Ashley Wood's 3A x VALVe = Portal? Left 4 Dead? Half-Life? More?!?

Probably the biggest 3A news of yesterday was that they've signed an agreement with Valve Software, which opens up the possibility of figures based on Portal, Left 4 Dead, Half-Life and many other amazing video games. Sadly, the above teaser image is all that has been released about this, so there's really not much to report on…

Except for those that pre-ordered World War Robot (WWR) Caesars and Mini-Berties last year, as it seems both are almost ready to ship.

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Kelly Denato's amazing sculpts for Stranger Factory show!

We previously mentioned Kelly Denato's upcoming art show with Andrew Bell, "The Great Escape." Since the announcement, Denato's been hard at work creating pieces for the show including the promised sculpts. Above, a collection of work-in-progress pics, you can see that Denato is wonderfully translating her visual language into three-dimensions: gossamer streams of red which imply blood & symbolize death as well as strawberries which, along with most plant-life in her pieces, imply life & symbolize rebirth. Or, at least, that's how I interpret these elements; guess you'll have to go to the show to figure out what they mean to you…

Andrew Bell & Kelly Denato's "The Great Escape" opens on April 6th and runs through April 30th at Stranger Factory, 109 Carlisle Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106, strangerfactory.com.

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Chauskoskis's custom Qee for the So So Happy x Toy2r Show!

Still hot off the heels of his amazing Birro dunny production piece, Chauskoskis produces this brilliant, untitled custom piece for the upcoming So So Happy x Toy2r touring group show. What originally started out life as an 8" Bunny Qee has been transformed, through skilled hands and careful application, into the masterful finished product you see here. I love the hair curl, the beady eyes, the strange nose, the smooth hunched back(!), and the single tooth is pure gold. Even the wrench works perfect, making him into some surly, disgruntled plumber character.

Over 30 artists are participating in this So So Happy-inspired Custom Qee project, with the resulting pieces set to be displayed at venues and trade shows across the country in 2012. Participating artists include: Albert Art, AW177, Sneaky Raccoon, Chauskoskis, Diego Machado, Frank Mysterio, A Little Stranger, Howie Green, Fuller Designs, JC Rivera, Jon-Paul Kaiser, Julie West, Ardabus Rubber, Kim Mayhew, Leecifer, DGPH, Matt Anderson, MeSmithy, Mikie Graham, Grimsheep, Pocket Wookie, RSIN, Scott Kinnebrew, Scott Tolleson, Shawn Wigs, Steve Lew, Valerie Bermudez, and Valerie Gudell.

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UME Toys's Bassett D Kay for Tenacious Toys's The Candy-Coated Custom Show!

Richard Page aka UME Toys recently released the above picture of his sculpture "Bassett D Kay." While information is a bit scarce, it appears this piece is for a Tenacious Toys organized group show entitled "The Candy-Coated Custom Show," which will be displayed at an actual candy shop. Is it going out on a limb to assume that all the customs will be candy themed?
As you can see in the pic above, Page's contribution is a well-sculpted candy-gobbling fiend who, based on the surroundings, I'm guessing he's about 6" tall. That sweets covered head is just too much for me and this is only the backside of the character! Perhaps Page will share the disturbing front…

Oh no! That twisted tongue, oozing with sugary goo! Needless to say, Page's sculpt is great; yes, you can see uneven areas on the suit where the sculpey was rolled, but I happen to think it gives a more realistic feel to this otherwise surreal character. And a handlebar mustache with a monocle? Hell yes!

"The Candy-Coated Custom Show" opens on April 21st with a reception from 7 to 9PM at The London Candy Company, 1442 Lexington Ave. at 94th St., New York, NY 10128.

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Tony Gil's Aztec Warrior Quauhtli custom 8" Dunny will tear your heart out!

There is an ancient Aztec legend of five brothers, all named Quauhtli, who had been blessed since birth by the god Tonatiuh. The brothers grew up to be eagles of their tribe, warriors for their patron god. And, one day, they ventured into the jungle… lost in a wash of time, until the end of the world was near.

Okay, so I made that all up. But I felt Tony Gil's Aztec Warrior Quauhtli custom dunny deserved a bit of an intro. While the paint job does look a little flat & two-dimensional, the sculpted pose is phenomenal. And the accessories appear to be top-notch as well.

Unfortunately, we're told that the leather skirt is not removable, but the completely hand-crafted & painted maquahuitl (Aztec sword) appears to be perfect. Gil has made five of these 8" customs, which are available in his web store for the price of $250 each.

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