"Better Out Than In" by Banksy on the internet

From street art / graffiti, to public and mobile installations, to even "public performance art", Banksy's "Better Out Than In" residency in NYC has seen a gamut of genres being enacted by the elusive "artist", on the streets of New York City, and uploaded on the internet for a news-hungry world-wide-audience.

Regardless of your opinion of "his" work, there is no denying his ability to create news and have news of his artwork and actions being plastered on news sites, somewhat transcending the negativity of "illegal street art" (Mayor Bloomberg disagrees) into "newsworthy" soundbites. And utilizing social media platforms such as instagram @banksyny and YouTube channel - which leads to his website http://banksy.co.uk, featuring explanations for the images - wiretaps direct into the current cyber-psyche and helps provide a direct "visibility" to his work.

For folks around the world / on the other side of the world; we no longer need the news sources to let us enjoy / partaketh of, and follow his works, IMHO.



One aspect of this coverage, which I find myself enjoying, is that the images showcased are of the FINAL RESULT. No work-in-progress snaps to bury or burden attention spans, but only a single image of the final piece (two sizes of, if you view via his website versus instagram) and a minimum of accompanying text - letting the piece "speak" for itself (methinks). "Consistency" is key though, as constant display of images no doubt had been planned and organized, and THAT has my kudos as well!

The thing is, in the recent past, not many practitioners showcased their process ala WIPs, but then the floodgates opened and EVERYONE showed off their WIPs, and inevitably the uniqueness begins to run dry in a sea of images, doesn't it?

Nevertheless, I will continue to - and I suspect many others - follow his "art-making-activities" for the month of October, for his "Better In Than Out" residency in NYC, the completion of journey, which may well be a piece of "art" being perpetrated as well.

"Submerged" by Yoskay Yamamoto: Video + Images of Installation

"For this film, we originally talked about having a Japanese folklore or an old myth as a narrative ... I couldn't find the story that had connection or relation to my art ... So I suggested having my girlfriend Emi read one of my grandmother 's letters I received before she passed away ...

Due to complex facts, I wasn't able to return home for my own grandmother's funeral... During that time I Skyped with my mother and she showed me my grandmother lying very peacefully in a white kimono. She looked much older and skinnier than I remembered her to be ...

It felt strange to see my grandmother on the computer screen and I couldn't really grasp what was going on emotionally at the time ... I felt selfish and some of my family got upset about it...

This film project was an opportunity for me to reach back to my grandmother and report my well being and to introduce my art work and my girlfriend to her.

I miss you very much and I hope this little film of ours will reach you eventually.
Love you.
Your Grandson,
Yoskay

(via Yoskay Yamamoto's "Submerged"")

Yoskay Yamamoto's "Submerged" @ Hong Kong Times Square from September 27th – October 31st 2013. Seen below are images of his installation, with folks and kids interacting with it, somewhere which I would love to be lost in, now … see more of still images on Yoskay's dedicated "wish to meet you one day…" Facebook album (all images here via).

TrustoCorp Sets Up Street Signs In Response To Banksy in NYC

And this was street-art collective; TrustoCorp's response to Banksy's street art shenanigans in New York City (not least $60 art sales, which Dan reckons has "out-priced" itself lol), by setting up custom street signs.

"“We love Banksy and love seeing his work go up in our hometown, but we can’t help but notice the irony of a multimillionaire doing rebellious street art … but hey, this is America and maybe we can be millionaire rebels one day too!”" (TrustoCorp tells ANIMAL)

Video for "Toy Karma 4"

So you've checked out the purchase listings for "Toy karma 4", right? Here's a video coverage of the pieces on show at Rotofugi (thanks to Nakama Toys!)

Banksy Sold Original Signed Artwork in New York City

"For his 13th day in New York, Banksy pulled a fantastic prank on unsuspecting passersby in Central Park yesterday by setting up an unannounced art stall with dozens of 100% original signed canvases. In a world where copies of unlicensed Banksy works are available for a dime a dozen, it’s not inconceivable for somebody to peddle cheap knockoffs for $60 apiece." - reported www.thisiscolossal.com

What price "art"? What price "infamy"??? Sure as heck would have been cheaper than paying to see a beaver stenciled on a wall, innit? *facepalm* muahahahaha

This was done as part of Banksy's month-long "Better Out than In Residency", where he creates a new piece of artwork on a daily basis, for the month of October, in New York. I wouldn't be surprised at all if Banksy was walking about New York Comic Con incognito too! LOL

Be sure to check out his Twitter and Instagram @banksyny to track his lowdown in NYC, folks! hahahaha

Videos for New York Comic Con 2013 Day 1-3

3 Days of New York Comic Con on video by the folks at nycomiccon (headsup via @NY_Comic_Con). So how are YOU going to spend your last day Sunday at #NYCC? :)

…And The Winners for 2013 Designer Toy Awards Are...

