The Vinyl Frontier

MCA's 5" QEE-Zilla Coming Soon!

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:22:32 -0500

Anybody else thinks this looks awesome?

A mighty roar is heard from the seemingly indestructible playground. Toy planes and trains are strewn about without a care. A reptilian tail wreaks havoc on the ankles of innocent witnesses. This incredible, unstoppable tiny titan of terror rules playtime - it’s non…e other than the precocious Qee-Zilla Kid!

MCA is back and his playful characters are ready to take 2012 by storm.

Toy2R is proud to announce the development of this new 5 inch figure, The Qee-Zilla Kid, a new Mini Qee featuring an all new head sculpt and mini monster tail. A comical creature indeed, Toy2R has some very cool surprises in store for this release…so stay tuned for more information as playgrounds become monster battlegrounds in 2012.

Toy2R…Where Imagination is Qee!

The Vinyl Frontier Spotlight: Luke Chueh

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 09:06:44 -0500

The Vinyl Frontier Spotlight: Luke Chueh

The Vinyl Frontier Spotlight: Attaboy

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 09:06:01 -0500

The Vinyl Frontier Spotlight: Attaboy

The Vinyl Frontier Spotlight: Thomas Han

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 09:05:20 -0500

The Vinyl Frontier Spotlight: Thomas Han

The Vinyl Frontier Spotlight: Jermaine Rogers

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 09:04:38 -0500

The Vinyl Frontier Spotlight: Jermaine Rogers

The Vinyl Frontier Spotlight: Joe Ledbetter

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 09:04:02 -0500

The Vinyl Frontier Spotlight: Joe Ledbetter

The Vinyl Frontier Spotlight: Derek Welch of UNKL

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 09:03:20 -0500

The Vinyl Frontier Spotlight: Derek Welch of UNKL

The Vinyl Frontier Fall Update

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 09:50:05 -0500

The Vinyl Frontier on VOD!

I’m happy to announce that The Vinyl Frontier is now available on the internets!

You can buy or rent the film on VOD.

Click on the links below to check it out.

Amazon Instant Video

Best Buy CinemaNow

Playstation Network

The Little Lotus Project

I also wanted to let you that I’m raising money on Kickstarter with a group of artists called the Army of Snipers to participate in the Little Lotus Project. In December, I’ll be going along with 12 others from across the globe with the charity SpinningTop to the Thai/Burma border to work with and inspire refugee and migrant children who have fled from the instability of Burma, with photography, music, and art.

After the program is finished, there will be an exhibition featuring art created on the trip and funds will be raised to help out the folks in Mae Sot with farming materials, food sources, and more.

My involvement with the project entails documenting the program in Thailand along with New Zealand filmmaker Gareth Moon. Videos will be produced and distributed to further promote the project.

You can help out our project on Kickstarter HERE. The deal with Kickstarter is if we don’t reach our fundraising goal by Nov. 20th, then we don’t get to keep any of the funds raised. So ANY amount is really appreciated.

Check out the video below for more info:

The Vinyl Frontier SDCC Recap

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 09:31:05 -0400

Apparently Cobra Commander is a fan of the film, who knew?

San Diego Comic Con this year was an absolute blast and to me it represented the culmination of it all. Four years of interviewing artists, collectors, producers, etc at various shows, conventions, and studios.

Coming back to San Diego, armed with The Vinyl Frontier DVD and Vito “Sharky” Finzetti, I was ready to show the world what I’ve laboring away on for some time. The great folks at Comic Con offered me a panel to discuss the film and the vinyl toy movement in general, so naturally I jumped on that opportunity. For me, having a panel at comic con is incredibly humbling and tremendously exciting.

Thanks to the Toyqube fam for letting me share a booth with them. Of course, I’d be remiss if i didn’t give a shout out to my pal Tony Montalvo, who is a killer sculpter that’s worked with Keith on his Myth Warriors series.

Here’s the panel discussion we had with Keith Poon, Jermaine Rogers, Tara McPherson, and Frank Kozik. Special thanks to Jeremy Brautman for moderating the panel. Also, thanks to all the Teen Wolf fans who came early to snag seats to a panel immediately following mine. At least I got to expose potentially new fans to something non werewolf related.

Enjoy:

San Diego Comic Con 2011 Plans

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 09:31:06 -0400

I’m excited to announce that the Vinyl Frontier will be representin’ at this years San Diego Comic Con. This is a very special year for me, because I’ll be doing quite a bit. Aside from the usual Hall H panels that i’ll try to get into and the crazy lines to go just about anywhere, I’ll be at the Toyqube booth #4934 selling The Vinyl Frontier DVDs as well as two different colorways of the Vito “Sharky” Finzetti that we did with MCA and Keith Poon.

One is the regular Pink edition limited to 120 pieces and selling for $45 is seen below:

The other, an SDCC exclusive, is the GID version limited to 100 pieces and will sell for $60.

As if that weren’t enough, we’re going to have lots of artists featured in the film come through the booth all weekend to do signings of the DVD. Check back later for more details on that.

Last but certainly not least, I’m doing a panel discussion with Tara McPherson, Keith Poon, Frank Kozik, and Jermaine Rogers on Saturday from 4:30-5:30 in room 24ABC.

Check out the flyer below:

Oh also, for all the Australians readers out there, there’s gonna be a screening at 1UP Microcinema in Perth Australia on July 24th. Here’s some more details.

Here’s a proof of concept video that VF artist and all...

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 09:30:06 -0400

Here’s a proof of concept video that VF artist and all around great guy Brian McCarty just posted on his site. This project looks incredible!

