punkpunk Toy Karma 2 Packaging

Just finished the packaging for the Toy Karma 2 show at Rotofugi in Chicago. The text says Monster Matchbox.

SF Muni Fast Pass Buttons

I've had this idea for years now, but every time I suggested we make Fast Pass buttons, Jing would always make the unsure face and that would be that. Well, as our wares were quite low in number for the recent SF Zine Fest, I decided that I would finally get a chance to test out my idea. I think the response has been quite good. I will soon be posting info on how to purchase. Can anyone catch the mistake in the photo above?

So of course I can't believe the coincidence of my timing (I always wait too long), but in the very same Golden Gate Park where Zine Fest just took place, John Kuzich's fast pass piece is currently displayed at the de Young Museum. I think I even remember seeing his ads asking for Fast Passes in laundromats. It's up till August 30th; I must check it out. Share the Fast Pass love.

punkpunk @ Rotofugi in Chicago

This is punkpunk's contribution to the Toy Karma 2 group show at Rotofugi in Chicago. The theme is art inspired by classic Japanese toys. From right to left we have: Ultraman, Garamon, Kamen Rider, Shocker, Gamera and Asagi-chan (Gamera 2 winter outfit). We're bad and still working on the packaging for these guys. They'll be available at the store on September 5th.

So Long Ewok Fire Cart

For about three to four years I've been trying to get the Ewok Family Hut (circa 1983-84) – not that they're hard to find, it's just that I'm really cheap. I first started off with wanting the Tree Tots Family Tree House (circa 1976-77, the Japanese version Koedachan is even cooler and still going strong today), but later found that this was retooled, released and crossed with another love of mine: Ewoks! Like two birds… Anyway, I'd come across a few of the other toys in this Ewoks line for preschoolers and eventually was able to get this Fire Cart set. Unfortunately, I was really disappointed. It's all about their eyes. Something about them just creeps me out, and then the grand dream was over; the search for the Family Hut was over before it started. These are pics from an eBay auction I just posted. Looking at these pics, I almost feel a little sad.

work/life_002

work/life_002 made its debut on February 15th, 2009 at Lark Pien's art show, I Love You A Little, at STUDIO Gallery located on Polk Street in San Francisco. As you can see, this issue features Lark Pien. You may want to pick up this first edition, as a forthcoming (hopefully in time for APE 2009) second completely reformatted edition will have all the embarrassing bits taken out!

work/life is a continuing interview zine project. Each issue focuses on a single artist or creator. Up next: Bwana Spoons.

You'll Shoot Your Eye Out or: Rampax, the Evil Italian Robot

For the longest time, I always thought that non-missile-firing toys were the worst. At some point during my childhood suddenly all the missile launchers wouldn't fire their missiles; you could still shoot the missile, the launcher just wouldn't release it. Some dumb kid was probably to blame. Recently I stumbled across a vintage toy site from Italy looking for some Lego Scala jewelry. As shipping was gonna cost a bit anyway, I added a few extra items to my order. One of which is this super-cool Kit Robot called Rampax by an Italian company called Grisoni. I think the packaging alone is worth it.I have a feeling this toy may be haunted. I used my trusty X-ACTO Gripster knife to cut the parts off the tree. It's been quite awhile since I've cut myself, but then, slice, off comes a tiny piece of a knuckle off the middle finger of my left hand.
Rampax's abuse didn't stop there though. It has two missile-firing arms: the right uses a simple hook mechanism; and the left arm uses a more complex swivel motion to fire. After I put it together, as I am oft to do when displaying toys, I put its arms in the air, forgetting about the left arm's harpoon like missile's firing mechansim. It hit only about 1/8" below my right eye. I've since removed the springs.Just look at this face on its chest. Rampax is angry. It wants to take your eyes.

Shigacorn Vs. Sublife

One of the nice things about the Alternative Press Expo (APE) is getting to hang out with out of town cartoonist friends. Here Jason Shiga shows LA native John Pham some East Bay love at Lower Haight's Memphis Minnie's.