With the year coming to a close very soon, I wanted to get a list going of my 10 toys from 2010. In terms of the toys listed, this is just what got me excited from the world of vinyl, resin, plush etc not necessarily the most popular toys out there. So, without further a due, here are my top 10 toys from 2010:
#10 Matthew Waldman- NookaNooka (SOLID Industries)
This toy struck me as something different looking and very cute. I think it’s a very great way of tying a cool brand like Nooka together with a vinyl toy. And the fact that alot of these have matching Nooka watches is pretty rad as well.
#9 Sergey Safonov- Godot (Self Produced)
When I first saw Godot, I dug the name, the simple design, and the cute look on his face. Plus with a hat like that, It’s a no brainer that this is a kick ass piece of resin. Sergey makes these himself and after seeing his youtube videos, it’s quite a feat to see them polished and painted so nicely.
#8 Steve Talkowski-Sketchbot (SOLID Industries)
It’s really great that VF friend and all around great guy Steve Talkowski finally released his Sketchbot (in three colorways no less!). I remember seeing him when I was first shooting interviews at the San Diego Comic Con and he was carrying around what was then Sketchbot v1 showing it to different people around the toy aisles. Now seeing it come to fruition and to such acclaim is a great thing, not to mention it’s a really nice design and has spawned a few great custom shows at Munky King and My Plastic Heart.
#7 Andrew Bell- O No Sushi (DYZ Plastic)
This toy combines so many incredible elements into one toy: incredible and hilarious concept, brilliant execution, fantastic packaging, and so many display possiblities. Andrew Bell has a long history of making very creative pieces with lots of interactive elements, and this toy is no exception. This green colorway of O-No Sushi was released in 2010, so it’s making it’s way onto this list.
#6 Shepard Fairey- Mr. Spray (Strangeco)
OBEY GIANT has blown up recent years due to massive art shows, cameos in high profile documentaries, and lots of artwork and clothing releases. However, it’s been sometime since Shepard Fairey released a toy featuring his artwork (I believe the last was his 8” Dunny a few years back). It’s nice to see his iconic character Mr. Spray take on a 3D form and at 8 inches high it makes a nice piece to sit on your shelf and keep those OBEY prints company.
#5 Sam Flores- Kid Dragon (The Loyal Subjects)
I’ve long been a fan of Sam Flores’ work and I chose the Kid Dragon because it reminds me of some of his older pieces, with a little bit of spin. The piece comes in 3 pieces and is displayed in a very unique and creative fashion. Kid Dragon also boasts some really nice colorways and great details.
Ron English- T Rex Barney Grin (Made By Monsters)
Ron English, The Master of Subversive Art tackled a couple childhood favorites in a genius collaboration with Made By Monsters and the Barney happens to be my favorite. If you ever wondered what it would be like if Barney smiled just a little too hard, this is the toy for you.
#3 Gary Baseman- Midnight Magi (Kidrobot Black)
This was the first offering in Kidrobot’s Black series, a very limited toy line where well-known artists used mostly the color black to design a figure. What I like about this figure is its minimal design and beautiful use of the black with a few splashes of color giving it that Baseman feel and look which I love.
#2 Ferg-Playge Rat (Playge)
Ferg makes amazing things like the Jamungo BUDS and the Squadt line of toys with amazing outfits and insanely detailed weapons. He also put out this sweet looking 12 inch Playge rat with SPAS shotgun, bandolier, and switchblade. Not only does this three eyed rat dress incredibly dapper, but he also comes packing a “push button action tongue”. SICK.
#1 The Seeker- Jeff Soto (Bigshot Toyworks)
Seeing this toy at SDCC this year gave me that collecting itch that I haven’t had for quite some time. I think it’s a combination of Jeff Soto’s artwork which I really dig, expert crafting by the guys over at Big Shot Toyworks, and the fact that the Seeker is Huuge! We’re talking almost 12 inches high and about 8 across from horn to horn. That’s a huge toy!
Well that wraps it up for this years Top Ten Toys of 2010. Have a happy holiday season and a happy new year. Next year brings amazing things for The Vinyl Frontier, which we shall be filling you in very soon…
Do you have a different top 10 list? Let us know! on Facebook or Twitter!
Thanks to Rotocasted and Vinyl Creep for helping out with photos.
These will be released on Friday October 29th at 1pm PST/4pm EST.
