any different than LASH's stuff, or Bwana's

Theirs are all made in Japan

The artists are Americans (represent?)

Wait what is this "second shipment" everyone is talking about?

Do they live and work in Japan, too? I'd say that would make a difference. I haven't done the research, but both of their stuff seems American to me. Whatever that means
In an email to me Amy said the WF yokais were split shipped & the second half are in transit.
Seems it's taking longer than expected - Her email to me was from the 11th...

edit - I have done the research. They both live, work and design in America.

Yep, still waiting on my wonderfest set as well

Yeah, I'm still waiting too.