Kazans Sofubi Series from Gary Baseman x APPortfolio

   I love the work of Gary Baseman because he has managed to create things that are instantly recognizable as his without ever feeling stale.  I love it for other reasons as well, but what I mentioned above is no easy task.  So when I saw these posted on Facebook there was no doubt as to who created them, but they in equal measures felt like sometime completely new.  And how can you not be happy when looking at these?  They're the perfect cure for the nasty seasonal depression many of us are going through, though you probably shouldn't rush out and cancel your doctor's appointments just yet.  These critters have yet to be evaluated by the Food and Drig Administration for their therapeutic properties.

   These sofubi figures have been produced by APPortfolio and are available now.  They come in sets of two and will retail for $204 per set.  You can see how they are paired up in the pictures below and you can purchase them by visiting https://apportfolio.shoplineapp.com.

3DRetro Exclusive Releases for the Life is Beautiful Festival

   I've never been to Las Vegas, but I live about 15 minutes from Atlantic City so I feel I've gotten the Cliffs Notes version of it.  Casinos are a disorienting carnival of free drinks, flashing lights, and forgetting momentarily that the money you're feeding that slot machine is proportionate to the amount you have to bargain with the electric company to not cut your power off.  I can see the appeal, don't get me wrong, especially as easily distracted as I am by shiny things. And I don't know anyone who doesn't have a dream about being independently wealthy.  I had a dream last night that I lived in this massive house that kept getting bigger the more I explored it and I never had to leave because it had a grocery store and a doctor's office.

    The casinos are pretty much all Atlantic City has going for it so I am extremely jealous of events such as this that are absent from our little seaside den of sin.  The Life is Beautiful Festival promises attendees a weekend of music and art, and while most of the bands aren't my cup of tea, the art alone is worth the trip.  M Modern Gallery has a lineup for their Crime on Canvas exhibit that is beyond drool worthy, and 3DRetro will be there selling some exclusive vinyl toys.  There will be new releases from personal favorites Gary Baseman and Shag, as well as a glow in the dark edition of KRK Ryden's Moe Hawk figure.  Check out the pictures and if you're in the Las Vegas area this weekend and an art fan, you have no excuse not to be a part of this.

Ahwroo from Gary Baseman x Apportfolio

   A Florida man strikes again!!  Did you see the video of the guy from Florida getting arrested while a monkey wearing a diaper clings to him?  All of the best news stories begin with the words "a Florida man" because for some reason people in that state seem hell bent on doing the craziest stuff.  Nowhere else in the country comes even close to the antics of Florida, which I have developed a theory about.  I blame it solely on humidity.  Those of you that live in a place without it may be blissfully unaware of how disgusting you feel when the air is hot and damp at the same time.  It messes with your mind and can make stealing a car with a monkey coconspirator seem like the best idea you have going for you.  It's probably not that at all and that Florida has been cursed since existence.   I was just trying to be polite.

    This is not the same monkey from that viral arrest video as he is currently awaiting trial for his part in the automobile theft, this is Ahwroo created by Gary Baseman.  There's something sweet/mildly unnerving about the gleam in his eye as he gazes up his little skull friend.   Did he harvest that little bone helmet himself, or did he happen upon it in a field as it lay there waiting to be discovered?  Ask him yourself when this primate goes on sale tonight at 10pm eastern time from APPortfolio.  Made of polystone, this limited edition figure can be found exclusively at http://garybaseman.com.

Designer Con Exclusives from 3DRetro

    Seeing these exclusives 3DRetro has in store for Designer Con makes me wish I was able to go.  But it's cool, I'll just be at work ignoring my responsibilities while perusing social media to see all the fun you're having.  And if you're not going just know you won't be the only one gently weeping into your cell phone.  Make sure you have a screen protector that's not cracked because tears of envy void the warranty.

     First up is this utterly stunning Jade Clairvoyant Dunny from J*Ryu and Kidrobot.  By far my favorite version of this figure, I first spotted this during New York Comic Con and it looks so much like actual jade you expect it to be cold when you touch it.  It's a beautiful piece of plastic that's limited to only 100 pieces and at $100 will be one of the big hits of the show.  Perfect for storing any ancient spirits you may have lying around the house that you just don't know what to do with.  And in case you're wondering it's never to early to shop for your favorite toy blogger for Christmas.

    Look at these little jawns from Gary Baseman!  Yeah, I said "jawns" because it is a part of my vernacular and soon midwestern housewives will be saying it the same way Beyonce made them profess that everything "slays", which is dumb by the way.  If anything was ever a jawn it would be these mini figures sold in blind packs of two (one of each figure) for only $4 each.  You can't pick the colors you get, but you can choose to eat one less convention center hot dog to afford them.

    I tried to skateboard when I was a kid but I had this really strong fear of falling and knocking out my teeth that prevented me from reaching my potential.  My fearlessness didn't kick in until my 30's and now I think it's fun to spend a week in the woods looking for bear just for the chance to watch them.  They're really impressive outside of a zoo setting when they're just doing their thing and wondering why some weirdo just traversed a hill to take their picture.    And of course now I can't skateboard because I don't heal as quickly as I used to and I don't want to be the old guy at the mall carrying around a skateboard that he obviously didn't just buy for his kid.  

    This guy's name is Moe Hawk (I see what you did there) and he was created by KRK Ryden.  Get one for $60 and live vicariously (and safely) through him.  

