Cherry Moon Garden Blind Box Series from Kathie Olivas x Brandt Peters x 1983

 

    Oh man, we made is out of 2020 and we are neck deep in the promising waters of 2021.  So far there isn't a glaring difference, but I can feel good things are gonna happen.  I even heard "Don't Stop Believing" on the way to the grocery store today and I'm so desperate for a good omen I'm taking that as one.   

   What better way to put all that yuck behind us than with the power of cute little toys!  Brandt Peters and Kathie Olivas have teamed up with 1983 to release this ultra adorable Cherry Moon Garden blind box series.  And since they're good people, if you buy a full case of figures you are guaranteed to get the entire set.  That's the kind of energy we need in these early days of 2021!!  Not only that, but if you buy a case you also get a signed "Trumpet Tea" mini print.  That's an entire set of figures and a signed print for only $125!!!!   This just took a turn into infomercial territory.  

     Of course if you're one of those people that like pain there are also individual blind boxes available for $13 each.  I don't know who hurt you, but trust me and buy the case.  It will make you happy.  Get em now at www.circusposterus.com.  

Candy Corn Kuma from Circus Posterus X Mana Studios

    As I type this there is a huge snow storm happening outside as part of our second Nor'easter in as many weeks.  I don't mind it that much, but when it started today it was also thundering and lightning, which is really weird to me.  Everything is covered in a blanket of white, then a bolt of lightning flashes above it with an almost blinding brilliance, soon followed by an earthquaking thunder clap.  Throw in a tornado and we'd really have a winter horror story worthy of a SyFy Network feature.  Oh, and sharks.  Gotta have sharks.

    If we can have spring and winter weather in the same week then I think it is perfectly acceptable to start mixing up our holidays as well.  So this year we're switching out St. Patrick's Day for Halloween.  Circus Posterus inspired my shake up of this year's calendar the moment I saw this  Candy Corn Kuma.  Cast in resin by the folks at Mana Studios and then hand painted, this will have you trading in your green shamrock apparel for orange and black without a second thought.  Standing 9 inches tall and limited to only 30 pieces, he can be yours right now for $200 by visiting www.circusposterus.com.

First Painted Edition of Orion from Brandt Peters x Unbox Industries

    I would have sworn by the year 2017 we would have all kinds of cool Terminator body parts that could shoot flames and save MP3s.  While awesome replacement parts aren't readily available at Costco, having snakes for arms like this dude would be super weird and probably not the most fun.  Could you even carry heavy stuff around, like could you get your snakes extra swole at the gym?  And shaking hands would require the person you're greeting to be bit by venomous reptiles, so good luck making friends.  You'd probably take some pretty epic Instagram pics though, which could get you sponsorships from lots of dumb companies that make weird beauty products that no one needs.  See, I took that positive and totally turned it into a negative.  I am in no way shape or form ready for snake arms.

    While I am not responsible enough for serpent limbs, this mummy bro from Brandt Peters and Unbox Industries has adapted quite well.  This is the first painted version of Orion that's ever existed and you can welcome him into your home this Saturday (July 22nd) when he goes on sale at http://store.unboxindustries.info.  Check that site for more info as it pertains to your area of the world.

Two New Shows Opening Friday at Stranger Factory

   Anyone can put on one art show with no problem, but it takes cunning, skill, and a bit of psychosis to do TWO art show openings in one place in one night.  But that's exactly what Stranger Factory is doing tomorrow night when they open Toy Makers of Planet Earth and Bats in the Belfry.  

