#sofubi toy

Sofubi Wolf Orphnoch

- from Kamen Rider Faiz

- by Premium Bandai Spirits

One of my rare amazing thrift finds at Book Off. This spoiler territory vinyl figure was released late after Kamen Rider Faiz aired in 2003, and was a Premium Bandai webshop exclusive.

And it shows. The overspray and gorgeously intricate sculpting are immaculate. This is a toy that looks like a premium vinyl release, because it was. And the fact that I paid off-the-rack sofubi prices for this stunning display piece makes it all the more noteworthy.

Kamen Rider Alternative

- from Kamen Rider Ryuki

  Mini Sofubi Collection

- by Bandai

One Day One Shot

Yet another thrift find from Book Off in Brooklyn.

I love these mini sofubi figures, and Kamen Rider Alternative isn't exactly a merchandising darling. Finding this little figure in the dollar bin was probably the definition of "one man's trash is another man's treasure" because I love Alternative's design. And this is such a great mini vinyl, with really sharp sculpted detail. And a fun little pose.

*One Day One Shot is a marathon where we share a single picture of something new once a day, every day. So check back in for more.*

Ultra Monster 65 Bemular

from Ultraman

by Bandai

Quick Shots

-------

Star of stage, screen, and meme!

Bemular was the first monster that Ultraman faced in the original series. He's a classic, even if he looks the most like a guy just kind of standing up in a costume. But those gangly proportions and cat-like face are what make Bemular such a great little guy.

I grabbed this during a thrift run to Book Off - a Japanese chain with a few locations in the US where you can sell your toys (and games, books, electronics and music) and find some nice old toys. Usually at a premium, unfortunately, as many of the US locations charge collector prices. But this sofubi was sitting in an assorted bin of vinyl toys, in pristine condition, with his tag still attached. They didn't know what they were missing when they sold him! He was an instant buy for $3.

Book Off Bonanza

Pullback Yatter-Wan

- From Yatterman

- by ???

SD Sofubi Ultramother

- from Ultraman

- by Bandai

SD Kamen Rider Beast Hyper

- from Kamen Rider Beast

- by Bandai

SD Kamen Rider Brave

- from Kamen Rider Ex-Aid

- by Bandai

All of these figures were thrift store finds from Book Off back in June.

Unfortunately Book Off engages in collector market pricing these days.

You'll often see used figures sold well above MSRP.

But that's not the real beauty of Book Off.

Head towards the back, where you'll find pegs and bins filled with poly-bagged toys. Everything from keychains, to pins, and sofubi. It's a treasure trove of inexpensive toys.

I always find something interesting, even if I have to pass up some personal favorites (prices can still be high for popular characters)

But keep looking. For example, everything here cost around $10usd.

I'm usually shopping for interesting looking toys, preferring nice colors over favorite characters - which works in my favor.

Unfortunately, because they're thrift finds, I don't have a lot of information on these toys--

Yatter-Wan is a pullback toy. That's all I know. Great colors, and sturdy plastic.

Ultra Mother is the most apparent, she's part of the same line of mini sofubi as my SD Kamen Rider and Ultraman figures.

But the two Kamen Riders are the real mystery. They're smaller than the mini sofubi Riders, made of a harder plastic, and they're not hollow.

Both of them have a tiny hard circle of plastic underneath.

At first I thought it was a magnetic trigger, like Hasbro's early-2000s Littlest Petshop reboot. But it doesn't seem to be.

Research hasn't brought up anything on these figures, but that's part of the fun of going thrifting for toys like these - you never know what you're going to find.

Sofubi, short for "soft vinyl" in Japanese, is a type of collectible toy that has garnered a dedicated following among enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. Originating from Japan, sofubi toys are known for their unique designs, vibrant colors, and artisanal craftsmanship. Let's dive into the world of sofubi and discover what makes these toys so special.

Creating a sofubi toy is a meticulous process that involves several stages:The process begins with a detailed design, often inspired by traditional Japanese folklore, kaiju (monsters), and other pop culture elements. A sculptor then creates a prototype model from clay or wax. Once the prototype is complete, a metal mold is made. This mold is used to shape the soft vinyl into the desired form.Liquid vinyl is poured into the mold and heated until it takes the shape of the toy. After cooling, the toy is removed from the mold.One of the most distinctive features of sofubi toys is their hand-painted details. Artisans painstakingly paint each toy, adding unique touches that make each piece one-of-a-kind.

Sofubi toys have a unique charm that appeals to a broad audience, from art collectors to pop culture fans. Here are a few reasons why sofubi has gained such popularity: Sofubi toys are often seen as miniature works of art. Their designs range from cute and whimsical to bizarre and grotesque, offering something for every taste. For many collectors, sofubi toys evoke a sense of nostalgia. They often feature characters and creatures from Japanese television shows, comics, and folklore, reminding people of their childhood. Many sofubi toys are produced in limited runs, making them highly collectible. This scarcity adds to their allure and value. The sofubi community is passionate and supportive. Collectors and artists often connect through social media, conventions, and specialized shops, sharing their love for these unique toys.

In recent years, sofubi has transcended its origins to become a global phenomenon. Contemporary artists and designers from around the world have embraced the medium, creating collaborations and limited-edition pieces that push the boundaries of the art form.

PVC toy production