Kidrobot Discussion Boards

"And it was happening anyways, especially in the Kaiju market. They released all this Kaiju, and they all put it on credit cards. I'm part of the business; I see how they pay. And the big group of people that are really active on the forums, that are collecting all that stuff, they really can't afford them. And I knew that market was going to die anyways -- it was just accelerated by the recession -- so I stopped making stuff for that market like two years ago. So when yoiu look at my releases -- that $85 just-another-Qee or whatever-the-f**k Dr. Bomb or whatever -- I stopped making those because I saw it coming." - Frank Kozik

http://www.streetlevel.com/2009/10/28/s ... ank-kozik/

i wouldn't call it dumping on his fans.

Yeah, how about putting your article quote in context, Frank is REALLY dumping on his fans in the next paragraph:

"So I pushed Kidrobot, and I said we got to be able to make big toys cheap, and that's why we made the [$25] Mongers and it worked. That would've been a $100-toy two or three years ago. But they've got it dialed in, we can sell those for 25 bucks. And I think that's good. Because I think it's cruel... for someone who's a collector, they have to cough up 500 bucks just to get basically eight variants. This is no good. This is what all these toy companies do. And a lot of them are gone. Which is good for me, because I'm making this sh*t right now for two years from now when it comes back. I'm going to fill these empty shelves with my stuff. I have all these new characters coming out."

What an a**hole, I mean working with Kidrobot to make $25 vinyl toys, Frank clearly REALLY hates his fans.

This thread is another reminder of why I visit the forums less and less each day.

Great interview. I like the fact that he says what the heck he think of, spontaneously.
It's up to you to take it or leave it after, but it is clear that you come here
to only strir sho-po plop, like you saw or did elsewhere ...

I stand by my statements. I am also a collector and paying 100 bucks a pop for slight variants just got mind numbing. All I have done for the last 2 years is push everyone I work with to make better quality toys, at the lowest possible prices, with as many unique sculpts and as many accessories as possible, said accessories switchable with other toys so that 'collecting' can be more affordable and interesting for the average person.

I think the 'scene' went through a really harsh period of say, way too many colorways of too expensive platform toys.

but that is just my personal opinion, as a collector. and , as a collector, I understand the pressure to get ALL the variants of whatever toy your in to. And , after a few years, it is just not possible.

so what I am trying to do is create 'character families' where theres a lot of different sculpts that are related, so you can pick and choose or get them all and have it be a little bit more interesting than an endless wall of bearbricks.

or, if you just liike 10" labbits, theres plenty of those as well. I am trying to bring choice and economy into the collecting equation.

if thats 'dumping' so be it.

I thought that interview was great. I personally love the fact that Frank understands I'm broke these days and still wants to be able to create amazing toys I can afford while still being able to work on bigger more expensive projects that keep his creative juices flowing. Targeting several markets...that's smart. An amazing atrist + a smart business man = a toy designer that will be able to stick around and continue producing wonderful pieces. That makes me happy because I'm a fan for life.

And thanks to Frank for taking the time to oversee this forum and contribute and answer questions and post upcoming release information, We're lucky.

That entire interview had just made me appreciate frank that much more. I have and never will regret buying his toys. He loves what hes doing, and who wouldn't want to be able to live off of what they love to do. I know i would. Please, keep doing what you're doing, and make a nice chunk of change while you're at it.

respect to frank... guy knows what's up, and treats his fans with an amazing amount of respect.

This was a great interview. It really makes me gain THAT much more respect for Frank and the work he is doing.

I am one of those people that love the under $50 pieces. I'm an average college student with a mediocre job. I wouldn't have tons of vinyl if it was all extremely pricey. Not to say I don't like the bigger stuff, in fact, I would love to drop alot of money on one toy. But I just don't have that kind of cash. If I had $300, I have the choice to buy a giant 20" OR all the 5" labbits and big mongers, I'd pick the latter. It's more fun and more variation. In short it's "more bang for your buck". It takes more room on your shelf, and when people see all of it, they realize 'hey, i can get involved in this too.' And I think it's great that somewhat like Frank has realized that art isn't just for the rich and snobby, but it should be something attainable for everyone

Thanks Frank, can't wait for what you have in store

I like my whatever-the-f**k Dr. Bomb.

me too!

agreed with all the positive comments. Much continued respect goes out to you Frank.

dont get me wrong, Dr Bomb is one of my favorite designs and I like it more today than when it first came out, but I think that , for whatever reason, too many colorways came out all at once a few times.

yeah i get your point... its a bit hard (especially for a n00b like me) to start with the good doctor. i dont even have any of the 10 inchers yet

frank dumps a lot of stuff for us to like.

I don't think Frank's ever dumped on me. He makes dope toys + answers his PMs. Sweet interview.

Well, he hasn't answered my PM. An Old one I may add. I don't blame him though, he must be a busy man, though I was a bit dissapointed, but that won't stop me from getting the x-mas labbits, haha.

Props to Frank for thinking of his followers. I'm sure i'll be able to continue collecting his work for years to come.

and this is why i will continue to collect his pieces. much respect to a great artist.

Frank is right on the money in this interview. Excellent.

we need:
less colorways
more original sculpts

Am I the only one that laughed their rump off at this? Props to Ted for posting the true context of the comments. I'm sure it's another one of those Skullbrain geeks that's still butt-hurt over that b.s, trying to hurt Frank's reputation here. Nice try.

BlackBoots,

r u ever going to rebuttal the responces to your original post

seems like ur speachless at this point

i wonder why

Thats so crazy! Kozik is one of my favourite artists. The fact that on a broke day I can go out and STILL get my toy fix is awesome! I mean Kozik makes it possible to go out and buy a figure that truly puts a genuine smile on your face and makes you 100% happy for alot less than other artists. I have 3 Dr. Bombs and on a daily basis I can change them for only $10. They are truly unique to my mood, taste, spot, whatever. I also have my pieces I saved for and and absolutly blow my mind. When I walk in and see my 20" or my army men, even my beetoven bust i still cannot believe i have them. Toy collecting to me is just about being surrounded with awesome looking art that makes me happy. Kozik puts out some inexpensive stuff(along side some of my dream toys) so i can buy a toy almost everyday and be super happy opening/displaying/trading them so to me he's still the man!

yep yep..I just finished 25 new Monger characters for series 4 'Ultralight 100's'...kidrobot will pick 15 or 16 and then start in on doing them for release in late 2010. lots of other new stuff as well. couple of cool surprises as well that have been secret...for 2010. all reasonably priced.

thanks for the kind words and support.

-Frank

hahaha
i had a weird image of frank drpping a deuce on a box fan
bahahahaha

Frank is good to his fans. bottom line