Vinyl tapped

Urban vinyl toys have been a phenomenon in Hong Kong since the late '90s. Since their introduction in the United States by Kidrobot, New York, the urban appeal and collectibility of the figures—most in limited edition—have been an underground, fashion hot plate. Urban vinyls are usually created by leading graffiti artists, fashion designers and illustrators, and known more as collectible “art.” Slowly, more U.S. manufacturers are jumping into the underrated world of vinyl figures for something different among the collectible figures out there.

A vinyl section can breathe new life into a retailer's line of collectibles. And if updating a vinyl collection, there are more options and a few new manufacturers to look out for in 2006.

In February a vinyl version of the animated Japanese TV show Little Bony will be released by designer David Horvath, co-creator of Uglydolls. The 8-inch, heavy vinyl by SEG, Schaumburg, Ill., comes packaged in a window box, ready for display. SEG will release additional Little Bony, limited edition product throughout the year.

Little Lulu comics premiered in the 1930s as a single panel gag strip. Dark Horse Comics, Milwaukie, Ore., brings the characters Little Lulu and Tubby to vinyl form. The 8-inch figures are made of soft vinyl. Dark Horse is also distributing Kotobukiya, Tokyo, soft vinyl Star Wars figures. The 9-½-inch Clone Trooper figure from Episode 3 comes in 10 easy-to-assemble parts, fully painted and packaged in a window box.

The premiere vinyl figures line from Shawnimals, Chicago, launch es in spring 2006. The line will feature characters Wee Sticker, Wee Ninja and Slippery Splug. Approximate figure sizes will be anywhere from 3-½ inches tall, 8 inches wide.