We’re not in Kansas anymore folks, and as promised our Be@rbrick model is getting the full color treatment. This thing’s a bonafide double rainbow. Just last December we let you know about our exciting inclusion in the 20th anniversary 23rd Series of Medicom’s iconic Be@rbrick’s. We had Lamour Supreme cook up a black and white design that featured all kinds of majorly monstrous Мишка imagery. The thing was a total blast to design, and no we’re taking it to the next level.
Available in our online store now, the Мишка x Medicom Toy 2012 Color Ver. 100% Be@rbrick is the perfect addition to your Be@rbrick collection, and will look especially snazzy next to its monochromatic counterpart. With vibrant tones like the magenta ears/brains, classic blue Keep Watch iris, and that crimson lightning bolt, this Be@rbrick is a real looker.
Мишка
350 Broadway
Brooklyn, NY
718-388-1725
— Мишка LA
1547 Echo Park Ave
Los Angeles, CA
213-536-4234
We’re not in Kansas anymore folks, and our recently released Be@rbrick model is getting the full color treatment. Just last December we let you know about our exciting inclusion in the 20th anniversary 23rd Series of Medicom’s iconic Be@rbrick’s. We had Lamour Supreme cook up a black and white design that featured all kinds of majorly monstrous Мишка imagery. The thing was a total blast to design, and no we’re taking it to the next level.
Available in select stores (including ours) starting May 12th, the Мишка x Medicom Toy 2012 Color Ver. 100% Be@rbrick is the perfect addition to your Be@rbrick collection, and will look especially snazzy next to its monochromatic counterpart. With vibrant tones like the magenta ears/brains, classic blue Keep Watch iris, and that crimson lightning bolt, this Be@rbrick is a real looker. Mark your calendars!
What’s new, readers? This is Casper here with an update from the bowels of Ponyville. You thought that whole grown ass man-MLP:FIM (That’s My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic for those not in the know) thing was over, huh? Think again, dudes. Not that you remember or anything but once upon a time I wrote an exposé on the brony subculture of eccentrics and the imprint they’ve left on copyright laws/media restrictions. With that, you can be certain I have a good handle on this fascination, or so I thought before stumbling over this troubling piece of footage. YouTube and the ‘bronies’ meet yet again and it ain’t cute or cuddly this time around either.
If you’re even mildly into collecting anything you’ve likely seen one of the kajillions of “unboxing” video clips hanging in the dark corners of the global sharespace like cobwebs. But wait, here’s a little something for the newbies. An unboxing is the general term for the act of removing an item from it’s original packaging but is usually specifically reserved for a grab-bag kinda deal where a collectible has multiple variations yet those variations are undisclosed and/or invisible to the buyer. Take for instance the process of unwrapping a package of Topps cards and finding a Cal Ripken Jr. rookie card (I know I’m a little behind the times) mixed in there or in this case digging into a Happy Meal to find a Twilight Sparkle pony. Got it? Good.
There’s something noticeably different about this specific unboxing video though. Sure it has all the social awkwardness, palpable tenseness, and lisp-laden monologuing to be expected from something of this nature. Those features are taken to such an extreme that it’s hard to accept this dude isn’t emotionally handicapped. I know it’s a bold statement but after making it halfway through this most of y’all will have my back on it. For one, this guy talks as if he’s been hermetically sealed in plastic for the better part of his life much like the “Rainbow Dash” and “Pinkie Pie” figurines at his disposal. I can’t make out even half of what he says, mostly incoherent mumbling to himself, and the best/worst part is when he gets up to demand a different toy from the McDonalds employee. She’s not too bad looking either. Heck, he could’ve played this whole lonely horsey thing to his advantage. Maybe she is one of those equally as disturbing girls that take pride in “fixing” boys.
