Tic Top 5: Interview with Charles Marsh

Welcome to Tic Top 5 where we ask an artist or specialist the hard hitting questions (not really they're actual quite easy). Todays artist is U.S. based Charles Marsh who is an Artist, Designer, Sculpter, Customiser of Toys and Owner of Monsterforge.

With a passion for Fantasy and Science Fiction, Charles' work always bends the boundaries of the imagination like those genres. His work has a specific style yet no two works look the same which is a refreshing change. Not only is Charles an accomplished customizer of toys with his recent flash sellout of Teenage Mutant Ninja Kawaiiju's and Custom MOTU's but also designed and or sculpted characters that were voted to be part of OMFG (Outlandish Mini Figure Guys) Series 1: Multiskull, Series 2: Grimm Gourd, and Series 3: Barbarianaut from October Toys 

As you can see by his extensive experience as to why we asked Charles to answer the Tic Top 5 for today:

1. How did you start in the industry of creating & customizing?
   I started making custom action figures back when I was a kid, but I actually started selling my work in 1996. I spent a lot of years doing the whole eBay grind-- making stuff and selling it without really having any following. A few years ago I got involved in the October Toys Forum, and folks seemed to really like my stuff. From there a sort of following developed. Facebook has also been a great format for showcasing my work and allowing interaction with people who like it.
2. What was the first toy or item you customized or created?
   I think it was a Fisher Price Adventure People figure I repainted to be Luke in his pilot gear. I couldn't find the actual Kenner figure anywhere, so I just made my own!
3. What influences you?
   Kids. I always think back to what it was like to be a kid, and the rest just kind of falls in place. I know that some of the most awesome things I have seen since making the Multiskull are pictures my friends have sent me of their kids playing with the figures. If you can make a kid smile with something you have made then you have done your job correctly!
   
   
4. What are your weapons of choice?
   As a sculptor I'd like to say that it's a certain blade or gouge or wrasp that is my weapon of choice, but I have to admit that it's really just a pencil and some paper. I always have to have pencil and paper with me wherever I go... it helps to pass the time, and it's a great way to capture stray creative thoughts before they are totally gone.
   
   
5. If you could collaborate with anyone (living or dead) who would it be?Without a doubt it would be Matt Doughty of Onell Design. He's such a nice guy with an amazing ability to create whole worlds in his mind. We've hinted around working together several times in the past, but time has never really allowed it. Matt is truly a one-of-a-kind type of guy, and it would be an honor to work with him.

If you'd like to get in touch or know more about the very cool Charles Marsh here's his links:

• Business: Monsterforge
• Store: Monsterforge
• Facebook: Monsterforge
• Twitter: @monsterforge
• deviantArt: monsterforge

Coming back tomorrow to see who's next in the Tic Top 5 hot seat. 

Hot Wheels Fly In Cylon Raiders to SDCC

To celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the 1978 TV series, Hot Wheels are releasing a 1:64 scale Battlestar Galactica Cylon Raider! Featuring VUM finish and die-cast body and chassis, this detailed replica comes on a commemorative blister card recalling the look of the original packaging.  This is must-have for die hard Battlestar fans or the perfect addition to any vintage TV series collection!

This product will be available for pre-order here June 4 and to be picked up at SDCC. But don't worry it will also be available for purchase at the show.

Kickstart Obos LTD

The Really Brothers need raise to enough funds for their new environmentally friendly Obos LTD series so they've taken them to Kickstarter. The characters will include Zombie Butter, Cloud Queen, Veggie King, Wasabi Thief, and a Mystery Character with each made of super sturdy high quality recycled paperboard.

"Obos are next-level innovative character toys. Each Obo toy comes filled with parts. You attach all the parts to make your Obo. What’s also cool about Obos is when you have more than one, you can swap their parts and make your own unique Obos!" - Really Brothers

If you'd like to have one or more of your own see Obos LTD  and see them go into production make a pledge over at their Kickstarter page here.

