Top 5 Toys - Akiba Masahiro

Akiba Masahiro of Gumliens has sent through his awesome Top 5 list! A couple of toys that I have never seen before in here, I definitely want to learn more about them!! Thanks Akiba!

5) Coijyarus by One up. (13th Ver.by Takepico - Noriya Takeyama x Pico Pico)

"Monster collaboration of writer of cool two people. The idea was to visualize a monster Japanese carp (koi) that is the best. There are colour variations of various carp(koi), an upscale pet. These look great as a full arrangement. Colouring to GID base of Mount Kobo I like in particular."

4) Mummy Kaiju Pharaos by Imiri Sakabashira

"The colouring Mount Kobo that is taken care of in gumtaro kaiju soft vinyl. It's thought I'd burned the eyes from when I saw once, but it did not help but buy to see the real thing in the exhibition venue. I think it's a exquisite cartoon monster underground and ultra monster such as fused."

3) Nauga by Uniroyal

"Nauga monster of Orange. It was a little expensive, but I look forward to buy. Presence that can not fade forever. I do not know how much was healed in this smile. I will think of this colouring Nauga my best thing. Doting parent."

2) Wooden Cat by Nekonoko & Kenzi Murabayashi

"Collaboration work of two artists. Both personality also I love the style, of course, buy. Colour, shape, while simple, deep, tickled the mind. By the way, in the planning at this time, Gumliens has collaborated with Konatsu http://konatsuya.ko-natsu.jp/ maker of Negora."

1) Frog by Sekiguchi

"Stuffed frog that I picked up in a toy wholesaler in Asakusabashi before 23 years. We called this as "Pakeru". I have never seen a toy frog as cute as him ever. Color, texture, looks all are fantastic! I love him."

Top 5 Toys - Josh Thorsen

Josh comes out of Brisbane, Australia and is the head of Teens On Acid, a streetwear brand and artist collective. Here are his Top 5 picks!!

5) Tim Biskup X T9G Rangeas (TXT Movie Version)

"I only just found out (as I was typing) this was limited to 50 pieces..what the fuck. I should not have been able to buy this piece for what I did. I just shit the bed. I'm not even in a bed, but there's poo everywhere in a bed..somewhere...best figure I own. that's it. that's all."

4) One Piece Big Chopper Figure

"uuuuggghhh i'm still ...just 50 of that Biskup Rangeas? I found this Chopper on my last Nakano Mall visit. A 20cm happy as shit Chopper for $15AU? gimme."

3) Big Hasheem by Santastic Gangu

"a random Nakano Mall cabinet pickup. A favorite character of mine that i had already obtained a vinyl figure of (6 inch). But there he was, in the back of a cabinet stuck between gasha in Nakano Mall. It amazes me how certain characters sell and others don't. There are 3 inch random packaged Kidrobot figures selling for 3 times as much as this guy at any given store, and why? I just don't understand it. Oh yea, he's over 20cm tall. Most people would know him from that KAWS crossover..i guess. Unless they watched Tokyo Tribes 2 in 2006."

2) Astro Boy by Billiken

"my tallest figure. my vinyl son."

1) Dr Slump Arale PVC Bootleg

"amazing bootleg of Toriyama's Dr Slump character, Arale. About 40cm tall, and as much as the Biskup Rangeas consumes me, i think this is my FAVORITE piece. She may not be official but she is huge, she is perfect and I'll destroy anyone who tries to take her away from me."

Top 5 Toys - petitetoilonrouge

petitetoilonrouge has been collecting toys for fifteen years or so, helped by many years spent in Japan and Greater China. He used to run camiondepompier in Montreal and was too broke to keep any toys for himself. Nowadays, he indulges. A bit too much..

5) Kaws x Pushead Companion by Medicom

"I can’t say I’m a huge fan of Pushead’s art (or Kaws’), but his toys, including the Siamese Captains and the Cococroc, are among my favourite. When I first started collecting vinyl toys, the KvP Companion immediately became a grail. I was terribly, terribly poor then, and even though I got my hands on one at some point, it was cruelly for someone else. Fate was kind and some years later, I found yet another one and it remains one of my favourites even though my collection has grown exponentially. The sculpt and marbled green vinyl are truly unique. There’s an insane amount of detail and is definitely sculptor Cosmo Liquid’s masterpiece."