“WAR-TOYS is a documentary film that follows artist/photographer Brian McCarty as he works to complete a new project in the Middle East. Using Brian’s unique toy photography and principles of play and art therapy, the project explores firsthand accounts of war from the perspective of children living in its day-to-day reality. Working through local humanitarian organizations in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank, Brian’s WAR-TOYS project focuses on the latest generation of Israelis and Palestinians that has never known an existence without the constant threat of rocket attacks, air strikes, gunfire, explosions, and incursions.

Footage seen above was produced in early 2011 during Brian’s proof of concept journey, working primarily through the Spafford Children’s Center in East Jerusalem as well as the Idbaa Cultural Center inside the Deheisheh Refugee Camp. Later this year, Brian will return to complete his project and collaborate with children under the care of both Israeli and Palestinian NGO’s across the region.”

The Vinyl Frontier Spring Update

Sun, 12 Jun 2011 17:45:53 -0400

“The Vinyl Frontier” DVD is finally available for sale and it comes loaded with tons of special features. In addition to the 83 minute film, there’s a special artist and director commentary track recorded with Sucklord, Bill McMullen, MCA, and director Daniel Zana. It’s very insightful and very often hilarious.

There’s also 18 “The Vinyl Frontier” Artist Spotlights. These short videos give a more in depth look into the artist’s work and some of their background. As if that weren’t enough, there are three longer video segments. The first takes us inside the world of the artist Sucklord and his process for making resin toys.

Next, it’s off for a photo shoot and brief interview with photographer Brian McCarty, where he shares some tips and gives us his history with toy photography.

And finally, we take a look at the exciting and varied collection of Gary Baseman at his home studio.

All that plus the theatrical trailer and a post screening Q&A make for a DVD chock full of bonus features!
You can pick up the film from our shop HERE.

We’re very excited to announce a toy we’ve been working on in conjunction with MCA of Evil Design and Toyqube . His name is Vito Finzetti, but some people just call him Sharky. He’s been around for as long as i can remember, helping out behind the scenes on major motion pictures doing just about everything to get movies made. Hell, he was there every step of the way during the production of The Vinyl Frontier. Check out a production still if you don’t believe me.

You can pick up Vito “Sharky” Finzetti from Here.

The Vinyl Frontier DVD Review on Attack of The Show!

Sun, 01 May 2011 09:30:06 -0400

I’m honored to have such an awesome channel like G4 air a review of my film. Special thanks to Chris Gore for checking out the film and i’m glad he liked it!

SUCKADELIC SUCKTROSPECTIVE GALLERY SHOW

Tue, 11 Jan 2011 09:30:06 -0500

This just in from the Sucklord himself:

“SUCKADELIC has done some shady deal and got a full-on show at a real Art Gallery in Fucking Chelsea! Next Tuesday will be your chance to see the entire SUCKADELIC toy Collection showcased in one place. That’s 6 years worth of shit! All for Sale! http://boo-hooray.com/

Other exciting Features will be: Rad-Ass Full-Color Catalog. Basic and Delux edition with EXCLUSIVE FIGURE Big Fancy-ass Color print with EXCLUSIVE FIGURE Old Prototypical Pre-Suckadelic work from a million years ago, Such as the Legendary ACTION CRACKHOUSE PLAYSET. Stocked up SUCKSHOPPE gift shop full of new and classic Suck-Merch. Crazy Wall Painted by some of the Sucklord’s degenerate art buddies A bunch of other art shit that was lying around plus some new shit 2 live events with food, Villains, Live Music, and Free Beer from BEERLAO Don’t Fuck up and miss this.

Dates are:

Tuesday January 11, 2011 6-8 PM OPENING PARTY

Sunday January 23, 2011 3-6 CLOSING PARTY

Gallery will be open during normal hours in between events. 521 West 23rd Street New York, NY, 10011 VISIT BOO-HOORAY.COM FOR MORE INFO!

Top Ten Toys of 2010

Sun, 26 Dec 2010 21:00:00 -0500

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.

Upcoming show from the awesome Jim Koch in Seattle, WA on...

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 22:01:45 -0500

Upcoming show from the awesome Jim Koch in Seattle, WA on December 11th. Be there!

Halloween BUDCAT Release Info

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 12:03:15 -0400

Halloween always brings out the coolest toy releases. This one is the special Halloween edition BUDCAT designed by Scott Wilkowski

The Budcat comes with a “firecracker” and jack-O-lantern accessory. In the spirit of Halloween there may be surprises…
This is a limited edition at just 70 pcs

price is $65 includes US shipping. International orders will need to send an additional $15 to cover shipping.

The release date is set for Sunday Oct 31 at 12:00 noon central.

You can grab the Budcat HERE

Jermaine Rogers Poster Release Info

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 14:17:28 -0400

Jermaine Rogers will be releasing an astounding 10 posters from his recent Black Diamond Skye Tour (Alice In Chains/Mastodon/Deftones) series as well as two of his Allepin Sane series.

These will be released on Friday October 29th at 1pm PST/4pm EST.

More Information about the release can be found HERE

Keith Poon's Custom "Zombie Bears" Release Info

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 12:18:01 -0400

Just in time for Halloween, Keith Poon is releasing customs of Luke Chueh’s Mecha Sad Bear, called “Zombie Bears”. They’re an edition of 6 pcs, they’ll be up for sale at ToyQube on OCT 29th this Friday 1:00 EST.

Ferg's "Big Sqube" up for Pre-Order!

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 07:00:57 -0400

Need something insanely large to keep your small sqube company? Well, you’re in luck. Ferg of Jamungo and Playge fame has announced a pre-order for his Big Sqube. Constructed from fiberglass and measuring 16x16x16” with a lovely white satin finish, this would make a lovely addition to any toy collection.

These squbes will cost $400 and can be ordered from the Playge Store HERE