   The first show will feature some of the top toy artists on the planet including:

Mark Nagata, Brandt Peters, Jess Hernandez, Otto Björnik, Sergey Safanov, Junker Jane, Jen Musatto, Silk and Thistle, Victoria Rose, Lana Crooks, Daniel Talone, Steve Ferrera, Scott Radke, Stan Manoukian, JShea, Eric Althin, Kathie Olivas, Sweet Bestiary, Mudmonkey, Tanya Marriott, Art Toy Maison, Vanessa Ramirez, Fanny Kao, Cassia Harries, Sumrow, Tim Lee, Joe Scarano, Aya Kakeda, Ratokim, Munktiki, SeriouslySillyK, Super Secret Fun Club, Scott Wilkowski, Psycho Scimitar, Mizna Wada, Circus Posterus, VTSS, Black Seed, Mr. Clement, and Bob Doucette

    While the second show will feature customs of Brandt Peter's The Night King figure, with interpretations by:  

Camilla d’Errico (pictured), Jellykoe, Drilone, House of Boz, Dolly Oblong, 64 Colors, Tasha Zimich, Igor Ventura, Ian Ziobrowski, Joe Whiteford, Brandan Styles, Ink Visuals, Otto Björnik, Jess Hernandez, Victoria Rose, EL DODO ALBINO, Tokyo Jesus, Kathie Olivas, Brandt Peters, Tim Lee, Joe Scarano, Cassia Harries, Karl Deuble, and SeriouslySillyK

   The opening reception for both show will happen tomorrow night (Friday, June 2nd) from 6-9pm at Stranger Factory In Albuquerque (thank God for spell check) New Mexico.

The Unbox Industries Halloween Emporium Opens Today!!!!!

    Halloween is coming and for most people that means heading out to the store to buy decorations or digging a musty old box out of the attic that you only see once a year in order to bring the spirit of the holiday into your home.  I have no need of either because my entire home looks like Elvira was hired to design Pee Wee's Playhouse.  Every day passes for Halloween where I live, and there's no better way to keep that aesthetic year round than with some new toys to display.  

    Unbox Industries is opening their Halloween Emporium today at 6pm eastern time and will feature some brand new versions of some of the most twisted things they've ever produced.  Take a gander at what will be available and dig up the receipt for that boring junk you already bought to scare the neighbor kids.  

A Plethora of New Dunny Releases from Kidrobot

    This week is like Christmas for Dunny fans, as Kidrobot has new releases in just about every size and style.  They've got big ones and little ones and cute ones and spooky ones and just about everything in between.  You could knock out everyone on your Christmas list in the first week of October and really slack off the rest of the year.  It's great for people like me who have dreams about waking up on Christmas morning and not having done any shopping what so ever and trying to figure out how you're going to escape from your family and where you can escape to that would sell things that you could pass off as presents.  Not that I wake up drenched in sweat or anything after one of those and freaked out until I'm relatively sure it didn't happen in real life.

    The first release will go down on Tuesday, October 4th with this adorable cosplayer from twelvedot.  He'd look right at home dodging some 8bit traffic on the New Jersey Turnpike.  This is the 3rd release as part of the Emerging Artist five inch series and can be yours for only $34.99.

    Next up is a whole dang gone series from one Mr. Scott Tolleson.  They're called The Odd Ones and they're a bunch of familiar characters reimagined in 3 inch Dunny fashion.  Sold blind boxed for $11.99 each you know you can't just get one, cause that's like eating just one Kit Kat from the bar, which would be dumb.  Don't be dumb.

    And last but certainly not least is the 8 inch Lord Strange Dunny from Brandt Peters.  Dude is wearing a skull mask, which you know has got to be concealing something crazy.  I mean, when wearing a skull is the most reasonable way to go out in public you know life has taken an interesting turn.  Both this bro and The Odd Ones series will be available starting Friday, October 7th.

Pink GID Calliope and Stingy Jack from Kathie Olivas and Brandt Peters

 

    Oh my goodness I know ya'll got paid today and are trying to get rid of that dirty cash cause that stuff is filthy and there isn't enough hand sanitizer in the world to clean those kinda germs but you can't just spend it on anything lame like school supplies so I'm here to help.  See, I'm pretty much an expert in making other people money and also helping them spend it.  Neither is a great mutant power, which is why the X-Men never return my calls, but their loss is your gain cause then I have time to find things like this for you.  I also haven't slept for days.

