It’s obvious that I would love anything produced by Podgy. I mean, he created my character along with the Mr.’s and several banners– he helps put a face on my site. And, when he told me he was going to be participating in The Renmen Project– I reached a new level of excitement.

The Renmen Project, born from the creative people at Thunder Chucky and Ben The Illustrator, is a project which promises to raise funds for UNICEF’s Haiti appeal. The goal is to work with some of the top, most talented and sought after artists to produce limited artwork. The best part is that 100% of the funds will be donated to UNICEF.

Some of the artists working with the project include; Jeremyville, TADO, Pete Fowler, Peskimo, Felt Mistress, and many more– including Podgypanda who will be part of their postcard series!! Above is his entry for the project. He’s dropped several teaser pictures on twitter– but this is the final version. I can’t wait to get a copy. It’ll join my Podgy shrine! I kid, I don’t have a shrine. =D

P.S. I’d like to take this opportunity to send some love to The Free Love Crew: The Neon Hive, Felt Mistress, Scooter&Jinx and ProjectDetonate! There’s a reason for the shout out– but suddenly it feels like a secret. <3

I spotted this post on VinylPulse a couple of days ago, and since have been obsessing a little about the newest addition to the Mr. Lapin family. I was lucky enough to score an all black one two years ago from the lovely Colette (1st lady of Tomopop) and later that same year scraped up the cash for the Marie Paysant-Le Roux edition.

Anyway, ever since then, I admit, I’ve been rather hooked on these sophisticated rabbits. They carry themselves so well, I can’t really refer to them as bunnies. As soon as I spotted the sneak peek, I knew the newest addition would be flocked, you can see the texture in the photo. I can’t wait to see what the expression on the front looks like. By the way, Mr. Lapin is photographed in his many forms quite often. I took the liberty of sharing some of my favorite photos after the jump.

Taken by John Hook

Taken by Wayne Chang

Taken by FrogMuseum

FrogMuseum is one of my favorite toy photographers. Somehow, every toy image makes me nostalgic of my childhood. Granted, I didn’t own any of the toys he takes photos of, but his photographs always cause a reaction.  Click on all the images to check out the owners’ flickr page.

Can you guess where I’ll be on December 10th? If you guessed Factory Fresh in Brooklyn, you were right! Yay, cookies for all. ^_^ I just recieved an email from Factory Fresh about their upcoming show, Fresh Geezers. The show will feature the works of London Police and Galo. I’m honestly looking forward to this show since I love the iconic characters of the London Police. I’m hoping to score a sketch! I may even bring a bigger book. >_< I’ll update any sneak peeks and additional information as it’s released.

Thanks to the power of twitter, I spotted the VPEast post about an upcoming MPHLabs resin figure. I have no idea what it is, but I must admit that I have become a HUGE fan of MPHLabs since their Koguma releases and can’t wait to see what’s next. While I’m on the subject, whatever happened to their A-Type figure?

Scene: Fairytales Fights from I Heart Cool Stuff on Vimeo.

At this year’s AnimeFest, we were lucky enough to get some hands-on time with the upcoming Fairytales Fights video game by Playlogic. The game is based on “reject” fairytale characters, including Jack from Jack and the Bean Stalk and Red from Little Red Riding Hood. They’re tired of living in the shadows of the more popular and heroic characters, and go on a bloody rampage.

That’s the best part of the game so far. The blood. I tend to be a huge fan of cute things that suffer, and this game meets those requirements to a tee. The game, soon to be released for the Xbox 360 and PS3, will be a full on hack-and-slash game jam packed with it’s 1000 achievements and trophies.

