3A Adventure - Issue 001 April 2014

Page 1

- TOYS 路 A RT 路 C O M I C S -

001

APRIL 2014

3A Adventure

1



-

I N T R O

B Y

A S H L E Y

W O O D

-

A WORD Welcome to the first issue of 3A Adventure! I started out making magazines, photocopied zines etc. Way back in the day me and TP started a mag called Alarum, initially a photocopy thingy then it made the leap to traditional print. It had comics, music articles etc. I thought it couldn’t get any better, then it got cancelled pretty much as fast as it started, this first issue makes think back to that time and the raw let’s just do something we think is cool vibe, which is the only real reason to do anything! So this first release of 3A Adventure is a big deal to me, being able to mix toys, art and design wrapped up in a mag is what I kinda live for, being able to share it makes it even better! I’m very lucky to have Brent Ashe along for the ride bringing his design powers, they are instrumental in making this happen and this collab kinda brings together years of thinking on what we could do together! When we first met, our friendship on many discussions about design and typography, a lot of them revolved around Raygun magazine, Bikini and H uh. This period of publishing (mid to late nineties) is profound and made many rethink the way magazines could look and read, me included! So enjoy this bumper kick-off issue, going on from here we will have future toy features to give heads up on 3A stuff , brand new 3A comics with Brizl and me and much more as we find our feet and voice! Don’t forget to send us 3A toy photo’s, hell any kind of photo! We want you guys involved in this too, send stuff to Gimby’s email, I’m sure it will make its way to us here at Adventure HQ somehow! See you in issue two! Ash

ED ITO R-I N-CH I EF Ashley Wood A RT D I R E CTO R & D E S I G N E R Brent Ashe

PH OTO G RAPHY Ashley Wood Siu Yin CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Ashley Wood TP Louise Gregory Prout Brent Ashe Gimbat Tabmig

WE CREATE WORLDS

wo3a.com 3A Adventure is published by 3A. threeA Toys 3/F A Jone Mult Industrial Building 169 Wai Yip Street, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong. © 2014 threeA Toy Holdings, all rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be copied or reproduced in any manner without written permission of the owners. © 2014 Ashley Wood.


-

3 A

A D V E N T U R E

I S S U E

0 0 1

-

CONTENTS D EPARTM ENTS

F E ATU R E S

010

Shipped

012

wo3a.com

008

F5

Wonderfest

101

062

Comics

4

006

NYCTF14

Q&3A

018

My Love Is On Parade


048

My Romantic Life

015

Highly EVOLved

032

Histoire de Plume

080

Tomorrow Never Knows

088

You Found Us

3A Adventure

5


EVENTS

INTERNATIONAL TOY FAIR NEW YORK CITY, USA - 2014

Huge robots, beautiful women in animal costumes, Doctor Doom, Tribecas, and Todd McFarlane are just some ways to sum up the blur of this year’s New York City Toy Fair. 3A made their debut at the show and to put it lightly, killed. Thanks to the careful direction of Siuyin and the help of the 3A crew, 3A’s presentation at the show thoroughly blew minds. Ashley Wood, Kim Fung Wong, and Brent Ashe were on hand to chat with attendees, retailers, licensors, fans and old friends. Highlights from the last six years decorated the shelves, exhibiting the vast depth and range of 3A’s worlds from creator owned lines to licensed. Debuting at the show were Ashley Wood’s MARS - the Shogun Warrior-esque 24” robot, Action Mannequin Pascha, Doctor Doom, Squiddy Miyu, and a massive TK Hunter ready to dominate shelves everywhere. Also making their first appearance were Syoupee, a line of elegant ball-jointed dolls created by Siuyin.

6

wo3a.com


3A Adventure

7


EVENTS

WONDERFEST TOKYO, JAPAN - 2014

Despite the heaviest snow Tokyo has seen in almost half a century fans braved the harsh weather to attend WonderFest 2014. Taking place at the Makuhari Messe, the Tokyo Wonder Festival is a biannual mecca for toy, model, garage kit and pop culture enthusiasts alike. Few other conventions truly celebrate the great amount of artistry, skill, and care that are put into toys, model kits, and puppetry. For several years 3A have wowed attendees at the show with their displays. 3A showcased over twenty figures from their range of Ashley Wood designed properties POPBOT, The World of Isobelle Pascha, World War Robot, Adventure Kartel, and a select few from their collaborations with creators like Kojima, Kenny Wong, and Dreamworks Studio’s Real Steal. Internally referred to as the Cadillac of Toys, the Metal Gear Solid REX stood where it belongs - on the top shelf - with the incredibly massive RAY. In collaboration with Goodsmile, 3A debuted an illustration sale for the first time outside of Bambaland with the the Undernaut Tomorrow King KOZO. The mysterious masked Origin Hunter TK said to have been named after a Naval General.

8

wo3a.com


3A Adventure

9


SHIPPED

THE 3A HATCHERY WORKS DILIGENTLY IN ORDER TO RETAIN THE HIGH QUALITY EXPECTED FROM OUR PATRONS. EVERY RELEASE IS HAND PAINTED AND ASSEMBLED. EACH DETAIL FROM CLOTHING TO WEATHERING ARE SKILLFULLY CRAFTED. Production models are often even more impressive than the prototypes seen in mock ups posted on the Production Blog. Anyone that owns a 3A original will tell you - they’re worth the wait. Shipping Dates are subject to change and are considered to be approximate estimates at the time of sales.

VALVE / PORTAL 2

TOMORROW KINGS / POPBOT

WORLD WAR ROBOT / WWRp

THE WORLD OF ISOBELLE PASCHA

ADVENTURE KARTEL

ADVENTURE KARTEL

Atlas & P-body - Bambaland Edition 1/6th Scale Individual Figures and Box-set

Harold FS 1/6th and 1/12th Scale Figure Sets - 15 Faction Colorways in Total

Dead Easy Corp and Dead GID Easy Corp Ltd 1/6th Scale Figures Box Sets

10

wo3a.com

TKLUB 003 - E.D.O 1/6th Scale Figures 2-Pack Set

Goodbye Voyager Lizbeth 1/6th Scale Figure (and variants)

Dead Easy Corp Potato Commander 1/6th Scale Figure


JANUARY TO MARCH 2014

TOMORROW KINGS / POPBOT

THE WORLD OF ISOBELLE PASCHA

ADVENTURE KARTEL

TOMORROW QUEENS / ACTION PORTABLE

ASHLEY WOOD

WO7174

Red E.D.O Commander 1/6th Scale Figure

Shit Got Real DJC 1/6th Scale Figure (and variants)

3A 2014 Calendar

XMAS Beer Girl Lizbeth Paramour 1/6th Scale Figure (and variants)

Ten Feet To Lick 1/12 Scale Figure Box Set and Individual Figures

Love Thy Nabler Blister-Carded T-Shirt

3A Adventure

11


F5

F5 - THE ADOPTED MANTRA OF ALL 3A FANS AS THEY CLICK-CLICK-CLICK AWAY AT BAMBALAND; THE OFFICIAL ONLINE STORE OF 3A. THE HOME OF ALL 3A PRE-ORDERS, LIMITED SALES, AND UNEXPECTED SURPRISE DROPS. ALL JUST AN F5 KEYSTROKE AWAY. 2014 is off to a ridiculous start with no signs of letting up. Over 25 Pre-orders have taken place already. 3A are insanely grateful for everyone’s support, it’s not something we take for granted. Absolutely means the world to us. Keep an eye on the wo3a.com Production Blog for news, images, and teasers about what is coming up next.

POPBOT

ADVENTURE KARTEL

SEAMONKEY & SNOWPEA

G.H.G

ADVENTURE KARTEL / ACTION PORTABLE

WWRp

3AA 2014 Membership Box Set featuring Lasstranaut

Kenny Wong x Ashley Wood 1/12th Scale Two-Figure Set

1/12th Scale Retail Assortment Boxed-Set

12

wo3a.com

Shit Hot Adventure Blister-Carded T-Shirt

Gertrude, Amber and Kaitlin 1/12th Scale Figures

JEA Meat Is Murder 1/12th Scale Figure Set


JANUARY TO MARCH 2014

WO7174

TOMORROW KINGS / POPBOT

G.H.G

G.H.G

THE WORLD OF ISOBELLE PASCHA

THE WORLD OF ISOBELLE PASCHA

Bothead Girl Blister-Carded T-Shirt

White Underverse Pilot 1/12th Scale Figure

CNY Stiff Horse Beer Girl Miyu 1/6th Scale Figure

TK Undernaut Kozo (Origin Hunter) 1/6th Scale Figure

Dark Zoom Pilot 1/12th Scale Figure

3AA Exclusive CNY Stiff Horse Beer Girl Miyu 1/6th Scale Figure with Six-Pack

3A Adventure

13


F5

MARVEL - THE INVINCIBLE IRON MAN

MARVEL - THE INVINCIBLE IRON MAN

WWR EVOL

WWR EVOL

ADVENTURE KARTEL

KILLZONE

Classic Version 1/6th Scale Figure

Marquis de Plume 1/6th Scale Figure (3AA Edition Includes N.O.M Prey Box)

Red Atonement JC 1/6th Scale Figure

14

wo3a.com

Silver Centurion Version 1/6th Scale Figure

Sombre de Plume 1/6th Scale Figure

HazMat Trooper 1/6th Scale Figure (Retailer Exclusive Only)


JANUARY TO MARCH 2014

MARVEL - THE INVINCIBLE IRON MAN

MARVEL - THE INVINCIBLE IRON MAN

WWR EVOL

WWR EVOL

WORLD WAR ROBOT

THE WORLD OF ISOBELLE PASCHA

Stealth Version 1/6th Scale Figure

Hunt The Fallen T-Shirt with Apparel Deployment Device. Design by Brent Ashe

Square2 1/6th Scale Figure Eight-Pack Box Set

Stark Industries Prototype Version 1/6th Scale Figure

Marquis de Plume T-Shirt with Apparel Deployment Device. Design by Brent Ashe

1/6th Scale Juicy Racer Miyu and Mini Square Figure Set

3A Adventure

15


FUTURE

HIGHLY EVOLVED A NEW DAWN FADES. IT WAS OBVIOUS FROM A YOUNG AGE DARWIN ROTHCHILD WAS DESTINED TO BE ALONE. HIS IDEAS AND OUTLOOK WERE ALWAYS A STEP ABOVE HIS PEERS. A SINGLE SET OF HANDS COULD NOT DO HIS MUCH NEEDED WORK ALONE. HE SIMPLY MADE MORE AND SET THEM AROUND THE WORLD’S THROAT. Comfortable in his isolation, Darwin Rothchild is the patriarchal purveyor to the mechanical instruments enslaved in this damnable War. A war that rages across the heavens. Darwin Rothchild the architect of countless atrocities. After wrapping his hands around his father’s throat he soon turned to wrapping them around the world’s. You cannot have a war without weapons, just as you cannot have love without pain. The people put their trust in him. His hands begat business. And business was good. Profiteering from his genius, he supplied the armies on all sides with his mechanical wonders. Their diesel engines poisoning the air and long casting a shadow wherever they roam. It is said the children of men shall inherit the Earth, his offspring, though mechanical in design and glorious in every way, shall inherit the Universe. Rothchild the proud father. His hubris his only mistake. Rothchild surrounded himself with only the cold steel of his creations as his comfort. Not realizing the immense scope of N.O.M’s power and reach, his Lunar Base’s defenses were finally breached. His children’s A.I. corrupted and his celestial dwelling destroyed, the exiled Rothchild took his first steps into the EVOL Universe. A means to an end. Will he emerge sadist or saviour?

16

wo3a.com


HERE IS THE YOUNG MAN, DRESSED FOR THE FUNERAL OF THE WORLD. WE’RE LIVING BY YOUR RULES AND THAT’S ALL WE KNOW.

3A Adventure

17


MY LOVE IS

18

wo3a.com

ON

PARAD


DE

THEN YOU TURN AWAY 30 TIMES Oliver Apple Hair tossed the dead bird through the front door, the front door of a house where Ursula Lilith Le Fey had made herself a home. A Simple trick, if the dead bird begins to sing it means she is home and it would be unwise to enter! It didn’t sing. Oliver skipped through the door to find her prize, a transparent Heel that held a ghost. A ghost of Oliver Apple Hair!

3A Adventure

19


20

wo3a.com


AS HER CAR RUMBLED PAST THE WELCOME TO LAS VEGAS SIGN, OLIVER APPLE HAD ONLY ONE THOUGHT ON HER MIND, GIANT MONGOLIAN MOUNTAIN HEELS. OLIVER WAS A COLLECTOR, OR SO SHE THOUGHT, BUT REALLY SHE WAS A THIEF, AND A DAMN FINE ONE AT THAT! SHE HAD STOLEN MUCH IN HER LIFETIME, FROM TIME TO HEARTS AND EVERYTHING IN-BETWEEN. Oliver only had 24 hours to get to Vegas and secure her prize and get out. She had read about the Giant Mongolian Mountain Heels in What’s Up With This Shit magazine (WUWTS for short). The article pointed out how these wonderful Giant Mongolian Mountain Heels normally roam the Mongolian plains but were now being used to perform sordid tricks for tourists. It went on to say that the heels were beaten nightly and no regard was given to their natural Mongolian diet of Russian silk stockings. Only occasionally were they flicked a cigarette butt garnished with bitterness! If these heels had eyes, surely they would weep.

WITHOUT YOU THERE IS NO TOMORROW

Oliver over the years had always found that the direct approach works best for most “collecting situations”, after locating the HIGH-FALUTIN SHOES OF THE WORLD CIRCUS she made her way to the Giant Mongolian Mountain Heels pen and simply unlocked their cage with a wave of her hand! The heels were packed together, frozen with fear, except for a red heel, which slowly made its way over to Oliver and gently inhaled the air around her. Oliver put one finger to it’s snout (front of shoe for the uninitiated), and from that moment a bond was made! Oliver could hear shouts of alarm as she had now been noticed by the circus workers, she threw her arms up and yelled “SCRAM!” flushing the captive heels from their cage. The heels all hopped in different directions, (as everyone knows, you can’t stop a charging Giant Mongolian Mountain Heel). Oliver turned to make her escape and noticed the red heel had not escaped with the other heels, but had in fact waited for its newly made friend. With a smirk, Oliver jumped into the red heel and made her escape. She waved to the Vegas welcome sign as they left, and then smiled, if only for a while! Oliver and the Red Giant Mongolian Mountain Heel had many adventures together and stole many things over the years. But many say the story of it all ended is the best of all of the Oliver Apple Hair stories, but we’ll leave that story for another time!

