Vinyl Rage: The Bacteriophage from DoomCo Designs

    Instagram has become my favorite social media platform because it offers a unique look into the lives of the people that participate.  It's also a great place to see the most disgusting things you couldn't even imagine if you had all of the Faces of Death tapes and help from Andrew Dice Clay.  I got trapped in the whole pimple popping phenomenon, which then led me to watching videos of trauma surgery, and has since become a downward spiral of plaque debridement from neglected teeth and bot fly removal from Peace Corps volunteers.  Back when I was a kid you were left to your own imagination for gross stuff or your father's copy of Chest Trauma Volume 2 that he swore you couldn't reach at the top of the book case.  My once slim physique and the craftsmanship of vintage furniture were a lethal combination when it came to acquiring arcane knowledge.

    DoomCo Designs entered the vinyl toy world in a huge way with the very popular Tarbus the Tardigrade figure.  I have one myself and it's one of the best things I picked up last year.  They're staying microscopic with their latest toy The Bacteriophage and these guys will look much better on your toy shelf than reproducing at will inside your body.  You can infect your collection when these debut this Saturday, February 2nd only at www.doomcodesigns.com.  Produced by Squibbles Ink.

    

Autumn Algonac Mini from Chris Ryniak x Squibbles Ink x Rotofugi

      Anyone that makes any type of product that is set to release this time of year should always have the words "pumpkin spice" in the title.  I don't care what it is or whether it relates to what you're selling or not, those two words cause a feeding frenzy.  I hear Harley Davidson is having trouble attracting new customers, but not after they release the Pumpkin Spice Edition Sportster.  Don't mind me, I'm just out here saving us from the decisions of that failed business man that's ruining our country.

    Chris Ryniak's Algonac mini figure looks like he's taken my advice to heart, color wise anyway, as he is the perfect shade for Fall.  This stylized 2.25 inch vinyl turtle is produced by Squibbles Ink and Rotofugi and is limited to 150 pieces in this edition.  You can own one right now by visiting www.rotofugi.com.  They retail for the ridiculously low price of $17.95 each.  

Tarbus the Tardigrade from Doom Co Designs x Squibbles Ink

   How often do I get to write about things that are making history?  The answer is never, I literally have never written about anything of historical importance.  That all changes today though, because I am proud to present to you the first ever toy that was created in virtual reality.  That's right, this little cutie was sculpted in not the real word, somehow brought to reality, and made available for preorder starting today. Sounds like something crazy from the Matrix, and it has not been confirmed that when this dude was produced that no other virtual reality monsters escaped with it, jealous at our reality and hell bent on destroying it.  If we could go ahead and prove that is not a thing that would be great, ok.

    Doom Co Designs is responsible for traveling to digital Narnia and sculpting this dude, while Squibbles Ink produced him.  The preorder window for the only microscopic creature I would hug on a rainbow is open from today,  April 20th until April 27th.  He stands 3 and a half inches tall, is made from vinyl, and costs only $25.  Buy a ton of them and your happiness will be nearly as hard to kill as they are.

 https://www.doomcodesigns.com

Halloween Pocket Pork Dumplings from Shawnimals x Squibbles Ink x myplasticheart

     My wife's cast iron stomach is the type of thing they make up folk tales about, but I don't know if she would even eat mummified pork dumplings.  Not that I would rule it out entirely either, because there have been times when we've travelled down roads that were only on forest service maps and not even GPS could find us that she probably would have considered it.  A month ago we were traversing through the Idaho back country (which is pretty much the entire state) and it was hours past our lunch time.  We were trying to see a bear in the wild because I have never seen one outside of a zoo and I have this idea that it would be some magical experience when in all likelihood I would be telling you a story about how the thing ended up carjacking us and we had to hitch a ride back with some sketchy fisherman who wouldn't stop commenting on how purty I was.  We didn't find a bear, but she was kind of lamenting the fact that we didn't try and cook the two dead salmon we saw in the river.  I was even hungry enough that I didn't think it was the worst idea I had ever heard.  

