Every year I look forward to watching all of the great Christmas specials on TV. It’s tradition at this point. Every year new Christmas specials are created. Most of them come and go never to be seen again. He-Man and She-Ra’s Christmas special comes to mind. A few have become iconic or essential. That is why in celebration of Christmas we list the Essential Seven Must See Christmas Specials.
Masters of the Universe is the subject for this years “Under the Influence” show at Gallery1988:Los Angeles! “Under The Influence: He-Man and the Masters of the Universe,” features 100 artists reinterpreting the classic characters from Masters of the Universe. The opening reception begins on January 8th. For more information, check out NineteenEight.com
I was recently vacationing at Bethany Beach, (near Ocean City Maryland). On the way into town we passed this vintage toy store and I had to check it out. WOW, talk about a toygasm of vintage goodies cheap. Ninja Turtles, Star Trek, Star Wars, GI Joe, He-Man, Transformers, Playmobil, Thomas the Tank Engine and a whole room for boardgames. Check out my video tour.
Heading east this summer? Vist Yesterday’s Fun, 117 Atlantic Ave near Bethany Beach Delaware.
If you like pouring over pictures, check out this vintage toy store I found in France (tons of pics), and this motherload of vintage playmobil (even more pics)
Oh man, this is BIG… the design team at Mattel just announced the first book in their “Designed @ Mattel” series and it’s a MOTU art book!
The book shows off the fantastic art of the MOTU brand from 1981 through current day. It’s packed with never-before-seen Mattel concept art, behind-the-scenes notes, posters, oil paintings, and a whole lot more from across the brand. All that MOTU art from over the years is mighty sweet, but the book also premiers concept art from new projects, like a proposed live action film!
It’s a soft-cover edition, limited to only 1,000 numbered copies. Each one comes with a numbered cover ribbon and an embossed seal. The first place they’ll be available is San Diego Comic-Con. Purchases will be limited to two per guest, per wait in line. And get this… you can even have your copy signed by the Mattel artists at the show!
If any units remain after the show they may be sold on MattyCollector.com, but honestly, we expect to sell out at SDCC. Be sure to come by the MattyCollector.com booth early for your chance to own a piece of MOTU history!
Last week we posted an article artist Mari Kasurinen’s custom My Little Pony figures. She has created some very unique customs that are really fun. I contacted Mari, because I was curious about how the idea to customize My Little Pony toys came to her. Here is the interview:
MillionairePlayboy: What is your art education / background? Did that help you with your toy customizing?
Mari Kasurinen: I’ve done art all my life, I was 5-years-old when I first said that I wanted to be an artist when I grow up. I applied to Taideinstituutti, an art university in Lahti 2007 and got in. Before that I practiced by myself. Of course it helps, all though I feel that everything you learn in life affects in many areas. Expecially in art!
MPB: What artists (painting, drawing, sculpture, ect…) inspire you?
MK:My favorite artists at the moment are Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst and Outi Heiskanen.
Masters of the Universe is the subject for this years “Under the Influence” show at Gallery1988:Los Angeles! “Under The Influence: He-Man and the Masters of the Universe,” features 100 artists reinterpreting the classic characters from Masters of the Universe. The opening reception begins on January 8th. For more information, check out 
