HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I'm travelling about 100 mph on a high speed train through the Northern part of France.  Reflecting on this year and dreaming about the possibilities that wait ahead in 2013.  I love this modern age in times like these.  When I was 15, I couldn't imagine the connections I would make by 38.  It's amazing.  This planet is amazing.  Being connected.

Reflections - 2012 was a big year for The Loyal Subjects.  A big year for growth, personally and business wise.  We began looking at our business in a different light.  Organization, connecting, image, vision, growth, expansion - all items we are defining.  2013 will be the beneficiary of our planning from the latter half of this year.  I finally get to accent the great properties and identities that captured my imagination; Transformers, G.I. JOE and Mr. Potato Head.  Each of these magical properties define certain periods of my life.  They are DNA, endemic, a very integral part of my creative development.  I am extremely excited about building out our brand with these fantastic characters and worlds.  

We produced a mountain of releases in 2012 - Large scale Sam Flores' Kid Dragon, Gary Baseman's Buckingham Warriors, Joe Ledbetter's Burger Bunnies, Mr. Bunny, our apparel line, Transformers, G.I. JOE, Laurie Lipton prints, Skate Decks, TLS x Coachella merchandise, art for Tender Greens restaurants, Inflatables and vuvuzelas for Diplo and Major Lazer!  Somehow I feel that we're just scratching the surface.  We travelled to the Philippines, Hong Kong and New York for special TLS events, releases and signings.  We had Sold Out releases at Designer Con.  Again, we're barely scratching the surface, that's what makes the prospects of 2013 so exciting.

What we learned in 2012 we will apply in 2013 - better customer service, a new website, more product, continuation of our high quality, limited edition collectibles, better shipping prices and increasing our brand profile so those who believe in us and those who support us can be proud to wear, follow, collect the TLS brand.  We promise to increase your experience and hopefully we can capture your imagination.

Here's to the triumphs of 2012 and here's to the growth, education and continued pursuit of being better for 2013 and beyond.  Carpe Diem.

A special thank you goes out to Joe Ledbetter, Gary Baseman, Sam Flores, Alex Pardee, Tara McPherson, Laurie Lipton, FriendsWithYou, Les Schettkoe, Sket-One, 123 Klan, Jon Burgerman, Jeremyville, Greg "Craola" Simkins, Erik Oberholtzer and the Tender Greens Family, Han Cholo, Truant Media, The Service Company, Royal Interactive, Guy Logan, Diplo, Mad Decent, Teamwrk Management, Melissa Fox,  Bruce Gedminas, Jim Crawford, Brandee Leonard, Jonathan Bird, Hasbro, Elizabeth Miller, Nancy Braga, Sharon Swanson, Susan Romero, Michael Verecchia, Secret Fresh, Big Boy Cheng, Yoyamart, Stephen and Gena Gerbier, Minty Fresh, Joel and Isabelle, Giorgia Ledbetter, Colette, Jed Carter, Tony Thaxton, Merch Graphics, Emam Abed, and all of our vendors, retailers, customers, supporters, followers and family!  It takes a Village.  We are thankful.

If I don't see you in Amsterdam on the 5th then I will see you soon!  For now, it's back to the French countryside.  Amazing if you think about the footsteps that have covered this land.  Unreal.  

Happy New Year.  Health, Wealth and Happiness to all of you!

IT'S THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT...

...AND I FEEL FINE!

Jan 5th.  Amsterdamn.  Minty Fresh.  Get it.

MR. BUNNY #2

Following up on the madness of a 24 hour Bunny love fest!  That was cool, right?  I'm fairly certain everyone was able to grab what they wanted.  If not from our site, from the host of amazing and awesome retailers who we love to call our polyamorous life partners.  We heard some very kind kudos being thrown out to the divine Rotofugi and My Plastic Heart.  It's great that the base  supports the pillars because without the pillars and without all of you, we're lost at sea.  We certainly feel challenged to create better pieces and we're definitely trying to evolve with all of your tastes.  Hopefully we all sail up stream together, in this case, to a Chaos Bunny paradise masterminded by Joe Ledbetter.  

Happy shopping, Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas and let's turn this motha out!

