This was the show we almost forgot until two weeks ago when I was reminded in a passing conversation. I just spent money on a gorgeous Sleeping Killer custom too. My alotted toy money was spent!
I wish I was prepared and had more funds like the previous Paul Kaiju show. I was able to purchase my Dancing Boss art piece after everyone has made their purchases and he was just sitting there, unbelievably available.
Alas, I did not have the same opportunity this time and there were opportunities available but the fact that I came away with my number one choice was awesome!
I had been seeing teaser pics of the Vertebrata on
Paul Kaiju's Instagram and I fell in love with her. I have one of the resin Strawberry Stigmata girls and she has been literally in the middle of our shelf display by herself surrounded by other PK monster creations for some time. I have seen the Dada headed girl and I hope that one will see production someday but I had no idea that Vertebrata was not just a promise on the horizon but she was coming and coming soon.
I had an opportunity to ask SuperJunk if she had any input on Vertebrata's design and she indicated that it was a straight collaboration between Kaji-san of Blobpus fame and Paul Kaiju. I was told that Blobpus did her skirt and one of the arms, (not sure which one), and Paul Kaiju did the body and head. They also were able to use parts of the Mockbat attachments for her hair which is sweet as her design possibilities regarding the head will have variety.
Nate and I got to TAG in the early afternoon yesterday. I wanted to be able to take pics without rushing and really look at all the pieces and plan the evening. I wanted a Vertebrata but I was not sure which one. When I got to the gallery there were more girls plus they were offering the unpainted ones as well which was a nice surprise.
As I was checking each girl out I kept wandering back to the Blobpus side. The gallery split the pieces on two sides. Left was Blobpus works and right was Paul Kaiju and in the middle was their collaboration masterpiece, Vertebrata.
I kept looking at this one particular girl. She had silver bluish skin and gold metallic highlights on the skirt. She reminded me of a steam punk design.I really liked her a lot.
Nate had also been wandering around and was looking at the Salamander Joe customs from both artists and the Boss Head Blobpus mashup.
A camera full of pictures, two tickets and heads buzzing with so much awesomeness to process we decided to go have lunch. Our original plan was to go to our favorite panini place but going there and finding parking when we got back was going to take awhile so we decided against it and eat nearby and talk about what we had just seen.
We like variety in our collections. So we had specific figures in mind. After looking at our pictures while we ate, I told my husband I am going for a girl. Nate agreed that she was beautiful and I love hearing the words, "Get what you want babe." Depending on price, maybe I can sneak in something small too.
Nate had been eying the Mockbat and Salamander Joe mashup. But he was realistic and we both concluded certain pieces will go fast due to popular demand. So he made his first, second, third etc etc choices. Considering fate has a big chance on your placement since it was lotto style we planned conservatively.
Anyways, we took our time eating and headed off to get some coffee and killed time by discussing the pieces.
We made way our back to TAG to have a last look and to wait for the show to start. Outside the gallery we reconnected with a friend we have not seen since SDCC. We used to see each other more often when we did the art galleries. He has helped me in the past and he still does up to now.
Ted I owe you $5. LOL
The show soon started. Todd and company did a great job keeping the process and purchasing smooth. There was a purchasing limit. One per each artist and it can't be the same figure. That was fair and gave everyone a chance to come home with something. I think I was the 9th person called? Not really sure.
Connell was my personal shopper and I checked out the girl I wanted and she was available! I got her and she was a bit more than I calculated so my second choice was limited. The Vertebrata I got was a Blobpus custom so I went over to check out Paul's side and I picked up an awesome Morning Man custom.
Nate was two or three people behind me and by the time he got there most of his picks were already sold. He was contemplating the last Blobpus mashups available but he ultimately decided to purchase another Vertebrata and Morning Man. I didn't know what he got until we were in line at the cashiers. I was expecting him to pick up other pieces. I was quite pleased with what he selected and after we paid he showed me which ones.
Nate picked up the Devil Man Tribute Vertebrata by Paul Kaiju on the left and that awesome Morning Man Custom by Blobpus on the right. I cannot even begin to say how pleased we are that we were able to have a Vertebrata and a Morning Man from both artists. What attracted him to this particular Vertebrata was how the skirt was painted. He loved the little details on the squid and tentacles. That Morning Man on the right was just insanely painted.
After the initial rush of purchasing I spoke with my husband about what we got and what was sold and we conversed with other people to see what they got and generally enjoyed conversations with our friends and other fellow collectors.
It was a lovely evening and we cannot wait to have these toys in hand. We left early and had a late dinner and we were both tired and turned in early.
Nodame, our Alpha Cat who sleeps with us, was very attentive last night and he spent quite a while kneading both of us while purring like a beast. It was a good way to end a hectic day.
