What can be said of 2016? It was a major year of change for sure, surprises galore. It was a year that the designer toy world was inundated with incredible work from international independent makers. Go Figure News is proud to present our picks for the best of the best of last year. I must say this was not an easy task, whittling down from thousands of possibilities, and there were tons of stunning objet d'art that rocked our playful world this year. We realize that our selection is biased by our taste and knowledge and we wouldn't want it any other way. This list includes a full spectrum all of action figures and designer art toys made from vinyl, resin, wood and other materials. You've seen the rest now here's the best. Rather than create a top 10 list, which would be pretty impossible with the quality work out there, we present 35 of the best crafted, most unusual and unique offerings of 2016. I realize that to some this retrospective list may seem exhaustive. However I assure you that we did our best to reach out to every nook and cranny in the independent toy arena to cull this -- and like your favorite bag of chips, you can't have just one! So without further ado, and in no particular order, here are our top toys of 2016!
GROUND CONTROL AIN'T READY FOR THIS!: We ain't shy with our choices, nor should you be. If we wanted to choose our toy of the year, this would be it! This is Alex Pardee's eye-popping figure known as The Astronaut. If you missed our review check it out here. Thanks to ToyQube, the world is a more exciting place for collectors. These independent makers released a larger grouping of vinyl figures in 2016 than ever before but this was by and large the standout. If you look around you will find at least three colorways of this incredible piece, but we feel the original is the best. Not only was it the mixed media factor, but the contrasting coloration, the substantial weightiness, the simple packaging, and ultimately the craftsmanship, contributed to bringing this way up to the top! Simply gorgeous.
CUZ THIS IS THRILLING: With a special nod to DKE Toys for bringing this wonder to the inaugural Complex Con back in November, here we have Special Ed Toys' Alien vs Predator set, the Evil of the Thriller edition. A huge and welcome wink in the world of 'bootlegs'. Limited to a sheer 20 we were excited to take a hands-on look at this and now consider it to be the quintessential best carded art figure bootleg toy of the year. Made of resin, this incredible two-part set truly shifts the paradigm and turns it on its head. This is a prime example of where such figures need to go in order to take a serious second look. This hand cast and painted duo came autographed + numbered. There were other editions of this figure, however we feel the one in the top right became an even greater meta-comment on the previous editions. As such, this diabolical duo stole our conceptually-biased hearts and blew our mind in two. Three Thumbs Way Up!
MONKEY BUSINESS: 2016 seems to be the year in which Hong Kong artist and independent toy house Winson Ma re-emerged as a critical player in the world of high quality 1:6 scale figures and then some. We were fortunate to review his Art Form Vinyl piece called Color. The work was part of a mini retrospective presented at his local airport. This piece is a continuation of his long-running Apexplorers series which celebrates its 10th year anniversary this year! Later in 2017 we will have a review of two new figures in this ongoing and expansive series. We found this work to be masterfully designed, extremely colorful in full of expression. The whole mismatched color scheme immediately delivered a fanciful sense of creativity and playfulness. It certainly throws a bone into the mix of color theory.
OFFERING A TOAST! This past year we were excited to see Seoul-based Rato Kim and her Breadcat format. With each variant we see something provocative emerging. There are countless colorways in fruit flavors, plaids and florals, exciting collaborations with other artists, and an integrated sensitivity to the use of materials. We believe she is a force to be reckoned with. It is fantastic to see a young artist break out on the scene and she has done so with flair.
Thailand's Madkids Home Studio stole our hearts with the adorable Yaxxar. Over the course of last year they released a handful of variants on this theme, each one adding different colors, different bases, but all with that cosmic stare. Every one of their handcrafted pieces shows a special attention to tiny painted details. From woodland creatures to the depths of space the small resin pieces definitely resonated. They released both sitting and standing versions. And with each limited edition they sold out rather quickly, including a holiday version complete with gift wrap and small Christmas tree. These are refined little creatures.
