As an introduction to Toycon Day 2, we’ve asked Biddies creator Roy Miles to give his impressions of this weekend’s show. Roy is a seasoned Toycon attendee, and was one of the first US-based exhibitors at Toycon (he introduced the Biddies figures the 2002 Xmas Plug-In Toycon last December):
"I feel like this year’s show is a little emptier compared to last August. With that said, I don’t think it’s from a lack of interest. People are walking around the entire convention multiple times to check out all the toys on display. But people are taking a lot more photos than buying this time around. They’re still lining up for Michael Lau— who’s to blame them when he keeps on releasing cool stuff. I also see a lot more attendees from all over the world, which seems to be well received by the Toycon community. Instead of people getting overprotective about it, there’s a general vibe of respect on the floor for this new change. I’m not surprised, which is one of the reasons I like this show."
MICHAEL LAU
Crazysmiles released the Krylon edition NY Fat figure today. Be sure to check out Day 3 coverage for photos. Day 3 will also yield the unannounced
figure!
TOY2R
Proprietor Raymond Choy is not in attendance, but his booth featured a host of what you’ve come to expect from Toy2R— 8-inch Qees, designer minis and more. Stand-outs include the Doink Designs Qee, three new Touma Knuckle Bear colorways and an very nice display of Haydon Misstake figures.
INFRAMAN
The Shaw Brothers' 1976 kung-fu-meets-ultraman knockoff movie made a major splash at the convention, with two companies releasing figures based on the license. CL Creations is offering two 12-inch figures at the show, including Inframan and a Skull Warrior (the evil minions of Princess Dragon Mom). Dog-9 also released an Inframan Koobo set, which was packaged with a VCD of the film.
PAZO ART
In addition to the previously announced Gowster Kid doll, Toycon regular Pal Wong unveiled Herbert A and Herbert B 12-inch figures. Both are made in conjunction with Japanese clothing label 291295.
CATHAY PLASTIC
Posse’s Simon Wong has renamed his company and expanded his range since last December’s Toycon. Set up like display windows in a clothing store, the Cathay Plastic Booth featured a wide range of 1/6 scale jeans, new Soldier 13 figures (which sold well through out the day) the new MMO 12 inch figure clothing line and a number of unnaturally proportioned bondage figures by Italian designer Paolo Parente.
BROTHERSFREE
A color version of BJ Hammer is on sale, as are the Ah Aun and Ah Gum 2nd anniversary mini figure sets.
FREE FORCE
Two figures designed by Jason Siu were available for purchase, including the 12-inch Freefloor figure set, based on Hong Kong’s 5678 Dance team. Attendees have been treated to their performances several times now.
DID
Newcomer DID featured an impressive 1/6 skateboard ramp for their extreme sports figures. They also can take credit for bringing the concept of the gratuitous booth babe to Toycon.
HOT TOYS
More photos of the very cool mini figures by How 2 Work production house and the Battle Royale 2 figures.
MAD CREATION
Another newcomer to the show, Mad Creation showcased Mad Horoscope, a series of mini figures based on the Zodiac. A monotone version was limited to 50 sets.
MY TOYS
With a small presence in the side gallery, My Toys displayed hand-made 12-inch figures with detailed clothing and accessories. Some Homies figures were tucked in the back of their display as well.
