Though he's left us for the illustrious Rue-Morgue Magazine we didn't forget to invite our friend Chris Hammond back to share his faves of '16. We love his perspective and varying p.o.v. as he tends to veer more into the world of customs, with a keen eye for strong characterizations and craftmanship. Here's what had his knickers in a twist last year:
1: Luis - Oasim Karmieh
Hailing from Romania Oasim Karmieh is one of the most up and coming artists of 2017, strike that he's arrived. With his edition of Batsy figure, his comic take on growing up called Adulthood and now his introduction of comedy greats line, with his first entry entitled Luis. Luis bares such a stunning resemblance to one of comedy's heavy hitters Louis C.K. This artist signed limited edition of 10 art toy has been handcrafted, hand painted with someone who really cares for quality and hard work. If this 6" figure wasn't worth the cost of admission alone, the figure comes packaged in a beautiful wooden case. Word has it their may be more great comedians coming in this line in the future, keep an eye out for them. Bookmark http://oasim.com as he has so many exciting figures in the works.
2: Alfred Hitchcock/Bird - Mike Leavitt
Mike Leavitt's 5" long sandstone colored 3D print (limited to 50) Alfred Hitchcock is a smaller version of the figure he designed for his King Cuts art one of figures. With a crow body and human head Alfred has morphed into something out of one of his movies. He stands unimpressed smoking his cigar for all viewers to see. I love the humor and wit that Mike has put into his King Cuts line and these 3D prints translate nicely to smaller more available items for all to own. Check out more from Mike at http://mikeleavittart.com (more 3D rendered figures from the King Cuts line are being produced, so check back for that).
3: Stephen King's IT Pennywise - Dutch Outcast Collectible Studio
Beto Matali and Lu Santos both the creative minds behind Custom Horror figures have created some of horrors most iconic and sought after icons such as Leatherface, Ash from the Evil Dead movie and tv series, Freddy Kruger and countless others. Last year I stumbled upon them by accident when I saw a then unfinished picture of Pennywise (the evil demonic clown from the mind of Stephen King). I followed updates on this figure closely and watched it come together until it was finally released into the wild. Pennywise stands 1/6 and is sports a hand sculpted and painted face. The clothing is also all handmade to specifically capture that worn in the movie. The world is a better place when the creative duo behind Custom horror figures decides to render their version of horror related figures.
4: Fake Wars/Funfair (Cotton Candy Chewbacca) - Jaiban Toys
Jaiban Toys always has something interesting in the works and this Custom Star Wars Chewbacca is one of them. This figure is made to remind you of a simpler time the fun of fairs and eating cotton candy, heck he even comes with his own little treat to carry around. This limited to 50 custom toy also has it's own vintage blister pack. Check out more wild and fun creations at http://www.jaibantoys.com
5: The Creepers - Dutch Outcast Collectible Studio
The Dutch Outcast Collectible Studio (Michel de Klein and Thomas Dogger) show their homage to eighties horror movies like the Critters with their line of figures of furious, fuzzy creatures from outer space called The Creepers. This wild bunch consists of six different goretastic, ghouls, each with a distinct colors and personalities and are all made of full cast resin with material hair. Bring one home for yourselves by checking out http://www.dutchoutcast.com
6: Batsy - Oasim Karmieh
Already making my list once, Oasim is back again with his every bit adorable crime fighter called Batsy. this mash up of an baby in full batman gear really hit it out of the park for me. The design and craftmanship put in really shows in every inch of the baterrific figure. Clear off a big shelve as this thing takes up a bunch of room to show it off right.