    Look how pretty that swirly pink vinyl is on these Stingy Jack and Calliope figures.  And it's not just decorative, cause those suckers glow in the dark!  It's an added bonus that will hopefully intrigue your cats while you're trying to sleep at night so they stop biting your toes.  You can get these two figures from Brandt Peters and Kathie Olivas when they go on sale later today at noon pacific time from www.circusposterus.com or n person at Stranger Factory.  They're limited to just 32 pieces of each, which is nuts.
    

Kidrobot Announces NYCC Exclusives and Preorder Info

    Are you going to New York Comic Con?  I'm going, and my wife is going, and I hope like the last two years we ride the train into New York sitting next to the Honkey Tonk Man and the one dude from The Bushwackers.  Seriously, we pulled into Penn Station and both of them were standing behind us two years in a row.  Being an old school wrestling fan I was pretty stoked but resisted acting like a complete weirdo, except for the fact that both times I pointed and very loudly proclaimed "it's the Honky Tonk Man" in a southern accent that came out of nowhere.  I regret nothing.

    Kidrobot is also going to New York Comic Con and will have a booth there filled with exclusives.  If you're attending as well you can preorder all three of these figures so you can pick em up at the con  without having to worry that they may sell out.  I'm gonna preorder that little Scott Tolleson Cthulhu Dunny jawn for sure, and most likely the Brandt Peter's one too cause I know I'll be kicking myself if I don't.  That thing is nuts looking.

    You can read about all the rules and regulations at blog.kidrobot.com so that you ensure you don't miss out on these. And visit them during the con at booth # 502. 

Mini Glow in the Dark Seated Boo and Kuma Set from Brandt Peters X Kathie Olivas

    Sharon and I recently went to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and stayed at a haunted bed and breakfast. For those of you who don't know, Gettysburg was the site of the bloodiest battle in the American Civil War and has become a hot spot for people ghost hunting.  Not that we were there for that reason, but if we were gonna pay the same price to stay at the Econo Lodge then the prospect of seeing some restless souls was like a bonus deal.  The place had become a hospital after the battle to treat the wounded so we thought the chances were high we might have an otherworldly encounter.  That night we heard a lot of weird sounds, bits of conversations, and what sounded like boots walking  across the hardwood floors just in front of the bed, but we weren't treated to any visuals.  Not that I'm upset that I didn't wake up to a soldier's blood soaked face leaning over mine.  I'd never live it down if I screamed like a girl.

    There's easier ways to see ghosts than to traipse around old battlefields or haunted houses.  You can just buy them.  Ain't this a great time to be alive?  Kathie Olivas and Brandt Peters are all set to release this glow in the dark set of figures ready to bring some mini spookiness to the comfort of your own home.  Each seated Boo and Kuma set glow in blue to let you know that they're active at night opening all of your cabinets and rearranging your collectibles.  Get em when they go on sale Wednesday, July 20th at noon pacific time only from http://www.circusposterus.com.

The Debut of The Night King from Brandt Peters X Cardboard Spaceship

    I have a confession to make:  I've never been in the attic of my house.  Sharon and I have owned this thing for nearly six years and my eyes have never gazed upon the pink insulation; my lungs have never breathed in the unnaturally humid air.  I have no idea what is up there, and I tried looking once, but the access point is just a hole with a board over it sans ladder.  We have high top kitchen chairs that I used to stand on but they weren't tall enough to grant me even a peek.  I have grand notions of there being something profound up there, but it's probably filled with nothing but weird animal droppings and maybe a human skull or two.

   Now I have lived in a house before that had bats living in the attic but I only found that out when they came out and hung from the curtains in our kitchen.  I like bats though, and I love this new Night King figure from Brandt Peters X Cardboard Spaceship.  This dude is debuting on Friday, May 6th in two different colorways, Candy Corn and Half Dead and every one purchased through www.strangerfactory.com comes signed by Brandt.  Oh, and this figure is eight inches tall and sells for only $58.  That's a deal, son!!!!

