Artist: Kaws
Series: Astro Boy/Mighty Atom (produced by Originalfake/Medicom)
Date Purchased: October 2012
Price purchased: $330CAD
Story: I’ve been a fan of Kaw’s work since 2005 or so. This is actually pretty late given that he started producing toy figures back in 1999. That being said, I’ve been lucky to accumulate a few pieces over the years. For those who don’t know, buying a Kaw’s piece is no easy task. They release in really one or two places on one date (his shop Originalfake in Tokyo which is now closed and sometimes his site Kawsone). New figure releases usually hit the blogs a few weeks before release. On the date of release, there are typically line ups in Tokyo and if you don’t line up, you won’t get your hands on a figure. A day or two later, he usually releases a few on his online site. An email notification is sent the day before, and releases are always at noon. You’ll have a hard time logging on at noon and if you don’t act within the first few minutes, everything will be gone. I’ve tried to buy five things from his site, waiting second by second until noon, updating my browser every 10 seconds leading up to noon. Despite all my efforts, I’ve NEVER SUCCEEDED. Once you miss these opportunities, you have to hit the deadly reseller market where prices are immediately $100-$300 over the original release. It’s really crazy. If you decide to wait until the hype dies down, your going to be in deeper shit as the figure prices keep appreciating. Older Kaws figures easily go for $1000+ now.
Anyways, when I saw the early photos of the Kaws Astroboy figure, being a fan of both the Astro Character and Kaws’ work, I knew I had to try and get one. The release was set for October 27, 2012 in Tokyo for about $230USD. Tokyo was not an option, and not knowing if the Kawsone website would have any (there are times figures aren’t for sale via Kawsone), I had to do something new. I went to a reseller to preorder a few weeks before the release. I had to overpay, but was assured a figure and I didn’t have to line up. I felt the price, although steep ($100 over the release price), wasn’t bad, and I don’t think you can get the figure for any cheaper now. Anyways, this was my first preorder and it was a pretty good experience. However, you’re definitely paying a premium and there is some risk.
The figure itself is great. Signature Kaws XX eyes and cross bone head. It’s quite large at 15inches and although it doesn’t have much articulation, it has a nice slouched pose.
The figure itself is great. Signature Kaws XX eyes and cross bone head. It’s quite large at 15inches and although it doesn’t have much articulation, it has a nice slouched pose.
nicabBY 