4) Axeface by Monstrehero

"Another toy I initially missed because I hesitated a minute too long when it was offered to me, I was distraught upon later learning it was a one-off. I had learned of the buyer's identity from the seller though, and when I asked him a few years later if he was ready to let it go, he kindly sold it to me. I love the swirly amber effect of the resin in the axe/beak, and the skull on the back of the figure (not pictured... can I send more than one picture?). Clear toys hold a special place in my heart."

3) Mu Racer by Toygraph

"I picked this up randomly, probably as an add-on to another purchase, and it marked the beginning of my love story with racers... and the end for now since it seems my love is shared by many and my wallet isn't as deep as theirs! I love how the driver looks just so... content! Strolling around on a nice Sunday afternoon, he just happens to be a Mu Diver (whatever these are!)."

2) Sleeping Killers by Gargamel x Bwana Spoons (Koi by Koji Harmon)

"Another story of love and frustration, I first got a lot of those to sell at a store I was running back in the day. Again, I longed to keep one for myself but couldn’t afford it. Years later, it is one of the few sculpt on which I am complete (completism is an ugly disease kids, don’t do it) bar a few micro-runs. In this particular case though, completism feels right. I can honestly say that there are only a handful of versions I don’t deeply love. The Koi, painted by Koji Harmon, is maybe my favourite. It looks so comfortable it makes me want to smile... and nap."

1) Death Star by LEGO

"A crazy huge model which I have now built four times (once per move since I got it?). Its inventiveness, playability (my kids adore it!) and of course the nostalgia it inspires are priceless. Its only problem is its gigantic size. Most definitely not easy to display."

Top 5 Toys - Nikolai from Somerset

Nikolai from Somerset in England sent in a great Top 5, the first time we have seen RC cars featured on the blog! Check out his list below!

5) Tough Tom (chrome version), Smash Up Derby by Kenner

"I wouldn’t ever have considered myself a car person, yet three vehicles, two of which are cars, make my top 5 toys. Now note that this is the chrome version. Like Gollum would, I just love how shiny this is, even nearly forty years since it was made. This and my Hot Wheels Criss Cross Crash were a pure celebration of crashing and smashing cars. When you are a kid it is almost instinctive when given two cars to bash them together. Then you actually drive one and do everything you can to avoid it actually happening. From the kinetic and amazingly action packed box photography, to the lurid paintwork, this was a marvel of toy engineering. It was from the genius of Marvin Glass and associates, and used the gyroscopic SSP system to rocket around. If by complete chance you could get two to rocket at each other over their ramps and hit each other, they would fly apart only to be put back together ready for another head on duel. Meccano held the licence in Europe for these, and I do have the French version which is a Peugeot, but unlike Tough Tom it doesn’t have any lovely dents in the sculpt so it lost out being picked."

4) The Frog by Tamiya

"I picked up this reissue a few years ago, and had a total blast building it with my father. I was always taken with the styling of the original and Tamiya have been switched on to know there is an audience out there who are keen for the cars that defined an era of RC modelling. The box it comes in is also a work of art (I did frame the lid). Shunsaku Tamiya’s biography is well worth hunting down, and it offers both a fascinating insight into how a small business grew to something so big, but also the way in which they set about doing things."

3) AT AT by Kenner

"I just had to include a Star Wars toy in my top 5. Other than Lego, I must have played with my Star Wars stuff more than any other toys growing up. The AT-AT was always too expensive for my parents (what a cliche! - the man child buys what he missed as a kid) and while the Star Wars toys never managed to push the envelope as far as the GI Joe Carrier, some of the vehicles were pretty bloody big for kids toys, something toy makers seem to have shied away from nowadays. I can’t say why I like the AT-AT above all the other vehicles and ships in the cannon other than it is AWESOME."

2) Gimmi by Disney

"This fellow always puts a smile on my face. I found him on holiday whilst in Paris at a flea market and soon sealed the deal on him. It means a lot more to me if I find a collectable on a day out or on holiday than by clicking the mouse. Its a souvenir of both a wonderful holiday and also just a fab figure. One of the three little pigs, it is an official Disney figure, undated but with an elephant logo on the back. It must be Italian as the pigs were called Timmi, Gimmi and Tommi there, and he had Gimmi written on his cap."

1) Martin by James Jarvis for Silas (BxH)

"I remember seeing this figure in The Face when it first came out, but living in Australia I had no chance of getting it at the time. The Face was my Internet in the 90s. I would even fork over the extra at Minotaur comics for the latest import copy. James Jarvis has a wonderful way of capturing nuances of subcultures in his work that seem to both revel and poke fun at them at the same time. I also chose this figure for my top five because it was made by Bounty Hunter. My obsession for collecting all the James Jarvis vinyls is only equalled by my BxH addiction (sorry Kid Hunter, you’re in my top 10)."

