Apologies for long hiatus...

It's been a long time since I've last blogged about Gloomy and I beg for your understanding, school has had me drained completely.

Anyways, to make up for my lack of posting, here are the updates for what's coming out for the next few months!

July

August

September

As all of you can see, the third quarter of the year has an AWESOME bunch of releases for us.

Stay tuned for pricing of the individual items.

In the meantime, keep an eye out for cool Gloomies!

Like

Awesome clothes from Radic-Color

From the folks at Radic-Color, we get this awesome shirt

Awesome design!

Check out the detail! Blood on the sleeves~

And this jacket!

Grey base tones down the loud design. Perfect!

The design, lotsa classic poses.

Put 'em together and you get this!

Sadly, this is a ladies ONLY piece. However if you a rather petite male, you can surely take up the challenge and wear this.

Radic-Color is based in Japan, Tokyo. These are supplied to several dealers, namely:

ゼンモール　竹下１号店 (Takeshita Store 1, Zenmoru)
ららぽーとTOKYO-BAY　SURPASS (TOKYO-BAY SURPASS, LaLaport)

奈良ビブレ　チックチャック (Chick Chuck Nara VIVRE)
北大路ビブレ　チックチャック (Chick Chunk Kitaoji VIVRE)

IMO, the apparel are great value, the shirt and jacket priced at 1900 Yen and 2900 Yen (both excluding tax) are priced much lower than their usual range -3000 Yen and up-.

As usual, if you live outside of Japan, you're gonna have to find someone to help u hunt down these cool clothes. They do have an online shop, however it seems the Gloomy run is not sold there, nonetheless do check out their extremely colourful clothes!

STGCC Day 3

The last day of STGCC '10. I didn't manage to get anything on the last day, as I didn't want to risk the wrath of the rabid fan's I saw thronging at the lines before it was even announced which line Mori Chack would sign at. It was a rather embarrassing moment actually, watching fellow fans swarm, push and shove each other trying to obtain one of the elusive 20 tickets. Having said, the day was not lost though! I still had one special event awaiting me...

You might be wondering, what's so great and special about the "event"?

My answer is,

"WHAT'S COOLER THAN A FACE TO FACE INTERVIEW WITH THE CREATOR OF GLOOMY BEAR HIMSELF, MORI CHACK?!!?!"

Heh, yes, you read that right, I managed to net an interview with him. ALLLLL THANKS TO toysetc! It was all thanks to him, that I got this super exclusive interview. Which was supposed to have happened on day 2, but due to the mad autograph session just before the assigned timing, it was pushed back to day 3. Nevertheless, I LEAPT at the chance to interview him.

Anyways, without further ado, here's the contents of the interview.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ME: If you were not a toy designer, what would you have worked as?

Mori: Maybe I would have ended up working at a petrol kiosk.

ME: Where did you get your inspiration from (for designing the characters he draws)?

Mori: I used to be working in a company, and I had to follow rules on what I could draw, or design. I had to follow instructions on the art I made, and I couldn't draw what I wanted to. During that period, I was already thinking of all the characters I have drawn, including Gloomy, the naughty Grizzly.

ME: What about Nukojyu? What is Nukojyu?

Mori: Nukojyu...ahhh, it's not complete yet, so I would like to keep it a secret for now.

ME: Of all the characters you have designed so far, which is your favourite?

Mori: I like all the characters I have designed so far, but if I had to choose one, it would be Kumakikkai.

ME: Many of your characters are pink, especially Gloomy, so is your favourite colour Pink?

Mori: Actually, Pink is not my favourite color. While I was a street artist, I worked mainly with PINK, Yellow and Light Blue, however the Pink Gloomy bear was a crowd favourite, hence it stuck. Nowadays, my favourite colors are Green and Purple, while in the past it was Red.

ME: Cool, I love purple too!!

ME: What do you think of the toy industry in Singapore compared to Japan?

Mori: I am unsure of the toy industry in Singapore, but I can see that there are many Japanese produced items being imported to Singapore.

ME: You have come for STGCC twice, once in 2008, and again this year. What are your thoughts?

Mori: The last time I came, I had very little interaction with my fans, all I did was sell items, and autograph all day long. This year I had time to walk around, but I am unable to compare as the last time I came I had too little personal time.

