Pedro
2017 is out of the way, so, happy new year! If you’re reading this you’re the first person I want to thank. Above all you’re the one that matters and that’s why I’m doing this. Our blog is only as good as the people reading it. And speaking of that, this past year was amazing regarding our readers. Our page views went through the roof, and everyone got involved in social media. We are always thankful when you like and share and discuss the scene with us. THANK YOU!
The past year was full of challenges and as always with great changes in the art toy/designer toys scene or whatever you want to call it. I’ll only refer to the good things as for the bad ones is not worth to mention Always keep the good vibes up, there is already to much negativity and douchebags in the world.
So, let’s do a little recap in topics shall we?
TTC APP
I’ll start to mention the launch of TTC’s app. It was on our minds for a while and finally it came to life in August;
We became more independent of the social media algorithms and established a new standard in toy blogging. All to bring you the best content in the best way possible.
Sofubi/Sofvi/Soft Vinyl
In 2017 I noticed the continuous increasingly interest in the eastern soft vinyl scene by western audiences. Many collectors shifting their interest to cool kaiju pieces and that tasty sofubi. That translates in new sofubi exhibitions appearing this year, such as Kaiju Cult, presented by Silver Scream Spook Show,
New independent creators also risked soft vinyl productions, as Monster Maker James Sizemore did with the beautiful Queen Hagopuss in glow in the dark soft vinyl glory;
Kidrobot released the Free Hugs (reviewed by us HERE), with a design heavily kaiju influenced. It reminded us of the Poison Pup released a few years ago also by Frank Kozik and Toy Art Gallery.
That’s to say that I feel that’s going to keep on growing this new year. Artists like Obsessed Panda or Zukaty are doing a stellar job in customising eastern figures on a regular basis, we folks in the other side of the world can now more easily start a quality soft vinyl collection!
KAWS
Yes, Kaws. We cannot speak about 2017 without mentioning Brian “KAWS” Donnelly. Love it or hate, he was indeed the super star artist of the designer toy world. With collabs with nike and uniqlo and Medicom toy he took the world by storm. Hypebeasts jumped on the vinyl train and the infamous ‘open editions’ became the center of interest.
Will the frenzy continue this year? Well, we have to wait and find out, but sure there’s no signs of it slowing down.
Interviews
I was fortunate enough to speak to some of my favourite artists this past year. I highlight the talk with John Pryor aka Dollar $lice Bootlegs where things got up close and personal. John really opened his book to our readers, you can read all about his art, personal life and secret tastes. We mean EVERYTHING! Check the full interview below;
DTA Best Blog Award
The second DTA Best Blog win! A moment filled with happiness and joy. We really felt that our work paid off. With such great blogs on the category, it was with great honour we received this award. We have our eyes on the prize again this year!
Bruzzy
I love customs like everybody else, but there’s something really special when an artist creates a character from scratch. I was really excited about Zukaty’s first original creation, Bruzzy!
This ‘friendly cute sometimes creepy and moody monster’ will sure win some hearts in 2018. (hint) We guess a custom show will happen really soon!
MenchNoiz Toys Black Ace
The first release of MenchNoiz Toys was one of my personal highlights. Soft vinyl and 11″ tall giant robots. What more can you ask for?
Coarse Ethos
Back in July, Coarse announced two new releases, the ‘Ethos’ serie. They were back to dark and disturbing themes and designs. I know for a fact that many fans were waiting for this kind of releases.
Friends
Another great year surrounded by friends. That’s what matter above all and keeps the scene going! We share the same passion as you. Focus on good vibes, support all independent artists and read the TTC!!! We’ll always be here as long as you need us! This comes purely out of love!
Hopefully I’ll do a lot more travel in 2018. I’ll see you on the road and everyday here at TTC!
Tell me what do you loved more about 2017 and what do you expect for 2018!
Yours,
Pedro from The Toy Chronicle!