    You won't have to worry about intestinal worms with these aged pork dumplings though because their ability to brighten up your collection far exceeds their nutritional benefits.  These delightful creations from Shawnimals, Squibbles Ink, and myplasticheart are available now in blind boxed form and feature two different styles to obtain.  If you're like me and need them both don't worry, because if you buy two they guarantee you'll get one of each.  And they glow in the dark, which is an added bonus if you are stuck on a lonely dirt road and nightfall approaches.  Pick them up now at this link.  

"Rocket Pop" Edition Jerome from Frank Kozik X Rotofugi X Squibbles Ink

    Would you be so brave as to doubt that I have a story involving a rocket pop?  Ok, I'll admit, I really don't except for the time that I was little and we went to Washington DC in the summer and I got one from a food cart.  And it was delicious.  That's still a better love story than anything that turd Nicholas Sparks has ever written.

   So while my rocket pop story may not have got you feeling those sweet summer vibes, Frank Kozik's nicotine addicted ice cream Jerome will do the trick.  I'm so ashamed of myself for using the phrase "sweet summer vibes".   This dude, produced by Rotofugi and Squibbles Ink is decked out in red, white, and blue and is arriving just in time to crash your weekend BBQ.  Limited to only 75 pieces, snap yourself up one on July 1st at 10am central time only from www.rotofugi.com.

"Candy Corn" Smorkin' Monger Jerome from Kozik x Rotofugi x Squibbles Ink for NYCC

 

    Every year about this time I go candy corn stupid.  I'll get caught up in all the Halloween prep, buy a bag of candy corn, and be instantly reminded of why I'm supposed to remember to never buy candy corn.  I can ingest maybe four pieces before a wave of death nausea washes over me, rendering any remaining part of the day useless as I try to sleep it off.  Then I usually take the rest of the bag to work, because despite how evil this devil's candy is, I still can't just waste em.  And I'm usually mad at those people anyway, so it's a win-win.

    Did you know New York Comic Con is coming up?  Well it is suckas, as in next week, and of course I have to go.  I had been pretty good about not getting too excited for any exclusives, basically for the sake of my wallet.  But my accountant will be happy to know that this toy is as affordable as it is desirable, so now she can work harder on getting me that tax exempt charitable status instead of nagging me about nonsense.

   Jerome is the brain (freeze) child of Frank Kozik and is produced by Rotofugi x Squibbles Ink.  This four inch tall ice cream dude with a filthy habit is limited to only 50 pieces: 25 of which will be available at New York Comic Con, and 25 to be made available online October 13th at www.rotofugi.com.  For convention goers, you can find them at the Clutter Magazine booth for $19.95 each.  You should probably save me one just cause I won't make it to the con until Saturday.  Thanks in advance, boo boo.
    

Smorkin' Monger Jerome from Frank Kozik x Rotofugi x Squibbles Ink Available Now

    Me and ice cream aren't friends.  We used to be back in the day, but then something happened between ice cream and my digestive system and they have been enemies every since.  It's probably been 20 years or more since that cool, refreshing dairy treat has passed my lips, but I still remember it well.  If I try hard I can almost taste the sweet vanilla goodness of a soft serve cone, but then my stomach seems to get wind of my mental betrayal and starts rumbling in protest.  If the US and Cuba can put aside their differences you would think a bit of diplomacy would go a long way in healing this rift in my body, but I seem to be doomed to a life where ice cream is but a distant, delicious, memory.

    Frank Kozik debuted this giant sized Smorkin' Monger named Jerome at San Diego Comic Con, but now he is available to all of us unable to attend.  Produced by Rotofugi and Squibbles Ink, this 4 inch figure retails for only $15.95 and is available right this second at www.rotofugi.com 

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.  

Frank Kozik x Rotofugi x Squibbles Ink Exclusive "Jerome" for SDCC

    I'm probably going to get hit for telling this story, but it makes me laugh every time I think of it, so a black eye might be worth it.  Don't say I've never bled for my art.

