Wednesday, July 11, 2007

USUGROW X SECRET BASE: FIRST LOOK!!! TOY SCOOP!!!

While editing toypunks footage early this morning, we received an email from our friend Hiddy of Secret Base Toys containing this stunning pic of an upcoming release. Designed by Usugrow, the Japanese artist who's garnering international accolades for his meticulous skull-and-letter laden work, this toy represents the freshest take on the genre since Pushead's Skullpirate. In the SB tradition, prototype figures are released first in all black vinyl. Check Secret Base's site for details and updates. This piece looks amazing and we are officially clamoring!

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

ISAAC RAMOS: REAL FAN SHIT ONLY!!!

Before any US companies or designer vinyl collectors preached the merits of new Japanese vinyl, Isaac Ramos was on it. A crazy collector (toys + music) and co-owner of Dog and Pony Record company, Ramos first began a fan site to help educate people about the first wave of Japanese designer vinyl and its modern offshoots. Kids and old school collectors alike got full-blown addicted to Japanese vinyl thanks in large part to his infectious enthusiasm for this under appreciated scene in the US. Recently, he's been dropping rad toys and fashion items made in extremely limited runs that boast his mantra, "Real Fan Shit Only". When toypunks sat down with Isaac for an interview in San Francisco, he dropped the knowledge like only he can while proving his penchant for comedy. After toiling for various companies over the past few years in the skateboarding, music, design and toy industries (most recently for S7), Isaac just announced his new solo toy site www.realfanshitonly.com which is currently being crafted. Expect it to rule!