3A Adventure

21


22

wo3a.com


3A Adventure

23


24

wo3a.com


3A Adventure

25


I WISH YOU WERE MY ENEMY OLIVER APPLE

26

wo3a.com


3A Adventure

27


28

wo3a.com


3A Adventure

29


30

wo3a.com


DOES IT STILL SHINE GOLD IN THE DARK? GARLAND + FAUST HELLPOP DUO Necro Folk Darlings, Spanish Cemetary signed a record deal from hell, literally! Their children, who are Garland and Faust, now have to produce a world wide number one single within 666 days to liberate their parents from Hell! Failure in this quest will see Garland and Faust also join their parents in Hell for all eternity, condemned to play infernal strip mall concerts as a supporting act for their parent’s band Spanish Cemetary! As you can imagine Garland and Faust don’t want that outcome, but all the forces of Hell kinda do, and are out to stop them from their quest for a world-wide hit! Ghosts with broken halos, largish snakes that can talk in broken English and a skeleton with a sailor’s bowie knife are just some of the diabolic nasties on their tail! Track Listing For Garland + Faust’s Album Crowley’s Bad Day 1: Going for Bolingbroke 3:23 2: Mis-Fortune-Teller 1:44 3: Rudolf Steiner Over For Dinner 23:27 4: I’m Your Witch-Hunt 2:55 5: Sexual Hauntings of Mrs Growper 11:36 6: Count of St. Germain Used Botox 2:03 7: My Life As a Ghost Story 18:53 8: Blavatsky Pie 3:35 OUT ONE DAY ON ETTEILLA RECORDS

3A Adventure

31


HISTOIRE


E V O L U T I O N

O F

A

M A D M A N

DE PLUME

T H E

3A Adventure

33


H

I

S

T

O

I

R

E

d

e

P

L

U

M

E

ON THE 16th OF APRIL 2008 ASHLEY WOOD ANNOUNCED HIS PARTNERSHIP WITH KIM FUNG WONG OF THREEZERO TO FORM A NEW TOY COMPANY. INTENT TO CHANGE THE TOY INDUSTRY, 3A WAS BORN. THE BIRTH WAS CHRISTENED WITH A BLURRY IMAGE OF A HELMETED HEAD WITH A GHASTLY SKULL LIKE MASK. THE HAUNTING IMAGE WAS LIKE A SHOT HEARD ROUND THE TOY WORLD. THIS VICIOUS VISAGE HAD A NAME. NOM DE PLUME. THE FACELESS COMMANDER OF THE DIRTY DEEDS PLATOON. Truly a force of nature, NOM de Plume is a mystery and a threat in

one of them. Thought to have been an urban legend, the Dirty Deeds

the lore of World War Robot. His name is whispered amongst soldiers

led by NOIR were a menace to mercenaries, armies, and residents of

on all fronts. Spoken of as bat-shit crazy, a madman, a terrorist, and a

Mars. Wherever they roamed, certain death followed. None were safe

freedom fighter. A morally gray character that fights for his ideals and

from their programmed lust for lopping off heads. These stories and

is an enemy to any that oppose him. Wearing a blood stained single

characters were only the beginning and just begging to be brought to

sleeved shirt, shrouded in a stahlhelm-like-helmet, his face encased in

life in a new medium.

a hosed mask with glaring red ports for eyes, NOM looks like a guerrilla warrior from a terrifying nightmare.

NOM de Plume quickly set the high standard for things to come. Hand

battle beating down on armies of robots with his gloved fists, smoke,

sculpted, hand painted, with hand crafted clothing making each of the

metal, and rubble spewing all around. The weight of his fists - the force

limited figures unique. The toy’s clothes looked grimy, the patina on

of his movement - felt in every kinetic pose. Brief snippets of information

the helmets and gasmasks looked like actual battle worn metal. His

from the letters of soldiers bring the lore of the character to life. The

belt, holster, pouches, and pockets all fully functioning. A massive hand

into battle, to braving the elements, to stopping for just a moment to view the path of destruction left in his wake. If something got in his way, it wouldn’t be for long. Nothing seems to be able to stop him.

wo3a.com

saw the first release from 3A on Ashley Wood’s webstore, Bambaland.

The striking first painted images depict NOM de Plume in the middle of

paintings and illustrations continue his tales. From him leading armies

34

The morning of June 25th 2008 at 9AM in the Hong Kong time zone

cannon as his sidearm. His gasmask; a flexible apparatus. His boots look caked with mud. The level of weathering and detail made them stand out from the cleaner looks of other 1/6th scale figures. The toys looked like they had actually been in the shit. All of these things and

NOM de Plume is known in certain circles to have appeared leading

not just something to sit idly on a shelf, but a fully articulated and more

the infamous Dirty Deeds squad, a dozen vicious Berties with a

importantly playable figure. The packaging is just as impressive as the

reprogrammed A.I. set to kill their creator, Rothchild. It was during

toy itself. Presented with a painted image of NOM de Plume that stares

this time that NOM de Plume encased himself in shadow and took on

you down as you open the box. Between the incredible design work by

the guise of NOIR de Plume. Black on black with emerald eyes, like a

Ash and the expertise of Kim and his crew they were on to something

panther. Using the guise, he tricked the Berties into thinking he was

truly groundbreaking.


CLOCKWISE L to R: N.O.M de Plume in-progress sculpt and clothing, N.O.M concept iand N.O.M de Plume with the Dirty Deeds Squadron illustrations by Ashley Wood

3A Adventure

35


The Shadow of a madman, NOIR de Plume. Clad in all black with viridian eyes, his inklike look tapped into something primal. Not just the figure was dark, but so was the packaging. A painting of NOIR drenched in shadow with an interplay of overhead lighting on his features covered an all black box. Even with an increased run size, NOIR sold out in minutes. It wasn’t long before the next in the lineup of de Plumes was teased. A pale snow covered figure adrift in a wintery landscape, Blanc de Plume, gun at the ready. His dead black eyes staring off into the distance like a shark tracking down its prey. Designated a gift-release and completely altering how 3A could distribute their artistry. Only obtained by being personally gifted to by Ash himself, won in a prize on the Legion Outpost Message Boards, or from a randomly inserted sketch-prize in a previously released toy. The desert themed Gebi de Plume soon followed as the first 3AA membership exclusive sale. In the prose piece “Intercepted_Held_N.O.M.” Lieutenant Frank Pillitar describes in a letter running into the masked

His dead black eyes staring off into the distance like a shark tracking down its prey. figure after a bloodbath of a battle in the desolate Gobi basin. “They got in my way” is all the lone figure said as he leapt off a wrecked bot and disappeared. Pillitar’s superiors covered up any details of the masked merc. It’s implied his letter was intercepted and the life of the Lieutenant was soon cut short. Ash soon gave fans the chance to create their own de Plume. The DIY de Plume, described as a weirdo clean freak munitions expert and a base for creative types in another world. A new platform for the brave. A contest held on the Legion Outpost encouraging members to compete in creating and designing new garb and backstories for the chance at owning the penultimate DIY de Plume. The last to use the original de Plume mold. His nomenclature, a coy nod to the jungle fatigues he wears and the analytical psychologist Carl Jung. Jung de Plume is described as more philosophical in his destructive fighting methods. Jung’s presence and role in the ongoing story of World War Robot signaled a new change. With his final breath, he heralds the first of the Fallen.

36

wo3a.com


CLOCKWISE L to R: WWR group shot with Iron Panda Large Martin, Deep Powder Bramble Mk2 and Square Mk1 and Blanc de Plume, N.O.M illustration by Ashley Wood, Blanc de Plume

3A Adventure

37


2008-06-26

2008-09-05

2008-12-08

RELEASE TIMELINE

NOM

38

DE PLUME

NOIR

DE PLUME

BLANC

DE PLUME

THE FACELESS COMMANDER OF THE DIRTY DEEDS

THE SHADOW OF A MADMAN

SNOWBLIND WITH HATE

3A’s first figure, the iconic Nom de Plume. Hand sculpted, hand-painted, with hand-sewn clothing, fully-functioning pouches, pockets, holsters, and belt. Ash and Kim set the bar high from the start.

The second of 3A’s releases taking the character literally and figuratively into darker territory. A living shadow drenched in black with shining emerald eyes NOIR de Plume hunts with the nefarious Dirty Deeds squad on Mars.

Covered in a cold, pale palette, the first of the gifted de Plumes. Gifted by Ashley Wood, won via contest, or randomly inserted via drawings in toy boxes were the only ways to acquire this highly sought after figure.

wo3a.com


2009-05-08

GEBI

DE PLUME

2009-08-24

DIY

DE PLUME

2010-02-12

JUNG

DE PLUME

DESOLATE SOLITARY DESPAIR

WEIRDO CLEAN FREAK MUNITIONS EXPERT

WITH MY FINAL BREATH I HERALD THE FIRST

The first ever 3AA exclusive. The sepia stained visage became an instant classic. He looked like he’d seen some serious shit in a wasteland of a desert. Tales of his prowess became legend in the pages of WWR.

Given out only by Ashley Wood via contest, gift, or prize, the DIY de Plume gave fans a chance to put their own unique spin on the character.

The last of the original de Plume mold. Predecessor of the first Fallen de Plume. His alias not only references the jungle motif of his clothing, but that of the psychologist, Carl Jung.

3A Adventure

39


2010-06-27

2011-03-25

2011-03-25

RELEASE TIMELINE

KUAN

40

TI PLUME

BARGUEST

DE PLUME

FANTOME

DE PLUME

THE FIRST FALLEN

EVERYTHING ENDS

THE GHOST OF BARGUEST

A filthy veil covering his mask and protuberance, Kuan Ti Plume is the first to rebel against his fellow N.O.M. Exclusive to the Beijing Gathering, fans camped out all night to get their hands on him.

Clad in smoke gray tones like a Grim Reaper, Barguest saw the reflection of NOM distorted, splintered and wrong. The last of the Fallen NOM and first to see a new path. Barguest is the start of the end.

Even the good side of Barguest is bad. Tattered and filthy white, Fantome is a reflection of Barguest. All told he will slit your throat and fuck the wound while messaging I love you’s to your family.

wo3a.com


2011-06-26

N.O.M

4th DISCIPLE

2011-06-26

N.O.M

TWENTY-SEVEN DISCIPLE

2013-01-15

N.O.M

BLANC HUNTER

REMEMBER THE FOURTH

THE FIRST EDITION N.O.M DISCIPLE

THOSE WITH CONVICTION MUST BE HUNTED

For the 4th anniversary of NOM de Plume, 3A celebrated with any entirely new de Plume wearing the colors of the original classic. Taking on a Lovecraftian silhouette with multiple protuberances the de Plume looks meaner and more alien than ever before.

Multi-hosed. Sinister hooded jacket. Double hand cannons. And a baton. The N.O.M Disciple is one unnerving son of a bitch ready to pounce from the shadows and take down any opposition in his path.

Included in the 2013 3AA set, Blanc Hunter completes the Disciple trinity. Harkening back to the original Blanc de Plume, N.O.M Hunter has taken the niege weathering to a new extreme.

3A Adventure

41


L to R: Fantome and Barquest de Plume with packaging, NOM de Plume blog advertisement

42

wo3a.com


On a warm summer’s night in Beijing, fans camped out for the chance at the elusive Kuan ti Plume. Garbed in reds and yellows with a gasmask covered in a tattered veil, Kuan ti stood out from the rest of the de Plumes. The shroud soon to be recognised as a distinctive feature for this newly developing brigade. Kuan ti is known as the first of the Fallen, a contingent of insurgent de Plumes that have left their brethren N.O.M. Draped in smoke gray tones and hooded with a ghastly executioner-like shroud, Barguest sees the reflection of N.O.M. distorted, splintered and wrong. Choosing no path, but his own, he considers himself truly free. An aggressive man that trained NOM and regularly dispenses harsh justice, he feels others, like Kuan ti, are too soft. As with many of the toys 3A often offers the shadow of a character. Barguest is already deep in shadow, it’s his luminous reflection that haunts him. Fantome, the soiled white ghost of Barguest, is just as vicious as his counterpart. He’ll slit your throat and fuck the wound while messaging I love you’s to your family.

Barguest - choosing no path but his own, he considers himself truly free.

In celebration of the 4th anniversary of their first figure, 3A released the NOM27 Disciple and the 4th NOM, a tribute to the original de Plume. Both looking like mean S.O.B’s fitted with Lovecraftian multi-hosed gasmasks. Armed with two guns, a nightstick, and fitted with fully laced soft faux leather boots, these members of NOM meant business. The Noir-like NOM27 wears a sinister single sleeved hooded jacket making his silhouette look almost alien. Shadowy, weird, and adorned with the occult symbols and sayings of N.O.M., the Disciple 27 gives off an intimidating presence. The 4th takes on the classic red, white, and olive of his original counterpart. An incredible update to already classic design. The Disciple Trinity is completed by the Blanc Hunter. Included in the 2013 3AA membership pack, Blanc Hunter is more than just revamp of the original Blanc de Plume. His sallow skin against the pale grays and olives of his garments are offset by the smattering of pure white snow. Perfectly able to blend into the wintery environments he is set to hunt those with conviction and belief.

3A Adventure

43


44

wo3a.com


Our body has developed cancer. Surgery is required, you are my scalpel.