    We live a short drive from Wildwood, NJ , which is somewhat akin to purgatory by the sea.  See, people with kids a who are really afraid of germs go to Ocean City, while those of us that like to people watch and aren't concerned about catching a criminal record go to Wildwood.  Obviously the wife and I gravitate towards the latter, so every summer we get excited to almost get run over by the tram car and watch silly tourists have their food stolen by seagulls the size of golden retrievers.  Once while walking down the boardwalk my wife grabs me by the arm and has a concerned look plastered across her face.  I thought maybe she lost her wallet, or left her phone in the car, but I never could have expected what she told me:

"My mole fell off."

    After taking a moment to process what I just heard, she showed me a mark on her shoulder that had once housed the now absconded mole.  Evidently the strap of her purse had acted like a makeshift saw, cutting that sucker at the root and separating it from the rest of her body.  I knew I couldn't miss an opportunity this, as how many times will skin imperfections find themselves flying off my wife's epidermis?  I told her that I saw something drop from her shoulder but just thought it was a piece of lint from her tank top and it landed in a woman's ice cream as she passed by us.  

   The look on her face was a mix of horror and hilarity as I tried my best to convince her that some stranger was ingesting and oddly shaped and textured sprinkle even as we spoke.  I even pointed out the lady that was turning into an unwilling canibal courtesy of her frozen treat.  "I wonder if she's going to wake up tomorrow with a craving she can't explain to ingest every blemish she see." Sharon wasn't buying it and I ended up with a bruised arm for nothing but even now it still makes me laugh.  

    I don't think there are any moles hidden in Jerome's swirly little head, but he does like to smoke so you may find a stray ash or two.  Frank Kozik's ice cream bro will be making his debut at San Diego Comic Con courtesy of the folks that produced him, Rotofugi and Squibbles Ink.  But fear not those of you who crave nicotine-addicted dairy products, for there will be an online release to follow shortly after for those of us not at the convention.    

    

SDCC Exclusive Snybora from Chris Ryniak x Squibbles Ink x Rotofugi

    Doesn't this dude look like he wants to strike up a conversation with you?  Like at any moment he will start waxing poetic about how this season of True Detective is way better than the first one because the dialogue, while still seemingly written by someone on mushrooms, has the benefit of not having to be delivered by that stoner in the Lincoln commercials (he's not up on famous Hollywood actors).  Oh, and he absolutely has a British accent, as he was Oxford educated, but doesn't like to talk about it to avoid being labeled a snob.  

    Chris Ryniak's Snybora is going all exclusive for San Diego Comic Con in this sweet green paint scheme.  This pretty little lizard man bro will be available at Rotofugi and Squibbles Ink's booth #5248 for $35 each.  Buy me one and I'll let you decide where he's gonna live in my house.  You have no idea what a big step that is for me and my OCD.

"It's Spring" Marshall from 64 Colors x Rotofugi x Squibbles Ink

    Man, let me tell you something.  There I was, watching Wrestlemania on Sunday, when suddenly my internet connection goes down.  Can you believe that nonsense?  I reset the router, reset my Playstation 3, almost drop kicked my neighbor just because (I see her eyeballin me with her judging eyes), but nothing worked.  About an hour later it finally came back up which meant I didn't get nearly the amount of sleep I normally would have because I had to stay up and watch it or the internet would have completely spoiled the results.  The point is I'm still tired, but Wrestlemania will always be worth it.  The end.

    My wife always makes fun of me when I'm over tired because I look all spaced out like something's on my mind.  There was some commercial for ADHD medicine that showed some lady thinking about the Easter bunny during some work meeting and since then she thinks that's what's on my mind.  Yeah, maybe I do think about bunnies more than most grown men, but that's not for me to say and I doubt there's been a reputable study done on it.

    Look, more bunnies for me to contemplate!  It's the already adorable Marshall from 64 Colors upping his level of cuteness dressed as a rabbit.  Produced by Squibbles Ink and Rotofugi, these dudes are limited to just 350 pieces and will be available beginning tomorrow, April 1st, for $12.95 each.  Get yours at 10:59am eastern time at www.rotofugi.com.