He blows his chances (as if there were any other possible outcomes). The moment he opens his mouth the girl makes a run for the door like a frightened rabbit as he continues to talk at her. Does this guy have a definable mental incapacity or is he just a laughably pathetic dreg? A product of the incessant breastfeeding and PC wimpification that plagues this country’s male population, perhaps? Whatever the case, I think it would serve him well to drop the dolls for a minute and start thinking about rejoining reality. Alwight?
So TLC is one of my favorite sources for reality TV shows. My new crazy obsession is their new show My Crazy Obsession. It goes pretty hard with the promo featuring people who treat Cabbage Patch Kid dolls like real children. They are very kind to the dolls, and I think real parents could learn a lot from these strange, but nurturing folks. Well, except for the hot air balloon rides in the backyard. That was kinda sketchy.
Oh wow. I have been waiting for this. A new insane reality show to sink my voyeuristic teeth into. Your obsessed with Cabbage Patch Kids and set up play dates for them? Expressing your inner child? That’s cool. You say you spent almost a million dollars on dolls, play sets and toys? Sounds incredible. Can I like check out how you live?! Please don’t murder me.
Y’all know JK-5 aka Joseph Aloi the uber talented artist out of Brooklyn we’ve been lucky enough to work with a bunch in the past. Heck, he designed a capsule collection for us back in the day. His ill collage style lent it self nicely to our garments and accessories. Fast forward, and he’s got a new toy coming out in conjunction with Kidrobot, called the Astrofresh Basketball Droyd. How dope is that? Super dope, mega dope, or mega-super-cray-dope? Maybe all three.
They are having a launch party at the New York City Kidrobot store on March 7th, from 6-8 p.m. A live DJ will be there, and original art by JK-5 (or RJ-K5 as they’re calling him here, an alternate identity I heartily approve of) will be available for your purchasing pleasure. Sounds like it’s going to be an awesome event for all in attendance. JK-5 is even doing a signing too. Plus, I mean, look at that toy. Do fucking want.
Wednesday March 7th, 2012, 6-8PM Kidrobot New York
118 Prince Street
New York, NY
One of a film nerd pedant’s favorite dumb gripes/awkward attempted conversation starters is winging about how, though we’re approaching the dates visited in the film, our technology is, “like, totally different than how it is in Back To The Future II!” In a bizarre attempt to ameliorate these people, companies continue to manufacture fake version of the products from those movies that don’t even vaguely purport to mimic their function, only their form, and this seems to make people happy. Commerce is weird.
Continuing that trend, following last year’s Nike MAG (sidenote: I feel like they could have made a self-tying shoe. I mean maybe it couldn’t tie itself, but at least tighten itself or something), this Winter Mattel will be releasing a replica of the hoverboard Marty McFly steals. Well, technically it’s a hoverscooter that he rips the handlebars off but – oh fuck now I’m being the pedant. Anyway, it doesn’t hover but apparently it “glides” over most things which I guess means it’s plastic? Thanks guys, how awesome. Here, here’s all our monies.
Berlin, we are coming for you! We are pleased to see we will be making the European premiere of our Fall 12′ collection at the Bright Trade Show in Berlin from Jan 19th – 21st. You can find us in the “All Tommorows” section which features emerging as well as established brands like ours that are doing something a bit different in the skate/streetwear/lifestyle scene.
And to show you how different we are, we will be releasing a Bootleg Kaiju, inspired by our favorite ghost with the most! This piece is limited to 13 pieces (10 as seen, with 3 that are a secret version). If you can get to Berlin, and you can get in, you will have the option to purchase one of these bad boys!
You know all the crazy stuff that you see in our flagship stores? All the toys, collectible and other fun junk? Well, I have a horde of that stuff at my parents house in Florida and I decided to set up at this old school style comic & collectible show!
The Deland Central Florida Collecible show is one day only! If you are in the area, and into this kind of stuff you should def stop by! If meeting me wasn’t enough of incentive, you can get a signed photo of Paulie from the Godfather!