3A Adventure

45


The universe of World War Robot has taken its next evolutionary step and unlocked a new chapter, EVOL. The next visceral stage in N.O.M’s defenses is the Marquis de Plume. The Hunter of the Fallen. He is the blade the Supreme Mother use to surgically eradicate the self-exiled. The only true threat to the N.O.M, The Fallen, are seen as a cancer that must be excised and Marquis is the perfect scalpel for the job. He has taught the best and he has killed the best. In hues of blue and gray Marquis appears as an urban revolutionary. He is packed to the gills with ammunition pouches and armed with twin revolvers. A handful of bright red grenades confidently accentuate his pastel blue garments like a poisonous warning to anyone willing to fuck with him and his own. A newly designed mask with slicked back dual hoses engulf his head. The Drape covers any possible exposed flesh on his head and neck. It is a symbol of his clan and acts as a ballistic shield. The 3AA exclusive pack comes with a newly sculpted Prey Box. Not just a holy device, but the power supply for the N.O.M. endowed by the Supreme Mother. They contain the precious elixir that is breathed in to

Garbed in hues of blue and grey, Marquis de Plume appears as an urban revolutionary. give the N.O.M. their prescience and clarity of mind and spirit. It is the source of their nearly supernatural strength. An addiction they carry with them at all times. The gray-scale Sombre de Plume is a dark surgeon ready to lacerate the unworthy. Adorned in soot blacks and grays Sombre accurately reflects his namesake. The phosphorescent Dead de Plume rises from depths to terrify with glee. All that is certain is he’s a little bit giddy. Little else is known about these Not Ordinary Men. With Marquis de Plume the first chapter of EVOL has opened and with it an abundance of new stories and characters will emerge in the World War Robot Universe. Started with NOM de Plume six years ago, 3A’s simple goal is to not just create great toys, but to have each design improve on the last, to constantly evolve, and to always look towards the future for the next best figure and story.

46

wo3a.com


L to R: Marquis de Plume, In-progress headsculpt, Sombre de Plume

3A Adventure

47


T

H

E

W

O

R

L

D

o

f

I

M

ROMA LI 48

wo3a.com


S

O

B

E

L

L

E

P

A

S

C

H

A

Y

ANTIC FE 3A Adventure

49


A Euro Nymph

with a talent for retelling every sordid tale she ever lived. She’s seen it all, she’s done it all, and she wants more. The Worlds of Isobelle Pascha titillate and stimulate even the most prudent of the prim. She invites any and all - so long as you’re not a twat about it - to experience her mischievous frolics in friskiness.

Ripped straight from the pages of the erotic

little leftover dribble of..something. Open and

making home movies, there’s never a dull

novelette World Safari: An Isobelle Pascha

closed eye versions were randomly inserted in

moment with these three.

Adventure written by the one and only

massive blister cards setting the standard for

Isobelle Pascha herself. Long out of print and

the future presentation of how Paschaverse

An exercise in adorable, KUMA sets are

only discussed in educated circles in far off

releases would be packaged. The World of

brilliantly designed. Squidy Fondle Miyu might

countries, the cumolation of vignettes creates

Isobelle Pascha gives 3A limitless possibilities

just be the most genius and left field surprise

quite the steamy story. English distribution

of outfits, occasions, and situations to put our

drop in current Bambaland history. There are

has been dashed due to a few teensy issues

heroines in. From the sexy to the silly, BDSM

few things in this world better than a Pink

with the publisher. As the lady Pascha once

to holiday cheer, nothing is out of the question.

haired lady dressed in a plush squid costume.

It wouldn’t be Easter without an appearance

A 61cm Pascha was unveiled at the New York

divulged she apparently broke a few of their rules; “The heroine of the novel is not allowed to fuck the lady of the house. The only dildo the heroine is allowed to play with has to be firmly attached to the hero, (even if the hero is a greater deal smaller than what the heroine can purchase at the store.) The hero

wo3a.com

best bunny of all? Isobelle Pascha that’s who dammit. Ears and all, the pink pixie makes you wish she’d hop over to your place to nibble on her chocolate rabbit.

City Toy Fair. Dubbed an Action Mannequin, this totem is intended for creative types and burgeoning fashionistas. Plans for realistic and detailed clothing from high end fashion to lacy lingerie to a variety of footwear are

is not allowed to suffer from an unfortunate

Off to Gay Paree, celebrating an Exhibition

STI, (I figured he deserved one for standing

at the Daniel Maghen Galerie, Ashley Wood

the heroine up). And BDSM better stand for

brought with a handful of precious Paschas.

Bad Day at the Supermarket.” By no means

This Pascha came ready for romance with

thwarted by a petty rejection letter, Pascha

a monumental black dildo. Less of an Eiffel

With no end in sight the expanding

pushed on and continued writing her ribald

Tower and more of an Eiffel Plow-her.

Paschaverse will continue to be explored

tales with a vengeance.

50

from the fabled bunny. And who makes the

3A didn’t just bring to life the cheeky Pascha,

already in the works. Plans are to sell the outfits separately for folks to collect and customize as they see fit.

with the introduction of the male characters

The original Isobelle Pascha debuted in a

but also her precocious pals Lizbeth Paramour

Mr. French, Cray, and Count Kreigstein

blue floral dress at a Beast Kingdom Toys

and Miyu. The menage-a-trois share more than

coming soon. All that is missing is a new

event in Taiwan. She came sculpted with a

just stories with each other. From cosplay,

printing

satisfied expression on her face as well as a

to a night in with beers, to square racing, to

lascivious publication.

of

Isobelle

Pascha’s

original


3A Adventure

51



Shh Secret Funkake Pascha | Lizbeth Paramour



A Quiet Night In with Isobelle Pascha and Lizbeth Paramour


Darkside of Her Moon Pascha | Easter Nymph Pascha




Let’s Go Bearing with Kuma Pascha



Miyu, Isobelle and Lizbeth | Milky Ghosts Isobelle and Lizbeth


-

A S K

A S H L E Y

W O O D

-

Q&3A Nearly every Sunday on the WO3A.com Production Blog, 3A offers fans a chance to pick the mind of 3A co-founder Ashley Wood. Curated by our very own Gimbat, who tirelessly sifts through all of the queries to be selected. Any and all are encouraged to participate, Submit your questions for future Q+A sessions via: Ask thread on threeAonline.com/forum/ facebook.com/3AVOX twitter.com/3Asupport gimbat@threeAonline.com Q: The attachment points for the shoulders on the Harold are interesting. Can you talk a little about the development of those? A: Well it was an elegant fix, simple and effective. All the kudos go to the 3A engineers!

Q: Can we please get a peek at the chubby TQ body soon? A: Chunky, not chubby, we have some fun figs in development for the body, but I guess it’s like always, small team, lots of toys, but we will get to them soon, not enough TQ in general released lately!

Q: Would it ever be possible to see a retail wave of mixed styles of WWRp - Harold, Bertie, Dropcloth, etc? A: Yes, in fact retail will see that. We are overhauling the way we do retail sales and mixing waves is just one of those changes!

Q: What’s the story behind the Suicide Club Armstrong? How does he fit into WWR universe? Will you ever do more Suicide Club figures? It’s a great colourway! A: Its a hobbled together Armstrong, made from excess parts of other bots, used without regard in defense or attack, hence the name. It might be fun to make another Suicide bot.

Q: Will you produce others figures inspired by some of your paintings? If yes, then who is next? A: That’s the plan, always has been. I’m very interested in making the oddball robots that have appeared over the years, the lopsided ones etc. Q: I would love to know what licensed figures we will see in 2014? You mentioned Marvel specifically and hinted other designers and artists. I know that 3Adoesn’t have written in stone plan, but better hint would be great! SGDM and Ma.K. maybe? A: Actually our plans are 90% original content. I see 3A’s strength as bringing original ideas to market, regarding licenses, we have more Halo, Marvel, MGS, Valve, Transformers and not forgetting Micronauts. Thats more than enough! Naturally we have some surprises in these realms as well! Q: When you do your black and white ink work, do you primarily use markers or do you use croquet pens? And what brands do you use? I’m just curious how you achieve your line work! A: I use all sorts, mainly calligraphy markers from many companies! I don’t want to say exactly which, as they all have different qualities and you should personally try them all to find out what you like. I assume you’re an artist?

62

wo3a.com

Q: Back in July you gave us dates and prices of few figures ahead of time and it was personally great and very convenient for me. Will you be repeating this in the future or are such things very hard to preset? A: I would like a system that gives a good overview, but it seems best laid plans always get shuffled here and I don’t want to say this date and price then change. I think in general we would like to offer advance info and such. It’s good for you and us and we will work on that for 2014. Q: Do you have any 1:1 3A figures in your house and if yes, what are they? I bet there are some Squares and Kitties all around the place and maybe Large Martin in the garden? A: I have a few, I have to say my fave is Peppermint Grove. It has a real presence and can be kinda freaky late at night. Of course the one-inch nipples kinda disarm! Q: What is the difference between the Soy variants and the regular Peppermint Grove and Golden Dolphin as far as their attitude and nature? Are the Soy’s more/less of a badass or more evil or something? A: They are shadows that are given a life of their own on certain nights. They escape the prison of the caster to do good or bad, but they are fucking tough and not to be messed with!


L to R: Peppermint Grove, TK Shadow and Light

Q: Somebody might argue with me, but I think that 3A 2013 will be remembered as the year of TKLUB and Isobelle Pascha! What was the most memorable sale for you? A: I think it was the year of Pascha. Personally I had fun with Pascha, and it was great to see you guys did too. Sure she ain’t for all, no weapons or fantasy tropes (I guess some people’s fantasy) but the audience was there and that made it all the sweeter! I really enjoyed the Dolphin sale. He is a main part of the AK story and his story isn’t over, far from it! Q: In one of the Peppermint Grove images she is quoted: “I Want My Dickhead Brother’s Left Hand. Then I Can Hunt The Link!” Is the Link a new character or is it referring to the new type of sale that is talked about under the blog title “Peppermint Access”? And will there be figures of other robot bounty hunters? A: The Link is the 0-Day Robot of the AK universe, all the robots don’t just appear out of thin air, they have their origins with THE LINK! And yes I have many ideas for Bounty Hunters, fingers crossed I get to make them all! The AK world is rich with ideas, at this point they kinda sprout naturally as in my head I have a whole eco-system! Q: In the tradition of Missions working with canine companions, has Merde Mission ever run with an old dog by his side? A: Well Merde has always had a penchant for German Shepherds. He sees all other dogs as weak, unlike his now departed GS ROMMEL! Do we need a Rommel German shepherd? I would like one, actually we are working on a 1:1 Custard in Hoody and battle fatigues. I think a Shepherd would work well in 1:1. 3A Pets - better than the real thing. They look cooler and don’t piss or shit on your carpet! And if you want to buy a good quality living dog, ours will be cheaper as well. 3A KENNELS! Q: Can there be a MISS + MRS. section on your new website, where you post a daily comic and continue the story from the first volume? Then after a while they could be printed in a similar format as before? A: It is such a cool little book. There should be more! I would love that, but I’m so strapped for time, and now that I’m making the 3A Adventure comics it’s more tight than ever, I should post all the ones I have done I guess, good idea! Q: What’s the story of Light and Shadow TK or Shogun Blanco and Negro TK? Are they made for special mission? Why is there no Light and Shadow TQ? Or are they on your project list? A: Why isn’t there a Shadow and Light TQ? Well shit, I dunno ... consider it made. I’ll be making a manufacturing request Monday, should I make them available to all, or prizes? You tell me.

Q: Who are Byron and The Hostess? Will they be in the Shit Hot Adventure Annual when it comes out or is it a design for the new t-shirt? A: Book as well. Wow good eyesight. Byron and the Hostess are AK characters, they run a restaurant that serves nothing but drinks. The Hostess is an ex-SHADOW COMMANDO leftover from the Carine Glade Conflict. Q: Who do the Soy’s fight for on the Island? Are they also part of the Kartel or something totally different? A: They are just what they are, they don’t consider good or bad as a disposition, just following their natural agenda, they do seem to have a distaste for robots though! Q: Will we every get the chance to buy 1:1 squares in colorways that were not offered before or perhaps Mk2 Squares will be offered one day? A: I have always wanted that, but the cost is so high and the production of them is difficult. Maybe I can look for a third party company to help make them etc. I always loved the giant cardboard ones Goodsmile made that time, the cost is nuts for those ones too... ahh Squares... Q: We have a good idea on what the Nabler is about, but what about Soot Diver? A: You have no idea about the Nabler, or maybe you do and the one eye fucker sold me out without my knowing... Don’t look under your beds! The Soot Diver is a MORTIS bot, called a Soot Diver due to its long trail of smoke as it descends on its target etc. Q: By all means, please do tell us more about WBR and MARS! The feel of the blurry pick reminds me a lot of Gigantor and Goldorak. Do they have pilots? Are they giant robots fighting one another all over the planet or they are fighting some huge monsters/aliens? Is the WBR line going to focus solely on Shogun-type figures or will it include other types of robots? Will the robots all be 24-inch scale or will there be in all sorts of different sizes? And finally, do you have an idea how many you plan on releasing a year? A: Well MARS is my Shogun Warrior I guess, that’s where my heart is with him. In the WBR universe he is the big gun, kick-ass robot, he appears when a kicking is needed! The scale is 1/12th, so the human characters will be 6” and other robots will fit into that scale. The release after Mars is way smaller and so on. WBR gives me lots more latitude for style, I can do big Shogun warrior type design, then a 60’s-style robot. There isn’t a strict design brief because these robots are from all over, not a single designer or company like WWR. I will reveal MARS soon, flashy looking fucker for sure and the size just makes it all the sweeter!