    This is Anesthesia, and she is rather haunted looking.  For real, this looks like it was found at an estate sale and is about to start up a five film horror franchise.  Which is why I like it.  Doktor A sculpted this lady and named her after the best sleep you'll get without having St. Peter look you up in his book.  And I loooooooooove a good patina, which this figure has plenty of to keep me happy.  I'm not sure how much it is but Designer Con only comes once a year so don't be a baby about financial stuff and think about how great it's going to look on your mantle.  

    All of this and more can be yours by visiting booth #532

  

    

Celebrate Toby's 10th Anniversary with Your Own Plush from Gary Baseman

    You've seen this little dude travel all over the world and meet a ton of people along the way.  Now Gary Baseman wants you to be able to celebrate his 10th anniversary with your very own Toby plush!  Take him on your own adventures or just put him on your shelf and have him stare at you like that clown from Poltergeist (editors note: Toby is angry ghost proof).  Only 100 of these hand signed and numbered plush were made and they are available right now exclusively through www.garybaseman.com.  

Ahwroo Edition Creamy from Gary Baseman x 3DRetro Releases Today!

    Has there ever been a more perfect visual representation of my relationship (or lack there of) with ice cream?  I haven't eaten any in at least 20 years, and my memory is not the greatest so that should tell you the pain it inflicted upon me the last time.  Do cry for me Argentina, because I can't say I really miss it.  I have instead substituted the deliciousness of a Coke Slurpee whenever I feel the need for a tasty frozen treat.  How come no one ever pay homage to the beauty that is the Coke Slurpee?  I would like to see that as the next great movement in art, because it's value to society is completely under appreciated.  

    Gary Baseman has taken two of his popular characters, mashed em up, and turned them into a the only kind of ice cream that doesn't make my insides quiver in fear: plastic.  If you want one then today is your lucky day because they are being released at 9am pacific time only at www.garybaseman.com.  They are limited to 200 peices and each come with a signed and numbered print.  Produced by the fine folks at 3DRetro.  

Mint Chocolate Chip Creamy from Gary Baseman x 3DRetro Releases Today!!

    Happy Black Friday!!! Hopefully none of my readers got trampled to death while buying cheap dvd players, cause I would miss you.  I'm serious, don't go putting yourself in harm's way and making me worry.    

    While the last thing you may be thinking about today is food, there's always room for ice cream!  Unless you're lactose intolerant like me, but plastic dairy products will not bring about those terrible symptoms that have you racing to the nearest restroom, which always ends up looking like that one from Trainspotting.  Oh cruel world.

    Gary Baseman and 3DRetro are releasing the newest edition of their Creamy vinyl toy today and this time he's mint chocolate chip flavored!!!  He's an exclusive to Gary's online store and will come with a signed limited edition print.  He's available starting at 9am Pacific time at http://garybaseman.com/shop/.

3DRetro SDCC Exclusives Now Available Online

    You know you wanted all of these toys.  You know you almost shorted out your laptop from drooling at everyone's pictures from San Diego Comic Con.  Drool no more my friends, as these exclusive toys can be yours without having to experience the smell of nerds packed together like sardines.  It's a unique funk let me tell you.  And who likes waiting in line for hours and hours just to spend money?  It's like "Here, let me be as uncomfortable as possible for a long period of time for the privilege of having my wallet emptied."  I'm still mad that I couldn't go.

    3DRetro had some of the best exclusives and thankfully they had some left overs.  Take a peak and if you like what you see you can visit www.3dretro.com and pick some up.  

Creamy GID SDCC Exclusive from Gary Baseman x 3D Retro

    See, now this is effective toy marketing.  I'm lactose intolerant and I suddenly find myself wanting some ice cream.  I know the price I'll pay almost instantaneously for it, but it sounds good right about now.

    Gary Baseman and 3D Retro are the geniuses behind this photo.  To be honest, I'd love this little ice cream dude even if he was sitting by himself on some boring background.  His name is Creamy and this glow in the dark version is headed to San Diego Comic Con.  They made 200 of these guys and it will run you $55 to get one for yourself.  Mr. Baseman will be making an appearance at the 3D Retro booth some time during the convention to sign 'em for you and make chit chat.  No word yet whether he will be bringing the model with him or not.  

New Arts Unknown Figures from Frank Kozik, Gary Baseman, and Doktor A

    Arts Unknown went quiet for a little while after the original release of these figures, but now they have returned with a new website and new color ways of their original trio.  I like the black and white treatment of William, Reginald, and Henry from Frank Kozik.   They look ready to jump into a classic detective scenario under a sweltering Moroccan sun.  It would probably involve a precious artifact and a beautiful girl who teeters between being good and being oh so bad.  Or they're just hipsters, hard to say.  Only 150 of these exist.

    They've also updated Gary Baseman's drug-loving Slugilicious.  Limited to 100 pieces, this guy can't wait to get into grandma's arthritis medicine and trip the light fantastic.   

    This lady has a mystery under her dress, and not the kind you find at 3am on Pacific Avenue.  This tentacled beauty from Doktor A is an edition of 250 and will no doubt devour your soul in some manner from the pages of Lovecraft.  

    Snag one, or snag them all by going to http://www.artsunknown.com/ or any of your other favorite places to buy toys.