Sofubi enthusiasts have a lot to look forward to with new releases from KLAV and a collaboration between Toy Art Gallery and Barely Human.
The world of soft vinyl, or sofubi, collectibles is seeing an exciting flurry of activity with new releases that cater to fans of the medium’s gritty, artful charm. KLAV, a figure known for his gritty and nostalgic creations, has unveiled a new piece titled “Power Clone.” According to Spanky Stokes, this release is a bootleg-inspired twist on a familiar Star Wars power droid, reimagined with an aesthetic reminiscent of kaiju bootlegs from yesteryears. It’s the kind of piece that resonates with fans of both the Star Wars universe and sofubi collectors who appreciate a more tactile, aged look to their pieces.
In another corner of the sofubi universe, Toy Art Gallery has teamed up with Barely Human for a vibrant capsule collection release. As detailed by Spanky Stokes, this collaboration includes figures like Junk Food Kougai, Chooch, and Peanut, painted by the skilled hands of UhOhToys. These figures are gaining attention for their quirky, almost animated charm, combining whimsical sculpture with bold paint jobs that shout personality. Such releases continue to underscore the blend of art and play that defines much of the independent toy scene today.
Meanwhile, sofubi fans attending SOFUVI CON on September 22 have the chance to glimpse “GIRL FROM FOREST FLOOR,” a new vinyl figure from Jade Kuei, known as MUMBOT. This figure arose from a successful Kickstarter campaign and will be on display at the event in OMM Building 2F A-B Hall. As ToysREvil reports, attendees can expect a distinct blend of whimsy and myth in Kuei’s work, a signature that could well draw a dedicated following akin to her prior releases.
While this isn’t the busiest week in collectibles, the focus on sofubi indicates a thriving interest in niche, artistic toy releases that pull from both pop culture and subculture inspirations. Collectors paying attention to these developments will likely appreciate the diverse range of influences that these artists bring to a material often celebrated for its nostalgic appeal and creative freedom.
