Hubba Bubba

The idea of "hubs" in general have been a major theme for multiple projects over here, dating back almost a year in their collective development. Initially these ideas were born from the natural progression of wanting more parts to build with, pieces that would allow for subtle changes to the system versus major ones like the Axis Joints. I personally wanted to have a PVC upgrade set that could also be a contained build from the start. There are a few things that you can make with a default Axis Joint Set, but they are pretty abstract. This new PVC Hub Set needed to be more than just parts packed loose in a bag. So the development process started with this basic parameter in mind.

Another major principle was to have the ability to create defined combination builds that would utilize every part within their constructions. An example being a Deep Space Glyan that could be configured by using every part of a Hub Set and a Glyan, resulting in an old school Fisher Price astronaut vibe by intention of design. 

The larger central parts of the Hub set would also need to function as a PVC/Vinyl connector, allowing for an easy way to change those vinyl female fit functions into female PVC fit functions, opening up some play mechanics.

The above conceptual designs illustrate how the Hub Set and Drone configurations started to really take shape late last year.  Being obsessed with classic robots like Robby the Robot, Tomy wind ups (Pocket Bots, Rascal Robots) and small "helper" droids and  machines (R2-D2, V.I.N.C.E.N.T.,  IQ-9) came pouring out and influenced everything about the Hub Set and its combined forms.

Little machines rule.


EDIT: Removed Buxton-mania from the scans!

Triangle Tangle

The general process of creating new parts is a real combo of paper rumbles and mini studies. Ron always pushes me to make smaller test sculpts before jumping into the finished work, especially with the backwards compatibility of what we do. Most of the time I'll follow this method, but sometimes things just come out of nowhere and go straight to the finished prototype. Maybe it's akin to wanting to make a sandwich at 3AM when you had no intention of eating.

Which I did last night (salami and cheese special).

These new parts were more of a planned meal, due to the measurements needing to be pretty precise so that they would actually function properly. We went through three rounds of test shots before the final production pieces would work correctly. Nailing the new vinyl Switch Pin was possibly the toughest, as it has to hold the whole show together.

The above conceptual sketches are the usual mess of ideas, with a few done after the initial test shots failed to work (like the Switch Pin). Drawing stuff never gets old, and will always remain my first love.

Flex Appeal II

Continuing with the exploration of vinyl building potential, I find the main point of interest for me is that it has a certain lawlessness to it. Each time I start to think that a build might not work, it's refreshing to realize that things are different with rotocast vinyl. I'll still absolutely be a PVC geek for life, as there is a true magic to a toy with some limits to work around, but the more I experiment with vinyl, the more its potential is revealed.

Custom ships, structures, bases, mechs, and general vehicles are only a few of the themes that are possible to explore on a larger scale. Maybe that's the other big reason that vinyl appeals to me, because we can make true scale between the PVC figures and the vinyl constructs, a 1:1 ratio across the range.

Nailing the right pricing is always a major concern, and making the numbers work can be a challenge. These vinyl projects need to be affordable but pretty high quality to really survive. Kind of a working paradox in our present economy. That being said, I promise you guys I'll continue to keep the margins as tight as possible and the overall production level to our dedicated standards (translation: these new parts will not break the bank).

Some sketches are on deck next.

Options Open

One of the most appealing things about vinyl is that it can bend certain structural limits when combined with other vinyl parts. Since there is a more generous amount of "give" within a connection, neat cheats abound. Things that would normally retain a very rigid formation in another material are suddenly granted the ability to move, even if just a little bit, allowing for more options in a base configuration. The end result is a more organic connectivity between components. The PVC has this to a certain degree, but the rules are tighter, and in general have to obey the fit function assigned to each part. With rotocast vinyl you can cut a matching diameter hole into a piece and develop something completely outside the prescribed options. I think this is probably the greatest draw for me when building or playing with vinyl in general.

Lining Up

I've always loved the idea of sentient structures. Imagine if all the bricks in a building could think and move at a moments notice, reconfiguring into whatever design was requested, for whatever condition might arise.
I used to play with my construction blocks when I was a kid in such a way. Each block was alive and would work in unison with the other shapes. I had so much fun messing around with the simplest of things.

