Yes it’s hard to believe I’d get all worked up over a piece which clearly lacks in intestinal fortitude but that’s exactly it… just LOOK at how beautifully those intestines succumb to the forces of rotting flesh and gravity.  JPK has been on a winning streak, batting a solid 400+, and watching this exceptional piece run from concept to proto to reality has been breathtaking.  I’ve even heard that this master of b&w surrealism has devised a new painting technique that allows his characters to express themselves aromatically!  Look out olfactory!!  Of course, if this is true, I think we had better start praying that Jon-Paul starts pushing into food or flower related works… I can only imagine what a warehouse full of these things would smell like.

Speaking of which, even if they did produce zombie pheromones, it won’t be a problem that we will have to deal with!  The Zombie Pirate Qee is strictly limited to 500 pcs and pre-orders have been phenomenal so they won’t be putrefying our warehouse for long.  These ship bound brain munchers will be sailing out of here before you can walk the plank!  Contact the Apex sales team ASAP to secure a few for your treasure chest.  The ship is setting sail at the end of Sept and I doubt there will be a second coming!

“Ahoy Maties! Prepare yourself for a voyage like none other as Toy2R invites you along with JonPaul Kaiser and his 8” Zombie Pirate Qee. Be on ye guard though, ya shouldn’t turn yer back on him. Begad! He’s a zombie!

Taken from an original illustration submission, this piece will mark the first of several new 8” Artist Qees Toy2R has planned for release. JonPaul’s sea-dog style is unmistakable and is captured in full detail. Limited to only 500 pc worldwide and an SRP of $65 – this is a treasure you won’t have to dig for! Blimey!

Setting sail and plundering its way to your nearest port, the Zombie Pirate will hit shores next month. Apex Trading Company is currently accepting wholesale pre-orders for this swag. So place your orders now to insure this seafaring blaggard doesn’t escape!

The Qeevolution continues to roll on….Fair Winds to Ye!”

Original Post from Toy2Rusa.com

Get yours now!  sales@apex-z.com

Just when collectors thought one artist series was enough, Toy2R proudly announces the debut of the Skelanimals Qee Artist Series Collection. Series 1 prototypes will be on display during SDCC through Skelanimals, booth #4513.

Check out the newest characters to join the Qee Universe (Chungkee & Marcy) in this unique collaborative series of one of the biggest global brands in the world, one of the original designer toy companies and 8 respected designer toy artists / customizers. This series will feature designs by Chauskoskis, Jim Koch, Frank Mysterio, Reactor 88, Voltaire, Julie West, Jon Paul Kaiser and Lunabee. Also included wil be traditional classic versions of the Skelanimals characters and of course, special chase figures all sporting a keychain attachment to make it easier to carry around everywhere.

The line launches with the GID Chungkee Qee exclusive being offered by Fugitive Toys during SDCC at booth #334. This pre-launch figure will only be available here and not be included in future releases, so collectors take note!

The Apex crew will be at SDCC getting our first peek at this amazing lineup.  Hopefully you will too but if not, don’t miss out on having this amazing collection for yourself.  To pre-order, contact us here.

Skelanimals x Qee – waking the dead to have some fun…won’t you join us?

Now just a word of caution… Apex has tried to reach out to everyone.  We’ve been spreading the good word about these for months and plenty of stores have their orders in but we knew there would be more so we brought in a ton of overstock.  With all the news lately though, the late orders have been coming in at a breakneck pace and it looks like our overstock is starting to run a bit thin so don’t delay!  Contact us ASAP to reserve yours!

Scroll on down to our gallery to see a few of the KNOWN pieces and get your appetite wet for the surprise pieces.  The few we DO know about will knock you socks off.   And now, for the official story (as posted by Toy2R USA):

After much anticipation, Toy2R is proud to announce that the 2.5″ Qee Designer Collection, Series 6 is now shipping to accounts and distributors across the globe! Collectors attending the Taipei Toy Festival this Thursday will be in for a treat as Toy2R debuts the series at booth A54! News also has it that the series will be available at vendors during San Diego Comic Con, starting July 21st!

With original designs from artists across the globe, this series marks the re-launch of the art series that started it all. Look for designs from some of the best DIY customizers to top designers of original art toys in this collection; Frank Kozik’s Toyer Z captured in Qee Bear form (is his nemesis, Toyer Enemy lurking about?), Cameron Tiede’s Noctural Decay Boxee Qee, Saucernauts creator Charlie Mewshaw’s Pinkeye Boxee, Lisa Petrucci’s adorable Polka Dot Bunee Qee, classic Qee artist Doink and his Mon Qee(s?), DIY custom kings Jon-Paul Kaiser and DrilOne first production Qees (the Great Khan and Toyer Scout, respectively), original world tour submissions from Peskimo’s Melee Cat and Daniel Jarrett’s Ventriliquist Dummy, character creator extrodinaire DGPH and his Submariner Bear, plus Qee creator Raymond Choy’s iconic Toyer designed Doggy Qee are all here, randomly packed.

