ToyCyte: Toy Culture Collected

This past Friday, better known to the world as Halloween, ToyTokyo hosted the Osaka Popstar Benefit at The Showroom, located on the corner of 7th Street and 2nd Ave. The participants of the show were challenged to take on the Devil Dog platform and make it their own.

I will speak with complete honesty and say that whenever artists are asked to take on a different platform that isn’t the; munny, dunny or mad*l; I grow weary to the outcomes. Sometimes, there are some amazing outcomes, while other times, the outcomes are simply catastrophic. At Friday’s show, I must admit that most, if not all, participating artists really changed the figure I once recognized as a cute white or clear red dog.

The benefit– which promises to donate the net earnings to Picasso Veterinary Fund– not only played host to over 50 artists, but it also brought in a not- so-typical crowd within the designer toy world, celebrities! Some of which included Rose McGowan (Actress), Robert Rodriguez (Director) and Seth Rogen (Actor).

One of my favorite pieces was actually created by a professional toy company on behalf of both Rose McGowan and Robert Rodriguez. Their piece, Cherry Darling, pays homage to McGowan’s role in Rodriguez’s Planet Terror. It should be noted that dogs rule the world, but a dog with a machine gun for a leg on a rotating-display case signed by the beauty herself, you just can’t ask for more really. Believe you me, if I had $1000 available, this would’ve been one of many pieces that I’d picked up for myself.

Another favorite that got my attention was from an artist who has provided me with all of my breakfast delights in plushform, Mr. Dan Goodsell, creator of Mr. Toast and friends. His piece, features a scared Shaky Bacon being held by a doggie in blue. The bacon is worth the taking him home and if you’re interested in adding him to your Goodsell collection he’ll cost you a very affordable $100.

My third favorite, by D*Face, was located in the same case as McGowan’s and Shepard Fairey’s piece. I wish I’d had the $500 to dish out on it. The facial structure is my favorite part of it, clearly the most obvious change. I love the long slits for eyes and the dangling tongue. Though the figure is still somewhat recognizable, this artist really owned the figure with his changes.

I’ve shown you some of my very favorites from the show, but take a look at the gallery and find one that stands out to you. Most of the pieces are still available and will shortly be added to the purchasing list. These are one-of-a-kind customs and if you’re really into one, I suggest you purchase it. The prices are pretty moderate and at the end of the day, remember, your purchases are providing services and help to animals in need.