Preorders Are Open for Brandt Peters x Zectron's "Camazotz" from Unbox Industries

    Do you really think I don't have a bat story?  Of course I have a bat story, and it goes a little something like this:

    When I was a teenager my family and I lived in a very old farmhouse complete with a barn and fields and such.  What also goes well with a very old farmhouse is a slew of uninvited guests that don't really give a crap whether you want them to live with you or not.  Most of us call those "relatives" but when you live in the middle of nowhere they usually involve species much different from you.  One morning my mother woke me up because she was screaming like OJ broke in.  I ran into the kitchen so I could give the police a good description of the assailant before I pleaded for my life and I see her backed into a corner and pointing at the window.  I looked over and the entire curtain rod, from end to end, was lined with bats.  They weren't any bigger than a mouse, but with rabies being an actual problem where I lived (I've even had my shots, which hurt like a mother) the little critters are cute but do pose a danger.  We closed the kitchen off and waited for them to fly back into the attic through the previously unnoticed hole in the plaster and then went about our day.  It was almost as exciting as the time I caught the same snake in my apartment on two different occasions.  But I digress.

      I have no idea where the name Camazotz comes from, but I know this bat dude from Brandt Peters and Zectron is amazing.  Standing at 10 inches tall, this vinyl beauty produced by Unbox Industries is available for preorder right now in two different color schemes at $85 each.  Secure one for yourself by visiting http://store.unboxindustries.info.  

Icebox Pocket Sideshow Chibi Figures from Circus Posterus

    Where were these little dudes when I was digging my car out of the snow and ice a few days ago?  They look primed for the frozen outdoors and I'm sure I could have found them some tiny shovels in just their size to help with the work.  Shoveling snow feels like a curse, but having little elf-sized helpers would probably make it at least mildly amusing.

    Circus Posterus is unleashing the latest in their series of Pocket Sideshow figures this Friday and they perfectly capture the more magical side of the season we are in.  Featuring designs from Kathie Olivas, Brandt Peters, Chris Ryniak, and Amanda Louise Spayd, these little dudes will make you feel much less hateful to the ice that has encased your wife's car until the spring thaw.

http://www.circusposterus.com

Mini Plasma Seated Boo and Kuma from Kathie Olivas x Brandt Peters

    My Christmas gift giving philosophy is this: I never buy people stuff they need, only things I don't think they'd buy for themselves but would totally want.  Right now we need to get our washing machine fixed, but I'm not gonna be surprise my wife with a trip to the basement to show her the new agitator wrapped up with a bow on it.  That's dumb, and a sure fire way to being forced to sleep underneath the porch with the family of chipmunks that reside there.  Though it has been unseasonably warm as of late, and the idea of chipmunks sleeping next to me is reeeeeeaaaaallllly cute, I'd probably die.  

     For the toy/art lover in your life things couldn't be any easier when it comes to gift giving.  They practically smack you over the head with everything they love.   How about this nice set of figures from Kathie Olivas and Brandt Peters?  These resin guys are cast in a dark, see through resin and feature hand painted faces.  You can buy them individually for $65 each or as a set for $120 (which saves you some money for those of you playing along at home).  Only 50 of each were produced and they're available right now from www.circusposterus.com.  

Stingy Jack Swirl from Brandt Peters

    "Be still my heart, for thou beatest too fast at the sight of marbled vinyl!!!!!!"  That was taken from an unreleased Shakespearian play about a cobbler whose real dream was to one day produce multi colored vinyl toys to win over the nobleman's daughter, until she was tragically killed by a rogue gang of circus clowns and he spent the rest of his life becoming Batman and avenging her death.  I found it on The Bard's official Tumblr, which he somehow still updates much in the way Tupac still releases new music from beyond the grave.  Supposedly JJ Abrams has signed on to direct as he wants to focus on art pieces after Star Wars.  Can't learn this crap on TMZ.

    Now that it's become painfully obvious I've taken too much of my medication this morning let us quickly get to the facts before I really lose it.  Brandt Peters' Stingy Jack is not only sporting a killer swirl of colors that I love in a completely non platonic way, but he also glows in the dark!!!!!!  It's almost too much goodness.  And they're very limited with only 50 available worldwide and only half of those in North America via Circus Posterus this Saturday, November 14th (Tomenosuke will take care of the rest of the earth.)  A few will also be available at Designer Con booth #519.  

