A Look at DesignerCon 2018 Keshi Exclusives!

Courtesy of Isumark of MWOTR (Instagram)

Welcome back to U&R!  We were just speaking of DesignerCon 2018, so let's keep that topic going with some more talk before the big designer toy event of the year rocks the west coast.  Here are just a few exclusives that caught my eye, but I know there are even more eluding me.  Let's take a look!

The first is from none other that Mystical Warriors of the Ring.  They have been quietly working on something as of late, and this announcement of this limited run of Tatsuya resins in blue and green hope to make it worth the wait.  And from the teaser picture, it appears there will be clear and metallic version available as well, but there is no way of actually knowing unless you visit them personally at Booth 2528.

The next feature comes from Robo Toy Fest, who hosts a convention of their own under the same name.  They seem free next week, so along with their attendance, they are bringing some hot robot action.  Hot pink robot action to be exact.   The RTF Robo Keshi is touching down at Booth 305 and this guy could be the sleeper sell-out of the weekend.  Only the second variant of this particular model, the dark green one that came prior instantly sold-out, so there is some indication this might follow suit.  I personally love this guy and will be hoping to mule this one home.  Hot pink.  Robots.  Exclusive and rare.  Gimme gimme gimme, and I sadly lost out on the green one, so this is my redemption song.

Courtesy of Nama,Niku (Instagram)

Our next comes from independent artists Eric Nilla and Nama Niku.  This collaboration is a beautiful kit-bashed bootleg deathmatch set, including two familiar kaiju monsters, now with some nicely oiled abs and thighs, and a ring to contain all their violent break-outs.  If you love the odd, strange, inventive, and independent, dropping by Booth 2325 might be something on your convention agenda.

Courtesy of PlanetXAsia (Instagram)

This final colorful look comes the far off distant world of Planet-X.  These rubber rainbow variants will be blind bagged in a set of five, with other figures not pictured here, with the whole mystery set only costing you twenty clams.  That's quite the steal for variants that could very well be looking at one-of-a-kind status.  Luckily Planet-X isn't as far away as first thought, you can visit Booth 1243 to get your very own.

Alright everyone, that's the batch for this update, but if I find more, expect me to come back and share what I find out!  Thank you and I'll see you guys next time!

http://www.designercon.com/

Late To the Party! Eric Nilla X Deadly Delivery Drop!

Hey, guys and gals,  my apologies on this one, as I really meant to be more punctual on this one, but yesterday became too much of a tornado of other events to allow me to jump on the computer.  Nevertheless, it looks like luck is on our side this time.

With positive vibes generated by amazing independent still kickin' it in the keshi community, we had the Gorewads announcement from Ironhaus Productions just a few days ago and yesterday evening, Eric Nilla released a drop of mega proportions.

The first part of it being new bouncy-rubber variants to the Critter, with one set being a colorful glow-in-the-dark set and the other being a thermal cat capsule set.  As much as I think a bouncy glow-in-the-dark Critter may be, there's some primal instinct, maybe the fact I've been on the Internet way too long, some cosmic pull from the kitteh Critters.  Is the the bonus cat capsules, the mini-figures, or the stickers?  I don't know, but I feel some mighty strong witchcraft with this one.

The second part is the first ever collaboration with Deadly Delivery, producing this ominous golden totem head.  It was excellently advertised as the final treasure for a certain adventurer, before the whole temple came crashing down.  So if you're into that sort of risk, I would implore you investing in this gold.

The last part is a collection of nearly-impossible-to-find mini-figures, now in easier-to-find bootleg variants in a much more reasonable price than what you can expect to find them for in the secondary market.  This portion of the drop may strike some collectors in a not so positive way, but I feel there is an argument for their acceptance.  They are neither replicating the originals color ways or value.  They are distinctively reproduced and not ashamed to flaunt it.  I feel they are a good alternative to collectors who love these sculpts, feel they need these sculpts, but for one reason or another, never checked it off their bucket list.  Now, in a way, they can.  Just don't hurt their feelings too much about their collections being "not entirely" complete.

