Kaiju Negora by Konatsu

Let me start out by saying, I'm a cat person. While working with Japanese women artist Konatsu .. I also found out she is a cat person, too. I've always had it in the back of my head that I'd like to do some sort of cat related toy character and thought that a collaboration with Konatsu would be a purrfect fit ( ok will keep the cat jokes to a minimum ! )
For those not familiar with Ms Konatsu's work check out my previous post here, and her web blog.. and on top of all this she has a custom Labbit in the Japanese American National Museum, and will be in the next Spectrum Fantastic Arts book (her ink wash painting of Kaiju Drazoran is in it !).

I like to give the artists I work with total freedom to design what they like when i do a toy project .. with nothing but the idea of a cat theme, Konatsu proceeded to not only design what i think is a stunning piece but also did research as well.

Starting with Yokai (Japanese Ghost story )legends of Japan, Konatsu melded her own cat ideas/designs and the Kaiju concept into her original creation, Kaiju Negora !
Once we had her sketches Makino-san of TTToys was enlisted to sculpt. Already proven himself with our Lady Maxx and mini Kaiju Eyezon, another perfect sculpt resulted .. a perfect translation of Konatsu's design, Kaiju and Kawaii (cute) !

Shown here are the test shots from the iron molds.



In addition to the Kaiju Negora - 怪獣 ネゴラ - soft vinyl figure, we decided to make a Big Fish for the cat to battle ... called 大魚付き ( Big Fish ) ;-)




Paint masks have been made and the first releases are in the works ;-) Watch this space or the Max Toy web site for more info.. and of course you can follow my Kaiju Life via Twitter - @maxtoyco