 In the 80's I discovered the amazing moving geometric puzzles that would later become a craze that swept the entire world. Rubik's Cube, Rubik's Magic Links, The Missing Link and the Magic Snake all drove me crazy. Especially the Magic Snake. I just wished that it could have come apart without breaking in the process. Do you guys remember these classics?

All these years later, I find myself wanting to revisit the "Sentient Structure" idea more than ever. This new project hopefully brings that old idea closer to reality, while paying deep homage to those classic puzzles and a few "Micro" themed playsets from the late 70's in the process

 Isosceles Triangle+?+Isosceles Triangle+?= Possible Fun Time

?=A long awaited vinyl part (at least for us over here).

I told you I was losing my mind.

Angled Effect

Sorry for the lack of action around here over the last few weeks. Multiple behind the scenes projects piled up, but are now about half sorted out. Some really cool things are on the horizon from our partners in crime that should continue to expand the possibilities of Glyos in general.

Speaking of expanding (and contracting), two oddball secret projects (lots of those floating around in this post) have made it over their last test shot bumps and look to be on deck for a sooner than later arrival. Maybe even in time for our upcoming late March release. The new parts were originally intended to debut with the Block, but getting their functionality correct proved to be a real challenge (as almost everything does with this stuff). Some sneaks will be popping up this week, starting with this post. These pieces are not very flashy or wild in their appearance, but with enough of them, you can create some pretty fun things. My obsession with angles just becomes more intense with each new endeavor!

A quick note about the March drop. Expect something a little different as far as color selections go, something that I've personally wanted to do ever since multiple character and accessory molds were created. It will seem kind of boring to some of you at first, but I'm hoping that once the building commences, my intentions will become clear and make a little bit of sense.

Or you'll just think I'm nuts.

Mercenary Alert

The Madman from Beverly unleashes an all new mini wave of Callgrim, tonight, at 9PM EST! Be on the lookout for some high clarity action!

Intelligence Report

Pappy continues the Gendrone action with a new installment to the MT-01 saga over at pappysoup.com!

Custom Imperium Xodiac

Here are a few pics of the custom "Imperium" Xodiac I put together for the recent Futuretro show. The intention was to give a slightly more armored look (big surprise) but not get too beefy by sculpting up a few new bits. As if a member of Xodiac's race found a Flexion Suit while visiting Glyos and popped it on, resulting in the state above. The cosmic "beard" is a direct homage to Mel's Goldiac paint job.

I was working on this right up until we left for NYC last Friday morning, touching up the paint as the sun came up. These shots were taken between closing up the barn and loading up the car.

Man, I love being able to customize OSM figures. I still can't believe these guys are back.

Retroactive

Marcus and I wanted to send a huge thank you out to everyone whom we met up with over the past weekend while we were visiting NYC for the Four Horsemen's Futuretro show. It was more fun than either of us could have imagined, with some truly awesome moments and unexpected twists throughout the trip.

The opening on Friday night was easily one of the best toy show experiences in recent memory, with a ton of positive energy and just a great vibe throughout the entire evening. Getting to see Mel Birnkrant surrounded by a crowd of his fans, both young and old, was simply awesome. The man really is a legend, and he lives up to any high expectations that you could ever hold.

Thank you to the 4H and Toy Tokyo for working so hard to put on such a unique and refreshing show, it will go down as one for the ages.

On one last note, the night was sealed with a killer Food Crawl around the East Village, where we all got to catch up and chow down.

We can't wait to do it all again.

PS -The special edition OSM set with Mel's new color selections is a knockout in person. I'm little obsessed with the Inferno, as evidenced above.

Futuretro!

This Friday, February 10th at 7PM EST, the Four Horsemen and Toy Tokyo will open the doors at the Toy Tokyo Underground Gallery to unveil Toypocalypse 2: Futuretro, a celebration of 45 years of The Outer Space Men and a rare look inside the creative powerhouse known as Four Horsemen Studios.

From the Horsemen:

"Their second annual show at the TT Underground showroom in New York City will feature many all-new, never before seen items and even some fan favorites and toy industry classics from the Four Horsemen's past, present and future! Get an up close and personal look at action figure work that's seldom (if ever) been seen outside the Four Horsemen's own studio.