ELIPSED CRITTERS: Originally announced last April, Horrible Adorables first foray into the world of the vinyl figures became a fantastic collaboration with Kidrobot. These are spinoff of their mixed-media, mostly felt sewn soft sculptural works and wall hangings. We wholeheartedly see the Ohio-based married duo of Jordan Elise and Christopher Lees as one of the significant breakout artists of 2016. The half dozen figures released each have their own unique identity, smart color schemes, in sweet peculiarities. We can't wait to see you but they do next!
We first became aware of the work of Dominic Qwek through his collaborations with Japanese company Gecco. It was this 4.5 inch tall resin figure named Clyde that made us do a double take. From his Creepy Hill series the little skull meets lizard figure is both rotund, petrifying, and wholeheartedly adorable. Expertly painted with a solid base he stands up and out from the crowd. His fang-like teeth are more a smile than a growl. We ogle at the subtle color sprays and maraschino cherry of a nose. It's like a baby amphibian coming undone from its own skin with big black pools for eyes that you will get lost in. If you missed it our previous editor Chris Hammond spoke with Queck about his earlier work.
KEEP IT CRISPY: By far one of our most anticipated figures of the year was Frank Kozik's take on fast food, with General Tso's Nightmare. And this collaboration with Kidrobot and Bigshot Toyworks did not disappoint! The figure comes in a typical style fried chicken bucket that only adds to the overall drama. As artistic director of the company Kozik definitely went all out to bring a fantastic oddball to market. We absolutely love love love this figure. If we did have an numbered list this would probably be number two for the year. Between the skull-like colonel in the huge rooster head we are full tilt in stitches. Huge props for getting this one dead on.
A RUFF RESCUE: This was a discovery. From the world of Concrete Jungle Studio and artist Steven Cartoccio this impressive 9" resin figure made our jaw drop in awe. Not only were we excited about the swappable heads and magnetic components, it was the fact that this was limited to only 100 pieces that made this deeply special. Oh, and it's hand done paint job was to the nth degree, just impeccable. In our full review of Frankpool you can see him better from all angles. From his ongoing animated series there are other characters that have since been developed into similar figures, which we hope to review this year including Stanley who is a stand-in for Wolverine. The hysterical adaptation of known superheros from the iconic world of comics into oddly shaped animals is a brilliant stroke. For this reason we think Cartoccio is one of the top breakout artists of the year. One of the best, bar none.
TAKE US TO YOUR LEADER.... Tiva is a strange beauty. From the gorgeous early 70's underground cult film La Planete Sauvage comes a sofubi figure that crosses all of our t's and dots all of our i's. This is the Tomenosuke exclusive Eyeline Version, and we could stare into her blood red peepers until we crash-landed on a light-years-from-here fantatic planet. This limited edition (only 50) was released back in October through the laudable Unbox Industries originally shown at the Taipei Toy Festival.
NOT YOUR PARENTS' ACTION FIGURES: Hong Kong maker 3A has taken center stage in only a few years within the higher end of complex 1:6 scale action figures. Their near anonymous figures are fully outfitted with fabric costumes and each are accompanied by an arsenal of weapon accessories, helmets, boots, and other additions. They are known for their articulation and quality craftsmanship. This particular series from Activision's Destiny includes a whole line of 12 inch figures that are stunning and rather unparalleled in the market. While warfare figures may not be your cup of tea, these stun with they're interchangeable parts and refined paint stylings. Characters include Hunter and Warlock. There are a half dozen to choose from, so collect them all. Though at $190 dollars each you might want to space these out accordingly within you're collecting budget. But we think they're worth all the pennies in your piggy bank.
TRANSCONTINENTAL POWERS ACTIVATE!: Boon Velvet (US) x Lulubell Toys (Japan) are in the house with She Headless Horse, a saucy glow-in-the-dark headless horse produced in Japan. At 9.5 inches tall this mare grabbed our attention immediately. Not only do we love the sculpt but the blue used is cooling, commanding, confident. Check out Lulubell Toy Bodega for your Grody Shogun and other toy needs! The icy clear headpiece helps to steel the show as does the simple stance of the figure. It's reference to literature in mythology is timeless. Ride into the dusk you wild horses.....This was by far the sleeper hit of 2016. Mesa, represent!