Pssst.  One last thought or tid bit of insider info.  There's a Bunny who jumped ship.  Last we heard he sailed off over the great Atlantic to a very liberal European port town to have a little fun.  Keep it Fresh.  Keep it Minty.  We may have to follow the trail.  Might get lost ourselves =)  If we do, don't bother sending help.  We'll be swimming mightily towards greener pastures.

www.theloyalsubjects.com

MR BUNNY. #2

$125.00

This Wednesday, Noon PST at 

www.theloyalsubjects.com

Also, check with your favorite retailers for availability -

BAIT, Yoyamart, Rotofugi, Minty Fresh...and more...

Ships before Christmas.

ELVIS HAS LEFT THE BUILDING

Wow, did that just happen?  Did Elvis really leave the building?  Did we start the morning with almost 100 Lava Bunnies and end up with a bunch of empty boxes, some crusty donuts, a lot of hand shakes and a bunch of smiling faces?  I think so.  I'm pretty sure that just happened.  Nice.  That feels good.  

Conventions are crazy, even the ones in your own backyard.  We're in Atwater Village and Designer Con is in Pasadena.  Maybe a 15 minute drive from our HQ.  Closeness to proximity doesn't matter, it's still chaos.  We're ripping apart the warehouse, bubble wrapping our fixtures, getting our samples ready, making sure our loyal customers are being communicated to, packing up 17' long trucks - it's a massive effort for just a 9 hour show.  And it's only 1 day.  And it's fun!  This is just the tip of the iceberg.  We have Toy Fair coming in February.  A secret release this January in Amsterdam.  Another secret release this coming March in Beijing.  Comic Con in San Diego!  It's nuts!!  And it's all Joe Ledbetter related!  More Nuts!  Side Note - You can never use enough emphatics.  Really, the good ole exclamation mark is king.  Simple, yet effective.  People are intuitive.  Intuition created the exclamation mark.  A perfect union of design and expression.

Enough of the side track crazy train.  Let's talk about Designer Con!  Everyone happy?  I know, not everyone but we will make it our mission for you to be stoked!  It's my goal to make sure that whoever lost out on this round will be included in the next.  We are democratic, we are loyal, you are our subjects and we are yours.  We're one in the same and we know it's you guys who make us tick.  It's you guys who prop us up and believe-you-me, we are grateful to our very core.  We are never lost on that point.  We were excited to meet our friends, familiar faces and new faces, all celebrating the return of Lava Bunny, Joe's first intro into the art toy scene way back, several years ago.  It's great that The Loyal Subjects were able to produce a very identifiable and unique design, one which has resonated with a really great core group.  Even greater, it's amazing the great group of collectors who have connected with Joe Ledbetter through the years. It truly is fantastic and everyone feels blessed to have the support from all of you.  Art with an impact.  Can't get any better, can you? 

Congratulations to all of you who were able to score one, meet Joe and have Joe sign your prized Bunny.  Congratulations to Joe Ledbetter for being fierce, dynamic and truly an all around great guy!  And for kicking so much butt last Saturday!  Let's keep the momentum going.  Word on the street is, there's another Bunny going up on the market.  Something about a leak Monday?  Perhaps it'll be on sale at www.theloyalsubjects.com on Wed?  So I've heard.  Keep them ears and peepers peeled.  we got your back!

jc

MR BUNNY LAVA

Stay tuned...Nov 3rd.  Pasadena.

MEGA FIRE CATS

Mega is a misused term.  Mega this, Mega that.  Mega Savings.  Mega Cola.  Mega Mart.  Enough of Mega already.  Until, Mega is used properly, intuitively, sparing, for the exact moment where the letters M E G A actually mean something when pronounced.  It's as if you're almost afraid to say it.  Just a whisper will do.  With the right intent, Mega conjures Mega.  What is Mega?  Mega is the calm before the storm.  It's the quiet rolling rumble of the earth and dirt beneath your feet.  It's the water rippling, echoing across the surface.  And it grows.  And grows. And grows.  Until you are confronted with MEGA.  You become paralyzed.  Swallowed by Mega's Meganess.  It's too late.  You're a goner.  

M E G A   F I R E C A T!

This is Mega.  Standing 4' tall nearly 6' across (with the flame).  This Mega beast is more than a beast.  This is a mega piece of art. Produced by The Loyal Subjects and created by Joe Ledbetter.  The Fire Cat is one of Joe's prized and cherished characters.  Now, it's a formidable art sculpture and very rare.  The Mega Fire Cat will be releasing into the throws of panic'ed earth in less than 30 days.  There are several color ways; Red (Ed of 7), Ice (Ed of 4), Mono (Ed of 5) and Lava (Ed of 3).  That's right.  Just 19 MEGA Fire Cats.  If you're lucky enough to get your hands on one, you too will finally know the meaning of MEGA!