3A Adventure

63


Q&3A

Q: What colorways are planned for the Mk2 Berties release? A: The classic and some unseen, with some different parts! I so wanna do a Dirty Deeds set at 1/6th! Q: WWR Meat is Murder Superset was such an epic release! Can we have a Jungler Superset now pretty please? A: Ok, I was thinking we need another set, maybe Jungler, maybe an unseen colorway. Tell Gimby, he can then pass on what the mood is! Q: Any chance we will see more samurai figures again? A: As in TK ones, yes, but different designs and version! Q: What would happen if Mars waged war on N.O.M. As I understand it all: N.O.M is essentially the most powerful group in WWR but the martians aren’t pushovers like the EC. They got the tech, they got the drive, and they got the brains. I am really curious about it. A: N.O.M is an ideal, impossible to destroy! Q: Would you be interested in making the gas-mask soldier from ZvR Adventure cover (Frazetta homage)…does he have a name? A: I would. I always want to make bots in military clothing actually any clothing, maybe you will like something I have cooking. A twist on a well known story! Q: What nationality is Fighting JC? Greek perhaps? I noticed Exegesis is a Greek word meaning to teach. Since we’re on the subject of Greeks, and assuming JC isn’t Greek, are there any Greek characters in the Adventure Kartel world? A: He is an Essene, hence the tagline, the MEAN ESSENE! There are many nationalities in the AK world! Q: I have a question about one of the greatest Tomorrow Kings: BAKA! Is a story written about this TK? Is he part of Underverse? A: BAKA isn’t an Underverse TK, he is just a legend for being fearless Slicer, or stupid, the jury is out on that. BAKA has a good friend, a MEGA-SLICER who he learned all his shit from. He is called... I guess see the next TKlub release. Q: One million dollar question! In last Q+A, you briefly mentioned “Transformers”. That got a lot of us buzzing, so are you making Transformers and will 3A Transformers Transform? Also, which series will they be based upon? G1 Hopefully! A: Well we have been on it a while, and hopefully it can be shown very soon, it’s an exercise in crazy detail! Q: First, do the robots in WWR have their own consciousness? I mean if it’s in ‘Ghost In The Shell’ terms, do they have ‘Ghost’ inside them? Second, in war-time prepare for peace, in peace-time prepare for war, so what happened after WWR? I know you just made a new EVOL chapter in WWR, but after that what will happen and how does it all end? A: How does it end? That’s telling. Q: After seeing Lasstranaut figure just now I am just speechless, been waiting for her since 2009! I am curious what type of skin is used on the figure and whether it stretches while posing? A: Well it’s a work in progress, actually the final shipping Lass will be much cooler, but you know, the figure exudes the quality I wanted, it’s a fun figure. Re: skin, I don’t know its name, I’ll deem it stretchy stuff from today! And remember, this is it, no more Lass releases, she doesn’t come in other colors, or variations. There is only one Lass! Mark my words we will be working hard up until the last moment before production to make Lass the best!

64

wo3a.com

Q: What questions annoy you the most and what would you prefer more: beer or wine? I would guess wine, but after BEER Girls, you never know. A: Wine, Beer and Girls, I think that’s a company motto right there! Actually I consume more coffee, but coffee girls doesn’t sound that exciting, flat white girl, long black lass... Actually that doesn’t sound too bad! Questions don’t annoy, I feel lucky to have the kind of interest in my work that generates questions! This weekly thingy is a good way to shed light on some of my thoughts and actions! Q: Will we see more of the ModChip faction in 2014? ModChip Bramble or Bertie in WWREVOL maybe? A: TP is working on a pulp style WWR book that features MOD too! Q: You mentioned the fee regarding making Warhol character and how 3A can’t afford it…but maybe there is a way around it? We already have all of the Brillo squares, so having a Gee Bob Boxset with clones 34, 18, and 13 would be so great! A: Well since then I have made some moves to secure the figure, fingers crossed it works out! Q: Is Red Commander the ‘leader’ of the EDOs? How are the EDOs intelligence compared to the autistic clones? Are they able to perform complicated tasks or only made to fight? A: Well you say autistic like it’s a can’t lead thing, don’t be so terse. There is a spectrum here and many function as commanders and thinkers, just like in our version of reality. RED EDO are a special branch that is called in when a community has a problem or situation that is beyond the regular Black and White versions, The Blue is similar to RED. I Wanna do more EDO, anyone interested? Q: What is the story of the weathered DAYWATCH and NIGHTWATCH Harolds? Why hasn’t the skull on NIGHTWATCH Harold emerged like the last weathered NIGHTWATCH (Heavy Bramble and Square Mk2s)? Really curious and intrigued! A: Times change as so do faction ID’s. As the DW AND NW have now been revealed as N.O.M certain imagery has changed and will change. DW and NW get a makeover this year, they are the new freedom fighters for mankind! Q: To me, WWR initially seemed like an alternate WW2 inspired setting with robots, but now with the toys it has evolved into something quite distinct, both visually and thematically. Were you consciously trying to move away from real world references, especially with regard to the visual marking of bots (candy striped guns, graphics, colors etc.)? A: I never tried to do anything other than amuse myself. I think what you picked up on was a conscious effort to avoid the same old, battle mechwarrior genre feel that cartoon and video games circle jerk over and over. With WWR I am just playing in my sandpit, it has certain internal rules and logistics that I try to stay within. The world you guys see is a year behind or more from my imagination, EVOL has been on the cards since 2012. Actually soon as the first Rothchild got released I noted his next phase. Q: The question about Photographer been asked before, I just wanted to check, whether there is any progress. Really want this fig! A: I think a MISS + MRS. line would be great. Actually the new NABLER series will be under that banner! Answering your question, yes, I will make one. I’m not sure many will want it, but it might make a fun limited toy! Q: I can’t wait to see Gordon Freeman figure from Half-Life, what’s its status at the moment? Also is there a possibility that we could see DOG (Alyx’s pet robot)? It would be perfect for 3A engineering.


CLOCKWISE L to R: ZvR Cover, Red EDO Commander, TK Slicer Baka

A: Well you’re gonna be happy, a Gordon and DOG set is in the

Q: This may be an old topic, but, is there any consideration for sticker

works. In fact our friends at Valve even sent details of a more

packs? There seem to be a lot of ‘badges’ or ‘decals’ that are on the

detailed DOG, so the figure is quite amazing and BIG!

packaging of the figures. With the Beer Girls for instance you have Dark Deed, Fisted, Lights Out etc. I think random sticker packs of these

Q: Will the final released version of Lasstranaut have a clear visor?

crossing all planes of 3A would be neat.

I can’t imagine not having this figure on display without the visor down

A: Maybe to give away at shows. I would like to see embroidered

and seeing her face like in many of the original images. Looks like a

patches, but shit, does anyone really like those? I do!

great figure in the making. A: I actually like the solid visor, that was seen with the prototype,

Q: Love the EDO shoes. Any chance you’d do an articulated shoe

the final release will have a transparent one... maybe.

set of different colored kicks or more shoes like that on future TKs? Speaking about future, will we see more robotic EDO-like TKs?

Q: In WWR universe, how’s the supply for food? I suppose Grunt

A: Cool, me too, simple yet has the right effect! I like the realistic

and N.O.M also need to eat something. Is there any squad/colourway

shoes, but I kinda like the sculpted too, I think we will offer a more

in WWR responsible for food supply? Maybe a chance to make an

articulated foot soon too for TKs. I don’t want to try and make

unseen yet colorway?

the TK look or feel real, I like the toy look it has, the joints, the

A: Well those logistics are taken care of by very similar means that

limitations are part of its charm, so expect more references to that

the military use, not really a squad but a division. I agree, I would

as we go on. Wow, what the fuck does that even mean? Runs off.

love to see this stuff in toy form, but as I’m the only guy designing it, the backlog is huge. Would love to find someone who can assist

Q: Now that we’re seeing a kick-off to the World’s Best Robots line

me with such stuff...

(MARS looks killer, by the way), can we expect the Bramble Softacre and Hardacre in 1/6th articulated form?

Q: With the prototype of Master Chief being shown a while back will

A: Well no, Bramble has moved on to WWR, and so has the WBR

we also be seeing some Covenant soldiers anytime soon? Would be

world, no relation to POPBOT or WWR, only the name is the

great to see 3A produce an Elite and maybe even a Hunter?

same. MARS has turned out really smashing, and the next robot

A: Elite is coming, the down side to making really authentic

is cool and way different to MARS. Like I said, WBR is my robot

and detailed figures like the HALO one is development is long,

‘do anything’ thing, no style or story restrictions. I’m thinking of

especially when doing stuff like soft skinning and other shit. So

releasing each robot with a 1/12th human character, to make sure

it may seem like nothing is happening but everyday this stuff is

size ref is always understood. Even writing this gets me going on

being worked on!

ideas and stuff...

3A Adventure

65


Q&3A

L to R: Popbot and Kitty, Microman String Divers

Q: Is there any room for animal/human hybrids in any of your Universes? You have a guy sporting a Dolphin hat but what about an eel man named Maurie with a human hat perhaps? Just wondering if we’ll ever see anything of the sort from you? A: Mmmm, if I can make sense of it, not just animal with human part for the hell of it. I’m really kinda strict on my ideas, it has to have some kinda reasoning behind it. Q: What are the chances of seeing massive WWRp supersets like “Under The bed Red” and “Frosty Choads” back in the day? A: You want them, I LOVE THEM. How about we do this - I devise the set, put it up, if it sells enough I’ll make it, deal? Coz they are pricey affairs to ship, not only make, so I need a minimum support. I’ll do some more sales like this, you guys have always been great in taking leaps of faith by supporting sales with just artwork, so lets see what we can do! Actually, you guys have no idea how flattering it is when I sell toys based on a drawing, that is pure 3A. I feel like I could take on the whole empire at that moment, and not get fried in the back of the snowspeeder! Q: Sam Kieth’s The Maxx appears in an early issue of POPBOT, so obviously he exists on some level in the POPBOT universe; I’m wondering if you can further explain for us where POPBOT characters and Maxx characters would exist in relation to each other? Is the Outerverse similar to Sam’s Outback (Pangaea)? Does Maxx ever fight alongside a TK/TQ, or even know of them? Do TK/TQs ever have to mow down armies of Isz, or ride air whales? A: Well the Maxx and Kitty are friends, they shared a common reality for their meetings, no other interactions happened outside of that. I like to think of the Maxx and Kitty representing Me and Sam in those instances, a reverse of the 4th wall. Q: With the characters and storyline of Tomorrow Kings are expanding so vast, is it possible if TKs (or TQs too) will be separated from POPBOT storyline and making into their own line and story? I see you already separating TK toys and POPBOT toys on wo3a menu page, so maybe that’s a start? A: I have mused about this for years, and have been asked many times by many publishers, but it’s just a time issue, I think the TK have a large and separate story to tell, that is only really glimpsed in the POPBOT comic! Q: When it’s time for the next WWR superset to go up for pre-order can we please have a 1/12th option sold at the same time, I mean the very same set, but in 1/12th scale ? A: Sure, but they will have to meet the minimum to make the cut too!

66

wo3a.com

Q: Any chance the WF 1G Armstrong will have a backstory like Oliver the EURO Bramble? Love to learn more about WWR combat in the jungles and more about the tactics of the WF in particular. Also any chance the Armstrong will include a ghillie suit for camo? A: WF will be revealed soon, The WWR EVOL prelude comic in the N.O.M Commander set leads into the WF stuff! Q: Will Microman get those cool weapons and accessories like the vintage Japan counterpart? And are we going to see some Microman villains? Villains always have such a cool personalities and fun to collect! A: Well if there is interest in the line, as in people buy it, yea, they will get it. I have the Hoodman ready to go and Acroyear, but it’s a case of seeing how it pans out. I for one want to do vehicles etc! Q: Do you have a personal favorite Lasstranaut depiction? You have created different versions of her, do you have a personal favorite ‘look’? A: The next one! I like them all, I like the cartoony ones, and the painterly ones, the character has many moods! Q: After all the talk about Andy Warhol, I’ve been thinking: is there a chance for a POPBOT Sherlock Holmes? A: Ol’ fish tank head, I want to to show what happened to my Sherlock, but with so many Sherlocks around now it would seem trite or band wagon jumping! I’ll address it, and who knows maybe a figure, but many more in front to be made! Q: Why is there so much German in the WWR Universe? Are the N.O.M German? Does Germany have major significance in the WWR Universe? A: I’m half German, so it’s a natural affair! Germany does play a major part in the WWR universe. It’s one of the founding members of rebel countries that eventually stand up against the Earth coalition and say all this war shit against Mars is nuts, stop now or we’ll annex ourselves from the coalition. This leads to a sticky situation as you can imagine and cool storylines. EVOL is the umbrella for this, not just Rothchild’s change but Earth’s as well. The N.O.M come from everywhere! Q: What do all Tomorrow Kings or de Plume keep in their pouches? A: Dried fish, what does a soldier keep? Rations, munitions, medical, survival whatnots! Spank mag, communication devices, whetstone, underwear etc. Q: Any chance at an EDO with metallic paint app, like an IRON EDO cyborg perhaps? With a bit of rust and different weapon possibly? A: I have a bronze EDO, who wants a Bronze EDO?


L to R: TK Hunter, TK E.D.O Momba Set

Q: What does MOMBA EDO stand for? Do EDO act like human TKs, are they capable of anything a TK can do? What are their strengths and weaknesses compared to regular clones? A: They act like guards, not much talk but always watching and considering the situation. They don’t chat, but can issue commands or statements that aid in the safety of its wards. They are machines, smart, but still machines that are programmed to protect at all costs! Like any machine, a situation far enough out of its sphere will be trouble! The period of no TKs is the EDO period in my POPBOT universe. It’s a dark time, almost medieval in tone. It doesn’t last long, but it’s a shit time and the EDO are like the knights of the universal realm, something to look to for protection! Q: After 2000AD transition into 1/12thth scale, would you consider releasing the Mongrel figure again for the fans that went 1/6th? A: I would, but there were not many takers first time around, are there enough now? Maybe an Orange Version? Q: Is there a chance to see Thrice Naut and Post Fire (Men from N.O.M) in WWR EVOL? A: Maybe Q: How big in relation to a person are the T.O.T.E.M T.H.U.G suits? More so are they like a suit of armor OR more of a mech/vehicle with the driver/pilot housed in the body cavity? After analyzing the art, I am interested if the pilot is contained just in the torso or is encased in it like a suit with the upper helmet/shoulders worn almost like a hat on top of the skull? A: You will see soon! Q: With the great success of EDO, and with the excitement about bronze EDO mentioned, can we expect a TQ style EDO? Does that even exist in the TK-less time period within POPBOT? A: There are no TQ EDO style on the blocks, and for a reason. One day I’ll spill the beans as they say! Lets get the Bronze Baron EDO into action asap! Q: Luther Bean Sr. is mentioned, I believe by Mort in a D’Airain Adventure. Is Mort living in a past storyline to the POPBOT universe? It has been speculated that Future Mort would be released under Adventure Kartel (unless that’s bogus). Is it that Adventure Kartel and POPBOT happen in the same universe, but at far different points in time? Or can Mort or Luther Bean Sr. jump between universes? A: Well Mort was gonna be a part of a shared POPBOT universe but I thought him better suited for AK. There is a group of Skull faced characters in the AK universe, they are all related.