FEAR IS POLKA-DOTTED: This is one of those figures that came from left field. From the video game Twisted Metal this is Sweet Tooth otherwise known as "Needles" Cane. This ambiguously twisted clown has a rawness that took us by surprise. Designed by Sachin Pradhan and produced by Gaming Heads this 13.5 inch statue is terrifyingly sick. It comes in two various editions, the one you see here and the exclusive edition with a yellow flame atop his noggin that comes by way of inner lighting. With so many creepy clowns on the market this one, with its fleshy musculature, brings something new to the table. In all only 1100 total figures will be produced between both colorways. Remember to floss!
SEEING DOUBLE: We've reviewed a small selection of the work from Awesome Toy over the last few years but none were as exciting as this. We are a little partial since one of our favorite movies of all-time is Stephen King's The Shining. But things could've gone wretchedly wrong here, so nothing could be further from the truth. The (Grady) Twins come in a cellophane bag with artistic header card and are awesome. This unpainted soft vinyl figure set comes in a few different colorways, and we reviewed the peachy/fleshy version which is stunning. They sell these singularly though it seems essential to have two. And these would be a dream for customizer artists out there. Elevator going down.
TAKING OFF: 2016 saw the loss of several key figures in the music industry. Probably most notable was the indelible contribution by the amazing David Bowie. We saw this elusive Usashi (for Ziggy) figure by Japanese custom toymaker Ruinswork as an exceptional nod in memoriam. We also found that such a celebration of history could be done with such a deft hand. The incorporation of a bright neon pink lion head sculpt emblazoned with the iconic lightning make up -- circa Bowie's Aladdin Sane era -- was more than a simple brilliant stroke. It encapsulated a true moment in time. Not to mention all of the exciting mini record accessories, sneakers detailed tailoring, and overall innovation on a theme. In our humble opinion these our action figures without many equivalents. Impressive.
UPSIDE DOWN THEY'RE TURNING ME: The Netflix series Stranger Things seemed to grace our tv sets with surprise and grace. A powerful nod to 1980s sci-fi from a kids perspective was a refreshing take on the genre and binge-watching television at its best. Many underground toymakers started a trend by releasing figures from the series. We try to cover is much as possible, but one maker above all others truly hit the nail on the head with this two-part set. Super Secret Fun Club makes small carded editions of resin figures that play on contemporary themes with retro styling. This particular set captured all of the most popular characters in the show along with a play on the "upside down" and did so with originality and a wry twist of wit. Each character came with an accessory or two associated with them. Perfect.
BEARY BLAM! LA-based Luke Chueh is a formidable force in the vinyl realm and here we have him collaborating with Mighty Jaxx, who've released countless interesting figures in 2016. The limited edition (200) bust sold out upon arrival and this blue caped crusader bear was based on one of the artist's paintings from 2007. An additional black and gold variation was also released but for some reason we are drawn to this sad little chap. Measuring a foot tall and made in polystone, Bat Bear's expression is priceless.
Japanese toymaker Instinctoy wowed us year round. They're growing series of soft vinyl dinos in sumptuous pastel pearlesence are truly remarkable to behold. The T Rex becomes a candy coated delight rather than bump in the night. His teeth like a roll of creamy fruity Lifesavers are almost comical and make us smile right back. Not only that but Vincent here glows in the dark. We recently reviewed a smaller figure named Phantom Rainbow who has similar characteristics. This is the precise point we are art and toys meet in the middle.
Iron Meat is a bold and brazen bastard monster child. Restore put out several variations of this 8.25" soft vinyl figure, but it was this particular colorway that had our dial spinning. This is a complex character and figure to boot. The removable brain sculpt with its translucent dome glows with curiosity. The shading details of the hints of purple along a black body are wonderfully strategic and draw your eye immediately in. The yield sign speedo is hysterical and the green empty eyes outfit this riveted fella with a gauge for a belly button in a most obscure way. Delicious!