Artist "Fight For Your Right" with Boxing Gloves

Toy Art Gallery is presenting “Fight For What’s Right”, Fight The City’s first annual custom boxing glove showcase. 

“Fight For What’s Right”, Fight The City’s first annual custom boxing glove showcase on Saturday May 4th, 2013 from 7pm-10pm. A showing in New York city will immediately follow on May 9th, 2013. Fight The City has partnered with talented artists from around the world to create unique one of a kind custom boxing gloves. Fight The City makes artist-driven gloves and gear to give fighters a choice of how to express themselves when they step into the ring. Taking this already crafted passion, and collaborating with the artists that inspire us only made sense. There will be showcasing a total of 40 gloves at this 1-night only events. Toy Art Gallery will be exhibiting and selling 10 pairs of gloves exclusively, while the remaining gloves will be auctioned off at the New York city showing on May 9th on Fight The City’s eBay page. A portion of all gloves proceeds benefit the Hoods to Woods Foundation. This foundation helps inner city kids get out to the wilderness to learn, grow, and become all they can be through outdoor activities such as snowboarding. This first of its kind event will be leading the way to Fight The City’s first ever limited edition boxing gloves from the twisted imagination of artist Scarecrowoven, known for his Ritual 3D deck series by Creature Skateboarding. Live music and the Grilled Cheese truck will be on hand to celebrate this special 1-night event." - Toy Art Gallery

“Fight For Your Right” features custom boxing gloves designed by the following artists: Angry Woebots, Abe Lincoln Jr, Alex Kirzhner, Bwana Spoons, Cope2, Dan Lizowski, DreS13, Frank Kozik, Indie184, Jay222, Jon Contino, Justin Carty, Kano, Kronk, Lou Pimentel, Lucky Nakazawa, Mca, Mike Jones, Ryan Mcguire, Sara Martin, Scarecrowoven, Shane Jessup, Shut NYC, Skinner, Skwak, Spanky Stokes, & Toofly

Showcase night is May 4 with a showing in New York city to follow May 9. For further information check out the Toy Art Gallery page here.

Steven the Bat Rocks the Night

The Midnight Metal GID 'Steven the Bat' produced by Super7 & designed by Bwana Spoons is a glow vinyl and painted with orange spray 5" figure that comes with his own tiny drum sticks so he can rock out at night. 

Steven is also available in a Blod and Guts Red and both can be found at the Super7 Store here.

New Weaponeers of Monkaa Bloodlust Series Invading Soon!

Images have been released of Spy Monkey Creations latest editions of the Weaponeers of Monkaa Bloodlust Series.
 First is Weaponeers of Monkaa DX 'Bloodlust Umbreus', which is a deluxe Weaponeer figure featuring additional paint details, a full set of bonus heads, sword and sickle weapon and bonus Vac Metal ABS Accessories! Each figure includes 35 Glyos System Compatible black PVC and silver chrome ABS parts, and a matching trading card.

The other is Weaponeers of Monkaa Flaw the Obsidian Gohlem, the standard Weaponeer figure that includes a full set of bonus heads and sword and sickle accessories.

Each figure includes 31 Glyos System Compatible black PVC parts and a matching Trading Card. Figures and accessory packs as featured in the Bloodlust Storyline will go on sale May 1 at the here!

Android Series 4 is a Go!

Android fans get excited as DyzPlastic has announce with this promo image that their popular artist series of mini Android figures is back for series 4.

So far series 4 will feature artists, Andrew Bell, KRONK, Kong Andri, Scott Tolleson, Sergio Mancini and more to be confirmed! No other information is available but when it does we'll let you know.

Frank Kozik Studios has a Pyramid Artifact

The first ever release from Frank Kozik Studios that Frank is not directly involved in, is about to be released. 