UPDATED: And the results for the 2013 Designer Toy Awards are here - with this year's event hosted again by the profanity-ladden SUCKLORD, and a livestream of this event was viewable here (for which i missed the start of, darn timezone differences ;p), and the winners are ...

PUBLIC VOTED:
BEST BLOG: SpankyStokes
BEST COLLECTION: Selim Varol
BEST ONLINE TOY STORE: Rotofugi
BEST TOY STORE: Toy Art Gallery
FAN FAVOURITE: Gummi Bear Anatomy by Jason Freeny x Fame Master Toys



CLOSED (PANEL/JUDGES) VOTE:
BEST VINYL: "Target" by Luke Chueh x Munky King (pic above)
BEST RESIN: "Bad Apple" by GOIN x Mighty Jaxx
BEST PLUSH: "Rishikesh George" by Felt Mistress
BEST MEDIA TIE-IN: "Astro Boy" by KAWS & Original Fake
BEST MINI SERIES" "OMFG" by October Toys
BEST DIY PLATFORM: "Fonzo" from Gary Ham x FreakStore
BEST 1/6 SCALE: Hot Toys' "The Joker" from "The Dark Knight
BEST SOFUBI: "Wooper Looper" from Gary Ham
BEST COLLABORATION: "Trouble Boys" by Ferg x Brandt Peters



OUTSTANDING PRODUCTION: "The Rise of Pain in Dreams" by coarse
BREAK-THOUGH ARTIST: doubleparlour
BEST CUSTOMIZER: Huck Gee (pic below)
BRAND OF THE YEAR: Medicom Toy
ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Frank Kozik
TOY OF THE YEAR: "Pierced" by Parra x Kidrobot

CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE ALL AROUND!!!


Hall of Fame inductees:
Kid Hunter by Bounty Hunter
Gardener by Michael Lau
Martin by James Jarvis & Silas
KAWS Companion by KAWS & Bounty Hunter
Finkshit by Takeshit

The Coming of MINI CHAOS by The Loyal Subjects x Joe Ledbetter

The Loyal Subjects x Joe Ledbetter announces the coming of MINI CHAOS, and all we have to show now is this promo teaser video. "More details and info coming October 17th."

I personally do not own a single blister-carded "regular sized" CHAOS BUNNY (simply cannot afford to collect them), and am looking forward to this incarnation (hopefully affordable for me to collect), and seriously hoping that it will not be a "blind-boxed" though …

Here is a handy spread of the Chaos Bunnies released thus far:


UPDATED with first teaser:

Clutter for #NYCC (Part Two)

Exclusives and signings at Clutter's New York ComicCon Booth #504, to add on to the previous feature, and Beetlejuice-themed blind box series. I'm somewhat "glad" I'm not at NYCC this year, as I'd be going near-darn-broke at this booth! LOL

As well check out THIS Facebook album for full images :)


- Ron English has collaborated with rock band Pearl Jam to produce "Falla Sheep". This line up of blind box vinyl features 7 color variants of the 3.5" sheep in wolves clothing figure. Each piece will come blindboxed and sealed in a foiled bag.

The Ron English x Pearl Jam "Falla Sheep" blind box series will make its debut at the Clutter Magazine Booth (504) on Friday, October 11th at 3pm.

RESTORE's "Debris Japan" figure will see an exclusive NYCC release, with the "Propagate" colorway. Limited to only 10 copies worldwide, these 6.5" tall Japanese vinyl figures have been hand-painted and feature real cloth and paper elements.

These Debris Japan pieces will be released on Saturday, October 12th at 11AM, to coincide with a rare U.S. signing appearance by RESTORE, at Clutter's NYCC Booth #504.