ME: I see a lot of food being uploaded on your blog, do you love eating?

Mori: Yes! I love eating, AND drinking (alcohol), however I am currently on a diet.

ME: So what food have you tried, and what do you like? I saw your twitter before the chill-out session at PI on Thursday.

Mori: So far, I have nothing I disliked eating in Singapore. However, what I have really liked are, dimsum, wait that's more of China cuisine... Oh and soups, and last night I had Chicken rice, and I thought it was great.

ME: You were born in Osaka, and now you are in Tokyo, can you tell me your feelings about the places?

Mori: Well, Tokyo moves very fast, and there are just so many other artists. That's a lot of competition. I have to constantly brush up my skills and think of more ways and things to draw.

ME: What about Singapore?

Mori: I have too little time to find out about Singapore, but it is a beautiful place. I am very interested in finding out more about the place!

ME: What are the things you like doing in your free time?

Mori: Driving, cooking, making bread (o.O), AND DRINKING.

ME: You released the Hanyo Usagi this year and Podolly in the past, are you thinking of releasing any other characters?

Mori: I am undecided as to whether or not I will release any other Characters.

ME: This year you collaborated with DEVILROBOTS to produce the Gloomy To-fu. Will you be collaborating with anyone else?

Mori: That will be a SECRET.

ME: Last question. If you have the time next year, would you come back to Singapore?

Mori: Yes, definitely, but it seems that next year is a busy year.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The interview might seem rather lackluster, but forgive me as there were time constraints. In addition, this was the first time I ever did an interview + via a translator + I was damn freaking nervous.

It seems he loves drinking, and on retrospect, I am slapping myself for not finding out more about what he drinks >.> I swear to myself that if I do somehow get another chance at this (perhaps next year?) I will do better!!!

Anyways, here are some pictures at the interview!

From left: Mori Chack, Kumi-san (His translator), Me!

Kumi-san translating my questions.

Mori Chack liketh his hair.

Happy answers! :D

And that rounds up STGCC. Even though Mori Chack might seem rather tentative when we first met him, he was a really nice guy! Proven when I met him again after STGCC at Marina Square [haha], he waved to me most surprisingly :D I believe that the language barrier was what made him rather tentative when meeting fans and others, so I endeavour to improve my Japanese!!!

Group photo at the end! And how lucky for a dream come true, even my shirt suits the occasion!

What have we got here?!

Last night I was out with toysetc and MunchKimz (yes you can tell, we hang out a lot), chilling at Downtown Easts' X-zone.

We went there with an aim in mind. To obtain one of the rarest new releases of all...The WEREWOLF GLOOMY PLUSHIE!

*cue picture*

Extreme right. Stock picture first so we don't spoil the surprise!

We endeavoured to catch toysetc ONE Werewolf Gloomy, and as time went by, we ended the day with........

Yes you're eyes are not kidding you, that's 4 Werewolves staring right atcha.

Anyways, the aim of the game was to hit 1000 on a running counter. And the machine gives you a consolation prize if you hit anywhere between 995-1005 barring 1000 of course as that nets you the top prize (One of the 3 Halloween Gloomies)

We had our fair share of failures...

Yup, that's me failing.

Most hated number of all. =.= Makes us think we won SO MANY TIMES.

After a couple many failures, we finally hit our first win!

Yes, on the right, is a Werewolf Gloomy's freefall image!

Win no. 2! This was MY win!

At this point in time, you might be wondering how much we spent! That's going to be a secret but lets just say, it was not a waste of money...Because other than the 4 Werewolf Gloomies we managed to get...

Hehe, that's right. A whole PILE of Cinnamorolls.

Like I said, had a great day out with two awesome peeps! And it was a great haul too, testament to toysetc's L337 skillz XD

Picture credits to:

Hope you like the way this pic is arranged! :P

Kirito (Angelo) X Gloomy Bear Winter Release

The schedule for release of the Winter version of Kirito X Gloomy Bear is out! And it's only available for online pre-orders, however the link to order is not out yet.

For now, here are a few pictures for preview!

Front view
Basside
omfg so cute!

Turns out Kirito (click on link to his official blog) used to be a member of Visual-kei band Pierrot and he's currently in a new band ANGELO. This is the fourth of a series of collaborations with Mori Chack (starting with spring), and I daresay it's an excellent one!