'Pyramid Artifact' is the 5.25" resin cast, designed by Mike Fisher aka Maximum Fluoride and sculpted by Caleb Schneider. Available in "The Eye Of Odin" this colorway is limited to only 25 pieces unlike the White Edition which will be readily available once released.

Both Pyramid Artefact's in The Eye Of Odin and White will ship in a custom printed refuse resist box with accompanying sticken and 1-inch button. Both will be available May 2 here.

Squink's Sunken Dreams make him a Happy Dream Man 2.

Chris Squink aka Squink! has released two new 1/1 collectables to made available this week. 

First up on May 1 will be Happy Dream Man 2, this hand painted 3" Kidrobot Dunny, with a cast resin head created from an original head sculpt is a one off war paint colorway which includes signed & titled eco gift box and numbered collectors card. To be the only one to have this beautiful peice in your collection go here.

On May 2 is Sunken Dreams from Squink's extremely popular Dreams series. The 1/1 collectable is a 2.2" hand painted "The Dreamer" cast resin piece in a one off Sunken Dreams colorway. Includes 24ct gold leaf gilded parts, numbered card, and eco ribbon tied gift box.

To have your dreams come true by being the only one to own Sunken Dreams go here.

Rock On the Rockman have arrived at SDCC 13

MattyCollector.com published images today of an exciting SDCC Exclusive for MOTU fans of the Rockmen. 

"The Comet Warriors have arrived! This 2-pack of vintage MOTU Rockmen figures includes the young and excitable Rokkon™ and the wise and heroic Stonedar™. Recreate the Filmation look with snap-on arm and leg armor, or go bold(er) and transform into full rock mode with the additional snap-on front piece! Each figure also comes with trademark laser gun that they can hold, or can be snapped into chest. These figures, sculpted by the Four Horsemen, come in window box packaging and are not part of Club Eternia." - MattyCollector.com

The two pack of Rokkon & Stonedar can be pre-ordered here June 4, to be picked up at San Diego Comic-Con (details to come). It will also be available for purchase at the show, then at MattyCollector.com on August 5.

Tee of the Day: Super Shirt by Sir Mitchell

Our Tee of the Day goes to Sir Mitchell's 'Super Shirt'. Illustrated by Mike Mitchell this awesome tee is printed on a white only American Apparel t-shirt using eco-friendly water-based ink.

Based on some of pop-cultures most recognisable characters in Super form is available in all sizes and can be purchased from the Sir Mitchell store here.

Mike Mitchell exhibits himself at the Mondo Gallery

Last Friday Mike Mitchell opened his new exhibition at the Mondo Gallery in Texas. 

Running from April 26 to May 25, his new show features thirty-ish portraits of pop culture from Tarantino to Beetlejuice, Ash to Driver and The Joker and The Bride just to name a few.

To see all the portraits plus a lot of other rad work from the talented of Mike Mitchell, check out his blog here.

There's a Darkseid to Funko POP!

Funko released an image today on their Facebook page of the prototype for their upcoming Darkseid POP! figure. The menacing New God looks pretty cool in prototype fase, so we can't wait to see him in all his colored vinylness.  

Part of Funko’s upcoming DC Comics Pop! Heroes Wave 4, which you can pre-order Darkseid from here and is expected to drop sometime in July.

Happy MOTU Day 2013

Masters of the Universe Day has been brought back by a special crossover event with seven of our favourite Toy Blogs. There’s more info at the links below of these sites that will have special MOTU content of reviews, interviews, photos etc.

If MOTU interests you then check ItsAllTrue, Battlegrip, Preternia, Poe Ghostal, The Epic Review, Hoard World, and DoomKick.

Tic Top 5: Interview with Jon-Paul Kaiser (JPK)

Welcome to Tic Top 5 where we ask an artist or specialist the hard hitting questions (not really they're actual quite easy). Todays artist is U.K. based Jon-Paul Kaiser (JPK), Illustrator, Designer, Customiser of Designer Toys and Store Owner of Rhyme Square.