More NYCC Exclusives from Clutter Magazine

    New York Comic Con just opened it's doors, and while I won't be there until tomorrow, there is plenty to see and do right this instant.  Clutter Magazine sent me an email filled with all kinds of nutty stuff you're gonna want so let's get to it shall we.

   Fact:  Bears have skulls the same shape as human beings do.  It's on the internet, so it must be true.  Luke Chueh only made 15 of these Dissected Bear Heads in Kenner prototype blue, with 5 being released each day via an 11am lottery system.  The lottery last 15 minutes, after which time the winners will be announced and then they get to buy this dude.  No lottery today, only on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, so you have time to plan accordingly.  

    Tim Clarke is a legend.  The day he followed me on Instagram I almost pooped my britches.  This dude not only created Boglins and Sectaurs, but he worked on The Dark Crystal with Jim Henson.  We're talking about things that defined people's childhoods.  He's got a new toy series out called Totims and he will have a bunch of those and those prints you see above.  He'll be hanging around Saturday starting at noon and if you're gonna shake anyone's hand during the show, his would be a good one.  Maybe some of the magic will rub off.  

    Ron English is obviously not as big a fan of breakfast cereal as I am.  And I love Cap'n Crunch, even though it shreds the rook of your mouth like you were chewing razor blades.  This is the latest edition of his obese faux pirate, and it will be released Saturday at 1pm and Ron will be there to sign em and tell you the dangers of high fructose corn syrup.  

    I've been in a few fights in my day.  Most of those involved dust ups in my high school cafeteria and certainly never with anyone that looked like this.  Who would fight this guy?  I don't care how bad you think you are, when you see a guy dressed like this and with such an unpleasant look on his face, you need to move along.  Restore made this glow in the dark Neo Japan in such uber limited quantities (10) that he will be sold through a lottery system on Saturday at 2pm with the drawing taking place 15 minutes later.  

    Saturday is gonna be busy for whoever is manning booth # 504, cause at 3pm Jon-Paul Kaiser and UME Toys will be present to release their Buford Mandrake figure.  He comes with two masks, though which one is more disturbing is open to debate.  Meet those fine English gents and pick up this collaboration piece that is sure to be a hit, cause I said so.

    Ok, this is pretty killer.  We've never seen Jeff Lamm's Greasebat figure so...so...cuddly.  Lana Crooks hand made five of these stunning plush toys and I hope there is one left just so I can see it in person.  

    The Flyers lost last night and I'm kinda bummed about that, but they did play pretty well.  And I love the orange and black no matter what and this lizard bro makes me thankful that there's another game tonight with which they can redeem themselves.  Chris Ryniak's Snybora has long been a favorite of mine and this paint job from Squibbles Ink and Kirby Kerr makes it even closer to my heart.  Only 25 folks can own one though, so you better be quick if you wanna play with him on the ride home.  

    Visit the Clutter folks at booth #504 for all that you see and more.  That kinda sounded like something a game show announcer would say.  I need some sleep.  

SDCC Exclusive Snybora from Chris Ryniak x Rotofugi x Squibbles Ink

    I am going to admit something I'm not terribly proud of right now:  One of my favorite things to watch on tv at the moment is Naked and Afraid.  There are a couple of reasons I enjoy this show.  One is that I am desperately trying to wrap my head around why anyone would want to be dropped in the wilderness without pants and being left there for three weeks.  Maybe I just don't know how to have fun.  The other reason I like it is because I feel that if I watch enough of them someone is going to get bit by a snake in a very uncomfortable place and it will be the single greatest thing that has ever been on tv.  Like when that guy got his calf bit off on Shark Week and they actually showed it!!!!  That was I-N-S-A-N-E!!!  So far nothing real bad has happened to anyone on the show other than some questionable food choices that led to stomach discomfort, but a producer did get bitten by a snake and half his foot rotted off.  That was pretty gross and a perfect example on why the people that are on this show have lost their minds.  

    I would also be totally fine with something like this Snybora rising from a lake and chasing two naked folks through the woods.  I imagine he would run kind of like a frilled lizard and scare the living crap out of you.  The Blushing Envy version of this scaly menace was created by Chris Ryniak and brought to life by Squibbles Ink and Rotofugi and is an exclusive to San Diego Comic Con.  Get one for yourself at booth 5248 for $35 and have it sit next to you as you watch reality television for all the wrong reasons.  

