Holy shit. The metal gods return. Whenever I think of Mike, I immediately cue up something like Hammerfall’s “Crimson Thunder” or maybe even the Elvenking album on my inner-hifi. Something about him, his art, and/or the fiery trail of sleeper hype that follows him everywhere he goes just makes me want to wear furry boots and shave with a 35 pound battle-axe. Or better yet..one of those fucking Martel Hammers.

If you’re into Black Metal and Kaiju, and you happen to be attending NYCC this week, then you could be in luck: Mike is releasing some super-limited hand-painted sets of Rumble-Monsters’ Bop Dragsons and mini Damnedrons as a part of Pushead’s ’92 minutes of Pus’ event at the ToyTokyo booth. (’92 minutes of PUS’ Saturday Feb 7th @ 2:09 pm)

To be honest, I’ve never been a huge fan of the actual Bop Dragon sculpt. I do, however, have to admit that when Mike paints them, they become an altogether different beast: where one might be compelled to use the large-ish belly as a canvas for something-or-other and then peaceoutgimmemine, Mike tackles the full show and doesn’t shy away from the super-complex scale texture that goes along the back and tail. It’s also worth mentioning that he takes an already mean face and makes it look meaner. Every time.

I do, on the other hand, have mad Damnedron love, (that’s right, I said it) and these are just top-fucking-notch. It’s tough work being a little 3-inch walking penis on somebody’s bookshelf, and, well, at least this guy stands tall in his Immortal-steeze next to the rest. Take that, Eater.

As with anything related to Pushead, **CC, or neo-kaiju in general, these are limited, and likely to be pricey, so if you are interested, be sure to get there early and hope for the best. I myself will not be attending (sadly) so maybe that means one more set for one more dude. Either way, Mike consistently hits it outta the park, and I can’t wait to see what he comes up with next.

Battle On!

(Photos courtesy of TBS. Nice job, Kirkland!)

- Hateball