- For the 2013 NYCC, Clutter Magazine will be exclusively releasing doubleparlour's "Fricks" and "Rielle" figures. Limited to only 5 copies per figure worldwide, these hand-painted resin pieces will be released on Saturday, October 12th at 1PM, to coincide with a signing appearance by doubleparlour, at Clutter's NYCC Booth #504.


- FrankenFactory's "Apocalypta WolfGirl" resin pieces are limited to only 11 copies worldwide, and priced at US$85 apiece.

These 7" tall hand-painted sculptures feature gloss black on the wolf's pelt and matte black everywhere else as well as have white resin cast face masks — with yellow accent spray — specially made for this edition.

"Apocalypta WolfGirl" will be released on Thursday, October 10th at 3PM at Clutter's NYCC Booth #504.


- Brutherford's "Melt Grenade" is cast in transparent pink resin, and will be limited to 25 pieces in this debut colorway worldwide, priced at US$50 apiece.

- Killer Bootlegs's "Phantom Starkiller: The Cosmic Ghoul Warrior" resin action figure is limited to only 10 copies worldwide, with these 3¾" figures priced at US$100 apiecE. These resin pieces will be released on Friday, October 11th at 2PM, to coincide with an hour long signing by Peter Goral of Killer Bootlegs, at Clutter's NYCC Booth #504.

ManOrMonster? Studios's "Warlords of Wor: Weelord Minis" are set in transparent pink resin, and limited to 20 two-figure sets worldwide, these 1.5" figures are reminiscent of classic M.U.S.C.L.E. figures while clearly depicting "Clawbber" and "Bog-Nar" from the Warlords of Wor line. Priced at only $15 per set, these will be released on Thursday, October 10th at 3PM at Clutter's NYCC Booth #504.

Seen @ SDCC 2013 GODZILLA Teaser Trailer

UPDATED: Video has since been pulled (as it has been for the past week, actually), but nevertheless, thanks to io9.com, we have some stills to gawk at.

Season One of "Gatchaman Crowds" Anime Ends

GATCHAMAN CROWDS ended it's first season on episode 12, and I am frankly left somewhat perturbed and ultimately unimpressed. Not that I abhor any ill-will towards re-envisioning, but perhaps this would serve better if not viewed in reference to the name-sake, IMHO.

The storyline waned somewhat in the middle, and picked up steam near the end, most possibly because we get to see all Gatchaman suits in action (as short as they were featured), even the series villain "Berg-Katze" got to show it's! Still would not mind it if they were made into action figures tho ;p

Watch "Gatchaman Crowds" on crunchyroll.com (US-based viewers) and/or gogoanime.com (watchable for Asia).

At the very least we still have the show's opening theme ("Crowds" by WHITE ASH / Full version here) and closing theme ("INNOCENT NOTE" by Uchida Maaya) to remember by, and this post would serve as a "closure" to my "Introductory" feature post :)

Sept 29 #mediaroundup #onTOYSREVIL

Here's a look at Series 2 of NECA's "Pacific Rim" figures (image via Aaron Liu) - featuring the Kaiju Leatherback, a Battle Damaged Gypsy Danger, and Striker Eureka. Having missed scoring the first series, my desire for this has waned … although hopefully one day they'll ALL be readily available.


I've not been on top of the upcoming Michael Bay-directed Transformers movie - now with a name "Transformers 4: Age of Extinction" (seen above) - but since then, dude has been constantly posting images on his instagram @michaelbay, including the below image of Mark Wahlberg, Nicola Peltz, and Jack Reynor on the set of Transformers 4 (Photo by Andrew Cooper).



MARVEL releases an animated teaser video showcasing the movie title for "The Avengers: Age of Ultron", apparently showcased circa SDCC, but only now revealed online. Think I'll patiently wait for the movie's actual trailer to be excited, thanks.


Further reasons to watch "Marvel's Thor: The Dark World" presented in this video featurette (partial sarcasm mixed in with thinly-veiled interest from yours truly ;p) … And it only just twigged "Heimdall" is actually "Stacker Pentecost" from "Pacific Rim", played by actor Idris "We Are Cancelling The Apocalypse" Elba hahahaaaa. Also check out the "Malekith" character poster posted below - both of which are a sight more impressive than the earlier movie poster itself, I have to say.



I have not seen a single episode of "Breaking Bad", and can hardly any excitement the series has mustered thus far, and has gripped an entire population of peoples, or so it seems. Nevertheless, being able to see folks adapting the television series into a variety of commercial constructs, has been pretty interesting thus far.