Available through www.3dretro.com, www.toykio.de and www.baitme.com - happy hunting =).

PS  If you strike out, we have only 1 left.  Coax it out of our hands if you dare.  sales@theloyalsubjects.com.

JOE LEDBETTER, GIANT BURGER BUNNIES AND YOYAMART!

Wow.  Time flies.  I swear it was June 28th two days ago.  It came and went.  So did my birthday.  Stop the train for a second so we can catch our breath...Please.  Ugg.

June 28th - A magnificent, irruguous New York summer day (and night).   Heavy on the heat, heavy on the perspiration.  We were fortunate to escape to the loose partying, stimulate atmosphere of the ever so cool, hip and chic grasps of the Meat Packing District's Yoyamart.  Libations o' many.  Prosecco flowed like infinite vases dripping from processions dedicated to the bacchanal.  Guys, girls, kids, parents, hipsters, fans, Frenchmen, Irishmen, Jamaicans, Philippinas, Englishmen and the like kicked up their heels, batted down a few menacing 5 foot tall inflatable Burger Bunnies and let loose in celebration.  The occasion?  Why, Joe Ledbetter of course!  Making a rare New York appearance.

It was a party.  A signing.  A good time.  Had by all.  Dig?!

Beyond booze, laughter, music and friends, Yoyamart displayed a fanciful cornucopia of very in demand Joe Ledbetter merchandise.  Namely, the Burger Bunny inflatable (sand weighted base and 7 lbs!), a selection of limited edition Joe Ledbetter shirts (available at Yoyamart - go get em!) - including Fire-Cat-Zilla, Ringo Bear, Batman and Burger Bunny tees for kids, men and women!   Other limited edition TLS x Joe Ledbetter product was made available.  Rumor has it, Yoyamart has an exclusive edition of 50 print.  Wha?  Woot!  We even saw a single sighting of the original Secret Fresh Exclusive Burger Bunny from TLS!  It went faster than those dodging the magnificently fantastic surging heat waves.  Yoyamart has a rich selection of Joe Ledbetter and TLS products.  You should stop in.  Word on the street is, Yoyamart is a celebrity hotspot for a few well known silver screen shoppers and day trippers.  Maybe you'll run into someone you know?

A sincere HUGE thank you to the wonderful owners of Yoyamart and their generous and patient staff.  We love you!

JOE LEDBETTER SIGNING THIS COMING THURS AT YOYAMART, NYC!

We're coming to NYC!  The whole lot of us - The Loyal Subjects, Joe Ledbetter, Burger Bunny Inflatables, Exclusive Prints, Limited Edition Joe Ledbetter vinyl collectibles, Joe Ledbetter T-Shirts...wha??  Phewww!  That's a lot of stuff we're hauling across the country, but never fear - we have strong arms and a will to party - with our NYC friends!  How about that!

Let me tell you about Yoyamart - Yoyamart is owned by some of the most graceful, fashionable, exquisite and elegant proprietors West of Paris, France!  Not kidding - these guys are next level.  That's why we are proud to be affiliated with this brilliant, fashionable and tasty boutique!  We're bringing in the heavy artillery - Joe Ledbetter and a whole Joe-a-pallooza of awesome creations!   Joe will be on hand signing, greeting, chatting it up and hanging with his loyal patrons!  So, come on in and meet the man behind the creations!  T-Shirts, Burger Bunny Inflatables and Prints will all be limited so definitely jump in and grab them while you can!  Joe created an exclusive Edition of 50 print just for the party!  Saweeeeet!

See you there!  

Where?

YOYAMART

15 GANSEVOORT STREET

NEW YORK, NY 10014

TEL: 212-242-5511

THURSDAY, JUNE 28TH

7-10P

TLS x JOELEDBETTER x KIDROBOT EVENT!

The Loyal Subjects would like to personally thank Kidrobot and their superstar team of experts  for their efforts, support and diligence. 

Extra extra thanks and bountiful swells of gratitude also go out to Joe Ledbetter for creating/concocting this awesome, monstrous, masterpiece.