Q: SDCC is pretty much my favorite event of the year. Any chance you can give us some hints on what you guys have in store for this year? We have been clamoring for a 1:6 TK since 3A has been going to SDCC, will we see one soon? A: Yea, you know, I know that, and thinks it cool too. If we are gonna do SDCC and have a toy, I’ll make it TK. My aim this year is to up the POPBOT villain quota, the TK hunter is ready in the wings, I have a Mortis mobile gun, a TK Sweeper bot all close too! Q: After seeing G.H.G and its great helmets, it came to my head that it would be great to see N.O.M or Grunt as elite pilots in WWR EVOL? Those helmets on 1/6th scale figures would be just great! A: Well the N.O.M pilots wear the gas-style masks. In the upcoming WWRp Commanders Set comic book there is a brief sequence with a Space de Plume, which I now want to make, kinda a pilot thing. Gah, Jet Fighter de Plume does sound cool! I have the Mego 8-inch astronaut (jet pilot by any other name) on my wall in my office, be fun to make a ropey Jet de Plume in 8-inch! Q: Is there a room in WWR EVOL for some exoskeleton/combat suit and perhaps engineer to fix them? A: There is now, as the field of conflict has radically changed due to events of EVOL! Q: Could you give us any updates on any of the film or series please? Any chance of a sneaky peek from you and Pete Ford? A: Lore is doing great, I hope to be able to share some news very very soon, WWR is looking for a director last I heard, same with ZvR. I kinda stay out of the movie stuff, until I make one. I like doing stuff, not discussing so to speak! Q: You mentioned in one of previous sessions that World’s Best Robots could come with each 1/12th pilot to feel the sense on their actual size. Will we get some comics to bring us more info on this world too? A: Yes, you will. The world they are in is as important as the toys, they need each other, I think for everything I do that is the case! Q: You teased us greatly with all these Adventure Kartel AP figures. Any chance that whole boxes will be made available at Bambalandstore for 3AA members? For many of us it’s hard to find a retailer in our country or International retailer who would ship abroad. I was also wondering how those long boots are made on Merde and Bleak? Are they solid or some kind of PU leather to help with posing? A: Retail is a super important part of what we do, it gets our stuff out and lets people see it. Your support is just as valid to us as well, and I don’t want you missing out due to locality restrictions, so I’m sure we can work something out on a large level or work

3A Adventure

67


Q&3A

CLOCKWISE L to R: Merde Mission, Frederator, G.H.G Pilot

with individuals etc. Re: boots, soft is the intent (still need to get the final samples) and these figures have been made ahead of time to let us fix issues and try and make the best mini AK we can. like the 3AGO figures at NYC, these are alpha versions that are already well out of date with regards to the head sculpt and body articulation, and clothing material. We are spending more time and money in R&D to make the best we can! Q: Can you please share a bit more about Bravest Warriors upcoming toys? Maybe you will be doing some art for kaBoom? And an ultimate question: will there be any Adventure Time figures? A: We have teamed with Frederator to make toys for Bravest Warriors and Bee & Puppycat - to make killer 1/6th versions, show accurate, also to make 3ASH versions of them, which is kinda awesome too. No Adventure Time for now, but I would love to make nice toys from that world, the more obscure characters in 1/6th are screaming for toy life! I have varied tastes in many things, and I want 3A to reflect that, from WWR to Marvel, to Pascha to Valve to POPBOT to Frederator! Q: Drop some Marquis de Plume intel on us please?! What qualifies him to take on the Fallen? Why was he chosen by the Supreme? Are there other Fallen Hunters or is he the only one? Does Barguest and Kuan know he is coming after them? Why does he not have N.O.M issued guns – looks like he has regular Grunt handgun? A: Every collective has an enforcer - street gang, ice hockey team, government etc. Ol’ Marquis is the N.O.M’s go-to guy to lay the strap down. He has taught the best, he has killed the best. I’ll give a heads up soon. Q: Is WARBOT a single killing machine or is it a member of a crew or

68

wo3a.com

faction (are there more than one)? There has been a bit of debate in the superset thread about it, please help clarify if you can. A: WARBOT is a different world really, but If I had to write it into lore, WARBOT got plucked outta the WWR universe using similar portal tech that brought Zombies into the ZvR reality. The journey messed his wiring up a bit and decided to go on a one-bot Zombie killing spree. We are going to team with IDW to finally do a proper range of ZvR toys, cover some of the fun stuff in 1/6th! Q: Any chance we will see some new Squares this year? - I’m not just talking colorways, I’m talking weapons, packs, doors, etc. Such a great design with so much room for growth! A: EVOLSQUARE is coming! Q: It’s been mentioned that the ZWARTE TORENS (Dutch Mercs) are only dome-headed bots. Does this just apply to the CAESARS or is that faction wide deal (we have seen a 1/12th ZT Square so there is wiggle room)? This would make them basically a Bertie/Caesar built faction if that be the case, unless there are other domed bots we have yet to see. Please elaborate if possible, since ZT appears to be the last of the MERC crews. A: In the WWR universe what seems like a Merc could easily be a government or Rothchild operation. A lot of work is done under the premise of this or that, Merc and so on. Info coming soon! Q: Any word on Misty Slush pre-order date and perhaps some info on the robots in that painting, please? Can they be included for a POPBOT Brainfreeze Superset?! (I really dig that painting) A: Well the sisters have these Drink Handles to cover their real identities. Lady Sham, Misty Slush, Shandy etc on sale this year, How great to make a toy called Misty Slush!


Q: Any chance of giving us a hint on the first 1/6th AK release for 2014. Who and when would be nice, I’m ready to use my new 3AA membership. A: Zomb MD, 10” Little Shadow! I think we have a premade Shadow Merde coming too, very soon! Q: Is there special lore behind the TKs weapons? Where do they get their swords from? TK SUN looks like he has some old school katanas, are they given them at birth or is there some fabled blacksmith out there supplying them with their gear? A: They are made by the Weapon forger TKs, outside of the TK forces their weapons are very popular, now the war is finished the black market is the place to buy them, most have forgotten that they were in fact TK weapons, most are sold as antique sword and what not from the past, not the future! Q: Have you been thinking about 1/6th Mk2 Bertie with crying baby accessory as seen in the ZvR prints? A: I tried to push that baby with the original Bertie release, but everyone said NO! but as no I can make it yes, the little shit will make an appearance, maybe a WARBOT 1/6th set or a single! Q: I know you revealed the WBR MARS figure at NYCTF. Any chance you can share when he is tentatively scheduled for release? Need to start saving for him and can we pretty please have more notice on upcoming releases? Personally speaking I allow a monthly budget on my spending and I’ve had to miss out on some 3A sales because I blew my spending a few days earlier (hours once) so the more notice the more I spend at Bambalandstore. A: MARS will be late March/April, still need to tweak bits! We do discuss upcoming stuff, but we let chaos run our system, as you know chaos can be a bitch, but dammit we will try. I would say this, if I make a clear ad or show many images of it painted, it’s close, 2-6 weeks til sale! Q: Will the AK Book tie in characters like Merde and Bleak? Will it cover the Robot Island story arc? A: It’s just everything done plus new stuff, most have not seen the early stuff so it’s a nice way to share it. Everyone gets a mention and I hope expanded upon in non-linear or linear fashion. Shit, I dunno, I just like to put them together, whatever feels right at the time! I LOVE AK, but most have never heard of it. Not seen a toy or have a poster, the first years of AK were shipped in low numbers. actually it still is, so it’s a building exercise. AK is still playing bars, homing its craft and skills. Q: As you’ve probably guessed by previous sessions - there’s a lot of interest in a 1/6th Mk2 Bertie and Warbot in particular (2nd popular choice in next superset poll on 3A forum at the moment), would there be a way we could get one with an Amazon using the new seamless body? A: Well the new seamless is on bottom half now, as shown, I know we can make the entire body like that if needed. And yes, Amazon are on the list, the sisters are some of the best characters from the ZvR universe. Q: Would we be able to see another 3A hoodie, Maybe an Adventure Kartel Hoodie to go with the shirt ? A: I want to, but do enough of you guys want to? Our shirts are break even at best, done for fun, a hoody is more expensive too. But yeah, if you guys push for it, I’ll make it!

Q: With Peppermint Grove pre-order two months behind us, I was wondering when the exclusive Severed Bothead may be revealed and when we might get another specific sale like that (and if there will be an announcement beforehand)? A: We will reveal soon and put in Bamba! Q: With the TK Classics line going back to basics, will you ever have a TK with a black eye again like how Hideo had one!? Been dying to have a TK with a black eye or even a new Hideo 2.0 would work too! A: Yup, I love that eye, looking at the 3AGO ones only made my resolve to give TKs more black eyes! Q: “SITROM” in reverse is “MORTIS”. Any coincidence here regarding G.H.G and/or POPBOT? A: It is, isn’t it? I would never make a toy without a story behind it, now I don’t talk for Maestro Kenny, but Snow Pea certainly is grounded in one of my worlds. As an aside, I have a great 1/6th Snow Pea figure from 2009, love it, hopefully one day I can release! Q: What is your morning routine? Bacon & eggs and daily comic maybe? A: Eggs, coffee, drawing, design, paint, set to repeat. Bacon is good, I mean c’mon… good lord... crispy bacon… Q: You already mentioned in past Q+A that you will think of ways how to offer Action Portable figures teased recently on the blog on Bamba. Any chance that they can be sold on bamba in a AP AK cathedral box? So the box will double as a play set? Making that release different to the retail version? A: I want to do a Cardboard Cathedral in a big way, just need a cardboard engineer designer, I don’t have those skills! C’mon world, send me a cardboard cathedral designer! Q: Will 2014 see the unveiling of a new, never before seen or mentioned, robot for the WWR Universe in either scale? A: Yes, I don’t talk about many of the toys we are making, I still want a sense of surprise for much of our output! Q: Have you ever considered making a map of the POPBOT world? It’d be pretty crazy with the Underverse, Outerverse, Europe is a Wasteland, etc. Maps of AK and WWR would be cool too. A: I have, but I’m no map maker. It would have to be pretty big too! I want one! Q: Project T.O.T.E.M was created to stop the spread of the Strigoi infection or has it existed before that? How can a T.H.U.G suit kill a Strigoi? Does it have any weapon systems? A: How does a T.H.U.G stop a Strigoi? It bashes the fuck out of it, tears its limbs off etc. Standard gun fire doesn’t have much effect on Strigoi, a more brutal path is needed. A popular weapon of the T.H.U.G is the steel pole, blunt trauma wounds and all! My vision of EVENFALL isn’t a smart or elegant invading alien force, it’s good old fashioned grit, if the aliens hit hard, hit ‘em back harder! The Strigoi are just one of many things that are around, the T.H.U.G suit is one of many offensive weapons... Q: In the OSM EVENFALL line can we please get some large Ashley Wood style Project T.O.T.E.M spaceships? A: Well not for EVENFALL but for NEWTONS WAR, yes indeed! I have been a fan of spaceships battling in space since I can remember! Please support the OSM line, so 3A and Goodsmile Co. can build an epic collection across many stories! Q: Now that you have said that WARBOT is originally from the WWR

3A Adventure

69


Q&3A

universe is he a faction on his own or does he belong to another faction say perhaps Iron Panda? A: I said he isn’t from WWR, but I gave a way he could be! He is technically a ZvR character. BUT if he was from the WWR universe, he would be an experimental bot I think, maybe plucked from a ROTHCHILD Experimental Division! Q: Are the Bravest Warriors going to be offered up separately or as a four-pack, and when you say 1/6th are we actually talking 12-inch figures since they’re kids rather than adults? A: Well they are big kids, so heights will vary! I think depending on how they are released will depend on packs, but a 4-pack would be great. My damn Beagle just ate our Catbug plush this weekend, really sad to see my youngest son giving first aid to it with bandaids... especially when it was obvious Catbug wasn’t coming back... Q: With the expansion of OSM to World War Robot Universe, is there any chance that we will see a 1/35th scale Bertie Dropship and Berties set in 1/35th scale? A: That’s the intent, like I said, get behind this stuff. The 1/35th really lets us have fun! Q: Will we see gigantic boxed sets of Microman? A: Well if you guys want them, of course, the first wave is released next month. Then if all goes well, the next wave and some vehicles, the new 1/12th body has the peg holes on the back for micro action etc. I have high hopes for this line! Q: Is there a chance there will be an Iron Panda Caesar if legion supports an IP superset? From black market maybe? Maybe there’s story in EVOL world, that there is hacker who steals robots and sell them in black market, and one of them got sold to Iron Panda fraction? A: Panda Gone Rogue Superset is 1x Classic Square, 1x Long Leg Square, 1x Panda Soldier, 1x Original Bramble, 1x 1G Armstrong. Q: Are you aware of the success of Harold (among its owners)? Everyone keeps their Harolds (and so do I), they are quite hard to find in aftermarket, and last time when Harold was on sale at Bamba, you said that if there’s enough support, maybe you will release another Harold. Now maybe we can see another Harold in the future? EVOL Harold maybe? Iron Panda, Dutch Merc, and Deimos need Harolds too! A: I’m not aware, but how cool is that, I love the Harold design, the tracks etc. I think I would like to see some of those colorways you mentioned at retail maybe ? I’ll get onto it! Q: Can we get some Adventure Kartel redheads please? Soft spot for the fiery haired ladies. A: Well a new Cherry Shadow is on the way! Q: What type of bots do the WF use? We know they have Dropcloths, Mk1 Squares, Harolds and Caesar’s. Do they also have Brambles, Bertie MK2’s, new style Dropcloths, Square MKk2’s and Bertie Mk3’s? A: WF used them all, because they have access to all, they are not a simple corp, but, a ROTHCHILD CORP, they are one of Rothchild’s ground divisions, always have been! In the EVOL story they take centre stage! The EVOL WF superset really should be one of each robot ever, but maybe too big, you tell me ? BUT THAT’S A FUCKING SUPER SET! Q: How does BcELL deliver the bots to Rothchild customers? Heavily armed convoys? Dropship? Or something else entirely different? A: Actually they are a logistics group, they deliver everything, from weapons to tech to food, imagine an armed FEDEX!