Top 5 Toys - Steve Seeley

Steve Seeley is a fine artist from Chicago IL,, check out his fantastic artwork here at his website the delicate matter and take a stroll through his Top 5 below..

5) Fourth World Superman by DC Direct

"Not only is Jack Kirby my favorite comic artist, he's also my favorite artist, period. The man was a genius thru and thru. I'm also a huge Superman fan, so a figure of Superman based on Kirby art is an instant top fiver. The "Fourth World" line consisted of 8 figures, all which are brilliant, but this one is so damn spot on. Its one of the only figures that I keep by my painting table to judge every wrong brush mark I make."

4) Underworld Warriors

"I love these damn things. Despite being a knock-off collector for most my life, somehow these guys eluded my radar until maybe 6 years ago or so. Skull based figures have always been my favorites, so skeletal bodied figures were an obvious segue. These are the only six figures from the series. Also, if its not evident, that witch one is just the worst. I'd like to slap whoever it was that chose to make that one over a werewolf. Or a frankenstein!! Or a robot!! But a witch?!? Come on 80s/90s people!!"

3) Booska(s) by various

"I'm a huge vintage Japanese hero and Kaiju fan. I discovered Booska in the early 2000's and have amassed quite a few figures since. Im guessing I have probably 25-30, however these big ones are my favorite. The ones in the photo range from 8" to about 16". I think they made at least a dozen different versions of the "midsize" one. My intent was/is to hunt them all down. As you can see, it hasn't worked all that well. It doesn't help that they aren't cheap and I aren't rich. These also happen to be a central feature in my home and have been prominently displayed on the mantle for years. Luckily, the fiancee not only tolerates, but also encourages my collection addiction, and these are some of her favorites as well."

2) Unknown Blue Dragon

"I've had this blue dragon since childhood. Im guessing I got it somewhere around 84-85 and its one of the few toys that has moved with me to every place I have lived and has always been prominently displayed among my collections. I have no idea what it is because it's unmarked. I've seen it pop up over the years on eBay, usually labeled as "Imperial". However, it is not, but it's similar. A few years back I found the green one behind him, which is undoubtedly from the same line/company/era but he, too, is unmarked."

"As a kid I called it a "luck dragon" and would store stuff in the hollowed out body, since its head comes off. The stored things were supposed to bring luck or something. But i have no idea if I made that up or if, at some point, instructions told me to do so. Also, there' still a random key inside of him. I'm sure I must have put it there when I was around 6 or 7. I have no idea what it opens, lucky or not."

1) Speclatron by S&T Sales Inc.

"Without a doubt my favorite toy line. These were released in the mid 80s to compete with the growing MOTU sized figure market. They have clear chests filled with glitter and originally a liquid (water??) and by pressing their belt you could swirl the glitter around. They're pretty hard to come by. I actually had a few as a kid but sadly those ones are long gone. Maybe 10 years ago or so I restarted my hunt for them. I have 9 of the 10 complete and am only missing the one figure and one weapon. Its been fun (and frustrating) hunting them down over the last decade. Im guessing finding that last one is going to be bittersweet."

Top 5 Toys -The Moog

The Moog is a graphic designer from Bristol in the UK.. A huge fan of soft vinyl toys and is known to spend weekends hunting through garage sales for hidden treasures, The Moog has shared a great mix for his Top 5 Toys!

5) X-Ray People by Fisher Price

"Fisher Price toys were a firm favourite with my brothers and I when we were kids. I especially loved the 'Adventure Series', particularly the 'Space' figures and vehicles. These two are called X-Ray Man & X-Ray Woman. They are the actual figures from my childhood... I managed to keep them safe all these years. I remember as a kid, I would carry them in my pocket everywhere I went. My other favourite Fisher Price figure was called 'Male Robot Clawtron' but I lost him somewhere back in the mists of time."

4) Bunny Suit Kewpie

"There is something special about unexpectedly finding a random vintage toy you have never seen before. I know nothing about this toy other than the fact it was made in England and it's cute but also weird and slightly creepy. The mystery of its origin and lack of 'back-story' make it even more appealing to me. I've never seen another one, but if I did, I'd buy it on the spot."