Sunday January 14th, 10am-5pm
Volusia County Fairgrounds
3150 E. New York Ave. (Hwy 44)
Deland, FL 32724
Admission: $3 (12 and under FREE with paid adult)
As you may remember, at the end of every year I like to take a look back at all the best collectibles I’ve found on the massive digital fleamarket that is eBay and share them with you folks. As a collector, I can’t tell you how great eBay is for finding things I didn’t even know existed.
That being said, it was a bit of a slow year for me on eBay. I guess I was too busy, or maybe I wasn’t finding as many treasures, but I didn’t actually buy that much stuff. I think I actually only purchased 10 items this year, and this is them. I try to use the actual photos from eBay when I can, and the titles that you see are the actual descriptions from the auctions. These 10 items are in no particular order of favorites.
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• THETA NU EPSILON 1901 Gold SKULL Secret fraternity PIN
I got really into gold this year, I’m not sure why as I have always been a silver person. Maybe it was the fact that it was pushing over $1,700 an ounce, which really made me want to start buying gold. I forgot how I found this pin, but I am so into these right now.
They were made to put on lapels or hats from “Secret Societies” at different colleges. I have a few more of these on my list, but I think this is my favorite because of the condition, the fact that it’s 18k gold, the jewels are original, and it’s actually dated on the back from 1901.
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• TIN BLACK FACE DEXTERITY GAME W/ADVERTISING…GERMANY
If you know me, then you know I am not a stranger to the collection of the taboo. Honestly, I don’t remember how I found this auction, but I am pretty sure that I looked at the other items from a seller and I saw this item and knew I had to have it. It’s some sort of old German advertising game, where the goal is to get the white balls (teeth) in the man’s mouth.
This is, obviously, from a time before civil rights. It’s a racist caricature, and something to remind us of how life once was. The game is really well made, with a metal frame and the front and back made of glass. I have a feeling it was made for some sort of medicine or elixir.
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• CREEPY BODS – “DR. GUTS” – HEADLESS BODIES
This year I finished my complete collection of Creepy Bods. If you’ve ever owned a Mad Ball and wondered where the body went, then here’s your answer.
Well, sort of. They weren’t really licensed by the same people, but more power to the guy who figured out that for some people the heads just weren’t enough. This is Dr. Guts, he is supposed to go with Slobulous. Bootlegtoyz4life!
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• CREEPY BODS – “OOZE” – HEADLESS BODIES
Another Creepy Bod to finish my collection of four. This is “Ooze” and he appears to be some sort of carnivorous swamp creature, or perhaps a science experiment gone wrong and run amuck in the sewers.
Special shout out to all the Keep Watch-esque bloody eyeballs that are peppering his bod (his Creepy Bod!). Not sure which Mad Ball this goes with. Maybe he’s just a utility player.
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• vintage HUGE SILVER SKELETON RIDING MOTORCYCLE RING s15
I love rings, especially vintage Silver ones. This one is pretty epic. First of all it’s a size 15, which is HUGE, and it’s also a full size Grim Reaper riding a motorcycle. How bad ass is that!?
The coolest thing about this auction is that the seller failed to mention that it was made by “G & S”, which not only dates it (1980s) but gives it more value as there are people who solely collect rings by G & S. They were the ones that sold in the back of comic books and magazines, as well as what you could find at swap meets and flea markets aplenty in the 1980s.
So which is it? The end of the old year, or the beginning of the new year? What sort of person are you?
Are you currently in the throes of looking back—happily or sadly—on 2011 and saying “damn, that was something” or are you held in thrall (demonsweatlive) of the looming twelvepocalypse and saying “damn, this will be something”?
I really don’t know where I fall between those two camps. On the one hand, 2011 was very good to me—my own little mopster!—but on the other hand, I lost my dog; another quiet casualty of the motherfucking world turning.