We weren’t able to play more than the demo level on-site, but so far the control scheme seem somewhat easy. I did have a little trouble adjusting to the attacks being controlled by the right joystick, as I’m used to pressing the trigger buttons to attack– I was however, able to manage. Since we played the demo, we also didn’t get a chance to see how the multi-player functions worked in the game. We will however, be granted the chance to write a full review of the game, and the Mr. and I will be doing a podcast on it. Whoa! My first “video game” podcast. =D Check the video below of the game’s trailer:

Having checked out the trailer, I can tell you it’s super fun. I love the over-the-top gore that comes of much more comical rather than disgusting. Although killing the towns people isn’t the best way to get on top, I like cheering for the underdog. And, the killing graphics are pretty insane. If you stab a character in the chest, he will bleed from his chest– or whatever body part you happen to stab. I like intuitive features within a game. Can’t wait to share more thoughts on the game. We’ll let you know when we have more info.

Scene: Sushi Poppers at NYAF from I Heart Cool Stuff on Vimeo.

On our first day at the New York Anime Festival, we chose to take things slow and just walk around. We wanted to make sure we didn’t blow all our money in one location, not that I had much to begin with. As soon as we got out of Artist Alley, we ran into the creators of Sushi Popper. The purpose of sushi poppers is sushi on the go! Imagine a push-pop, replace the candy for sushi rolls (about 8 rolls per tube) and an attached soy sauce stick used to push the sushi up.

We were so excited, that we knew we had to interview them. By the way, what’d you think of mini-saki stomping to Godzilla sounds?!! I’m sure M2M, which is the Japanese shop I get some of my goodies from, will be carrying the poppers. I, along with Megaroo and GrimSanto got to taste the sushi. I liked it, and I believe Megaroo did too. The Mr. on the other, got a spicy tuna roll and he hates spicy food! So he didn’t enjoy it too much. We’ll let you know when we spot them in NYC. Expect these to cost anywhere between $5-$8.

MAD has officially released more information on that sneak peek I’d posted about a few days ago. What I thought would be the mini madl artist’s series, is actually a collaboration between FullyVisual and himself.

Although no artist series or mini madl vinyls make me a bit sad, I really am looking to the very limited release of these characters. I’d actually like to get a nickle or copper madl to add to my collection. What do you guys think?

We’re nearing September, and that means that we’re just a couple of days away from Pinkghost’s release of their first Chubby Books Artist Series. I remember spotting a sneak peak of their project on twitter, and was jumping for joy when I recognized the artists they were working with. Now, with their big reveal, my only question is, how many can I afford?!!

I have an obsession with books, journals, calendars, sketchbooks, and the list just keeps going. On top of my obsession, I’m a huge fan of both Julie West and 64Colors, and have only recently come to love Helena Garcia (only because I wasn’t familiar with her works before). I’ve compiled all the pictures that are currently on PinkGhost’s site, for your convenience. Hit the jump to see the gallery of photos and some of my favorites!

Since each book comes with 10 postcards inside them, I’m really looking forward to owning some of Julie’s. My friend Shakty recently sent me one she picked up at SDCC, and I love it.  I see she’s turned a few of the original paintings I’ve seen in person at her Sickly Sweet show at MPH. Her females are some of my favorites.

I’m also really loving that the book doesn’t only contain lined pages, but it’s got 150 blank pages for sketches. I wonder how thick the sketching section will be since most of the sketches I get from artists are done in permanent marker that bleeds through the pages.

And the best part, it’s a chubby book full of your favorite characters, with areas to write and sketch, and they’ll only be $21.95!! I’ll most likely be getting all of them, how ’bout you guys? Are you planning on buying some? And who do you think will be in series 2? Or, better yet, who would you recommend for series 2? I’m already thinking maybe Kathie Olivas?

I love waking up to a buttload of good news and emails. Today’s good news included the upcoming release of the much anticipated Cranston Fellows Jr. figure by Lou Pimentel. If you’re familiar with the site, then you know that the Mr. and I are both huge fans of Lou’s– and it helps that he’s such a friendly person.

I am so glad that MPHLabs has teamed up with him to bring one of his characters to life and Cranston is one of my favorites. To celebrate his release, MyPlasticHeart (another set of people who I hold dearly to my heart) will be having a release party on August 28th at their shop in Lower Manhattan.