The best part of the news is that, from the moment I am writing all this, all of these are still in stock to some regard.  I imagine they won't be for much longer, but at least I made it in before the bell rang.  Do yourself a solid and check out the link below, and snag up anything you like, while you can.

http://ericnilla.storenvy.com/collections/272314-ericnilla-customs

Eric Nilla Announces Pocket Micheals Keshi+Resin Drop!

Pocket Micheals by Eric Nilla

Hey everyone!  Welcome back to the weirdest and least-helpful toy blog on the Internet.  Have a seat by the warm fire, grab a glass of Old Crazy SpiderEarth's World Famous Eggnog (secret recipe), and settle in for some keshi action.

Actually, before I break the good news, it's not actually just keshi action, but resin action as well.  Revealed over social media, prolific underground keshi master, Eric Nilla, announced a new set of his hit Halloween-inspired mini-figures, just in time to distract you through the month-long saccharine dredge through bright lights and god-awful music that has been the custom of this holiday season.

Perfectly dubbed as Pocket Micheals, I would be first to argue that some individuals, maybe myself included, need a Micheal in their pockets in December.  Now, I don't know how you're going to take that and twist that to your own perverted vision, but I stand by what I say.  Plus, look around, weirder things happen around here when the weather starts to get cold.

But don't let me hijack this with who-knows-what, Eric Nilla always makes a great product and if you want ground-level, independent, rebellious, keshi and resin, Eric is your man.  He's collab'ed with them all and many, if not most, of his work catches the coveting of collectors, and all for good reason.  When it comes to one-man-teams in America, I'd be hard pressed to name a better one, but maybe I just really need a masked maniac in my pocket...  just in case... reasons.

Check out his site below, and if I can, I'll update you about a proper release date and time.

http://ericnilla.storenvy.com/

Eric Nilla Easter Eggs w/ SD Rick and Mini Critters!

Hey everyone!  Happy Easter from Keshi Drop!

There's is nothing I like more than perfectly timed promotions and limited edition events involving our favorite keshi mini-figures.  Whether it's glittery orange Z.O.M.B.I.E.S. in the fall time or red, white, and blue Despairs in July, I really enjoy them all, and today's Easter offering from Eric Nilla is no different!

Shoot over to his web-store right now to pick up his Easter Egg capsules, but it won't just be full of candy!  You'll also find a SD Rick and some Mini Critter mini-figures in there as well!  That's pretty awesome!

Check it out here!  Thanks for stopping by!

Eric Nilla's Web-Store

Eric Nilla + Nama Niku Designer Con 2015 Exclusives!

I told you we would be right back to Designer Con stuff, so have no fear, today we are looking at some Eric Nilla and Nama Niku exclusives.

When it comes to rising independent artists and important figures in the American keshi community, Eric Nilla is certainly on that list.  You can't go anywhere and look at anything that hasn't been in someway a collaborative effort with Eric.  It seems like he's always working on something, whether that's sculpting or casting.  It goes without saying, Eric Nilla's presence as an American keshi artist is a strong one, and it doesn't seem to be shrinking anytime soon.

Debuting at Designer Con is Eric Nilla's very own Super Atomic Deluxe Ultra Mega Kaiju Fighter.  Inspired by the Japanese kaiju keshi, this beast of a minifigure has been sculpted and casted by Eric Nilla himself.  You know if you have at least one Ultraman or Godzilla keshi this guy is a must to complete the set, so make sure you get yourself to Designer Con or keep an eye on his website for future releases.

With Super Atomic Deluxe Ultra Mega Kaiju Fighter, Eric's collaboration with Nama Niku called Manzilla will be seeing it's final release.  If you have never picked up one of these beefy guys in the past, now is the time to get one before they are gone forever!

 http://ericnilla.storenvy.com/

http://nama-niku.blogspot.com/

More Designer Con Goodness: Bunnywith and Niku Wrestling!