Head down to the Angelo Fanclub to keep an eye out for the link. Happy hunting! Oh and by the way, it's limited to 2,500 pieces ONLY.

P.S. Just an update but the 9inch Sitting Gloomy Bear plush will not make an appearance at STGCC as the production lines have failed to push them out in time. Sad but true, although not too much of a loss for me :P I will place my cash on the TOFU X Gloomy. Heh1

What's brewing....?

Here's a preview for what ToysEtc is planning for the upcoming STGCC!

I'm working with the the author of MunchKimz and ToysEtc for this project, and I'm very sure that the artists will be pleased to receive the fruit of our labour!

Can you guess what this is?

Snap 'em up before they all go *poof*

There is a shop that I frequent to get my Gloomy Bear Merch. And that shops' Seimon-cho. They have two outlets; one in IMM and the other in Plaza Singapura.

This month, they are bringing in some pretty cool stuff that can only be purchased from them!

I've got my preorder down for a set of those lamby looking Gloomy Bears! But I'm still gonna head down fast to grab that mean looking camera pouch!!! These items will hit the stores on 19 November, and yes that's this coming Friday. :)

If you like what you're seeing, do head down to check them out! I won't spoil the surprises that await you there.

Also, for updates, find them on Facebook, and watch out on their blog for their latest updates!

Countdown posts to Mori Chacks' visit to Singapore!

STGCC 2010 is gonna see some of the best artists coming down to give us an aesthetic treat :D
And of all the artists who are going to make an appearance, there is ONE whom I am most interested in seeing.

That's right, it's Mori Chack! Known best for his extremely successful Gloomy Bear lineup, he also has several other characters that are oh-so-unbelievably cute.

Mori Chack @ showcase in MARUI Shinjuku 2F

You can find out more about him from his Wikipedia Page or his Blog.

Anyways, for the upcoming STGCC, Mori-san will be selling a 9-inch sitting Gloomy plush in 5 colors. These are manufactured by PlayImaginative, and sales are probably at their booth too.
Well, IMO the are teh-suck...NOT. 9-inch plushes aren't your everyday sizes, and in the world of Gloomy, sky blue and Instinctive(grey) aren't very common either! However I would say that the plush is modeled after very common versions of the Gloomy plushies. Good or bad? You be the judge. :)

Well start counting down folks, its 26 days to STGCC 2010. Be there, or be squarshed by Gloomy.

So what's up at PARCO Marina?

A couple of days ago I posted about the Gotochi Kitty and Kaiju Blue event at PARCO Marina.

Well I finally went down today, and here's the lowdown~

10th Anniversary Pouches!

Value for money! 2 face towels for only $16!

Clockwise from top left: 10th Anni Pink Gloomy plush, Gloomy Face pouch with card slot, Hello Kitty X Gloomy Bear Handphone strap.

Left: Die-cut Towels. Right: Hello Kitty X Gloomy notepads.


Hello Kitty X Gloomy Pencil Case

All the above are available from $10 and up! The Hello Kitty X Gloomy items are must haves, for both HK and Gloomy enthusiasts and are almost IMPOSSIBLE to find in Singapore! So do head down ASAP to snap up these hard-to-find items.

On a side note, these are my steals for the day!

3 REALxHEAD Nekos' and the Gloomy Face towel set.

All the best in getting your favourite items from the event!

Mori Chack Collabs once again!

Announcing~ Gloomy X Sweets and Messy Party!

This time Mori Chack is collaborating with Ichiban Kuji to release a series of Gloomy Merch that can only be won lottery style at Convenient stores in Japan! Sad for me, but not for all the lucky folks visiting Japan come August!

The "lottery" tickets are priced at 500 yen each try, and lets have a look at what you can win!
Prize C: Handphone straps
Prize B: Towels
Prize A: Mocha Gloomy and Pink Sugar Covered Gloomy 14"

Looks like these are set to create a real sticky mess when you get them! Not to mention only 50 of those Mocha-bears will be up for grabs!

Another thing that will be going on the the celebration for Gloomy's 10th Birthday (Anniversary)!! Which will be held at Namco Namjatown situated Ikebukuro, Tokyo.
Be the first to purchase those lucky tickets to win them prizes! Good luck to all those in Japan, and those who have the fortune to be there during the opening from 20-22 August!