If you're a comic or action figure fan, you are likely well aware of Urban Vinyl, especially those who regularly attend Comic Con in San Diego. But for those of us who are perhaps a little more traditional in our collecting, an education is in order. Beware -- Urban Vinyl is not for the faint of heart!
Toys come in three categories
- Toys that are meant to be played with and are
- Toys that are meant to be played with and aren't
- Toys that are never meant to be played with
Urban Vinyl toys fit the last description and an article on Millionaire Playboy explains it best in one sentence: "It's a blend of art and toys and it's struck a chord with toy collectors and art lovers alike."
Brad Cameron of Cameron Collectibles explains further:
"Urban Vinyl appears to be a movement of independent toy manufacturers and artists producing uniquely designed original toys. Some of the hottest urban toy artists or (designer vinyl artists) have their roots in 2-D art or where former graffiti artists and in many cases you can purchase a print to go along with your vinyl toy. Over the past two years at Comic Con in San Diego, the Independent Toy Manufacturers and Distributor Section has nearly taken over half of the convention center and is the busiest section at the Con with people willing to stand in line (including me) for hours to purchase a hot new exclusive toy or get a favorite artist's autograph."
Brad Cameron, store owner and avid collector, spent some time answering more of my questions about his passion, Urban Vinyl.
Where are the Urban Vinyl toys coming from?
Urban Vinyl's origins are in Hong Kong and Japan, but I believe the bulk of the Urban Vinyl toys are manufactured in Hong Kong and China. A few pieces are made in garages around the world, but the bulk seems to come from the far east.
What were the first products that caught your eye.
What caught my eye a few years ago was Drinky Crow and the Smoking Kat at the Critterbox booth. In 2004 I saw my first 8" El Loco Dunny at the Kidrobot booth and had to have one. Back then you could just walk up to the Kidrobot booth and buy one. Then in 2005 you waited in line to get a ticket so you could wait in line to purchase a Dunny and then wait in line again to have it signed, but there was no problem finding people to do that, including myself. The platform toys like Dunny, Munny, Qee, Circus Punks and anything Joe Ledbetter are hot!
Who are the major players in the game?
I would say Kidrobot is very hot, as well as Toy2R, Circus Punks, Critterbox, Kaws and don't forget the artists like Joe Ledbetter, Kozik, Tim Biskup, Gary Baseman, Huck Gee, the list could go on forever. Of course, I am partial to FunKo and their Spastik Plastik Line.
Tell me about your store?
Cameron Collectibles was officially formed on 11/19/2002. My specialty is offering a large assortment of nostalgic and designer toys from some of the hottest artists and toy companies on the planet. I offer world class service at down to earth prices. We ship to both domestic and international customers. Our toys are carefully packed to assure that they will arrive in pristine condition.
Web Sites to Visit:
- Cameron Collectibles
- A Look at Urban Vinyl and Where it Came From
Learn the history and the players behind the excitement of Urban Vinyl - Flapjack Toys
The hot new company from the founder of FunKo - Kidrobot
A wide variety of toys for sale, as well as a terrific archive of all items they've ever shown on the web site. - Circus Punks
These will take you right back to the carnival midways! - Toy2R
Learn all about Qee.