70

wo3a.com

Q: Are we going to see the release of the TKYO back-up singer “Girl R/C” anytime soon? A: Working hard as we can to get GIRL R/C ready to offer, I just wanna do the dumb ads. TKYO are a lot of fun for me, this is their next stage in the musical EVOLution! Plus GIRL R/C is from the same stock as QUEENY, but much younger, she is there to lead the YO, who are infact a crack team of TK under the guise of a band! Their story isn’t over by a long shot! Q: Can you give us an estimate on next AKLUB and TKLUB releases? A: Soon as possible, Zomb MD and nurse Zomb soon, then HEAVY SLICER for TKLUB, Chinese New Year slowed them down a little, but soon! Want to offer some standard TK non club as well! Q: Adventure Kartel Hotfoot has such an awesome and unique weapon. I was wondering if there was any thoughts on using the flamethrower in other designs such as the previously mentioned Bertie MK2 or, say, a new Grunt? A: I think so, I love the flamer! Q: Would you consider doing a remote control for any figures with light up features? It’s such a pain having to take down the figure, find the switch, put the figure back up and then reversing the procedure to turn it off. A universal remote that could be used on all figures would be handy and look cooler. A: I shall ask the engineers ! Q: When we might see the new Dropcloth for other colorways? A: Soon as the samples are done! Q: How many colorways you plan to offer TK Hunter in and do you have the names for them? Does all TK hunters use the same weapon(s)? Will we see any other weapon(s) being used for the Hunters? A: As they are really big, they use their fists, feet, and grappling hooks! They need no other weapons. There will be a few a colorways! Q: I can’t wait for EVENFALL T.O.T.E.M 1/6th T.H.U.G suit! Are we going to see different colorways and Zero G versions? A: Just one for now, the classic ORANGE Q: You mentioned 1:1 bear head and showed bear claw during Kuma Pascha release? Are you still planning on releasing it? A: YES, we changed it a little, the 1:1 bear head and bear suit will appear soon! Q: Excited with the Marvel line! Will there be lines showing on the seamless rubber parts of Iron Man (you can see on the recent photos) and will Stealth’s chest and hands have red lights too or will it just be the eyes? A: The connection lines will be as small as possible, but its very hard to make them 100% vanish!, only the eyes will be red on the Stealth! Q: I regularly keep an eye on Ask thread at 3A forum and see that various people are asking whether you would be interested to make this or that line of licensed figures and I am curious whether you find these questions interesting and what licenses you would love to pick and make eventually? Maybe Ashley Wood’s Batman or Superman? A: Maybe…


CLOCKWISE L to R: HaroldFS, Dark Blind Cowboy, Beautiful War

Q: Do you remember the first comic you ever read and would you like to flip through it now or perhaps you already have an art from it on your walls? A: Donald Duck (a reprint, can’t remember the story), won it in an art contest age 5. Left it behind afterwards, ran back to get it… Q: Can we please have a EVENFALL naked Strigoi OSM kit sooner than later to battle our T.H.U.G suits? A: Naked Striggy, you can have that when you want it? I’ll put buddy Strig in the store, yea? Great for autopsy type photos! Q: Do the 13 shit-heels the Blind Cowboy is hunting have anything to do with the illuminati or the occult? When can we expect them to make an appearance this year? A: I want to make all 13, maybe do a shit-heel club thing, buy them all, get a free ghost horse etc? What ya think ?

A: Not the same sculpt, same stock, as in genetic, Queeny is what would be considered an older TQ, not many TQs make the age of Queeny, GIRL R/C is much younger, half her age! All new sculpt, she brandishes a Mic and quick witted verses as her weapon of choice. Or a snub nose blaster if that don’t work! Q: When we might see new POPBOT and how he might look? VON5 maybe? A: I want to do a new one, but have put it off so not to make it look like an annual event, its been a while since the first one, maybe the time is coming for a rework! Q: Will The Beautiful War be available on Comixology? Or is that a question for IDW Publishing? A: Well yea, I want it out there!

Q: For your collaboration with Marvel you revealed few iconic characters, like Spiderman, Captain America, Doom and Ultron, but all of them are male. If you want and can make female character, who’s the first on your mind? Storm, Psylocke, Black Widow, or who? A: We are making Black Widow and Ms. Marvel. We are developing a new female body for these and upcoming female characters.

Q: Was amazed by 24” Pascha! What are the plans for the 24’’ figures, is it just for shows or you plan to launch a new line? A: 3A is going to launch a large range of female figs in 24” scale, just to see what kind of detail we can do, realism juxtaposed against stylized design. Going to be fun!

Q: Will EVENFALL see any human characters in toy form? Are there people who hunt Strigoi without T.H.U.G suits? A: We will have the T.H.U.G pilot, a T.O.T.E.M agent male and female in the short term.

Q: When can we expect the first 3A Transformer fig to be released? Will they be modeled after the G1 characters? A: I ask that myself, as they say, its complicated, the toys are very complicated but moving along, we have a few projects that are slow in the works and unannounced but will be worth the wait!

Q: Since you mentioned that the R/C girl TKYO is going to use the Queeny sculpt, will she be getting a staff-like weapon; like a mic with stand or some such ?

Q: Is the Mega Zomb slated to be released soon (after the Zomb MD)? A: Just finalizing now, mid year I would say, maybe May!

3A Adventure

71


Q&3A

L to R: TK Original Heavy Slicer, Darwin Rothchild EVOLved

Q: Great news on possible collaboration with Todd McFarlane on Spawn figs! Not sure how specific the details are around just creating characters from his Spawn property, but would love to see your take on The Creech, Poacher, Gravedigger, Mandarin Spawn and some of his Curse of the Spawn characters (like Dessicator)! Any specifics you can share yet on this upcoming line like scale? I think many of your fans have been wanting this for a long time. A: Well I have always wanted to make 1/6th Spawn toys, and at the start of 3A I talked to Toddy about it. I’m glad the time has passed between now and then as 3A has grown in its tech and ability to give a series such as SPAWN the level that is needed. As anyone who knows me well, my time at TMP is important and special, and the chance to work with Todd again is exciting! More info soon! Q: Will the new WBR MARS robot have a nemesis baddie to fight with? How soon will we see such a WBR evil bad bot if so. A: I never said WBR were the good guys? Q: Can you give us an idea as to when the next TKLUB will come out, or even when this new chapter will wrap up - culminating with the bonus TQ? Thanks! A: I know, give us the TQ yo!, well we have a new HEAVY SLICER very soon. TKLUB will be picking up steam soon! Q: We know there will be an EVOL version of Rothchild, are there EVOL versions of any other characters we already have in toy form as well? Will any other characters undergo a visual change in EVOL? A: Some will see revisits, a Bramble in May is an EVOL version (not that different but cool), there will be a new Earth Coalition peace keeper (Grunt) and so on. Kinda excited to release Rothy soon, a cool fig I think! Q: Have your kids ever came to you with character designs/ideas they wanted you to make into toys? Or are any of your existing or upcoming characters been inspired by an idea your kids came up with? A: Hell yea, they say things, or throw ideas that mesh and make me think, OH YEA COOL! Q: I dig the punkish look of UKTK. We already have Golden Dolphin and the question is: will 3A release more figures influenced by punk imagery? Also will there be a UKTQ?! That would be awesome! A: Well Punk is important to me, on the level of the thinking behind it, DIY and shit. That’s a major part of my ideal. Also when I was a kid and Punk was in its visual golden period, it was kinda scary, yet cool and alienating - saying, ‘join us, the world is wrong’. It’s fun to dip into that world, still looks good today! UKTQ is go! I think PUNK for me has always been a wink and nod that you are not

72

wo3a.com

alone, when you feel outside what the immediate surroundings offer! Go put on a Buzzcocks record, buy some Docs, tartan skirts are timeless... Q: With the announced next series of Nablers, is there an update on next the MISS + MRS. book? A: Update, Ash is working as hard as he can, really (completely disregards health in this dept.), want to finish this more than anyone, very fond of the original book! Q: When we might be seeing Archer TK or next 7Bones? A: I want Archer first then another female 7Bones! Q: Let’s talk baddies! Without Skeletor there’s no He-Man, without Mumra there’s no Lion-O, who is G.I. Joe without Cobra? And to really drive this home, without Vader, there NEVER would have been a Skywalker. So, TK Hunter looks great, but we need more bad guys. What surprises do you have from the dark side of POPBOT? A: It’s hard to answer without giving away the main plot of the TK. Now that we can make seamless female bodies, I’m interested in a MORTIS figure. I have some ideas there, the 13 Shit-Heels are villains in a way. Remember POPBOT isn’t Star Wars or G.I. Joe with a linear good vs. bad storyline. It’s a story of a young man who loses himself, and needs to find his home. He is probably his own best villain and hero. Q: Did T.P. Louise write the Isobelle Pascha book? Your recent interview seemed to imply this. A: Isobelle Pascha wrote it, we just published it. Q: Will we for surely be seeing the Chief in different renditions throughout the years of him some time eventually in 1/6th scale? Also, would the Elites be doable with all the different joint articulations from a human? A: We have an Elite... We have a Chief... Q: Can you please tell us more about UKTK character, like his name, story and whether it’s coming with EDO style hands? A: Original hands, UKTK was deployed during the Manchester War bleeding out into the general UK, TK not only fight the MORTIS but are general peace keepers, especially DEVIL SOCKS! Q: I stopped by at your NYTF booth and I must say that you had amazing displays and great team, and marking up the event with some vinyl boobs was freaking great! Thank you for that! What are your impressions of NYTF? Will you be returning next year? A: Let me say this, NYC was great, 100% credit to the 3A team, I


N.O.M de Plume illustration by Ashley Wood

don’t think enough is said about them, from Gimbys and Gregory for their hard work in the background, to Brent for his design and Siu Yin who really was the gatekeeper of the entire booth and the way it was put together and run! Anyway I’ll dry the tears from eyes and say NYC was a blast, we are what are and that was on display. It’s always fun to get our tits out too! Q: How does N.O.M replenish its ranks? A: They actively search for new members that fit their cause! Like any organization, granted most don’t meet the minimum standard. Q: As I understand 4th N.O.M is an anniversary style homage to original NOM de Plume, but is he also apart of WWR canon as the 4th Disciple? A: YUP, he just changed up his gear, same guy under that mask! Q: You mentioned that the new EVOL release coming soon is Rothchild, is he going to be a major departure from the clean cut Rothchild we had previously, like a beat up dirty bearded backpacker sort? A: Well he is a departure but Rothy is still the same guy at heart, plus he can’t seem to grow any facial hair! Actually the new Rothchild figure is a huge change for WWR, maybe it won’t be that dramatic to most, but it is, and it opens a door previously shut firm in the world of WWR! Q: Since the last couple years I have seen 3A grow substantial amount. How has the hatchery grown as well? I’m sure with so many releases and upcoming lines, there has to be many working hands producing our favorite toys. A: The hatchery has grown the most I think over the years, I’m still in my bedroom on fold away table (no shit) but I kinda like that, guerrilla warfare style… It’s a growth of technology and skills too, not just work force. The future for toys is very different from now, with the advent of 3D printing and other less mainstream tech the possibilities and requirements of all toy/product makers will shift massively. It won’t be good enough just to make stuff, you will have to make the best, with tech and features that push way beyond todays. This isn’t just a situation for toys, but for many consumer products, it’s exciting, it will make us all strive and push beyond what we know! Which is in turn great for our audience, our supporters. Q; Who have been the top 5 most influential people in your life, dead or alive? And how have they affected you to transform you into the person you are today? A: It changes daily, where once I found inspirement, I see only failure and weakness now, so I’ll have to wait and get back to you on this list!

