haha, thats so awesome. Creepy grandpa status

I will not lie, I've made the assumption that Shigeru was all about hype. Due to what seems to be a time consuming, highly detail oriented paint application process, I don't blame him for sticking to small runs, but like I've said before, that's no excuse if you're going to produce and distribute unpainted models. I know it's ultimately an artist's decision to make and sell art as they see fit, but it's hard not to get frustrated and make such assumptions when we see other artists doing everything they can to make things fair for the community-we keep this hobby alive just as much as the artists themselves. No one has yet to disagree that a made to order run of unpainted models is a reasonable option that does not take time out of Shigeru's day. He could make a lot of money and please many people in the process, and I highly doubt one made to order release is going to ruin the integrity of the figure. Lack of such consideration lead me to believe that he either 1. just didn't care, or 2. was basking in the hype. Then again we never really get the chance to hear anything Shigeru has to say. Our best impression of Shigeru comes secondhand from people like Mishka, and maybe that's a part of the problem.

I've noticed people seem to take on two different mentalities here in the community, one being that these toys are art and they should be appreciated as such, and two, "they're just toys!" Those in defense of Shigeru, you seem to fall into the former, at least in the case of Shigeru's work, is that a safe assumption? If so, let me be the first to say that I am in agreement, that these toys, no matter how simple or complex, are a form of art and expression just as much as any other. At the same time, my mind gets thrown off from time to time. It's hard to appreciate and respect the art when we see this:



Look at the bottom right hand corner... it's been designer logos everywhere since the beginning. It's hard to take on this view of "high art" that people seem to hold for Shigeru's work when there are designer labels like Mishka thrown into the mix. Those in collaboration keep saying "this is next level shit," but it all seems so fake when we attach these trendy, designer logos to the creation.

I admire Greg's entrepreneurship, much respect for what he does and I congratulate him on his success as a small business owner. I just feel like the company's involvement has ruined some of the authenticity behind Shigeru's work, and maybe that's what really turns people off... or maybe that's just me.

I felt like people here used to do nothing but complain about the designer aspect behind the toys appreciated by the "other" community. How is this any different? People can say it's "punk rock" all they want, but I think that's a load of shit.

what did it for me was when someone asked to have the figure signed on the back of the head. He looked at l'amour to make sure thats what they were asking. Then he refused and went for the foot, not in a negative sense, It just didn't seem right to him. Like he didn't want to damage his art work.

Yep...saw him too.

Expected? Obviously, but still unfortunate.

Esp throwing a tag line on this auction, and all of the crap you're selling with.."starting the bid at what I paid for it.."

And??!! Is that supposed to absolve you of your sin?

Yup it was that red headed dude with his brother. No Nags for you next year, LOL.

Whoa, wait a second. Didn't Secretbase put out tons of fliers, mini zines and such with their clothing and logos plastered all over it? I'm pretty sure most con exclusives have the booth companies info on their publicity pics. I feel like people go out of their way to dislike some things. I spent a good chunk of time as a production manager for a street clothing company and there is plenty of "punk" in making your own label. Personally I think Mishka clothing promotes an aesthetic quite in line with old punks, heshers, and toy/comic nerds. Quite a departure from your average designer label, especially when they started. Now I'm not here to lick anybodies butt and the Mishka name isn't going to make me like or dislike anything. Do we really need to act like their involvement is akin to slapping Louis Vuitton on the toy as is Mishka was some corporate giant. Lulubell had a pic of Seagool with their name on it, does that mean PK is all hype? Is anyone criticizing Ugly Unicorn for having TT promote it's sale of their exclusive? When any company or artist is involved with a toy it's usually promoted. All this talk of Mishka and Coop's involvement is just as hype creating as the flipper prices. What does anyone care who Shig does business with? Either you like the toy or you don't. Isn't that what it's all about?

I think the Zombii is ineresting and would love to see one up close. I would drop 350 on it because I would either love it when I got it or I would put in on the BST for the same price if I didn't.

Classic!

----

To be honest, and this might surprise you I know exactly what you mean! As cool as I think I am (and my company is) I can see how you might be turned off with our name all over a toy, especially the BG. The figure stands alone by itself, and Shigeru, his art, his figure, his "genius" is way bigger than me, Mishka, Lamour, etc...