I am, however, looking forward to whatever is on the horizon with 2012. It promises to be full of new and exciting things for me as a father, and of course, not to take work/business for granted, but I’m sure if I’ve got the will, I will find a way to keep that thing ticking, too. Toys are either getting more exciting or less exciting—depending who you ask—and so I’m sure there will be plenty to talk about in that neck of the woods, too.
But what about me? Let’s get to me. As you know, O loyal order of Bloglin, I make this shit about me. I lure a bright magenta hook in the water and wait for you to come hither and nibble at the legitimate awesomeness that is this brand and then boom. A razor-sharp piece of middle-aged shrapnel screams right through your young and tender gills. You are now unwittingly reading about me and my feelings.
I’d like to find time to write more. I’d like to be here more often. Hell, I’d like to actually READ this blog…something about this past year has made me all but immune to new and exciting things on the internet. That probably includes everything—music, videos, memes—I don’t even think the porn I’ve been looking at is altogether new or fresh. Go fig.
I have wondered several times in the past few months at whether or not I’d ever return here (as an author, at least)…and I suppose I’ll keep wondering that between posts. Mishka has been such an awesome entity to be associated with….even in this loosest of ways, that I would hate to fall out of touch with that. Of course, on the other hand, I’m not gonna write about stuff just to write about stuff…I mean, it’s gotta be interesting, right? I worry about my predilection towards kid stuff now, as of course, I’ve always worried about my distance from ‘you all’…not just in terms of locale, but also in terms of age. Perceived age?
Why is it that I constantly do that to you? Why do I assume that I am at home, kicking back with Stephen Ambrose and PBS while you’re out at some sort of epic topless comedy club? I’m pretty sure that assumption is rude to both of us…but why can’t I shake it? #sorryBroDidn’tMeanItLikeThat
Are we all growing up together? Is this what that feels like? As time goes by, and we all sit here and mutate and feed and grow these ideas that are all rooted in nostalgia…is that what growing up feels like? And how many of you are so young and new and fresh that you don’t remember the first time that Air Jordans incited violence on the street? How many of you think My Pet Monster is something new? #seeAboveHashTag
Jesus. What a bummer. Why am I being a bummer all of a sudden? I came here to talk about toys. Didn’t I?
Reflection is good. It’s good to know what you do and why you do it. Right? There is absolutely nothing wrong with asking questions of oneself to really get a handle on how one feels. Maybe the weird part is that one is asking these things of oneself while 10,000 or so other ones sit around and wait for one to get to one’s point. Maybe?
As life—in all it’s forward-moving glory—progresses ever forward, I know I feel good about looking back. I know I feel good about toys. And I know I feel good about talking to you, The Bloglin, about all of that shit. I’m getting ready to enter my fourth year of posting here (which is sort of a lie…I don’t really count ’11, as I wasn’t really ‘here’) and I’m excited. I have absolutely NO idea what I plan on talking about, but I know I want to talk about it…and I know I want to talk about it to you and you.
I read a really fantastic article in GQ the other day (I was sitting on a couch in a hair salon waiting for my beautiful wife to get her eyebrows done…the kid was on my lap and I was feeding him cheerios with one hand and turning pages with the other [note: looking to get laid? find a kid {any kid} and take him to a hair salon.]). It was about how Aziz Ansari, James Murphy and David Chang sort of stumbled into this rad situation in which GQ was paying for them to go to Japan together and geek out on food and each other, etc.
Fuck…where am I going with this? Long story short: Bloglin Summit needs to happen. I have become pretty good (internet-, but still) friends with several of the dudes who post here, and I would just love to get in a room—any room—with them and shoot the shit. About whatever.
I guess this is more of an aside that I originally planned intended, but anyway, I guess the gist is that I love the Bloglin. I love you, the readers. And most of all, I’m oh-so-very fond of the friendships and acquaintances I’ve made through this site over the past three years, and I look forward to this next one. Very much so.
Happy New Year, Bloglin. Thanks for letting me play.
Oh. Shit. Right. I made a movie for you to watch and enjoy. Please watch and, um, enjoy.