Toypocalypse 2: Futuretro will begin with a special opening night for friends and fans at TT Underground Friday night - February 10th 2012, and will run through most of the following week.
 
And if you're a fan of the Four Horsemen's licensed action figure line, The Outer Space Men, then you're NOT going to want to miss this show! There's going to be a specially featured Outer Space Men display that will most likely never be seen in this form again, as well as some special events surrounding the 45th anniversary of The Outer Space Men!

Last, don't forget about the AMAZING set of super limited Outer Space Men figures redesigned by Mel Birnkrant himself specifically for Futuretro! This extra special set of figures will be signed by Mel AND The Four Horsemen, and will also come with an exclusive Outer Space Men print by fan favorite illustrator and frequent Four Horsemen collaborator, Nathan Baertsch! All of that for only $125.00! What a steal! If you want a sneak peek into Mel's brain as he created this new variation on his old classics, check out the "Custom Colors" section of his "Sketchbook" website HERE.

The show's absolutely free, so come on by, chill out with us and some amazing toy industry dignitaries for a couple hours, have a free brewsky on us, and say 'hey' at Futuretro!"

-4H  (clipped from the 4H blog)


Click over to the Horsemen Blog to catch up on all the details that surround this crazy show!

One particularly special part of the festivities is that the creator of the original OSM, Mel Birnkrant, will be in attendance on Friday night -this aspect alone is worth the trip! Between the Horsemen and Mel, you will be in the company of the best in the toy business, all in one spot.

There is also an open call OSM custom show on top of everything else (and fresh off his domination of cable TV, an appearance by the notorious Sucklord himself).

Marc, Jesse and I (the booby prizes) will also be coming down for the show on Friday night and possibly unveiling a thing or two in the gallery. We hope to see some of you guys and maybe go for an East Village Food Crawl later that evening. Crif Dogs is calling us!

All in all, a great time on the horizon!

Monkeying Around

Today is the day! Head over to Spy Monkey Creations at 12PM PST (which is in about 10 minutes!) to get in on the action!

In celebration of this newest edition to our community of customizing, I used 6 Armory sets and tried to build something with a lot of "mech potential".  I hope you guys have as much fun playing with the new Armory parts as I have been.

Good luck to the crew at SMC!

Spy Monkey Creations!

This Friday, February 3rd at 12PM PST, Spy Monkey Creations will unleash their parts-packed Armory Series 1 sets via their website store!

These guys are great old friends of ours and have worked extremely hard to bring their incredible custom weapons to a full PVC production level. All 42 (!!!) pieces that make up one Armory Set are 100% Glyos compatible and are made at our factory by the same team that manufactures all of our releases. A ton of time, energy and planning were poured into the development of this Armory Set, and we were honored to work very closely with the Spy Monkey team during the process.

I have been personally messing around with the parts (some pics above) and the build potential within these sets is really something. We can now add some classic hard lined mechanical aspects to our collective builds as well as an entire arsenal of beautiful clear ABS parts, ranging from spikes to domes to wings -and this is only one small aspect of what these sets can do. For fans of larger format figures that feature certain blond, beefy battlers, the weapons that can be configured from the Armory Sets just blow apart previous limitations, opening up the true power of full customization.

Our absolute deepest congratulations to Jeremy, Brian and Bill for bringing Spy Monkey Creations into this new frontier with their dedication, talent and hard work.

We'll be ready on Friday to join in the mayhem!

Almost Done!

Did anyone get the number of that bus?

All the shipping for the January drop is nearly completed, with the last round wrapping up by tomorrow afternoon.

Thank you so, so much for your extra patience during the process of us putting everything together.
Our usual packing team combo was cut in half this time, so things took a little longer.

After everything is out of here, I will get back to updating the blog. There are some really fun things happening in February, starting with Spy Monkey Creation's all new production drop coming at the end of this week -on February 3rd! These weapon sets have so much potential for building, that it truly is an eye opener once you start to play with them. Some pics of a few in-house builds will surface here tomorrow.

Sorry for the lack of updates over the past week and a bit, but things are almost back to "normal" (HA).
I can't wait to share some of our projects that are finally coming to completion with you guys!

Thank You!