But of course, that’s not all! Toy2R has included some sweet variants and chase design surprises for collectors to hunt down. Each figure includes keychain attachment so you can carry your Qees everywhere or hook ‘em to your backpack, purses, or whatever!

Join the Qeevolution today and start your collection with Series 6 – where Toy2R puts art in your hands!

The invasion… ehhem… the visiting delegation is set to land late June.  After a brief respite here at Apex HQ, they will be taking up tactical positions in stores throughout the world.  As intermediaries in this contact between two worlds, we ask that you show your best face, welcome them with open arms and give the a taste of what life on this sweet planet is all about.  There will be only 450 representatives arriving so if you want the chance to meet one of these truly amazing emissaries, it’s best to get in touch with staff at The Apex’s Interplanetary Outreach Division ASAP.  More info on what to expect below…

This is the premiere release from Smash Tokyo Toys.
SRP is $49.95
Apex expects delivery of these hot 9″ figures around June 21st.
With only 450 pieces available worldwide, we don’t expect them to last long.
Bounce over to Smash Tokyo Toys and say hello.

After much ado and worldwide submissions, Toy2R is proud to launch the continuation of the 2.5″ Qee Designer Collection with Series 6 dropping in late June. This will be the first of numerous collections planned for release through 2010 and beyond. Toy2R is pleased to announce the release date and the final lineup of this incredible series based on artwork from top art toy designers and some of the hottest toy customizers in the business.

This assortment will include designs from Frank Kozik, DGPH, Lisa Petrucci, Doink, Jon-Paul Kaiser, Cameron Tiede, Charlie Mewshaw, Peskimo, Daniel Jarrett, DrilOne, and Qee creator - Raymond Choy. Packaged in blind boxes – each 25 piece display will include these and some mystery chase variants and other surprise designs as well as Toy2R’s patented Qee keychain attachment.

The Qeevolution continues with Series 7 announcements coming soon….

We are currently taking pre-orders from retailers for Series 6.  We anticipate it’s arrival Mid-July…  just in time for San Diego Comic Con… Even if I have to load them into my truck to get them there!

After all has been said and done – Qeeology 2.5 can easily be touted as a huge success! With more than 200 customs on display – several hundred attendees and the first small Qee exhibit of its kind – the people of Lincoln, Nebraska were given an opportunity to see amazing and original creations from across the globe in one of the best settings possible – MARZ martini bar!

The evening was set up as part of Lincoln’s First Friday Art Walks and even with mother nature working against the city (with winds and low temps) the citizens stepped out and into the world of Qee. All ages were invited to attend to see the 140+ customs from professional artists, designers and customizers from the designer toy genre – but also 60 Qee customs created by local 8th grade art students ages 13 and 14 from Park Middle School.

All of the customs from the show will be added to the online Qee Gallery (which will put the gallery total over the 800 pc mark) and most of the pieces will be included in other Qee exhibits being hosted across the country throughout 2010 celebrating Toy2R’s 15th Anniversary.

Toy2R USA would like to thank the following for making this show a reality and most of all – one of the best exhibits of the year:

Local Hero Design for the Lincoln art community hook-up!

MARZ martini bar – the joint rocked and the staff was incredible!

Park Middle School – thanks for accepting our invitation and submitting some great, first-tim, customs!

And to the artists – without you, none of this would have been possible: Pocket Wookie, RSIN, Plaseebo, DrilOne, Leecifer, WuzOne, Gawein Customs, Atypical, Tony DePew, R5, Aaron Jarzynka, Albert Art, babyvtec, Sneaky Raccoon, Fried Gold Productions, Audrey Smith, Ben Swift, Lysol, B.A.L.D., Caroline David, Robot Luv, Cathy Solarano, Chris Dyer, KiLL!, Chris.o.saur, ciah-ciah, Jason Kochis, Erik Jorgensen, SINNED, Slobot, Dr. Krinkles, Hans Yim, A Little Stranger, Fuller Designs, Noosed Kitty, Jan Huling, Jason Ables, Bleeding Edges, Jeremie Memming, Jason Kochis, Joe Scarano, Oakley, Rampage Toys, Joemm Blanche, Kelly Vetter, Acrylicana, Kim Mayhew, Kyle Meyer, Groucho, KiD iNK iDUSTRiES,  Larry Greyczik, Lisa Rae Hansen, I Got Sole, Matt Connelly, Nicole Gustafsson, Owen Dewitt, Peter Worth, Quan Vu, Phil T Hunter, Blinky, Rio McCarthy, Roger Buchholz, Ryan Glass, Droppixel, Sandra Summers, William Long,Monsterbot Studios, J*Ryu, Scott Sauer, Todd Robertson, Colin Mohnacs, Ryan Minard, Valerie Gudell, Jeffrey Uyen and Ryan Holt

Here are just a few images from the show including 3 original Qee paintings completed by one of the 8th grade art students. Stay tuned for more updates as Qeeology 2.5 – like most experiences – will continue to grow and evolve and be sure to keep checking in the Qee Gallery for all of the fantastic customs!