We really didn't know what to expect until Mr. Cadatonic/Future Vandal arrived on our doorstep. This unique concept for a resin figure eclipsed everything else in the final month of 2016. It is very exciting when your first exposure to someone's work has this kind of impact. There is something stoic, futuristic, technological, and homegrown about this guy––which is a hard feat to pull off. What's more is he came with a silkscreened cloth in which he was wrapped as well as several funky stickers. It's obvious that the maker wants to have a relationship with the collector. We fully approve of that attention to detail and collectorship. The fact that he's also put out a DIY version should put other artists on alert to consider bringing their own vision to this contemporary urban figure.
While we haven't yet had the privilege of reviewing this particular figure in person, we have paid attention to all of the promotional materials and are excited by the prospect of an action figure that is seamless. Go Hero along with Phicen and Executive Replicas are on to something slightly revolutionary with figures like this. I'm going out on a limb here in selecting this figure based on studio images of a prototype but honestly other works that I have reviewed up close and personal have always met or exceeded expectations. Plus the resemblance to classic Steve Reeves as Hercules is remarkable. That plus all of the accessories and costume pieces make this a limited edition and only 50 pieces to watch closely. It was either this or they're 2001 a space Odyssey spacesuit which is also unreal in the best possible light. But when the cards fell it's obvious that this figure celebrates classic cinema in a very new way. And by the way this is the first ever collectible figure of this character only 59 years later....
3D Retro released a cavalcade of great pieces last year but this buy San Francisco artist Jeremy Fish truly stood out for number of reasons. This is the Van Tan Burger edition of the Bison Van. We love the incorporation of a flocked head on the primary figure, as are we drawn in by the merging of animal and machine. It's perfectly quirky, has a rad 70s sensibility, and is the first vehicle/ art toy that made us literally stopped in our tracks. This mustard and burger brown flavored colorway is an extension of the artist's Silly Pink Bunnies series. We can only hope that another wildly imaginative piece might evolve from this collaboration.
We Are Not Toys produced and released Dagon Cultist as a small edition carded resin figure. This of course comes from the world of HP Lovecraft and his while character Cthulhu. This black magic edition stood out like a sore thumb designed by Bay Area artist Mickie Graham. From the inscribed with bloody drawings Necromicon to the oceanic tentacles the paint on this figure is just right as is the fact that they made only 20 pieces and they are articulated!
WHEN LOVE BREAKS YOUR HEART SLAP ON A BANDAID! This figure appeared at design icon in a small edition. From Depressed Monsters a.k.a. painter Ryan Brunty this is Yerman and sculpted by Carlo Andrada Cacho a.k.a. Wetworks this was a spectacular and probably largely missed resin figure of note. Loaded with love it's all in the details. The synergy between the central character and the bleeding heart makes for perfect drama.
Bangkok has an enviable scene going on for the last few years. At the heart of it is Thailand's Topz Toys' - here in a fusion of the arms of Ganesha with the iconic Stormtrooper from Star Wars. Thawan's work is strong, and his love for what he does is seemingly non-stop. But then he went one step further and made this Spidahopper, an awesome colorway combining a sheer purple spray upon a otherwise stunning pink glow-in-the-dark figure! Religion and science fiction were never meant to be wed, but that quirk makes it work. This particular figure was shown at the Wrong Gallery in Taipei, and it made our eyes dry out from it's radiance. Art Toys Thailand a go go!
From Romania we were introduced to Batsy a full-sized resin figure fusing the iconic Batman as a baby. This work by Oasim Karmieh fuses some of our favorite things in art toys namely the mashup. Now this is not a true mashup, but it hints at the classic baby doll and the iconic superhero as one and of the same. We reviewed this solid resin piece back in August and the results were better than expected. From the gorgeous outstretched wings to the unique hand painted binky this figure is in the class of its own. We are looking forward to reviewing another of Karmieh's figures in the coming month or so. In the meantime not only does the figure come on stand but he comes with a certificate of authenticity that is signed and dated as well as several stickers in the lifetime discount for individual collectors. That's pretty cool and classy!