Case in point is this HEISENBERG bust by Christopher Genovese, for which they are currently made-to-order for US$100 on Etsy (white plaster version), $150 for bronze-finished plaster and $250 for life-like finish , or via contacting Chris directly at Chrisanchovies@gmail.com.

"I made this bust in the classical style of a king or emperor, which I think is the most appropriate way to remember Heisenberg, as opposed to an action figure for example. This is the last week before Breaking Bad is over and I hope you will consider spreading the word about this unique item."

This could have been featured in a #printroundup, but in anticipation of the series finale, check out Marko Manev’s new entry to his Noir series, “Heisenberg”.

Priced at US$35 for a sized 13 x 19 inches Giclee print on velvet rag paper - this timed edition print will go on sale at Bottleneckgallery.com starting at 8pm eastern and ending at midnight Sunday September 29th.

Sept 26 #onTOYSREVIL #toysroundup

On sale October 3, 2013 is DARK SORROWS - NIGHTSADE by coarse. Limited to 99pcs and priced at HK$5200 (includes global shipping), it will be available only via coarsehkg.com (08:00 am Los Angeles / 11:00 am New York / 05:00 pm Hamburg / 11:00 pm Hong Kong).

"This handcrafted resin statue is a 1:1 replica of the original sculpture created by Mark Landwehr and Sven Waschk for their Chicago solo Exhibition "souls gone mad" at rotofugi gallery. This second and final edition comes in all new desaturated natural tones. The statue is contained in a screen-printed wooden box and securely encased in black sponge. Each figure comes with a signed and numbered certificate."

GID Tomenosuke + Circus Posterus Sofubi MM3 Exclusive Set - in an edition size of 80 sets and priced at US$200. Purchasable here - featuring Stinky Ginger, Calliope Jackalope, Stingy Jack and Heathen Snake Skelve - along with other items from the "Monsters and Misfits 3" show. And check out this post for snaps of the event!


"BREAKING BASTARDS" are resin lucha bootlegs from Scraped Resin, released to commemorate the anxiously anticipated series finale of Breaking Bad.

"Breaking Bastards will feature Ultimate Carlos and Mixtape in both 96% pure blue crystal and cooking-suit yellow resins, and will go on sale this Friday at noon PST. Each handmade, magnetically-articulated figure will be fully carded with resealable plastic bubbles and will be sold blind-bag style for $50 each."

Yesterday we had a teaser glimpse, and today we see the full reveal of PANDA CHAMP by JC Rivera x Pobber Toys! Limited to 50 pieces and is only available exclusively via MSX Toy Gallery, it will be go on sale online on 28 Sep @ 12 Noon Beijing Time (27 Sep @ 9PM PDT), priced at US$85 + shipping.

The Panda Champ edition stands 9 inch tall, and is a rotocasted resin in white-black, and has 2 points of articulation.


The Disarticulators' OOZE-BALL will be debuting at Superfestival on Sunday. Designed and sculpted by Zectron, I do not sees a price for this tho … nevertheless, check out Man-E-Toys.com for further details, and stay tuned to the NYCC Edition of this piece.


"PARROTS" by 3Eyedbear is a paperboy package purchasable for €9,95 at Bonbonbox.eu, and the package comes with a family of toys and a comic to explain their existence.

"After years of giving away all my toys for free to download, it's the first time I've put a toy in retail to investigate if there is a way to be compensated for all the hard labour"

"Kokio's Courier Service" is an exceptional custom piece from Huck Gee, aver lable to purchase at US$3500 each, limited to 10 pieces only. Anyone interested are to email sales@huckgee.com to reserve your figure and make payment arrangements. As well Kokio will be Huck's final set for 2013, and this is truly going out with a bang!


"Team Fortress 2" robots get the toy-treatment from 3A Toys, with these going on sale Friday 27th sept 9-00am via www.bambalandstore.com. Details nicely written out in the image too.


Paul Shih's FORTUNE TELLER will be up for grabs Monday, September 30, 1pm Pacific Time / 4pm Eastern Tim / 9pm London Time (Oct 1st 4am HK Time / 5am Japan Time / 8am NZ Time). Limited to 20 pieces, check out this post for further WIP-snaps!

Sept 25 #onTOYSREVIL #eventsroundup

DEHARA @ STUDIO UAMOU happens Thursday October 24th and exhibits thru to November 5th, 2013. The postcard images excites me already, muahahahahaha!