Pleasantries aside, the Friday night event at Kidrobot was awesome.  The Loyal faithfuls certainly were served up with heaping helpings of veggie delight, all in the form of a mutant Veggie Burger Bunny.  Imagine seeing one of these bouncing around on your front lawn.  Furreal!  That's frightening and surreal combined.  It's not a word so don't look it up.  Perhaps we'll get a mention in Urban Dictionary for this "good ole college try".

Kidrobot LA had 12 on hand and then "poof"!  Much like the bunny in the magicians hat - Gone!  Don't sweat it though, more are available through Kidrobot June 7th so keep your eyes peeled to their retail stores and online.  Happy hunting!  

PS  Vinylpulse Jack was on hand to record the night's activities.  Always give VP a looksie for the "on the ground" activities involving TLS.

VEGGIE BURGER BUNNIES COMING TO KRLA!

Hey hungry folk!  Especially  those who are looking for some protein substitutes apart from our beloved animal kingdom - boy, do we have the right patty for you!  Introducing the 12" tall, stackable Veggie Burger Bunny!  Exclusive to Kidrobot and only 40 of these suckers grilled, boxed and made to order!  These delicious anthropomorphic yet animal friendly mutant hopping veggie burgers (does that sound right?) are definitely a must have for any J Led collector.  We say that about all J Led's releases, but seriously, right?!  They (Veggie Burger Bunnies) are made from wood, beautifully decorated and packaged in a nifty wood create with a sliding cover door.  Only $300.00!  I do say ONLY, because these are delicious works of art and where on earth can you get something so unique, so original and well crafted for $300.00?  Worth every penny.

Here are the details - The Loyal Subjects will be on hand with artist Joe Ledbetter at the Kidrobot LA store (KRLA for the NASDAQ fans) Friday, June 1st between 6-8p.  A certain allotment of Veggie Burger Bunnies will be made available for the event.  The rest can be purchased at the other Kidrobot retail locations on June 7th.  A democratized release! 

Also available will be a brilliant Joe Ledbetter x Kidrobot print (edition of 50) aptly titled 'NICE BUNS'.  And boy, how!

See you all next Friday, June 1st!  Let's enjoy a good ole fashion art cookout featuring your friends from The Loyal Subjects, Joe Ledbetter and Kidrobot!  Weeee Howdy!

POOL TOYS AND HYDRATION - BEST OF BOTH WORLDS!

Spring is upon us.  I love Spring.  It's a prelude to Summer.  Summer is my favorite season.  I couldn't imagine a world without summer - the renewal of life, the radiant sunshine, pool parties, surf trips, beach days, long days, warm nights...  What fun.  What memories.

I think we (TLS) subconsciously make seasonal product.  I do.  It might not be deliberate but it sure seems that way.  Case in point - the Joe Ledbetter Water bottle - in time for Coachella, Spring, the renewal of activities, Beach days and your general all around hydration needs.  It's perfect!  And it's so cool.  Only $20.00 on www.theloyalsubjects.com and ready to ship now.  It's reusable, washable, aluminum - with a really cool screen printed graphic.  I want 10 for myself, unfortunately, I started a business to sell my wares, not hoard them.  Thus, I offer it with great humility and concern for your hydration needs, and, with an equally great conscious for your eco conservationist sensibilities.  Boom!

Next - Gary Baseman's wildly famous alter ego, TOBY.  We turned him into a very cool Jeff Koonsian like inflatable.  And he's huge.  T H I R T Y S I X I N C H E S T A L L.  I've been told that's big.  It is.  Be the coolest at the pool - what better pool condiment than a very cool, famous art object that floats?  And, it's 20% off from now to the end of Coachella on www.theloyalsubjects.com.  Bad A$$.  

Let's all heed great concern for each other's cool points and health.  Get on the bus, we have some good gets on the way to your destination!

THE LOYAL SUBJECTS COACHELLA (tiny) CAPSULE COLLECTION!

I started in music.  I played drums for nameless bands.  Seemingly forever.  But a "fun" forever.  Eventually, after a day of music fits and tantrums, I thought of an idea - "Let's create characters like the Lil' Homies but instead of 'Homies', they'll have Mullets.  I'll call them Mullet Heads!"  That's a good abbreviated and condensed way of describing how I plunged into this industry.  Music has always been my first love.  The arts.  The arts are my love.  But music permeates.  I still play, just not on stage.