Help Kickstart the "Calliope" Stop Motion Film from Circus Posterus

    The work of Kathie Olivas and Brandt Peters has always occupied a twisted world much different than any we know.  They've shown you glimpses through their various toy and print releases, but you've been left to use your own imagination to fill in the blanks.  Now they have the opportunity to take their creativity to the next level, encompassing not only sight but sound, in a stop motion animated film.

    The thing about stop motion is that even for a short film it is very expensive to produce.  If you've ever seen a behind the scenes feature on how they're made then you have an appreciation for the amount of work that goes into it.  That's why they have launched a Kickstarter campaign to help, literally, bring this whole project to life.  There are some pretty killer rewards for the art and toy collector alike, featuring exclusive figures, prints, and much much more.  Take a gander below at some of the crazy stuff you could own while helping to make this film.  Support the campaign at this link.

Even More New Releases from Kidrobot

    

    Kidrobot is going to town with all of these recent releases, so much so that I've collected the one's I've neglected thus far into one post to help you maximize your toy buying abilities.  Prepare to be overwhelmed with things you need.

    Let me tell you something.  Doesn't it sound real serious when I start a paragraph off with that?  Like I'm on the verge of snapping while interrogating you for a crime you just won't confess to?  Well I've got a witness, bub, and I'm ready to make sure you go away for a looooooooooong time for buying that Insane Clown Posse cd.  Kidding, but seriously, just steal the thing next time so it doesn't end up on your credit card statement.  That will haunt you if you ever need to take out a loan.  

    What I was gonna tell you is that Amanda Visell's Ferals mini series is beyond adorable.  Not that you can't see that for yourself, but sometimes it's nice to have a bit of reinforcement when you're declaring things the cutest you've ever seen.  Utilizing the Munnyworld and Dunny platforms for her animal creations, these will make even the toughest grown man squee with delight.  They're sold blind boxed for $11.99 each but I dare you to be able to just buy one.  You can't.

    I've coveted this Dunny from doubleparlour the moment I found out it was happening.  I snagged one this past weekend and completely love it.  It's really interesting to see their work transformed onto such a familiar platform and to have been done without relying on any sculpting.  Hopefully this will not be the last version of their work realized in graphic fashion, cause now I'm hooked.  These are available now for $14.99 each.  

    Halloween is coming and everyone would really appreciate it if you put more effort into your costume this year.  Stop going to that dumb store in the mall, buying what you think is "sexy" or even worse "funny sexy" and parading around like you're changing the game.  Instead of scarring your trick or treaters for life, why not get yourself one of these masks.  You can pick from the DIY ones you see above, designs from the new Dunny series from Brandt Peters, or Frank Kozik's uber popular Labbits.  Your friends will thank you.  Available now for $19.99 each.   

"The 13" Dunny Series from Brandt Peters x Kidrobot Release Party at 3DRetro

    Whatcha doing this Friday?  You don't have to actually tell me, because I can't be held to secrecy if you're up to something weird.  I'll tell all your business.  You're gonna want to cancel any and all plans you may have had and instead go hang out with Brandt Peters and Kathie Olivas as they release  a brand new Dunny series at 3D Retro. This is Kidrobot's first Dunny series in what seems like forever and just may be my favorite one yet.  I saw some of them in person at New York Comic Con this past weekend and they do not disappoint.  If you're lucky enough to attend this event and buy an entire case of toys (because not doing so would be silly) they will be giving out the chase piece as an added bonus (on a limited basis, so get there early).  Imagine not having to sweat as you prepare to open each box, your face turned upwards praying to every god you can remember from your "history of the world's religions" class at the community college.  It could be the most stress-free moment of your blind box opening life.  

      All the info you need to go is in the picture up there and if you're not able to go, cause maybe you are geographically prohibited, fear not because these figures release world wide the same day on www.kidrobot.com and wherever else designer toys are sold.  