Holy smokes! My apologies for not writing a proper thank you post yesterday, but we were busy bees after Friday night's drop. We experienced a few things that have never happened before, one being a near total crash of our website due to the high volume of traffic. Not necessarily a bad thing, but we were shocked by the event.

Maybe it was because we have not had a full release of all new Glyos stuff since last October, or maybe it was just one of those strange times that just occurs every so often. Whatever it was, it also resulted in our fastest sell out of almost everything in stock yet (it will be 5 years of selling production toys in July 2012). I feel psyched, but also a bit like a fool for not making more stuff.

The upcoming March release will absolutely have more Blocks, blank vinyl and more painted PVC. The numbers will be increased, but not to the point of overload. The vinyl aspect I know is not for everyone, but I'm hoping that the blank options might open the door for some of you that have hesitation. I'll be doing some basic tutorials (just me making something) soon, so hopefully that will also show just how easy and fun messing with vinyl can be. It really does add an interesting addition to this whole project.

For those of you who are hardcore PVC peeps, the nearly completed Hub Set should add some spice to your customizing endeavors. With 17 parts, and the ability to become various contained mini builds right out of the bag (think tiny mechs and the like), the Hub Set should add some new dimensions to things. I've really enjoyed playing with the test shots and feel like this set holds some true potential.

Thank you once again, for keeping us on our toes and for pushing us to become a better operation. Personally, I'll forever be astonished that this is real, and that we all have gotten to know each other through these weird little pieces of plastic.

Thanks for keeping us alive.

EMD Activate!

The new stuff is LIVE! Make sure to REFRESH THE STORE! 

Due to the amount of emails about possibly missing the new Block tonight, we are asking that each person limit their purchase of the EMD Core Block to 2 units and the Black Core Block to 2 units (4 units COMBINED).

Once tonight's release has run its course, we will assess the demand for the Block. New stuff is already on order, but we may beef the numbers up if you guys are feeling it. I personally apologize for not running more Blocks, but I was not sure if it would resonate at all because the concept is so strange.

Let us know what you think about the new round of toys! Thanks for coming out tonight!

9:30 PM EST Tonight

We are on track for a 9:30 PM EST launch tonight! An extra half hour gives us a little bit to finalize a couple things that we think will be worth the wait.

In the meantime, I will post a few of the more out there builds I have been working on since the Blocks came stacking and chopping their way into our house!

First up: Heavy Armored Block Trooper-Cane's Custom Version!

This meatball was created by lots of cutting and fitting, but using no adhesives. Everything was measured and installed using a knife and heat gun. Temperature manipulation makes things 100% easier when customizing with vinyl (and the regular PVC parts for that matter).
This figure is comprised of Armodoc parts, Rig parts, Block parts and Runner parts. I'll have an exploded view up in the next few days. The Phase Cannons can slide off, revealing Armodoc arms. The Phase Blockers can be removed, as well as the Block "skirt" -which rests over an Armodoc inner pelvis assembly. The "head" is made from the back of the Runner (WARP Bike) and was originally conceived to be used for things like this. You can actually see a trace of a mechanical looking Pheyden face on this small piece, right down to the three "teeth".
Makes sense that the front of a Warp Bike has the tough face of Callgrim and the bum is based on Pheyden's bulbous noggin!

At Work

Ramping up for the drop on Friday night (looking like the standard 9 PM EST time), the Glyans are busy at work, enjoying their temporary Block Base and developing new uses and configurations for the Block itself.

Overseeing all of this activity is Operator Cane, who stands more than ready to test fly one of the Block Fighters the EMD Technicians have assembled.

Little does he know how dangerous his first flight will prove to be...

Battlegripped Blocks!

On one of our great friend Phil Reed's many trips out this way he showed me a very cool technique that he created in which he can render just about anything in a cool geometric 2-D design style. This approach gives an almost cel-shaded look to whatever he puts his Battlegrip on!

Over the past few days Phil has been posting some awesome renditions of the Block builds that I have been shooting back and forth with him, over on his Battlegrip.com site. These visuals have really done wonders to help "illustrate" (ha!) the Block's potential for those that think I've lost my mind with this project (which I no doubt have).

Thank you Phil for taking the time to create these excellent works of art. They truly add a much needed dimension to understanding what the Block is -even for the goon that made the thing in the first place!