Hey everyone!  Welcome back!

Like promised, I knew there would be a giant avalanche of Designer Con stuff just on the horizon, and really, there is even more than I first expected.  Expect more updates in the coming days, as I try to keep up with it all to the best of my ability.

Today, however, we have additional news from the DKE Toys booth and their new clear orange colorway of Alex Pardee's BUNNYWITH minifigure set.  Last year was a delicious clear pink and they follow up with another great looking gummy set.  If you're into strange cute creatures with a touch of deformity and mutation, these silly bunnies are for you.

Independent artist, Nama Niku, will be bringing all sorts of minifigures to booth #1104, including this Niku Wrestling Alliance Ring collaboration with Eric Nilla.  Sure, you may have all sorts of fantastic MUSCLE wrestlers and maybe even some wrestling rings for them to fight in, but you know you don't have a wrestling ring that is also a wrestler.  Now that's something you know you have to include in your collection!

Get to Designer Con and make it happen! 

Joe Whiteford x Eric Nilla x Zectron Top Secret Uchuujin!

Space alien character, Uchuujin, has not just crashed on this planet, but it's infiltrated our civilization, blending into our governments and special operative divisions.

That's exactly what this variant of Uchuujin is all about!  Top Secret Uchuujin is a secret agent and the goodies he comes along with include a pretty hot keshi watch, 3D glasses for detecting security lasers, and honorary badge of duty.

Sculpted by Zectron, molded and casted by Eric Nilla, and then finally painted by Joe Whiteford, these resin alien bundles will be hitting Eric Nilla's web-store this Saturday!  Supplies are very limited, but if you're a fan of these fine artists or just love collaborations like this, drop by this weekend!

http://ericnilla.storenvy.com/

Nama Niku X Eric Nilla Pachi Bots 4-Pack!

I think most people have fond memories wrestling some sort of weird minifigure out of a gumball machine.  I don't even mean those fancy-smancy fifty cent ones!  You know, the quarter ones with the ultra small capsules!  Those had some really strange finds.

This four pack of Pachi Bots take me right back there.  Brought to you be a collaborative effort between Nama Niku and Eric Nilla, these one inch scale robots look so strange and so similar to all the bootleg weirdo-bots one quarter could score.

This new age of keshi collecting is so crazy and fun, we're not just breathing new life into old beloved classics but their bootleg counterparts too.  Very fun!

These guys will be released September 3rd at Good Gravy in Portland, but will be available later at:

www.gravytoys.com

Check 'em out!

Ironhaus Burning Hell Turtle!

Sculpted by Ironhaus Pro and produced by Eric Nilla, this amazing-looking kaiju creature has been released upon the unsuspecting shores across the world.

Launching in multiple variants out of the gate, from classic flesh tone, to a couple thermal change ones, and even dropping with a glow in the dark, Burning Hell Turtle is an independent rubber minifigure looking for a fight.

I love what's coming out of these guys.  Cutting absolutely zero corners, artists like Eric Nilla and Ironhaus are skipping over both resin casting and over-sea PVC production.  Somehow, maybe through voodoo, they are doing State-side rubber casting, which could turn out to be the new standard.



For your very own fire-breathing turtle pet, truck over to Eric Nilla's webstore.  You won't be unsatisfied.

http://ironhauspro.blogspot.com/2015/06/burning-hell-turtle.html

http://ericnilla.storenvy.com/collections/272314-ericnilla-customs/products/13507572-burning-hell-turtle

Ironhaus X Eric Nilla Mini Murderball!

Many 80's toys are seeing influence in today's independent toy scene, and for good reason, the toys back in the day were awesome!

This blog alone follows the niche community still following tiny rubber gumball wrestlers from the 80's, essentially, but there are numerous other toy lines held close to collectors hearts.