"Candy Gore" Custom Show featuring Brandt Peters x Mutant Vinyl Hardcore Opens Tonight at Stranger Factory

    There's sooooooo many custom toy shows out there every week that I can barely keep up with them.  Not that it's a bad thing, it's just I have to go to work eventually and can't begin to tell you about all of them, let alone attend them.  But let me tell you something, I would smack the teeth out of your grandma to be at Stranger Factory tonight when the Candy Gore show opens.  Brandt Peters and Mutant Vinyl Hardcore are bringing the plastic pain for this show and there hasn't been one piece that they've teased that I didn't want to own.  Seriously, there is no toy show that's gonna be better this year and if you're lucky enough to be in attendance you need to know how jealous I am of you.   I am so jealous I would put your mom in the Camel Clutch until she testified in open court that my legal name was the Iron Sheik.

     Now, the show itself doesn't start until 6pm, but if you want to purchase one of the insane pieces on display, and trust me you do, then you need to get your hind parts there at 11am and register for the lottery.  Here's some info of how that is gonna go down:

– You can sign up for the lottery starting Friday, August 7th at 11am when Stranger Factory opens

– You may start viewing the opening of Candy Gore at 6pm August 7th

– Random drawing order to purchase work begins at 6:15pm August, 7th

– When your name is drawn, you may choose 1 piece of work by each artist: Brandt Peters and Mutant Vinyl Hardcore totaling 2 pieces for your turn

– When all names have been drawn, a second round of names drawn will begin allowing 1 piece of work by each artist: Brandt Peters and Mutant Vinyl Hardcore totaling 2 pieces second round

My Top Ten Favorite SDCC Exclusive Thingys

    Yeah, sure, that's a tad bit dramatic, but seeing everyone's pictures from San Diego Comic Con makes me REEEEEEAAALLLLLLLLYYYYYYY wish I was there.  Thankfully New York Comic Con is coming up soon or else I would be losing it for real.  In the spirit of my depression let's take a look at my top 10 favorite exclusive things that are available to convention goers as we speak.  

    Despite our best efforts, Sharon and I still have space left on our walls at home.  We've determined that we hang our pictures "salon style" which they used to do back in the day, and it is a much better term than "a visual representation of mental illness style", which we had been using prior.  These three prints from Kidrobot and artists Brandt Peters, Frank Kozik, and Scott Tolleson would indeed take a place or prominence amongst our collection.  Pick em up during each artist's signings at Kidrobot's booth #5645.  

     That beauty to the right is the comic con exclusive Berry Chocolate Lady Dunny from Junko Mizuno x Kidrobot.  What words could I use to express my desire to have one?  Just look at it.  

    Thakfully, Frank Kozik's ice cream dude Jerome is merely debuting at comic con and will make its way online at some point afterwards from Rotofugi x Squibbles Ink, otherwise I might have had to hire myself a toy mule to procure one.  If you're there, get one at booth # 5248.  If you're not, practice the difficult art of being patient.  Trust me, I need all the practice I can get.  

    Shub Zeroth Misfortune Bags courtesy of Metacrypt and Brian Ewing's booth # 4503 should be on everyone's must-have lists.  Not only do you get a sweet sofubi monster toy, you get a bag to carry it in.  That's a convention blessing.  

    Super7 is straight killing it this year with their Skeletor's Lair pop up shop located in their San Diego retail store.  You can't go wrong with nostalgia presented in a fresh way, like this Chia Pet Moss Man.  Genius!  

    A soft vinyl Skeletor collaboration with Gargamel?  Sign me up, son.  I can't wait to see painted and marbled versions of this, which are gonna blow my mind/bank account wide open.  

     You know its true love when you find an amazing toy at a bargain of a price and that's exactly what Headspace from Luke Chueh and Munky King is.  And the best part is that there will be some available on their website at a later date, so stay the hell away from eBay cause all hope is not lost.  

    JJ Abrams did such a good job with the new Star Trek movies that I'm confident Star Wars is gonna be awesome.  I'm so confident, I would totally by this Black Series Storm Trooper without thinking twice.  

    I'll be more than happy to welcome this 20 inch hologram Darth Vader into my life.  

    Anything from Weta Workshop.  Seriously, have you seen pictures of their booth?  It's an event by itself.  Everything they do make me weep tears of joy.