3) Fairy Bero Bero by RealxHead

"After visiting Japan in 2008 and walking around all the amazing toy-shops, I wanted to start collecting Sofubi, but found the prices really prohibitive. Real x Head were my introduction to buying proper Japanese vinyl. The RxH 'Baby Fortune Neko' and 'Mini Daruma' are the perfect mix of traditional and modern design, and they're reasonably priced. I then bought a 'Cyclomagnon' and the original orange 'Organ Bat' and was officially hooked. There was no going back. These two 'Fairy Bero Bero' are my absolute favourite RxH. A pure & simple mash-up with a touch of that Mori-genius."

2) Bakutari by Bear Model

"Bear Model are my favourite Sofubi-maker by far. I love their design aesthetic and off-beat character choices. They tend to favour the more obscure Tokusatsu TV Monsters. 'Bakutari' was one of those toys I just had to have the moment I saw it. Bear Model produce a lot of toys with a crazy amount of textures and Bakutari is a prime example of that craft. I love weird stuff and this toy is weird-a-mundo."

1) Spectreman by Bear Model

"My favourite toy changes regularly so its hard to pick just one, but it wasn't difficult to choose this Spectreman. I usually gravitate towards monsters but occasionally a hero will really turn my head. I love everything about this figure. It has a timeless quality that is very appealing. I love transparent or semi-transparent vinyl which this toy utilises to great effect. To me, it looks like it could of been manufactured decades ago or just recently. Its a Bear Model Lucky Bag from 2012. Absolute toy-perfection."

Top 5 Toys - Michael Skattum

Portland artist Michael Skattum shares his super rad Top 5 with us today!

(Psssttt sometimes if you're lucky you can spot his Slimebat toy over at Monster Worship)

"I don't really have an insane collection, but I chose to go the route of "top 5 toys under 6 inches." It was fun to break out the camera and revisit some of these weirdos. I like all of my toys, and buy them specifically because I enjoy them and/or get inspired by them, so consider this list to be all #1's when it comes down to it."

5) Ghosts n Goblins by Gargamel (Wonderfestival '06)

"I really appreciate Gargamel's toys when it comes to tradition, paint application, and sculpt. These blank toys are one of my all time favourites. The sculpts are flawless, the characters are from one of my favourite games, and the box art/packaging is an amazing tribute to the actual Famicom box that the game came in. I'm also a sucker for videogame related toys. I randomly messaged a guy on flickr who had these a couple years ago, and got these for retail."

4) Popy Okozeruge

"Barom-1 has some of the craziest kaijin designs when it comes to hero shows, and this scorpionfish demon is no exception. These midsize popy figures are tough to come by, and I had the chance to trade Bwana Spoons a toy and some cash for this guy recently. I've never really had the money to snatch up any vintage Barom-1 toys when I saw them, so I had to jump at the opportunity to get this guy for my collection. Great classic paint, vintage play wear, and a perfect size in my opinion."

3) Jinmen-ju by Uzumark

"Came upon this toy in a trade for an older Ilu Ilu toy. This toy has great texture, wonderful packaging, and a fun size to boot. 5 stars across the board."

2) Musasabian by Bullmark

"This is a midsize Bullmark villain from Lion-Maru. He may look like an orange peel monster, but he is actually a flying squirrel kaijin. I love his minimal paint and sculpt, the demon grin always make me laugh."

1) MA-BA Zombies

"Kind of cheating, but this whole line of toys is my favourite. I only have one complete set from series 2, and one toy from series 1, but these are the coolest things to me. Crazy sculpts, minimal and effective paint, keshi accessories that were supposed to ooze out of openings in the toys, amazing packaging, and nice 90s ooze/monster/gross out stuff. These nearly 2 inch toys pack a punch."

Top 5 Toys - drone207A

5) Android Mini Collectible (Artist MAD) by Dyzplastic

"Love technology, love gear. I have a gaming PC and many gadgets and consoles. I have a Android phone... why?... Cause I know my shit! This little guy combines my love of technology and street art. He's dope!"

4) Joker (Clown Leader) by McFarlane Toys

"AKIRA has to be one of, if not the best Japanese manga ever written/drawn. The Joker is in the anime briefly, but plays a much larger role in the Manga. Whilst I have many other AKIRA figures and statues I absolutely love this one the most."

3) TMNT (Eastman & Laird style) by NECA

"Loved TMNT as long as I can remember... but especially the Eastman and Laird black and white comics. Back then the only time you would see the Turtles in colour was on the cover of the comics where they all wore a red bandanna. The different colours were introduced later on to make them easier to separate and market. Hence the Michelangelo wearing red."