I remember heading out to Indio a decade ago.  Even before that, I remember Pearl Jam playing the Polo Grounds.  It was an "F" You concert, flipping the bird to Ticket Master.  Pearl Jam escaped the long Ticket Master grasp and headed beyond their reach - thus the Polo Fields in Indio.  That show(s) proved that concerts worked at that location.  Cut a few years later (post Lollapalooza culture festival explosion), Goldenvoice - the genius micro promoter outfit which had a hand in every punk rock show extending from San Diego to Santa Barbara from the mid 80's on - held a concert in the desert.  It was amazing.  My friends and I had a great time.  For the next few years we named the show "Rock and Roll High School Reunion".  It seemed that every musician that I had met along the way (and vice versa) was at the show.  It was great.  It still is great.  Bigger.

All things being said, that feeling and those people were my family.  Those were amazing times.  That's why I jumped at the chance to have my own micro product offering in the famous Coachella Boutique.  A sure shot from the mainstage to the back of the venue.  Couldn't miss it if you tried.  

I knew that Joe Ledbetter would be the perfect fit (no pun intended) for the T-Shirt.  And he is.  Joe's mascot, Mr. Bunny pitches the perfect concert going narrative - a fun time, a little delirious and knocked off the planet.  Brilliant.  I then had the idea to create a map - like the ones at Disneyland.  Although I wanted to use the genius collage and "all things connected" universe as demonstrated by the brilliant Jon Burgerman.  He knocked it out of the park.  The poster is almost 6' wide and printed on archival paper (this one definitely goes up in a frame).  It's a true treasure map, illustrating famous facets of Coachella lore past and future.  Take a real close look.  There are some amazing nuggets that I'm sure a well versed Coachella-ite will recognize.  So that is where we stand.  Unfortunately, both pieces are only available at the show but fortunately, you'll have to go and have the time of your life to have access to them.  Not too bad a predicament. 

BURGER BUNNY INFLATABLE!

When I was a kid, maybe three or four years old, I had these full length heather blue Mickey Mouse Club pajamas (with footies and all - possibly even the trap door butt).  The "footies" had this rubber texture that adhered to the bottoms.  I guess three year olds need some good gripping traction.  All things being said, I had a matching inflatable Bop Bag, which was Mickey Mouse, and advertised the good ole' MMC.  I loved that bag.  It looked cool.  I loved the texture.  And it was fun to punch.  

Perhaps that's our fascination with these inflatables.  As Freud said, "Childhood Regression".  Better yet, perhaps it's more like Jeff Koons in nature.  Challenging perceptions of what is functional, mundane, obvious, interpretive - and what is art.  A physical piece, in a physical space, where the actual object itself incorporates an identity and oscillates energy.  I think it's both.  Regression Art?  Can that be a movement?  Although we are progressing?  All things here said, it's worth the discussion and bottom line, these objects are amazing in a physical space.  They literally transform a space into sculpture gardens incorporating fun, energy and aesthetic.  How cool!

When Joe first introduce the Burger Bunny through his well known Mutant Bunny Series, I knew that design had layers (no pun intended).  It was satyr, parody, clever, objectionable and embracing.  The image has great color contrast and is a narrative of a 1000 words.  What a perfect idea.  We had to blow it up.  So we did!  Into a 62" inflatable which bops if you punch it.  A sand weighted base keeps it in place.  This piece is an objet d'art.  All encompassing.  And it's only $99.00 at www.theloyalsubjects.com.  Only 300 Made!

We hope that you enjoy!

JOE LEDBETTER'S T-SHIRT EXTRAVAGANZA! AND WATER BOTTLE?

Piecing together a t-shirt line embiggens the same spirit, similar in approach, in creating probabilities and permutations with a set of unassigned numbers.  Which design, which shirt cut, which sizes, etc.?  Logarithmic.  Having good designs encourages the process.  When approaching a line we consider the most important aspects; Do we connect to the images?  Is this the shirt that I would wear?  Does this shirt feel good?  In the case of Joe Ledbetter, there are very few images that we don't connect with.  Joe has a rich character narrative in a fantastic world - a world generalizing, emphasizing and exaggerating human qualities focused in a playful anthropomorphic universe.

Joe's designs are perfect for this basic canvas.  

