Thursday, April 2, 2009

The sum of its parts

Dream Rocket - Kyumaras

In February of this year, Dream Rocket [ドリームロケット] released its first new sculpt since 2007- Gousei Kaiju Kyumaras [合成怪獣キュマラス]. The name essentially translates to "Composite Kaiju," as it incorporates the features of several 'real' creatures. So it is a patchi (patchwork) kaiju in the truest sense of the word.

Dream Rocket - Kyumaras

Dream Rocket - Kyumaras

I hate to use the phrase "best one yet," but this is honestly an outstanding piece. The sculpt has a very distinct form, but is also finely textured, very much like an organic surface. Vintage collectors may note a nod to certain classic kaiju toys made by Bullmark and Ark. As always, Dream Rocket walks the fine line between stylized kaiju and real-type kaiju.

Dream Rocket - Kyumaras

Dream Rocket - Kyumaras

Mr. Yajima also uses both of his distinctive painting styles on this toy. It seems like he has poured the sum total of his experience in toymaking into this creature, making it well worth the wait.

Dream Rocket - Kyumaras

(This Balbagon was released over a year ago at Patchi-Summit. I somehow managed to keep myself from tearing into it for this long.)

Dream Rocket - Balbagon + Kyumaras

Dream Rocket - Balbagon + Kyumaras

Well, if you missed Kyumaras the first time around, do not fear! There were 4 show exclusive versions sold at Kaiju Comrades in Japan, and a yellow mail-order version is on sale tonight.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great photos! How do you achieve such clarity and colors?

RobotXMonster said...

I think it is the Reveal lightbulbs... they get rid of the yellowy tinge from incandescent lights. That and Photoshop. ;P