One such toy line is the Madball franchise, that transformed all sorts of outside athletic stuffs into screaming insane characters.  The baseball with the giant tongue is probably the most popular, but I've always felt the football character was the one to have.

Mashing up keshi into their own design inspired by Madball, instead called Murderball, are independent artists Ironhaus and Eric Nilla, and from the early pictures coming out, there is good reason to be excited.

As much as I've always enjoyed the designs of Madballs, I've never had the itch to start collecting the toys again.  It may be weird, but but I'm a shelf person.  I like to unbox or unwrap the toys and have them on a shelf nearby.  I think I never considered getting back into Madballs, because I'm uncertain how they would rest where I'd keep them.  I don't know.  Maybe I'm worried they were roll around too much.

I hope the Murderball finds himself a good sturdy resting position, because I think I'd really enjoy this character, especially holding it in my hands.  I'll certainly be keeping an eye out, as the project continues.

http://ironhauspro.storenvy.com/

http://ericnilla.storenvy.com/

Gargamel X Eric Nilla Micro Kaiju News!

If you're a Japanese vinyl collector, or Sofubi if you're in the know, you know all about Gargamel.

Gargamel is one of the more popular companies out there for your nostalgic fix of old-school Japanese kaiju figures.  You know the type:  hollow, semi-soft plastic, with maybe only waist movement.  If you haven't seen authentic sofubi, you have likely seen bargain bin knockoffs at the dollar store, trying to pass off as the real thing.  Emphasis on trying.

Traditional sofubi figures are rather larger, at least compared to keshi, but Gargamel has released micro versions of the figures they fans love.  They were shrunk down to what appeared to be three inches of kaiju awesomeness, and I imagine this perked the ears and interest of the keshi community.  Ditch the vinyl, we must have said.  Rubber is better.  And who better to do it than American independent keshi artist Eric Nilla?

It didn't go like that, I'm sure, but however it went, I'm glad it ended all the same with these amazing looking guys.  Gargamel makes some really amazing kaiju characters, but the sofubi format is just not for more.  I love Godzilla like everyone else, but I never was lucky enough to get too many large monster toys growing up, nor do I have the budget now for some limited-run throwbacks.  I did however drop many coins for knockoff MUSCLES and other strange wrestlers and monsters.  This sort of project looks like that perfect bridge between both worlds, and Eric's resume and work is quickly turning him into the top guy in America for keshi minifigures.

For more information, check out the links below!

http://gargamel.jp/

http://ericnilla.blogspot.com/

http://ericnilla.storenvy.com/

B.Done X Eric Nilla Chameleon Drop!

I'm not sure if it's safe for me to call it a trend, but if it is, I totally support this trend!  Oh sure, independent artists and toy makers get to make all sorts of awesome figures, but we've seen a couple here and there get released from the unlikeliest of places.  I've covered keshi news on comedians, but I haven't done one on a hip-hop artist yet, so let's get on it!

It's called Chameleon, and it's a collaborative piece between hip-hop artist B. Done and keshi artist Eric Nilla, packaged as a solo figure with a random hip-hop accessory, like a boom box or headphones.

This neat little dude was released bright and early today at the Oak City Comic Convention in Durham North Carolina.  It was released as a convention exclusive, but if any parts survive, you'll likely find them in their respective web-stores.  But act really quick!

I get a bit of nostalgia from cross promotional stuff like this.  I reminds me, in some weird way, of collecting bottle caps, cereal box tops, or what have you, to send away for that radical toy.  Sure, it's not anything really close to that, but I like the reemergence of keshi figures getting back into things other than just toy shelves.  If this sort of stuff is anything indicative of the future, it's going to be a great ride.

For more info, check out the links below!

https://www.facebook.com/B.DoneArtist
http://www.bdoneartist.com/
http://ericnilla.storenvy.com/