BOOK REVIEW: "I Am Plastic Too - The Next Generation of Designer Toys"

**JeffSaylor** · 09-29-2010, 03:11 PM

Paul Budnitz's new book explores the vivid world of art toys...

I Am Plastic, Too: The Next Generation of Designer Toys By Paul Budnitz, Published by Abrams

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In 2006, Paul Budnitz, the founder and creative director behind Kidrobot (the world's premier retailer, curator, and producer of limited edition art toys, apparel, accessories, and home products) brought a book titled I Am Plastic: The Designer Toy Explosion to the table. Budnitz documented what began as a modest concept by two Chinese artists in 1996 and since then, exploded into something so much bigger.

Page 43: Shogun 8-inch Dunny, Red Edition, 2007 Manufactured by Kidrobot © Huck Gee and Kidrobot

Four years later, the designer movement has expanded even more, becoming a dominant force in the West. Author Paul Budnitz presents I AM PLASTIC, TOO: THE NEXT GENERATION OF DESIGNER TOYS, a closer study of more than 140 of the very best artists and companies that span six continents.

This large hardcover book is a veritable who's who of the designer toy movement and features great photography of scarce, limited-edition toys as well as extensive interviews with thirteen designers (Joe Ledbetter, Tara McPherson, Huck Gee, Amanda Visell, Mad Toy Design, Gary Baseman, Frank Kozik, Ron English, Devilrobots, Junko Mizuno, Flying Fortress, Course, and Jeremyville) on 368 pages. The book measures 9 3/4" x 11 1/2" with 1,000 full-color illustrations.

This colorful book is available now through ABRAMS (abramsbooks.com) with a suggested retail price of $45.

If you think you know Designer Toys, this is a great resource. If you don't know Deisgner Toys, this is an even better resource. I really wasn't sure what to expect when I opened the book, but in this case, you really can judge a book by its cover because what you get is the very same but a whole lot more of it. Large, clear photographs are abundant as well as the artists and companies that made them. I highly recommend this book for the sheer fun of seeing the toys that you have come across. It's also a great way to check out the incredible toys that are out of my price range.

Review by David Yeh

Review Sample and Photos Courtesy of Abrams Books