I remember the first time I saw this toy on the thread, I was like, I want that toy! I had no clue who made, what the deal was, how to get it, etc. Both Lamour and I were both instantly obsessed with it, and wanted it! Lamour (being the toy whisperer he is) was able to find out a direct connection to Shigeru. I was on my way out to Tokyo for one of my trips, and come to find out, Shigeru was a HUGE fan of the bootleg figure we put out, and he wanted to meet the guys who made it! I was speechless. It was more a less a match made in toy heaven, love at first site, etc...

Our relationship started out of a mutal love of each others work, and that is why we work together. There is no ulterior motive, and at the end of the day it is our desire to work with Shigeru, cause we are fans of what he does, he is a fan of what we do, and together I think we make something pretty special.

He has also done a TON (in BG terms) without our involvement at all! So in some ways I can totally understand the idea of having our name on the product, but that is what collaboration is. Something that two parties worked on together. I also guess its hard to pigeon hole or define exactly what "Mishka" is but when it comes to the BG its usually just Lamour and I, doing the header, giving up ideas, and doing our best to promote and distribute the figure the best way possible.

We also have a very different perception/fan base in the Japanese market. Also Shigeru has a very close relationship with the guys that work at Mishka Tokyo. If you have seen pictures there is an entire shelf of BG that is on display (sort of like BEMON was a few years ago when you would go into Bounty Hunter) so Shigeru's affiliation/collaboration with Mishka, is on another level that even I understand.

Not sure if I ever explained it like I did above, but hope that gives you guys some insight. I really wish I could have been there this weekend. It was very difficult for me. Congrats to everyone that was there, and able to score a toy, and meet Shigeru in person. It was something I think very special for us, and him.

Well put, D. Although I can see where some would infer it as such, I've never concluded that Shigeru is driven by hype just because of his release style or due to collabing with Coop or the Mishka boys. He didn't dress his Boryoku Genjins in Gucci monogram loafers and push them at Barneys. He paired up with a small label that has a seemingly very similar aesthetic appeal as his artwork. One appreciates the other, and thusly fans of one are exposed to work of the other. Seems to be nothing more than networking, being open to the creative input of friends, and wanting to see those friends excel and succeed at their own individual motives.

I think if he was motivated solely by hype, he would cash in on the explosion of interest and make a killing off of these toys. But he's not. With the amount of work he puts into these, it's easy to see why the releases are so small. And yes, he could do an unpainted, made-to-order release, satisfying all fans here and there, and make a shit load of cash. Or, then again, since he is the artist, he could just do what he wants to do, and as fans, we can appreciate that and be happy with what we can get... or move on to something else. Not to say that something has to be graded crazy rare to be a great toy... but I think everyone can agree, that there is a special feeling that goes along with wanting something, and actually having to HUNT for it, go through hoops to get it, trade some other coveted shit to land it, attend events like NYCC to even be present for its release. Nobody bitched when Van Gogh only painted one Starry Night... and then again, nobody became jaded because everyone and their mothers owned one.

I was lucky enough to WIN the NZOMBIE!!!! Honestly I don't know what people are complaining about it. It is hands down the most impressive toy I have. You can tell how much time SHIG put into it through out the whole process. From the sculpt to the to the pouring and the painting! Everything is insane, so much work into each one!!!!

And then meeting him and getting to partake in the event made it really special. So cool he came out to the con! I had a blast!

And like I said at the event, I'm a good loser but a bad winner, so F.U., F.U.,and F.U.!!! hahaha you all are LOSER!!!!!!

hahaha!! that was you? Its funny because you said the same exact thing when they announced you won

^ YUP!!!! haha

Are they on SB?

What I think is funny is how they opened everything first, touched it with their pubey pizza hands and then threw it up on ebay. Dickbags.

Got to hold one of these guys - just amazing!

Congrats to everyone who was able to score! Seriously awesome pieces. I do hope that Shig comes down to San Diego come SDCC time, he seems like a fun guy to meet!

I just hope that the tables don't turn to the point where our coast is bitching about NYCC and being on the wrong coast all the time.

So Stoked to finally win a NNN lottery, and even more killer was to win in person and meet the artist ( and have him touch you???? ) I had a blast at the event and hope Shig can make it out to SD for our Con.



Anticipation!



Going home to SD where he will never leave my grimy mitts!!!!!!

