Here’s a fitted that combines two of my favorite things, plaid and Kidrobot’s Dunny silhouette.  Partially playful, this 59fifty features an all over Kidrobot print on the underbill and a large embroidery of a Dunny.  The inside of the embroidery is filled in with a plaid texture with colors seen throughout the entire cap.  The cap is available now at all Kidrobot locations and online.

Image Source: Amazingstore

We last mentioned Munny will be accompanied by some new friends, Bub, Trikky, Rooz and Raffy.  The companions officially drop on November 19th.  However, those interested can see them at the upcoming Munnyworld toy exhibit on November 13 – 15.  For those that are wondering about a soft openings, the Eloquent Delinquents Gallery will open its doors to collectors and socialites at 8pm on the 12th.  Given the opening night is a chance to meet all 60 participating artists, this is a can’t miss event.  One of the key pieces to look for is Thunderdog Studio owner, Tristan Eaton’s custom Mega Munny.  I simply love how the Mega Munny acts as an open playground for the Thundermutt hiding behind one of the trees.

Munnyworld Toy Exhibition
The Eloquent Delinquents Gallery
41 Wooster Street, New York, NY

Image Source: VPEast

For those that don’t wanna dig for Huck’s Ninja Dunny blind box after blind box are in luck.  This Friday, the Ninja Dunny artist proof goes on sale at Huck Gee’s eBay site.  25 pieces will be available numbered, signed and marked “AP” at noon PST.  Asking price is $100, much like his series 4 Skullhead Dunny.  Don’t sleep, I had the red, white and black one in my cart sometime ago and upon hitting order, it was copped by someone else.

In other news, Huck is also dropping a new print entitled, Sgt, Vasquez the “R&R” print at the same time.  I personally don’t know the story of Sgt. Vasquez or the UTCSO clonettes standing behind him.  But I do like what I see.  Much like previous Huck work, each of the 99 prints will be signed and gold embossed on the corner.  The print will run for $75 each and I have a feeling it’ll be an easier pickup than the AP Dunny.  Good luck to those interested this Friday.

Image Source: Huck Gee

Last week, we showed you what the production wooden 3″ Kidrobot Dunny’s will look like.  The above bizarro world like Dunny is a creation by Brooklyn based artist, David Weeks.   Appropriately named the Chiseler, this run of 5 only 7″ tall Dunny comes with a laser etched box and will run for $1200 each.  It’s quite the price tag, but come September 22nd, I’m sure the sell out will be immediate.

Image Source: KRonikle

Goodbye vinyl, hello wood.  Recently on the KRonikle, Kidrobot posted up an image of an upcoming all wooden 3″ Dunny.  I’m wondering if future series will utilize these wooden fellows as the new canvas.  No details were given, but I definitely need 1 or 4 of these guys.

Image Source: Kidrobot KRonikle

Recent news from Kidrobot’s KRonikle online magazine indicates that a new numeric series of Dunnys will come out next month.  But instead of being called Series 6, the latest will just be called Series 2009.  Regardless, the preview image definitely gives us hope that next month will be full of pleasant surprises.  One particular Dunny would happen to be the production version of Huck Gee’s “Death from Above” Winged Ninja Dunny.  Below is a list of all artist participating this round.  The Dunnys will arrive September 10th online, in store and at various retailers for $7.95 a pop.   Somehow I have a feeling I’ll be purchasing a case of Series 2009.

Amanda Visell | Andrew Bell | Amy Ruppel | Brandt Peters | Dalek | Devilrobots | Gary Taxali | Mori Chack | Huck Gee | Jeremyville | Kozik | Kronk | Luke Chueh | Mad | Pon | MR. Shane Jessup | Shawnimal | SupaKitch | Travis Cain | Thomas Han

Image Source: KRonikle

Taking inspiration from the statement, “See no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil,” Jon Paul Kaiser is at it again with another custom vinyl project.  This time fellow Kidrobot boardie, Linh Pham, had commissioned Kaiser for the 3 Dunny project.  After some corresponding, the end result speaks for itself.  T he blind folded Mizaru, is a chimpanzee, Kikazaru is a Barbary ape and Iwazaru who’s mouth is covered is a Japanese Macaque.

Image Source: Plastic and Plush via Jon Paul Kaiser

Even before Shane Jessup’s lucky cat Dunny from series 4, I have always adored the enchanting and friendly image of Maneki Neko.  Recently, Dreamland Toyworks developed a blind boxed series of mini vinyl figures called Go Lucky Neko that stand as tall as Kidrobot’s Dunny toys.  The artist, Delme, inaugurates the series with 8 regular designs and one mystery chase design.  Wishful thinking would be Huck Gee’s involvement in the chase figure design, but thats just a shot in the dark.  Theres currently no word as to when these guys will be released to retailers.  But I’ve definitely got my eyes peeled.

Image Source: Plastic and Plush

Here is an attractive piece of gadgetry I need in my life, or rather on my nightstand.  BlueLounge’s Sanctuary strategically charges up to three of your every day essential gadgets.  It also does all the housekeeping by hiding the wires within the unit.  With only my iPod and cell in need of charging,  I could actually make room to display a Dunny or three within the unit.  Currently, Turntable Lab has the Sanctuary in white and dark wood (price varies depending on finish).