2) WWR MK2 BRAMBLE by 3A

"Ashley Wood is an amazing artist and Australian to boot. His art for Metal Gear Solid is fantastic and his toy line 3A is even better. Although usually out of my price range, couldn't stop myself from picking this up at Nakano Broadway in Tokyo."

1) UNKLE Kubrick by Medicom

"This guy guards my desk. His watchful red eyes ward off evil! Been a fan of Futura for some time. Love this figure."

Top 5 Toys - GoldenArmKid

GoldenArmKid is a graphic designer from Auckland, New Zealand. He took some time out to take some great photos and share some stories about his favourite sofubi pieces below:

5) Devilman by Secret Base

"As a 10 year old kid I would visit our local video store and head straight for the martial arts section which was right next to the manga section. This was where I discovered anime through the Devilman dubbed OVA's which is what first spurred my interest in Japanese culture. For me this is the toy I would have gone crazy for as a kid. I love that it also pays homage to the vintage bootleg colours."

4) Zudon by Zollmen

"Zollmen are in my opinion the most creative toy company out there. I really love all their toys but Zudon is extra special because it's the only toy in my collection that my girlfriend actually likes and appreciates it so much that she's practically claimed all the Zudons as her own. Being able to share appreciation for this toy with her makes it that much more special."

3) Keronia by Butanohana

"It's quite tricky to describe how much I love Butanohana and picking a favourite was not easy either so I've gone with the first I scored. I've always loved Godzilla but being from a younger generation this was not something I grew up with as a kid. Discovering Toho and Tsuburaya as an adult definitely added an extra layer of appreciation for these toys. For me Butanohana have a rough yet refined aesthetic that is difficult to describe. These little guys just have so much personality you can't help but smile when you look at them."

2) Gorilla Ju by Hirota Saigansho

"This toy was my first grail. Something which I never thought I would be able to obtain. At the time Gorilla Ju were only released through a small shop in Tokyo and aftermarket prices were way out of my range. I was very lucky to be offered this guy for a fair price and being my favourite version I couldn't say no. Since then my Hirota Saigansho collection has grown but even with all the new HS toys this Gorilla Ju is still my favourite. The little blue native takes this toy to another level with his comical expression. It really is the perfect addition to an already amazing toy."

1) Zagoran by Gargamel

"The first vinyl toy that got my collection started was a Crouching Zagoran in plane. From then I was hooked and started to collect any Zags I could get my hands on. I was lucky enough to purchase this custom standard Zag by Kiyoka Ikeda from Gargamel at the Thrash Out Show in 2010. This toy will most likely always be number 1. It has so many great memories attached to it from my trip to Japan and my journey collecting to get there."

Top 5 Toys - Luke Ramsey

Canadian illustrator Luke Ramsey sent in a batch of cool toys that most people would pass over without thinking twice. Luke explains why these pieces belong in his Top 5 list below:

5) Spider-Man (bootleg)

"I love how poorly made this toy is. It must be a knock-off. It's super rubbery and moves like jello. The eyes are too small, and why would Spidey be putting his hands up? Isn't that what the crooks do? Not sure when this was made, but it's old and awesome."

4) Ghostling Rags by Tonka

"It's hard to pick a classic 80s action figure. I love my Pantro Thundercat with nunchucks, Hot Rod Transformer with stickers still on, He-Man with sword and chest plate, but for me these classics don't compare with Super Naturals. These toys were messed up. This one with a freaky mummy hologram inside a hooded cloak with gnarly hands. It's a grim keeper."

3) Cosmobile by Matchbox

"This toy car was made in England, which is pretty cool. I grew up in England in the 80s and I remember Matchbox cars being very popular. Their wheels were always solid and the quality was top notch.I love this one because it's old future and the name sums it up. The colours are great, the shape is funny and the two large horns on top are ridiculous. The orange windows are a nice touch too."

2) Car by Kinder

"I'm not sure if this is a Kinder toy. I like to think it is. Kinder is genius for putting toys inside chocolate eggs. Their toys used to be so elaborate and amazing. I love this lil' car. It's simple and the face is really nice for how small it is. I found this inside a tree at a local disc golf course. At the time I gave it to my nephew and he didn't care about it, so he gave it back. He has a lot of cool toys."

1) Cyclops by Toybiz

"I've never been a huge fan of X-MEN and the Cyclops character. Of all the supper powers out there, shooting a laser out of your eyes doesn't seem that great to me.. O.K., maybe it's cool. This toy is from 1991. The toy makers didn't have to go the effort to put a switch in the back that lights up his eyes, but they did! It still works 23 years later. The arms and legs bend too, which adds more quality."