Our t-shirts are the outfitting bridge from the shelf, floor, wall and ceiling of your collection, in your living spacing.  We hope that you think so too.  TLS and Joe Ledbetter are proud to present the first of the Joe Ledbetter designs, available now on FAB.COM for $22.50 a shirt, both Men's and Women's.  As an added bonus, we have included a reusable aluminum water bottle (for you eco conscious heroes) for only $16.00.  The sales ends Sunday so happy shopping and thanks for the support!

VALENTINE'S DAY LOVE!

Valentine's Day - a day to show those who you intimately care for, just how much you care.  So goes the tradition.  I haven't read up on the entire history.  My assumption is Valentine's Day is a positive emotion.  Not just another gift giving day, but a day where the gifts that you give carry weight.  Gifts that are true expressions - thoughtful, fun, emotionally connecting, romantic and so on. 

I have a few gifts up my sleeve.  I'm also making available a few gifts for those budget conscious, star crossed lovers.  Serious, our Valentine's Day Love Fest in dollar amounts is less than a dozen roses and more than a helium balloon.  Both gifts include stories and DNA that all sprang from True Love.  Magnus and Friday - A true love story.  I know, I was there when it happened.  To make things even more bizarre, the real Magnus and Friday love story happened in Rome.  After Joe created the story (on a walk around the Circo Massimo - the track Ben Hur made famous), we walked into a Basilica and low and behold, this exact Basilica had St. Valentine's skull (relic).  Unbelievable.  I'm not making this up.  It's as true as the day is long.  So, Magnus and Friday are truly dipped in St. Valentine's tender magic - literally! 

Alex Pardee's Walrus Rider is a true love story too.  It's about a stud of a young man who had the best legs in town.  The girls fell ga ga over this lad's lengthy stems.  One night, while this young man was sleeping, some beast came in and stole his legs.  Can you imagine the nerve of some people?  Well, the little dude was pissed.  He lassoed a Walrus and went looking for vengeance.  All because of love.  Love for his legs and the attention he received from the Betties.  

So, this Valentine's Day - ask yourself - are you a stud?  Are you the perfect girlfriend?  You should answer, YES!  I am!  And by committing to this affirmation, it only makes sense for you to get on over to TheLoyalSubjects.com and pick yourself up a $50.00 Walrus Rider which includes a 8" x 10" signed print from Mr. Pardee himself and either version of the Magnus and Friday sets for $40.00 each!  Serious, does it get any better? 

Happy Valentine's Day!

BURGER BUNNY MANIA! IN MANILA!

Here's to a posthumous post.  It's not as though I intended to post news past it's newsworthy, "in the moment" date.  I suppose any TLS news is relevant to me - even after the fact.  However, one not to give excuses (I learned well from my parents), I'll have to make an exception.  What's the excuse?  Jet Lag!  While we were in Manila, I was trying to keep everyone up via Facebook and Twitter and never had the time to sit down and blog.  Mainly, because we were running around like crazy people and every chance Big Boy and his crew got, they were shuffling us off to eat and shop.  I must have gained 5lbs.  Serious.  I gained five pounds.  This weekend is for the gym, and of course, the Super Bowl.  Ironic.  Whatever I do at the gym tomorrow and Saturday will be reversed come Super Bowl.  Ok, enough side tracking.

Here's a play by play on the event.  As most of you know, it took place on January 22nd at Secret Fresh in Manila, PI.   What is Secret Fresh?  Secret Fresh is, well...it's Fresh!  Fresh - like in a "B Boy" way.  It's a killer spot, ran by great people.  It's a store that is part of a larger complex called the RONAC ART CENTER.  Cool stores, restaurants and a full  Pro Regulation basketball court.  After pounding myself with unhealthy food, I would sneak off and shoot a few hoops.  Big Boy caught up with me and while I was shooting - he bet me $1MM, payable to me, if I made a half court shot.  I made it on the first try.  No kidding.  Still waiting for the check.  Tic Toc Tic Toc.  Hmm.  This was my David Choe Facebook stock moment but only $199MM less.  Trying not to lose sleep over it.  =)

So, back to Joe and the Burger Bunny release.  Wow!  Amazing event!  Great turnout, great eats, great people!  The Bunny sold out before the event and Joe spent a generous amount of time signing, sketching, chatting it up - basically, being an all around awesome dude and the Secret Fresh attendees were definitely happy to see him.  