As autumn drifted in artist Daniel Yu delighted collectors with the range of new figures including the Jiangshi Acolyte, a true stunner. His figures come in a wild range of sizes and prices and even range from vinyl to resin so there is literally something for everyone from his arsenal. There were clear figures and those using metallic sprays neon and solid resin but for whatever reason it was this one that stared into the barrel of our soul.
Hauntingly different these TSIHATA figures from the Moscow maker Kosrobot matched the creepy quality of the aforementioned Yu figures and were impossible to ignore. At a $20-24 price point these should be collected early and often! We are impressed by their design, and strange fusion between desert road kill and mythical horror story. They combine the anthropomorphic and the undead with a twisted approach. The scoring in the sculpt is minimal and quite effective. An artist to watch in 2017.
Italian maker Codec Zombie offered collectors worldwide, a tribute to legendary film director Stanley Kubrick in resin form. These mini figures are by all standards handheld perfection, with a truly memorable sculpt. In for colorways and two sizes miniKubrey each come titled: "Typewriter", "Monolith" and "Redrum". Here's a tip - these are still available at €25 each and they stand at just over 2 inches tall. Well worth checking out.
DOES THIS CARD MAKE ME LOOK FAT?: From Argentina and Bombermat Toys (Matias Bomber) this is Fatsotrooper, a delightful comic take on the classic Stormtrooper. Yes you did see more than one diversion on a theme in this list but this is worlds away from the previous. Brought to our attention by the good people of DKE Toys discarded figure was released in an addition of only 25. At 3.75 inches it comes from a series subtitled Fat Shit Wars simply on some of the International releases of original Kenner figures. We love it for its awkwardness, its bloated in yer face humor and its reality check.
ROUGH EDGES/THICK MID-SECTION: There have been countless versions of figures derived from the classic Nickelodeon-based cartoon, The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Some have been a sheer waste of plastic, but not here. This is threezero's first incredible attempt at bringing the turtle foes into the toy realm. You'll notice that we don't ordinarily focus on characters direct from television or movies but we have a soft spot for this maker because they go way above and beyond the call of what's expected in a typical action figure. Bebop and Rocksteady our standouts because they've left the fugly warts and corpulent nature of the characters in for all to see. These 1:6 scale collectibles are a new plateau for others designing in this format. We did a preview so you can check the deets on these guys from h to t. They got it right.
THAR SHE GLOWS: Emerging Californian artist Candie Bolton rose from the crowd this year. Partly due to the incredible sculpt by Jorge Macswiney (@macsorro) and paint skills on her powerful 11 inch sofubi, Bake-Kujira. We will particularly taken in by the glow-in-the-dark version however there were equally gorgeous colorways mostly delivered by her partner in this project Toy Art Gallery. This cross between a deity, a unicorn, zombie, and tsunami is otherworldly. This ectoplasm edition is rather monotone by day but take away the light and it glows strangely. 2017 will be a fantastic year for this artist, mark my words!
ELUSIVE TRIO: Lastly, but definitely not leastly, is this adorable trio from Seoul Korea based design house Superfiction. This could've easily been my favorite figure of year and is definitely a sleeper hit. However I could not, for all intensive purposes, obtain these three guys for a physical review. So I will ponder further until these become more widely available if at all. These were originally available only at French boutique Colette in Paris and they sold out and disappeared, went back up for sale and disappeared again. It was like trying to catch a butterfly that got away. Not only did these figures have a certain heft of conceptualism but they also produced several cute animated clips on their site to conduct interest. The figures include Nick who is a haberdasher, Scott a businessman in suit and tie, and lastly Freddy a classic lumberjack. These hit every note on my soul's musical scale. Here's hoping I can add these in review form sometime this year. Congrats to the lucky collectors out there that actually were able to grab these, I'm jealous!