Working as a designer and illustrator, JPK’s career path took him through a variety of jobs, projects and trends until he was introduced to designer toys by his friend Porlzilla. Together they created their own original resin-cast limited edition art toys and sold them through their website. 

After working with Porlzilla, Jon-Paul decided to go it alone concentrating at first on the toy customization scene, building up a name and strong reputation for himself with his stark Black & White custom style, influenced by comic book art, film noir & Ukiyo-e prints. As his reputation grew, he was also invited to participate in more and higher profile art exhibitions such as Show Me The (mini) Munny, Art Strikes Back and Sketchbot Custom Show V2; just to name a few.

JPK's body of work is extensive producing both original pieces like his fantastic "Captain Sturnbrau" among others and loads of world renowned custom figures which you can see here. With all this experience we would be remiss not to ask Jon-Paul to answer the Tic Top 5 for today:

1. How did you start in the industry of creating & customizing?
   I started out drawing Transformers when I was about 4 or 5 and never stopped really. I studied Model Making at University with the aim of creating Toys, characters and models and was eventually introduced to the Urban Vinyl/Art Toy scene by Porl of Porlzilla.
2. What was the first toy or item you customized or created?
   I used to make old Fisher Price cars into battle-wagons when I was young, does that count? 
3. What influences you?
   I'm inspired by all kinds of things; Walks in the woods, conversations with friends, films, travelling, nature, fine art, my wife and daydreaming.
   
   
4. What are your weapons of choice?
   A decent paint bush!
   
   
5. If you could collaborate with anyone (living or dead) who would it be?Hmm... There's several! Kurt Schwitters, The Chapman Brothers, Angry Woebots, Yoskay Yamamoto, Murakami, Ralph McQuarrie, Mark Boudreaux, Picasso, Francis Bacon, Mark Landwehr, there's too many to name.

If you'd like to get in touch or know more about the awesome Jon-Paul Kaiser here's his links:

• Business: Rhyme Square
• Website: Jon-Paul Kaiser
• Facebook: ImprobableCast
• Twitter: @rhymesquare
• Instagram: jonpaulkaiser

Coming back tomorrow to see who's next in the Tic Top 5 hot seat. 

Dwaine Morris' Awesome Custom Androids

With the popularity of the Android figure there are so many custom figures but we are really digging these custom Androids of Tin Man, Scarecrow, The Greatest American Hero, Rocketeer and Rocky the Squirrel from Dwaine Morris.

If you'd like to see more of Dwaine's awesome work, check out his Google+ page here. And if you'd like to purchase your own Blank Android check out the Dead Zebra Inc store here.

Oliver the Bat Boy and Mortimer the Mortician

Artoyz Originals has released images of  Kathie Olivas and Brandt Peters of the very adorable 'Oliver the Bat Boy and Mortimer the Mortician'.

"Mortimer," a narwal-themed undertaker originally from the Carnies mini-series, is 6" tall and comes with his trusty straight razor & bottle of Toxico embalming fluid accessories. Olivas' "Oliver the Bat Boy," stands 6.25" tall and comes with two scavenger bird companions.

Both vinyl figures will be available in four colorways of Grey Scale, Purple, Red and Turquoise with a limited release of 200 pieces each and be purchased from here when they're released in May.

Blind Mouse Toys Enlist Judge Dredd Penguin

Blind Mouse Toys have announced they are releasing 'Judge Dredd Penguin'. Sculpted and painted by Joe Amaro and box art by Eamon O’Donoghue this vinyl figure looks fantastically detailed.

This awesome 2000AD character stands at 4" high plus helmet (which is NON REMOVABLE) the first 1000 orders will be receiving a frame-able copy of Eamon’s art.

If you'd like to pre-order the Lawgiver the attitude of a penguin then check Blind Mouse Toys here with Judge Dredd Penguin shipping June 23.