What's next?  Kid Robot color way Bunny (so I've been told) and maybe a Frozen one...

You'll have to stay tuned!  If you have seen, felt or obtained the Burger Bunny - it's insane!  Really.  A wonderful piece of art that will blow your socks off!  I think there are a few socks that have been blown off already.

WORKING ON 2012

It's a new year.  We have over a dozen projects in the cooker right now.  Here's a quick little list:  Gary Baseman, Craola, Hasbro, FriendsWithYou, Joe Ledbetter and more!  It's been great organizing the year with our factory team in China.  Our partners are getting ready for the New Year - Year of the Dragon - I decided to pop in before everyone went on break to organize and smooth out the details.  First up - Joe Ledbetter - Burger Bunny Wood 10" collectible (expect color ways *hint hint*).  Next, Joe Ledbetter Bop Bag inflatable - Looks a lot like a 60" tall Burger which you can punch feverishly at pesky calories.  Also, Sam Flores 5' tall Kid Dragon (would it look good in gold?) - you'll find out!  Gary Baseman - the Buckingham Warrior - Wow!  This piece is epic.  10" tall of Baseman brilliance and coming this April (stay tuned for pics).  Next for this first quarter - remember Joe Ledbetter's Fire Cat?  Thought about ever owning a 50" tall one in fiberglass?  You'll find out this April/May.

We're in the airport now, leaving for Manila, Philippines where we'll join Joe and Big Boy from Secret Fresh.  I've been told the Burger Bunny had sold out days ago and the fans in Manila are going nuts awaiting Joe's arrival.  It feels good to be working with our team and retail partners, even though we're so far away from home, nonetheless, we still feel at home.  2012 is stacking up to be a great year and what greater way to kick it off than a 50 piece 10" tall Wood Bunny release starring Joe Ledbetter.  I'm happy to be here.  I'm happy for the experiences.  For the relationships.  For the opportunities.  Life is amazing.  Carpe Diem.

BURGER BUNNY

Joe Ledbetter has a brilliant imagination.  Most notable when it comes to his mutations on one of his most beloved character - Mister Bunny (Bunny, Mutant Bunny, Colossus Bunny) - it goes by many names, nonetheless, each mutation is as delicious as the previous.  

Delicious?  Literally.  Burger Bunny.  Need I say more?  Two all "something" patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, tomato on a sesame seed bun?  Which can hop?  Mind blowing.  You'll have to catch him if you want to eat him.

This delicious and seemingly happy beast stands 10" tall, is made of wood and is an edition of 50.  In case you are uncomfortable eating that patty next to the cheese, feel free to rearrange the order - because, you CAN!  How cool is that!?  Perfect for any OCD burger enthusiast. 

The Burger Bunny will come packaged in a wood box and is only available through SECRET FRESH/FRESH MANILA.  The Loyal Subjects and Joe Ledbetter will be on site to launch the Burger Bunny in Manila this coming Jan 22nd, 2012.  Stay tuned!  Any interest in buying one?  Contact Secret Fresh.  Word has it, they are only releasing 25 pieces for non Domestic sales (meaning, anything outside of the Philippines).  Happy hunting/eating...it's Burger Wabbit season...

Ronac Art Center from Ronac Art Center on Vimeo.

WRECKS AND DAZEY LAVA EDITION

To all the loyal Joe Ledbetter fans in this brilliant, fantastical world - Joe brings you yet another Lava Edition!  This one coming from Joe via Analog Playset.  Analog Playset is Tony Thaxton's project, drummer of Motion City Soundtrack.  Joe happens to be fans of the band and the band, fans of Joe.  Just so happens that Joe Ledbetter had created the key art for MCS' last studio album, 'My Dinosaur Life'.  The art centers around the Wrecks and Dazey characters - a loveable Tyrannosaurus Rex and his pollinating bee pal, Dazey.  Fitting and apropos Darwin statement, even if unintentional - out with the dinosaurs and in with new - i.e. the bee and it's pension for pollinating and redistributing opportunities for life.  Poignant.  See, there's a lot going on behind the doors of these artist's minds.  Just have to take a peek.

Wrecks and Dazey Lava Edition is an Edition of 99 and is available for $110.00.  A 6" set?  A "friggin" steal my delicious friends!  Now, there are only six pieces left.  So, HAPPY HUNTING!  Buy them HERE!