Q: For AK, do you have Public Opinion or The Spank on your radar for figures in 2014? I can’t wait to learn more about these characters! A: The SPANK yes, part of the Dolphin and Tommy triad. Q: After seeing Red Atonement or Palm in the face Sunday JC, is there any chance we’ll see some more JC versions ‘based’ on biblical themes? Calming of the storm, cursing of the fig tree, cleansing of the temple, crown of thorns or transfiguration (GID?) could be tons of fun… A: FIG TREE JC is must! JC will have many faces as AK continues! Q: Any plans for Adventure Kartel 3AGO? A little 8-inch Zomb love would be tight. A: Ha, well it’s like this, I want the 8-inch to feature heavily on new stuff, but it also brings up such must haves as TK and De Plume, and I have to say Zombi too. Best way forward will probably be a mix 70% new, 30% old. Time will tell, I think it’s fun to make 8-inch figs, hope the line can expand to rival the Mego lines of old! Q: What’s the story behind Red Atonement JC and Shadow Merde characters? And of course when we might see them up for sale? Will there be a prior notice? A: Red JC is really SUPER PISSED OFF JC, when he goes beyond his sedate knee the evil state of mind, he basically turns red and beats the living crap outta anything that moves! Shadow Merde is the original of the shadow mode seen in AK, it’s like a virus, he was the first to get it and introduce it into the family. Adventurers will adventure! Re: selling, we never really know either, I think the best notice will be a new ad, once you see that, it’s close! Q: Now that you’re making toys for Frederator, is there any chance they’ll be making cartoons of your IP’s? Perhaps an Adventure Kartel cartoon series on Cartoon Hangover? A: I’m happy with what I’m doing with Frederator for now, these toys are not easy throw stuff, want to make sure the energy is focused on them to make some special totems that fans of Frederator can enjoy! Q: Any chance with the 24-inch Isobelle line on the way and the plan to sell the body once and the clothes afterwards that she could have removable, swappable hair pieces in different colours? Pack her with black, blond and red or whatever so we can mix and match her hair colour too? A: Well this is how I intend to sell 24-inch Isobelle in May. Iso will be sold separately with a basic set up of clothes and shoes, then you would buy the accessories/clothing packs and whatnot as you want them, I’m going to launch with a separate Space Pascha pack (like the SDCC 1/6th fig) I would like to sell the ongoing heads

3A Adventure

73


Q&3A

CLOCKWISE L to R: Marquis de Plume, Bambaboss and TK Kozo illustrations by Ashley Wood

separately too, and hands, etc. Saying that each character will

Q: Will we ever get a Hammerhead Bertie fitout as depicted in your

always get a full release like Lizbeth, Miyu etc, then the separate

painting “There” with dual engines. Is Hammerhead based on the Mk3

parts. I’m hoping this size of action figure can lead to really nice

frame with different loadout options, or a new model ie Mk4?

details and inspire you guys to do your thing too and kitbash. Im

A: I think that would be cool, I would say Mk3 frame with mods, you

not sure how this line will do, but I think its a fun and interesting

guys need to push and remind too!

experiment! We will also release a 24” TK experimental fig this year too, can’t have big Iso getting lonely!

Q: If you are able to produce an iron on/sew on patch for the MIM set, any chance of seeing them for other WWR factions too? There are

Q: Large Martin seems to be forgotten, so I want to know will we see

cool symbols, great mottos (Dead Eyes Open, Counting Bodies Like

another huge & bulky WWR bot, like Large Martin?

Sheep, etc.) as well as some incredible imagery in the faction markings,

A: New version maybe, like with articulated fingers? And Oscar

so maybe an assorted pack? Pretty please!

too, would love to see him made. I have not forgotten him, but we

A: Well because it’s cool to get it in context to the set or toy, not just

had many LM, I have one more variation I’ll try and get to! Oscar

a box or bag of them. It’s also a price thing, the sets can absorb

would be fun too!

cost, to sell separately or even bundled will make them pricey coz that shit ain’t cheap as they say! I’m not a guy to say that’s it, I’ll

Q: In a previous Q+A you told us ON THE RUN TOMMY was coming

think on it, maybe try an experiment to see how they do without

this year, a Tommy in disguise. Will we also see who or what he is

toys etc.

running from? A: Running from everything, remember this kid is the king of emo!

Q: Can you please share any intel on Sombre de Plume and is the cloth

But as we know no one reads this stuff, I’ll tell you... On the run

under Marquis de Plume helmet and mask supposed to be like a kevlar/

with Lil Shadow (note the name), running from whom you ask, the

bullet proof cloth? Like found on bomb specialists protective suits?

DEAD ASTRO!

Added protection for Marquis going up against the Fallens, wondering why you decided to not have it frayed or worn around the edges? And

74

wo3a.com

Q: Dead de Plume is GIDDY, is it going to be like Oppenheimer with all

it being not ordinary cloth would explain that.

the details, and color in the clothes?

A: The Drape is a ballistic shield to a point, and it also separates

A: Dirty GID in parts, but not all white etc, he is a character, has

their clan if you will from other de Plume. N.O.M attribute much

a reason to be light colored. He is cool, I think our direction with

strength to imagery and the way perceptions alter, so each de

GID is better than just clean glory stuff, which is cool, but I think

Plume and his circle like to have the differences, whether it be

the WWR universe needs to show usage and age!

mask or clothing.


Q: Is there any chance that we will see the return of the mighty Bamba Boss? I really miss that guy and pretty sure that I am not the only one! A: I love the Boss, but I never feel there is much love for him... cue the awwwwwww audio, but I have a big ass JETPACK Bamba Vinyl nearly ready and want to make some more of the articulated one, mainly a time thing, maybe I should offer DIY articulated one, let you guys do your thing! Actually I want to offer a DIY of all our robots on Bamba... Q: You seem to be a very honest and open person about using adult imagery and language, so i’m curious do you have any censor policy for your kids or they have free access to your world? Thank you! A: Well as a parent I make sure my children are only exposed to material they can handle, and as their parent I know what that is. I think the key to sexual imagery/any kind of hyper imagery or thinking is to make sure that there is an inherent maturity to understanding the real from the fantasy of what they are viewing. I don’t believe in censorship, as it can lead to repression and control of our basic liberties, but I also do not want my children being exposed to hyper sexual or violent images until they can digest it in a mature way and not come to unrealistic and dangerous views of the world, which is simple as I give a shit and take time to care and talk to them about such stuff, I do not rely on the powers that be to handle it for me and bitch and moan when it goes pear shaped! Like anything, some simple logical thinking and care can negate most of life’s tribulations! Q: You are asked a lot of WWR questions, hope you aren’t tired of them… but that’s only because we do care about the story and would love to see more development and bots! My favorite is Jung de Plume, is he going through any significant changes in WWR EVOL and what is his story? A: The N.O.M play a major part in EVOL, and I want to bring together and tie up much of the threads I have laid! I appreciate the questions and interest in the WWR, very flattering and the questions never get old!! Q: After UKTK do you think it would be a possibility to create a USTK? Something along the lines of a WWII pilot, painted bomber jacket, cigar & guns… A: mm well it has to be canon right, the Manchester war is POPBOT lore, makes sense the TK are there, the US has another fate, or doesn’t time lines are funny like that! Q: Do you like fast cars and racing in general? If yes, which brand you like most? A: I do, but its the engineering I’m attracted too, not the speed, I’m crap at driving so that’s probably why... I’m a BMW fan I think, M6 is a great car, the general finish is alway stood, and they look tough. I like AUDI for the finish too. If you’re listening BMW send me DIY car, I’ll paint it, really... WAVES TO BMW!!!! Q: I know for a fact that you enjoy listening music and have very particular taste, are you picky about the sound quality? I mean, whether you listen your tunes everywhere you go or specifically on nice hi-fi system at home? A: I like a warm deep sound, my parent’s HI-FI system from the 70’s made me fall in love with that rich sound. I personally like listening to music in my car, blue-toothed from Spotify on my iPhone, not the greatest sound I’m sure, but the car makes it sound rich and have a depth that doesn’t fizzle on the top end. C’mon one of life’s greatest things is listening to music while driving!!!

Q: There had been talk about getting into making spaceships a while back. Is that still in the works and if so, in what context? Steampunk spaceships? Retro Rockets? I thought that would be a cool line to make. A: I think any kind, I have the desire to make ships that I design, and also make ships from universes that I enjoy, I think it’s a great unexplored area for us. Q: Will WWR EVOL include the Newel 43 faction, or have they disbanded? Or perhaps evolved into something new? A: They are always there, good money in that part of the war. As long as people are being named, there will be NEWEL! Q: When War Nurse is released, she should come with a Medic patch. Do you agree and perhaps you can hint when she is coming? A: Soon as she is ready, I think a patch is a must, she is a member of NEWEL! Q: After seeing the fantastic new JC head sculpt, are there any other classic figs that will get an updated older look? A: I think all will get a polish and tweak, as I refine my ideas and the story continues! Glad ya dug it! Q: Can we please get some WWRp super and mega sets for other colorways (Gravedigger would be great for instance), freaking epic deal - offer em up as sketches, we never mind! A: This is how I’m gonna do it, I know you guys want different sets, so I’ll offer them all (as in colorways), if enough support it gets made! Easy! The fact that you guys buy off my mangy sketches is a great compliment, never fails to make me chuffed, I’m honored. Q: Could we get a 1/6th Barbarella style fig? Big hair, boots, pvc… A: SCI FI TQ… Q: When 24” TK is made, which TK will it be? If it sells well will we see future releases of 24” TKs? A: TKs a TK. Be cool to release many different ones, but have to see what the response to the larger size is. I imagine this size will work great for the photographers. Guess we will see! Q: Can you please hint the colorway of POPBOT Kozo? Is it red? Any update on Bamba version? Hoping hear to hear some good news soon. A: All we give is good news, I guess a Bamba version of an Underverse Explorer is needed, won’t be KOZO, but a different character with similar gear! Q: Whatever happened to the Stasia and Rouge feet? Were these made for a show? Any more news on these? A: Made for me, I guess, have a quite a few more too now. I will display here and there, or sell, never thought on it too hard! Q: It was awesome to hear N.O.M 4th is the Nom de Plume in disciple gear, will we ever see him as Noir in disciple gear? Green lenses like the OG etc? A: Maybe... Q: Why did the Supreme choose a Plume to hunt the Fallens instead of a more fanatical Disciple? Is it an advantage to have a Plume hunt the Fallen Plumes oppose to using a Disciple? Or is it Marquis is just the perfect man for the job? Known for his legendary hunting skills or brutal nature to all N.O.M? A: N.O.M have their reasons, but the Fallen actively move against the N.O.M. They are a direct threat to the Supreme N.O.M and her plans of Trinity.

3A Adventure

75


Q&3A

Q: How can Rothchild stand a chance when N.O.M’s have the ability to take control of robots? We know that its a challenge for a N.O.M to take control of a Caesar and more often than not lose their life trying to do so but it can be done… Will Rothchild ever develop a bot completely immune to the influence of nom? A: Rothchild isn’t a robot, hence he has a chance! Q: Do Gaistaz still have a role in WWR EVOL, and will any of the GID Bertie Mk2.5’s be Gaistaz aligned? A: Yes, most of the same parties are there in some way, but as the name suggests, they have evolved whether in look, ideals or just plain changed sides. Q: What’s the story behind MiM squad? What’s their target operation? Are they assembled for special mission? A: They are a strike force, for the JEA Marine Corp, say a beach head is making a landing difficult for the grunts, they send the MiM in to clear a path. MiM is larger than the set, that’s the core standard load out, but a MiM force could consist of 5 Armstrong 1G only if the mission dictates. I think there should due a MiM Large Martin... what do ya think? Q: I really like the original Ghost Color Little Shadow (Beijing Gathering exclusive), do you have plans to make Ghost Color variant of LS2, right? A: I hear that a lot, I think I can swing that, or maybe redo the set with new versions.. SUNDAY MORNING FUCKDOWN SET! Yup, that’s it. Q: Talking about WWR supersets and Iron Panda which was the most popular set, would there be any difference in terms of layout for a African-Defense or a Warbot superset (if they will be ever made), as opposed to the Iron-Panda super set? A: When you say layout, you mean load out as in what robots in the set. If so, yes I want to mix it up, have two of something, add in Brambles, Berties and LM. Iron Panda soon, see you IP supporters are up for a challenge! Q: Really excited for upcoming releases of Marvel The Invincible Iron Man figures, and upcoming release of Dr. Doom. Have you thought of doing both stylized version of Marvel figures and traditional figures? Have you thought about 1/6th Rhino or Juggernaut in ether style. I’d love to have those two figures – I think your company would be the ones to do it right, as well as the first company to do it at all. And what about Doom bots? Need them too! A: Well they are not stylized, but my versions. I guess you can see them as either/or depending on what side of the table you’re on. I love the Juggernaut, some of my favorite X-Men are the one’s with Juggy in them around the time Romita Jr. was illustrating the comic so maybe, be a big ass toy too! Which is awesome! Q: As far as i know, from movies, literature and history, war is hell and civilians are suffering, governments are pricks. How are the civilians in WWR? A: Well up to the EVOL storyline most were not affected directly, sure their children joined the War effort on Earth, robots deployed, walls put up, same old stuff, but actually seeing or being affected was still largely kept to a minimum. Much of what has happened has been unseen by the general populace. Most on Earth see a PR push against Mars, using left and right politics to tell different sides of varying tones to build up a fair view of Mars conflict, but the subtext was always: “FUCK MARS, THEY HATE US, AND THINK WE ARE GOD FEARING MORONS!” This constant barrage made many feel they were in the conflict personally, in the trenches with the bots. That being said, the EVOL period brought the war home,

76

wo3a.com

as countries tired of this began to back MARS and call for an end to hostilities, which lead to more traditional conflict on Earth. War isn’t simple, just looks it, there isn’t a way to win, just a way to lose less. Q: I understand exact release dates can’t be given but can you give a hint in which state of development WWR Bertie Mk2 is? A: Soon as I can. We are working on it, we had one, but it wasn’t the right size. Might use as an Mk2.5 one day, the transition between Mk2 and Mk3. Q: With the release of WWRp N.O.M Field Commanders Berties and Graveyard Shift Bertie Mk2.1, does the design of the previously announced WWR Bertie MK2 have design cues of them, like the Stork Eye and Hinged Feet? Or it’s WWRp Bertie Mk2 look? A: It’s a little different, the larger size demands some changes, but the Mk2 is the base model. I would like a stork eye version, or even the unseen FLAK Bertie! Q: Will we see the old school and insanely awesome bulky revolver (30mm) of WWR Bertie Mk1 and Bramble Mk2 return with WWR Bertie Mk2 or will we see different weapons? A: Different, and just as bulky! Q: In last Sunday Q+A you mentioned a Dual Engined Hammerhead Bertie Mk3. Would these be a WWR or WWRp release and if this is WWR would such a release bring a WWR Damaged Bertie Mk3.5 release any closer? A: 1/6th is my thinking! Q: Will see Zombacle prophet coming to Bambalandstore? A: Yea, a red hair version would be fun! Q: How often do you read these Sunday questions and think: wow, that’s a good one and what’s your favorite questions/theme? A: Every week they make me think, remember stuff! I look forward to this, nice to know that there is thinking beyond what you guys see. We all put in a shit load of effort to keep this going, the level of interest we get makes it easier to get through the harder days! Q: What are the weekends like in Ashley Wood’s house? A: Mmm like weekdays, but I see no difference in them really. I try to enjoy, achieve and use everyday to its fullest! Q: Were you ever a fan of the cartoon/toy line M.A.S.K by Kenner? A: As a kid I had a passing interest in the toys, more a fan now, be fun to play with the idea! Q: Can you please name some of 1/12th 2000AD characters which are in the works and in which quarter of this year we might see one for pre-order? A: We are looking for a mid years pre-order as we want a to release a bunch together. We have Dredd, Sov. Judge, Nemesis, Hammerstein, Robo-Hunter and Judge Anderson slated for the first wave! Q: Will we ever see a release of WWR female soldiers with the same awesome tactical combat gear as the male soldiers? Any written in stone or approximate date set for War Nurse Jessica? A: I don’t see why not. Female Commando would be cool! Q: Can the Dirty Giddy Graveyard shift Bertie Mk2.1’s come with the all weather coats, just like WWRp NOM Field Commander ones? Pretty please! A: Well the coats are N.O.M coats, they care for their bots a little


CLOCKWISE L to R: WWR EVOL Packaging, TK Oyabun Naga with Jacket, Zombacle

more, the Stork eye doesn’t have them by default… they are cool

A: I like trees more than Squares… but I kinda like the idea of a

without them!

large vinyl Mk1 painted in a faux wood style. I wonder how big we can make a Mk1 without getting into crazy money...