Image Source: Turntable Lab

From the artist behind Kidrobot Dunnys and Munnys, Tristan Eaton of Thunderdog Studios, comes B-Bot for the iPhone.  B-Bot is a new app for the iPhone that allows you to skin or rather customize a virtual vinyl figure.  After you’ve completed your masterpiece, you can assign the custom B-Bot to your contacts as well as create one for yourself.  There is also a shuffle feature that assigns random B-Bots to the contacts that call you.  Whether or not you’re a designer toy enthusiasts, this should be a fun app to kill some time with 400 options within palm’s reach.  Buy the app here.

Image Source: THUNDERBLOG

I came across the work of Jon-Paul Kaiser by way of TOYSREVIL.  Theres not much to say other than his penmanship is amazing.  I love how Jon-Paul’s intepretation of Spawn Mini Munny stands out even without the signature red cape and green eyes.  Take a look at the gallery below to see more of Mr. Kaiser’s work.  And should his work pique your interest, I’m sure he’ll take commission requests.  After all, Cyclops, the Samurai Circus Punk, Bob and Spawn were all customs for Kidrobot board members.

Image Source: TOYSREVIL via  jonpaulkaiser

Huck Gee never ceases to amaze with his custom Dunnys.  SkullBunny! is a design that has been sitting around Huck’s shop for quite a bit.  But as you can see the final product is well worth the wait.  Like all of his 8 inch customs, SkullBunny! only comes in an edition of 10 and will retail for $650.  If the Donnie Darko bunny suit intrigues you, head over to Huck’s eBay Store this Friday at noon PST.  Actually, you may wanna sign onto eBay several minutes early, and have multiple browers up ready with paypal signed on as well.  Good luck on a successful transaction.

Image Source: Huck Gee

Unless a trade/sale is involved or to preview new releases, I haven’t ventured off to the Kidrobot Board lately.  I came across this Usagi Yojimbo Dunny by way of Blind Boxed, Albotas’s new vinyl fever project.  The artist, Ron Lu aka Rontek3000 has a penchant for Stan Sakai’s Usagi Yojimbo.  And what better mold to use other than the Dunny?  With a bit of inspiration from Huck Gee and DEL730, the end result came out amazing.  I love the clothing detail eventhough Rontek3000 mentions he skipped out on Usagi’s family crest and a few minor details on the katana and washizaki.  I’m looking forward to more work from Ron Lu as he has potential to become the next Huck Gee.

Image Source: blind.boxed via Kidrobot Discussion Boards

Another 3 months has gone by and Kid Robot entices us with another round of a mini 3″ inch series.  The Endangered series features 15 designs from 13 artists including Shane Jessup, Sket One, Aya Kakeda, Joe Ledbetter, Jeremyville, Frank Kozik, Amanda Visell, Elizabeth Berdann, Chuckboy, Kronk, Michelle Valigura, Triclops Studio and Tad Carpenter.  The series hits 3rd Thursday of the month much like most Dunny releases.  After briefly reading the Dunny forum, I’ve noticed a debate as to whether or not the blue one is Touma’s art.  I mean it sure does look like his signature Knuckle Bear design.  We’ll just have to wait until May 21st to find out…

www.doublepunch.com

Eastern influences are all around us. From progressive punk rock to some outrageous hair styles and Japanese noodle houses, the Asian influence in North America is at an all-time high. For San Francisco Designer Toy shop owners Denise and Omar, the potential of imported Asian goods goes beyond anime cartoons to the desktop of hipster designers and progressive trendsetters.

Tokidoki, Teddy Troops, Obama Action Figures, Gloomy Bears… Vinyl Toys!

Denise and Omar own and run Double Punch located in the North Beach district in San Francisco. I stopped into the store this summer and was instantly impressed with the variety, colors and overall enthusiasm these two had towards collectibles. Recently I had a chance to ask them a few questions about how Double Punch got started and what it has become since opening in 2004.

I’ve been doing a lot of research on you guys and the one thing I can’t seem to figure out is who exactly you guys are. From what I can gather you started with Ningyoushi.com selling primarily online, so what prompted the opening of Double Punch in 04?

Denise: Good question from the start.  Who are we? We’re toy people!  We, Omar and I (Denise) are the partners behind Ningyoushi.com and double punch.  Ningyoushi is our online store and double punch is the brick and mortar retail store.  We decided to give our retail store a new name since Ningyoushi was hard to pronounce for the mass audience.  Our online business was keeping us super busy along with our day job.  So after a bit of research, we decided the US market was ready for a collectible retail toy shop that focused primarily on Japanese/Hong Kong collectibles and designer toys.  We got rid of the corporate jobs and focused full time on starting our own business.

What is it about designer toys and collectibles that really brings such enthusiasm and passion?