Daimyo, I think it's safe to say a company like Secret Base and a company like Mishka are two establishments that hold up a completely different image of themselves. You took one thing I said, made it the focus of my entire write up, and came back with completely exaggerated counterarguments. First of all, let me start off by saying, I don't personally collect Secret Base. I have a few figures they've put out, none of which have their trademark logo plastered all over the vinyl (not that this has ever been the case with Mishka x NagNagNag). This has always been somewhat of a turn off for me, but that's just me. I've never been a fan of anything associated with Balzac, that's just not my scene, and though I can appreciate it's an interesting culture clash (toys & music), I couldn't ever display such figures in my collection knowing there's more to the figure that I just don't care to be a part of. Ironically enough, I would probably still grab a Thorn Ball Man from Cure, but I feel that this sculpt is more a part of Cure than Thorn, so I guess there are other factors at play that bring me to decide on what I do and don't appreciate about a figure.

I have never bought into the idea of collecting toys as being "punk." No offense to anyone here, but I don't think there's anything "punk" about spending the money we do on fucking toys. I don't see "punk" when I think of Mishka's clothing line, but then again, I don't think that's necessarily the image Mishka is going for either (sorry if I'm mistaken, Greg). Does this scream "punk" to you?:



If there was ever anything "punk" about the vinyl toy scene, it began and ended with companies like Secret Base and Bounty x Hunter. To me, their image is much more in line with the old punk rock scene, but even at that, I think it's more of a state of mind than a way of life for them.

I have no issue with collaborations between companies/artists, in fact, I encourage it. All I'm saying is that sometimes I like to appreciate the toys/art we collect for what it is, not what it's associated with, and that's hard to do with a figure that has so much hype built up around it.

The measurement of a company's success shouldn't draw the line when it is or isn't OK to collaborate. If Mishka's clothing line ever expands to bigger business, are you going to still carry the same view? If Mishka wants to expand his business, or "sell out" so to say, that's his choice, and that shouldn't effect the way we view his clothes or his company if we truly like and appreciate the designs.

I'm not going out of my way to dislike anything. I have said many times already, I love the figure! Yes, there are some things I don't like about it, but I should be able to critique the damn thing without people assuming that I'm just another "hater." Not once have I said something that was just plain rude, or outright insulted this toy, Shigeru, Mishka, or anyone or anything else for that matter. Everyone blows comments way out of proportion if they don't show absolute praise for things around here, and it's getting really old, really fast. For every one comment I see that is in opposition to something, I see 4-5 comments in defense against it, as if it was a personal attack on the artist or the people who appreciate it. Someone's opinion of something, more often than not, is their opinion of just that and nothing else, not of you. I feel like people make everything about themselves. I'm guilty of this from time to time, but it's not a healthy way of thinking.

BTW, Thanks for the mature response Greg, much appreciated. All I'm trying to do is have a discussion, not tear into you, Shigeru, or anyone else for that matter, so I'm sorry if it came off that way. It was nice to hear the story behind the collaboration.

Oh and Cube:



...and I quote:



...and one more thing.



I love the hunt as much as everyone else, but you say it as if it's so much easier to score everything else we strive to add to our collections. Some of us can't make it to NYCC. For some of us, our only hope is winning a lottery, and after 2 years, it gets a little old, and the "hunt" feels more like a chore than a thrill. Finally, by trading some "coveted shit" to get someone to cough up theirs, you mean spending $1200.00 on a 2-headed Bemon just for trade bait? No thank you...

I'll try my best to stop complaining about the lack of supply as I'm sure it gets annoying. I've been annoyed by it myself, so I should learn to keep my mouth shut, I just thought the suggestion to make a made to order release of unpainted models was more than reasonable.

Oh, and congrats to those who won! It's nice to see the toys find a good home.

Your kidding right? As far as I can tell, Lulubell, MVH, Shigeru, and Cotton Candy Factory were what made this comic con work, as far as everything else, well it was a bit drab from what I can tell....

@HBC Ruining the environment, with plastic is like the most "Punk" thing you could do... Fucking Hippy Tree Huggers...

Nice Guf! pretty crazy you and Milt both scored and definitely cooler when the artist himself is there, even if he did have his way with you.

That Nagball is a thing of beauty.

Well I was never really jealous of NYCC until this year. I'm not saying it WILL happen, but hell its possible it could get there.

There he is !!!!!

Dude on the far left if the flipper on eBay.