Spend an evening with myplasticheart and Lou Pimentel as we celebrate the release of Lou’s newest figure – Cranston Fellows Jr. on August 28th from 6-9pm. This limited edition resin figure stands at 4.5 inches tall, sports a 9 inch wingspan and is a hundred pounds of mischief. Each piece is uniquely hand-detailed by the artist himself so no two will be exactly alike.

The “Hellfire” Edition will be available at the event for $80, and for one night only each purchase will include a complimentary limited edition print as well as a raffle entry to win a large canvas painting created by Lou specifically for the event. So come by on August 28th from 6-9PM for refreshments, giveaways and good times. Lou will be there to sign and sketch throughout the evening so come prepared with sketchbooks in hand. For those who cannot make it to the release, limited quantities will be made available online at myplasticheart.com on August 31st at 1PM.

Cranston Fellows Jr. release event

Aug. 28th 6-9PM
myplasticheartnyc
210 Forsyth St.
NYC 10002
646.290.6866

I am very heartbroken to say that the release party will be taking place while the Mr. and I are in San Francisco. You really don’t have any idea how badly these news have affected me (us really). Lou is someone I consider a friend and I would’ve loved to celebrate with him.

First on my list is Amanda Visell’s labbit. It retails for $50, and it turns out it’s 5″ tall, not 10″ like I originally believed. MUST HAVE!! I think her art translated very well on this shape and I am loving the tone of the wood.

Andrew Bell’s O-NO! Sushi is my second must. I’ve been a huge fan of his O-No! sticker/print for ages. Well, SDCC officially celebrates its release from 2d to 3D form. Yay!! Two colorways will be released, the Blue is the SDCC exclusive– the red one will be released later in the year. These are $30 each, and the Mr. wants one too.

I posted about Big Sal– now, I’ll definitely be getting her. Thanks to a friend who is helping me out– I get to add Kathie Olivas and Brant Peters’ kaiju creation to my collection. If you’re going to pick this up, it’ll cost you $25 at the Super7 Booth and will be available on Thursday.

I haven’t been lucky lately with my hook-ups in regards to Kathie’s Scavengers. I have yet to complete my regular colorway collection– but Cosmic Pennie is one of my favorite characters in Series 2, and I’d really love to get it for my collection. These, like all other exclusive Scavengers, will run you $20 and will be available at ToyTokyo’s booth.

This latest set caught me by surprise. I didn’t realize that Mindstyle would be releasing another SDCC set– and this one contains a 3″ Two-Faced Hazel. I have yet to obtain any of the 3″ Hazels, and I would love this one to be my first. I wouldn’t mind having the other characters as I’m a bit of a fan of all the artists included in this set: Ron English, Kathie Olivas, Buff Monster, Doktor A and Brandt Peters. I’m also a HUGE fan of black and white figures and I sometimes believe, less color is better. This set costs $130 and will be available on Saturday from 1-3pm at Mindstyle’s booth I believe.

Rotofugi along with FormulaWerks have been creating awesome t-shirts lately, and it seems that at this year’s SDCC, the shirt above will be unleashed. I want!! I heart toys and I’m a nerd, so I would wear the combination of the two words proudly. These shirts will be available on all days throughout the con and they’ll run you a mere $16. Thanks to SpankyStokes, I’ll have this in my hands after the con.

Last, but really not least– I would’ve loved to be at SDCC so I could meet Jhonen Vasquez and get hooked up with one of these sweet prints for Bioshock 2.

Jhonen will be signing at the 2K Games booth on Saturday July 25th from 2-4 PM at San Diego Comicon, and apparently there will be 500 of the prints available.

I’m guessing the prints are free since no price has been specified. If you’re a fan of his works, which I am, this is a must stop. Please take some pictures and share them with me. =)

The Total Cost: $301.00