More SDCC Releases from Squibbles Ink x Rotofugi

    What am I gonna do with myself once all this Comic Con stuff is over with?  Maybe I'll write a novel, or start a motorcycle gang.  There's been so much stuff to talk about and I can't keep up with it all, so maybe I'll just take more naps to rest my weary brain.  Making every post this sexy takes work my friends.  

    Squibbles Ink and Rotofugi have a bunch more plastic thingys that I haven't told you about yet and that I'm gonna do right now.  Like this Vesper Dredge from Brian Morris.  Kinda freaky, like some back woods totem worshiped by mixed up hillbillies.  Or to reference my childhood, Christmas time with family.  We would dance around this guy right before we burned our Christmas witches.  For $65, you can start your own holiday traditions.  

    Chris Ryniak's Snybora figure is always a good buy.  At times he looks cute.  At times he looks murderous.  It just depends on what angle you look at him from.  Decide for yourself for $38.

    This guy was also designed by Chris Ryniak and would make a perfect companion piece to the Snybora figure.  You could reenact all of the Lethal Weapons movies and put them on Youtube.  This guy is obviously Danny Glover.  It's $108 for the painted one, and $75 for a blank pink one.  

    As soon as the folks at the Discovery Channel hear about a marshmallow yeti they're gonna make a reality show about trying to find one.  The show will be filled with stupids that hear sounds that no one else does and see things that no one else does.  "Wait, did you hear that?'' No, no one heard that.  Even with all the high tech electronics you have it did not pick up the mating call you swear you heard.  You're a liar or you need medication.  

    This Sparkle Yeti Mini Marshall is real though. It was made by 64 Colors and is a bargain at only $9.  Good luck finding a parking space for cheaper.  

    Max Toy Co. will also be there with a plethora of customs and production figures to fit every budget.  And this isn't even everything they're gonna bring.  Kaiju, Kaiju, Kaiju!!!!!!!

Get it all at booth #5248.

Playge Green Misfortune Cat by Ferg x Squibbles Ink/Rotofugi for SDCC

    Is anyone in need of a lung, piece of liver, or a gently used kidney?  All of these San Diego Comic Con reveals are making me think about how to raise some quick cash, and the market for human organs is always strong.  I figure a little write up on Craigslist,  a hopefully quick operation, and I could have enough cash in hand to buy every toy I want.  

    This kitty is making me seriously consider turning to the black market.  Ferg made up 100 of these 8 inch tall Misfortune Cats and 70 of them will be available at the Squibbles Ink/Rotofugi booth #5248 at Comic Con.  The rest are going to members of the Collect and Display forums.  At $120 he ain't cheap, but he is awesome and worth every penny.  

Maple Man Mini Marshall from 64 Colors x Squibbles Ink x Rotofugi

    When my wife and I went to Montreal a few years back one of the places we wanted to hit up was Tim Hortons.  Ok, maybe that's a little lame, but we're huge hockey fans and we don't have them where we live so it was kinda exciting for us.  The first (and last) donuts we tried were these maple iced donuts.  Holy mother of God those were the most amazing donuts we've ever eaten in our lives!  We ate them every morning for breakfast and would get one every time we passed a Tim Hortons, which is like passing a hooker in Atlantic City at 3am.  We counted up the empty boxes and bags at the end of our stay, and we determined that we each ate a dozen of them in a week.  The whole time it was a blur of maple flavored goodness and I am just thankful that we are not diabetic as a result.

    So to wrap this up, I have a special love for all things maple, that's why this new Mini Marshall from 64 Colors x Squibbles Ink x Rotofugi really speaks to me.  They made 200 of these guys to coincide with the opening of their Maple City art show tonight in Chicago and attendees will have the first crack at these figures.  Any left overs will then be put up on www.rotofugi.com this Monday, June 10th.  Each one was hand printed and distressed and will sell for $14.95.  That would buy quite a few donuts.