Originally posted on Toy2R USA

Qeeology 2.5 is one of those cases of a good idea gone truly great. It will be the next stop of Toy2R’s celebratory 15th anniversary Custom Qee Tour with a special focus on mini (2.5″) DIY’s. Opening tomorrow night- May 7th- in Lincoln, NE, the event is slated to display nearly 200 tiny custom treasures. Judging by the handful of images that have been released so far, this collection is going to exceed even the highest of expectations. Many of the finished customs could be easily mistaken for their 8″ counterparts, like Roger Buchholz’ Qee le Empereur, a tiny homage that would make Bonaparte himself crack a grin:

Qeeology 2.5 will unveil its miniature wonderland at the Marz Martini bar as part of Lincoln’s first Friday Artwalk. Come one, come all and step right up to see the biggest little custom Qee exhibit of all time!

From Jumping Brain creator Emilio Garcia is the Brain Pattern Qee Bear. Emilio created a customized Qee for an upcoming DIY Qee show but due to the response of his Jumping Brain collection and the peeks at his custom – Toy2R is considering creating it as a limited edition production piece. Limited to only 500 pieces worldwide – you don’t need to be a genius to know this is a great piece of art – but using your brain to pre-order one before they are sold out would be wise!

From the UK comes this first look at the concept 8″ Qee Bear from Jon Paul Kaiser. Known for his amazing Black & White customs and artwork – his visions are stark and unique. Titled Zombie Pirate – this Qee design has something for everyone. Limited to only 500 pieces worldwide – Jon Paul Kaiser also has some Qee designs included in Toy2R’s collaboration with Skelanimals for the upcoming Artist Series coming out this summer.

Paris, France has given birth to a lot of great artists and Niark1 is one of those to be recognized as original and awe inspiring. Toy2R first saw one of his customs at an exhibit and was blown away by the use of color and detailed simplicity. Recreating one of his original customs – Oh No! 9″ Bunee will be a spectacular piece to collect. Limited to 500 pieces worldwide – this will be the first 9″ Designer Bunee Qee released for 2010.

All three pieces are currently being offered by Apex and quantities will be limited. Expect to see the launch of the first Designer Qee Collection piece available in late summer of 2010.

Originally Posted by Toy2RUSA

Check out this custom show in celebration of Toy2R’s 15th anniversary and in benefit of Ronald McDonald House, it’s a special blend of events to please a wide variety of palates.

-The Apex

Toy2R proudly announces the next stop on the 15th Anniversary World Tour – Rivet Gallery.

Known for their extensive exhibit schedule and their talented roster of artists – Rivet Gallery is the premiere venue for  DIY shows in Columbus, Ohio. Curated by Laura Kuenzil – this show will be nothing but unique. In fact, the entire exhibit focuses on Toy2R’s 3.5″ Baby Qee line. Don’t be fooled into thinking this is just another cute show – these cuddly critters will amaze and bewilder you – plus it will be benefiting a good cause, The Ronald McDonald House.

The line-up of artists include: Adam Levene, Amanda L. Spayd, Amy Kollar Anderson, Andrew Bawidamann, Andy B. Clarkson, Angela Matteson, BetsO, Chas Ray Krider, Chris Ryniak, Clinton Reno, Dave Perillo, Jenna Colby, Joe Scarano, Johnny Yanok, Laine Bachman, Okkle, Sharon Bell, Tom Williams, Trenton McBeath, and Troy Stith. To learn more about each artist head over here.

An opening reception will be held on April 3rd from 7:00 to 10:00. The figures will remain on exhibit from April 3rd – through the 28th. 25% of the sales proceeds from these Baby Qee figures will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House.

Rivet Gallery – (614) 294-8697        1200 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43201

To learn more about Rivet and their schedule of shows, check out Rivet. Here is an advance look at Chris Ryniak’s and Amanda L. Spayd’s customs for the show:

Originally posted on Toy2RUSA.com

We take for granted the things we have but being without everyday necessities, like water and shelter, can be devastating, especially for children.  Helping make a better tomorrow for the people of Haiti includes bringing happiness back to the children.  Toy2R is collaborating with Artoyz in France and Apex in the US to release this very special edition 2.5” Happiness for Haiti Qee Bear.

Limited to 500 pieces – this Qee can be purchased directly from Toy2R, Artoyz and Toy2R-USA.  Toy2R-USA has them available in their store right now: Relief Qee The proceeds from each sale will go directly to the American Red Cross to help their relief efforts in Haiti.  Help bring the back smiles to the children of Haiti with the purchase of this limited edition Qee.

For more information contact:

Toy2R – info@toy2r.com
Toy2R USA – info@toy2rusa.com
Artoyz – contact@artoyz.com
The Apex – theapex@apex-z.com