Toy Karma

Toy Karma is coming soon! This group show will feature work by a wide range of artists, all inspired by Japanese toys. The show opens on September 8th at Rotofugi Designer Toy Store and Gallery in Chicago. I have a few pieces for the show, which I just sent the other day. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend the opening. Preview photos of my submissions coming soon...

SDCC Friends Part 2

Bwana Spoons, Frank Kozik, Kiyoshi Nakazawa, Carl Kent-Smith, Gnome.

SDCC Friends Part 1

Mark Nagata, Tim Biskup, Martin Ontiveros, Le Merde, Bwana, Spoons, Scrappers, Kiyoshi Nakazawa.

The San Diego Comic Con

The Gargamel booth. We had a nice corner booth in the Toy Grower's Cult Yard at this year's Comic Con. Great location, located next to Max Toy Co., and across from Gama-go and Kozik. Though we were much better prepared than last year, spending all day in the booth was exhausting at times. We all took breaks checking out friend's booths, and wandering about the convention. Wednesday, July 25th was preview night, but we decided to wait til Thursday to begin selling. Of all the figures, Zagoran proved to be a favorite, with all versions selling out faster than other figures. In addition to toys, we also had some original artwork by Tim Biskup, Chanmen, and Katope.

Nerdquake 2007

Organized by Isaac Ramos, Nerdquake 2007 happened the Thursday night following the opening day of the San Diego Comic Con. I set up a table with some limited edition hand painted Smogun figures, and Kiyoka had some nice Pocket Kaiju Zagoran keychain hand paints as well. Le Merde set up along side, with an exclusive clear pink Hujili's Ghost figure. Good times, music, loads of toy geeks, a little skataboarding with Justin from Toy Punks, as well as a preview of the first volume of the Toy Punks video series. We were all tired from opening day of Comic Con, but had a fun time. Thanks Isaac!

The Drive to San Diego

We would not have been able to get anything to the San Diego Comic Con if it wasn't for our good friend Peter Lee. Thanks Pete! He lent a helping hand, offering to drive our boxes to San Diego. We drove together, stopping by Mother's Market for a healthy lunch, hitting traffic once or twice, and taking a break at a rest area for a little skating before finally arriving at the San Diego Conventiion Center.

Los Angeles

Our first day in California was spent in Los Angeles. Westwood, Santa Monica, a drive through Melrose and down Sunset. Eating American breakfasts, visiting friends, buying skateboards...

South Carolina

Spent a couple of days in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Myrtle Beach is a beach resort with entertainment, restaurants, hotels, etc. The main reason for the trip was to see Morrissey at the House of Blues. The venue was nice and small, and Morrissey did a good variety of songs including quite a few Smiths favorites...

North Carolina

Spent about a week in the Carolinas, mostly North Carolina, to visit family and nature. Lots of hot days and rainy evenings. Saw a lot of green, and critters like squirrels, lizards, frogs, butterflies, fireflies, this baby praying mantis, etc. Good time to relax, eat, and rest, before the craziness that is Comic Con...

USA + Gargamel Road Trip

Just returned from a long trip to the states. North Carolina, South Carolina, Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco. Pictures, news, and stories to follow...