Denise: Toys bring out the kid in all of us.  It reminds us of our carefree childhood.  I think designer toys are a way where our childhood meets our adulthood.  We combine the interactive fun objects that are toys with the sophisticated/innovative design elements of adulthood and mix that with TV culture (cartoon shows, cult movie references, etc.) and presto! – we NEED that toy!

San Francisco is a hotbed for art and design, was setting up Double Punch in North Beach a conscious decision?

Denise: Omar and I are born and raised in San Francisco.  We moved out of the city during my college years to Santa Clara, and it was a knee jerk reaction to wanting to come back and open the store.  When we scouted the city for the store location, we looked into many neighborhoods that we remembered was safe.  Ha ha, that was a big thing for us while growing up in the city – safety!  But back in 2004, there were still undeveloped neighborhoods due to the dot com bust and 9/11.  Then I remembered Recon SF being in North Beach and I grew up walking up and down that block and figured that was a place I would love to go back to.  Also, the folks at Recon (now Dark Side Initiative) understood the Japan street scene and loved toys too.  Our stores had elements of being in Tokyo, where cool shops were tucked away on side streets.

You seem to have a very close connection with Japan, is this because of your personal origins, or just straight from supply and demand (people love Japanese imports)?

Denise: Everything starts in Japan!  There is always someone you can find there with a crazier collection of Rat Fink & Care Bear than you or lives and breathes Punk Rock with the biggest Devilman toy collection.  Anything goes and it’s ok to have an awesome toy collection with it.  We fell in love with Japan when we saw the amazing toys licenses released there.

Dear reader, at this point in the interview Denise grew tired of answering such deep interesting questions hangover.  She asked me, Omar, to finish the interview but I was very busy reading celebrity gossip and surfing for internet pornography.  Bare with me dear reader, while I take you on this wild adventure. – Omar

What is your take on Japanese imports when it comes to collectibles?

Double Punch looks to be a gathering place for a designer toy community. Was this planned?

You really promote local and international artists from across the globe, was this something that you always had in mind when you opened up shop?

Who should we look for in the future when we’re all looking for the freshest artist in the toy design world?

What’s hot right now?

Double Punch can be found online at www.doublepunch.com. Denise and Omar’s store is located in San Francisco California at 1821 Powell Street but they would like to stress that if you’re not in the area, you can purchase anything from www.ningyoushi.com.

While satisfying my curiosity for whats new at Kidrobot for next month, I came across this clip highlighting their Munny line. The video, “Munny Sprouts” shows two blank Munnys given a water bucket.  The end result is predictable, but just have a look anyways.  Off topic, I’ve always been curious as to how to custom a Munny or Dunny with the flocked grassy appearance.

Source: Kidrobot

I’ve seen cases of Dunnys that end up with no less than 6 commons.   *Cough cough*, the series 4 Mist Dunny comes to mind.  Given that no one else would want them, why not start any army right?  But an army of something deemed edible is a bit shocking to me.  The below image is the product of true boredom when the owner decided to form an army out of 432 Haribo gummy bears.  Adding Totoro into the photo sweetens the deal though.

Image Source: Neatorama via I.Z. Reloaded

After Series 5 came out in September, its only natural to wonder whats next from the wonderful world of Dunnys.  Above is the UK series featuring work by Tado, Clutter, Frames, Doctor A, HiCalorie x Julie West, ilovedust, Jon Burgerman, Keanan Duffy, McFaul, Mimic, Peskimo, Shok 1, Triclops and UAMOU.  Prices for a blind box have gone up by a dollar.  If my guess is correct, this is to cover for the bigger boxes seen in Series 5 along with the extra plastic wrapping and accessories.  The UK series is set to release on January 22nd.  Although, I’m curious as to what the chases will be, I’m glad the English bowler hat Dunny is a common.

Image Source: Kid Robot

I can honestly say I’ve never looked at my little vinyl buddies and wondered about their anatomy.  The above art print from Jason Freeny satisfies any bit of curiosity, if there was any.  My only qualm is why “Visible Vinyl” is only a giclee print and not a skin for ipods, laptops and phones as well.  If Jason Freeny’s work interests you, check out his bio page on Gelaskins.  You’ll see his curiosity has lead to skeletal frame work for gummi bears and Jeff Koon’s “Balloon Dog” as well as the see through Dunny.

Image Source: Gelaskins

Two new items from Huck Gee come out this Friday.  First off, we have the latest “Gold Life” print entitled, “Sunset Rooftops”.  Next, are the oh so hard to obtain 10 off 8″ Red Hand Gang Dunnys.  The print is 12″ x 24″ in size and like all previous Huck prints, comes with gold embossing and printed on high quality duck canvas.  In short, money well spent.  Anyone that knows Huck, knows that his work is sought after because of detailing and accessories.  I’m starting to wonder if he’s the only artist that incorporates cloth into his figures.  Anyways, both print and figures come out this Friday at noon PST.  The prints go for $80 and are limited to 80 pieces.  There is a limit of one figure per customer and each figure goes for $650.  On a side note, I wonder why the Red hand Gang Dunnys sport getas?  Shouldn’t they be wearing ninja slip ons?  No hate Huck, just curious.

Image Source: Huck Gee