Here's a look at Yoska Yamamoto's installation named "hope to meet you one day..." to be exhibited at Hong Kong Times Square, to launch circa September 2013, perhaps to coincide with the launch of LeBasse Projects in HK. Really nice to see Yoskay's designs enlarged thus, and well suited too, IMHO.


Heineken's "Open Your World" Mural Project features names familiar to this blog, including Angry Woebots, Marka27, and includes Choir Boogie and Paper Frank, and featuring local urban artists Clogtwo and Inkten! Check out this link for further details. Crossing my fingers we get to see videos of them working on their pieces.


Circus Posterus founders Brandt Peters and Kathie Olivas transforms the Grand Century Mall in Hong Kong into a Halloween wonderland, where "participants will be able to get lost in a museum of mysteries, and find the misfits lurking about!"

Check out more the above-posted images via @brandtpeters Instagram. someone needs to video-film the walk-thru!


Launching Sunday October 6th, is a "Handmade Oven Clay 2" workshop by Itokin Park, as conducted by Amada Visell x Michelle Valigura. $150 per person (3-6pm), spaces bookable via www.myswitcheroo.com. As well there will be a "pop up art event" happening on the same day from 7-9pm, where both Amanda and Michelle will be showing new original works as well as releasing some new figures, inclusive vinyl toys, a new hand painted resin collaboration, and a giant panda ceramic sake set.


Video of the Opening Night for Toy Art Gallery's / TAG 2013 Anniversary Show featuring Pollen Kaiser. Read about the event HERE.

Mechawhales Animation from Hauke Scheer

Hauke Scheer of Deep Fried Figures shares with us the latest adventure of the Mechawhales, with the 3rd animation posted below, above the previous 2 episodes (for a more complete viewing experience). The series runs parallel to the release of his Mechawhale toy release (currently available via dketoys.com = and for which i need to get my bum in-gear to review the toy).

"This animation introduces the Alien Bionic Warrior as well as the Narwhale. It also features the Orca again in a more prominent role. This animation is just a little fight sequence to kill the wait for a longer animation that I am currently planning. The next one will introduce some new alien races as well as some evil whale mutations." ~mentioned Hauke.

Official Trailer for 'RoboCop' (2014)

All the hoopla concerning the android law enforcement officer loosing his original grey-metal and black look to the new "tactical" black seen in previous behind-the-scenes stills, now explained in the new trailer for ROBOCOP (premiering February 7th 2-14 in the USA), and I am fascinated to see where this leads to.

Via kotaku.com

The Grim Creeper Vinyl Project by Tim Stephson

From toy maker Tim Stephson in Austin Texas comes a fantastical looking "Grim Creeper" character - currently a project on pre-order via crowd-funding site Indiegogo, priced at US$75 per, limited to 100 pieces. Dude looks absolutely awesome (don't anyone dare make spiky "durian" references, please lol) and would prop down moolah in a heartbeat, if I was't in so dire finanicla straits right now .... WHYYYYYYY?

"Your contributions will cover costs for Prototyping, Steel Molds, Vinyl production and Packaging. The Grim Creeper will be made of Glow in the dark roto-cast vinyl and stand approximately 8 inches tall. It will articulate at the shoulders, elbows and waste totaling 5 points of articulation!"

Toy Break Episdoe 273 : Toys Are For Wankers

The episode title alone is worth the price of admission - or in this case = "viewing" hahaha Jon-Paul Kaiser joins a clean-shaven George Gaspar and Ayleen Gaspar on Toy Break!

"Iron Man 3" as a 16-Bit "Video Game"-styled Movie

This is ultimately more entertaining as the actual "Iron Man 3" movie itself hahahaha … aaahh I enjoyed the film too (I just need to get my bum in gear to review it on PopcornX tho ... or maybe tis too far gonedown memory-lane now? LOL ) ;p

Trainee Corps: Shingeki no Kyojin Special (Cute Version)

Don't know who made this, but this is utterly fun, and the poking fun at Eren, Mikasa and Armin is spot-on-hilarous, and I am resisting the urge to stand up and air-punch! (mainly because I'm lazy-bummed and my headphones are strapped to my laptop…)… Be warned tho - as chibi and kawaii as this looks, the language sure isn't meant for kiddies! hahahaha