Q: Caesar type WWR preorder, Bertie Mk2.1 some of them have the stork eye some don’t depending on faction but all have new feet. Any

Q: Have you considered doing more 1:1 scale stuff? A 1:1 De Plume

chance of that happening? DIY could come with both stork and non

mask and 1:1 TK sword or jacket would be killer.

stork heads etc.

A: I would love to make the De Plume 1:1 mask and helmet. I guess

A: Yup, I want to offer a few options for the 1/6th Mk2, also working

we are not set for that kind of stuff, but yea, that on some kind of

on ALBERT a Bertie EVOL variant in 1/6th.

stand, baller! Likewise for the TK jacket!

Q: What’s the transformation process to become N.O.M? Can anyone

Q: Would you ever consider including interchangeable heads with

survive the gas that augments their abilities?

different expressions for the 1/6th scale Adventure Kartel or World

A: There is no process, they are N.O.M from the day they are born.

War Robot figures? It would be cool to have different expressions for

They always find their way to Supreme Mother. There they learn to

characters like Tommy or Shadow.

use their natural gift more effectively.

A: Be great to have heads that can change expression, Tommy doesn’t change his expression much, only the MY NADS ARE

Q: Will 3A make an SDCC appearance this year? Will you again be

AFLAME expression is an option, post Little Shadow kicking!

sharing space with IDW if so? A: Mm I’m not sure. SDCC is fun, but I feel we need our own booth

Q: Do you have any updates, which you can share about new F-Legion

now (not so easy to get it seems) I feel like the younger brother of

Cyborg?

IDW, kinda getting in the way of them and their date. Which is kinda

A: Working on some weapons for him, then we can drop, be great

cool but I also recognize the aggro that can bring. We will have

to make the whole F-Legion. The idea of war vet mercs never gets

some kind of toy regardless selling somewhere, a TK is the target.

old, robot or hume!

Q: Any chance we could ever see a wooden Square become available?

Q: Please give us a clone of Andy Warhol in 1/6th form, with all his

With the tech of today this seems like it could be a possibility without

packaging squares tagging along, that would be so great!

an insane manufacturing cost (I might be totally wrong). A little laser

A: It would, I can make the POPBOT version, as he isn’t Andy

engraving and a few wood stains,they could turn out quite nice. Hell, I

Warhol. And like I said before there is a chance to make an official

would even take a oversized Mk1 just painted like wood to be honest.

one too, it’s on the list!

3A Adventure

77


Q&3A

L to R: Fighting JC Packaging, Graveyard Shift Bertie Mk2.1, Lasstralander

Q: Do you have any news about WWR EVOL Ammo Drop set? And speaking about accessory packs, what do you think about offering clothes packs for humanoid figs? A: The bottom line on the AMMO RECHARGE pack, it’s there, but we are so stretched on the figures and waypoint toys that the smaller things kinda slip through. But it’s on the list, the load out is done, maybe I’ll spend a weekend and get it sorted! Q: So I was wondering if you plan on releasing a figure with the new books coming out, because it would be awesome if we could get some sort of special figure released with the Adventure Kartel book. A: Every AK is special, but hey I want the book to kinda be its own thing. We have a slew of new AK characters coming and they are all kinda special! Q: Now that JC has most of his Upper body covered in tattoos, the logical next step should be his lower body. Will we see a JC with leg tattoos down the road? And will we see some extreme and funny versions of JC, like let’s say Hobo JC with the shopping cart and “Repent, the end is nigh!” sign? A: Funny, his shit is getting more serious, his war on Zomb MD and evil in general is just warming up, leg tats are next, glowing tats too, the story of JC and the AK is really just out of beta. I think the release of ZOMB MD kinda heralds in AK V.1. No hobo, fuck man, HE IS FIGHTING JC, he kicks the fuck outta hobo’s for shits and giggles, lazy fucks he thinks they are! Q: Actually not merely a question, but an answer for your question about Large Martin MiM, it’s great to have MiM squad addition, please throw in MiM LM on sale, Damn Large Martin would be cool! A: One day, I’ll make a 1/6th one. I’ll put it up via art soon! It’s been too long since DLM made an appearance! Q: What’s the story behind graveyard shift Bertie Mk2.1? Are they following Dead de Plume? What’s the target of Dead de Plume and GS Bertie Mk2.1? Are they rise to haunting other factions? A: Graveyard shift Bertie is more a term, operating at and after midnight etc, The term Graveyard shift I think refers to working after midnight. If I’m wrong about, meh it sounds cool anyway! Certain sides in the WWR enjoy the imagery and myth certain names and operating tactics conjure. Humans have always thrived on it, no different in the WWR universe! Q: In regards to SGRJC - what happened to his blind oracle head? The atonement version is being offered with a Zomb head - would this be the head of the oracle or a new head/oracle? Is there a story behind its absence? Also is there a chance us owners of SGR/PAF/DSGR could

78

wo3a.com

buy a Zomb head for our JCs? Maybe a tattooed head one? Thank you for considering! A: The Oracle/Oracle’s works for Zomb MD, not for JC. The head with RED JC is a Zomb, not an Oracle. We are gonna offer a Oracle pack, too small to sell separate! The shipping costs these days are nuts, so to offer the single head in limited numbers would cost around 10 bucks with limited packaging + shipping. I can speak with Siu on what can be done. If it was simple as offering them at a reasonable price, I would put them up today! The new head will be used on a new Zomb, different colors and whatnot just an FYI. Lets me see what we can do! Q: What is your main inspiration for the robot designs in the WWR Universe? A: Me mostly, but a love for real military shit like tanks, canons, trains and other heavy machines. Of course that’s too simple an answer. I’m sure on a meta-level Star Wars with its grimy world of robots and used machines had a huge impact, Astro Boy because the human robot interplay (at least as a kid it seemed important), and vintage Hammer films. Q: Could you elaborate a bit more on how and what future TK releases might be? A: Well I have a ton of characters on the go, I just completed two new ones SLIP OYA and an UNDER-SNIPER, which could have the largest gun ever made for any 1/6th, in fact it has to be, and if it isn’t I’ll add an inch! Q: Can you share any progress on the development of Lasstralander? Always cool to see your drawings showing different variants and angles! A: Banging away on it, vehicles are not my strong point, so I have to work harder at it! Q: Any chance of a line of band shirts from the AK universe? 1:1 Cloven Heart and Black Rainbow shirts! A: I would love too, but t-shirts are break even on a good day, maybe I can try to figure out a better way to sell them. Q: Future Mort news please? Mort is one of you classic characters, one that solidified my enjoyment of your art and stories. Not having a 3A ver sion of Les Mort is just… so, so sad. This year? Please? A: I agree, he is on the list, and pretty far gone in the process, I really want to get him out, as he plays into the Dead Astro storyline which is the next soft toy release arc.


3A Adventure

79


T H E W O R L D ’ S C H I L D R E N , T O M O R R O W K I N G S . B I R T H E D I N T H E PA G E S O F P O P B O T A N D B R O U G H T T O L I F E B Y 3 A .

80

wo3a.com


NEVER

TOMORROW

KNOWS 3A Adventure

81


MADE FOR WAR AGAINST ROBOTS. GENETICALLY BRED AUTISTIC WARRIORS WHO CANNOT DRESS THEMSELVES, BUT CAN SHEAR OFF A ROBOT’S HEAD WITH NARY A THOUGHT. ALONE, EVEN THOUGH THEIR BROTHERS NUMBER IN THE MILLIONS, YES WE ARE DOING FINE, LIKE THE LAST TIME, LIKE THE LAST TIME. THEY FACE DEATH FROM STEEL, BUT DO NOT KNOW HOW TO SAY HELLO. TODAY’S PRINCES, TOMORROW’S KINGS. The Tomorrow Kings are an innumerable amount of male clones in the POPBOT Universe. Originally created by Luthor Bean Jr for corporate takeovers or so it was thought. These Elvis Ronin are the frontline against the growing Mortis threat. Designers of high end fashion and urban streetwear saw the perfect chance to commercialize their gear by clothing the agile and fearless warriors in their latest and greatest. In 2013, Ashley Wood introduced the TKLUB, a 3AA exclusive line dedicated to the Tomorrow Kings. Each release exploring the unending variety in designs while expanding on the original aesthetic fans are drawn to. Members are able to order any TK, but in order to participate in the incentive offers you must have purchased one of each TK from a specific wave of TKLUB releases. Incentives are free (shipping not included) and will range from exclusive Head Sculpts, 1:1 shirts, Tomorrow Queens, Art Books, and more. The Art of TK MOOK, a reward for supporting the first three releases of TKLUB; Oroshi, Nage, and the EDO. The deluxe 12” x 12” softcover mag is a grail for TK aficionados and art fans alike. Originally intended to be 48 pages, this project exploded into over 150. Containing not just images of beautiful paintings, the MOOK dives into unseen territory with concept art and early production images, giving Klub members an exclusive look behind the scenes at 3A. A veritable smorgasbord of everything TK. Page after eye melting page of stunning Ashley Wood artwork and designs. Surely to be the envy of TK collectors everywhere.

IN THE KLUB TKLUB is your entrance into the deeper depths of design from Ashley Wood. An exclusive sub-culture dedicated to the Mortis Slicing Fashionistas. A chance to explore the vast variety of factions contained within the Underverse Army. Clientele may enjoy the hit singles or support the entire concept line for rewarding results. Incentives include the TK MOOK and the upcoming Tomorrow Queen Classics. You’ve never seen anything quite like this before. All from the label that loves you, 3A.

TKlub Release 001 - Oroshi 18

82

wo3a.com


CLOCKWISE L to R: Oroshi 18, E.D.O Set, Nage M.I.A packaging illustrations by Ashley Wood

TKlub Release 002 - Nage M.I.A

TKlub Release 003 - E.D.O Set

TKlub Reward - TK Mook

3A Adventure

83


84

wo3a.com


CLOCKWISE L to R: Packaging illustration by Ashley Wood, In-progress sculpts, 3-pack set, Yoji’s being assembled, single figure box, Kenshiro, Yoji and Hideo 3-pack box set, box-set packaging illustration by Ashley Wood

3A Adventure

85


86

wo3a.com


CLOCKWISE L to R: Shogun Tsuki, Oyaloper, Negro, Interloper, Oroshi Interloper and Inky, Oyabun Naga

3A Adventure

87


YOU FO

88

wo3a.com


OUND US 3A ASSOCIATES, OR MORE COMMONLY 3AA, IS AN ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP WHERE THE PURCHASER RECEIVES AN EXCLUSIVE BONUS MEMBERSHIP PACK, A 15% DISCOUNT ON ALL BAMBALAND PURCHASES AND ACCESS TO 3AA ONLY EXCLUSIVES. Join the ranks in mid-January, annual recruitment and renewal is open for a 24-hour period before closing its doors until the following year.

3A Adventure

89


After the success of building an incredibly supportive and creative community on the Outpost Message Boards, Ashley Wood wanted to do even more for the Legion to express his and 3A’s gratitude. Ash toyed with the idea of an exclusive annual membership club and asked if fans would be interested something like that. Not knowing what the membership would contain or how many would pay to be a part of it 3A set forth to make the club a reality. On the morning of the 15th of January 2009 several hundred loyal Legion and 3A fans swamped Bambaland to draft themselves into the ranks of the 3A Associates. An Annual Membership club offering fans a 15% discount, a chance at Exclusive figures, a Bonus Package, and a Member Card so cool that it would (jokingly) get you laid. Over the last six years 3AA Membership has vastly grown and evolved. Always experimenting to find just the right balance of how to distribute sales. Associates are now granted a 24 hour window to purchase any regular sale items and 3AA Exclusives unless otherwise noted. 3AA Exclusives are limited production items only available to 3A Associates. The exclusives are never just a simple fuck off variants. Almost always key characters and intrinsic to the worlds they are associated with. The 3AA characters often explore the stories where Shadows and Ghosts come to life. In addition to access to exclusive figures, Associates are gifted an additional exclusive figurine. The inaugural year started the tradition with a bang. The first in the line of 1/12thth scale collectables and a taste of things to come; The World War Robot Portable, or WWRp, Desert Attack Bramble mk2. Tattooed with each Associate’s membership number on it’s rump, it gave members a unique sentimental connection to the toy. Always included in each Bonus Pack is an article of clothing. Over the years 3A have practically given fans an entire wardrobe. From t-shirts to hoodies, caps to messenger bags the 3A Apparel label are always looking for fresh digs and designs for fans and Associates to proudly show off. With production and quality considerably improving with each release the latest look and feel great. 3A want the presentation of the packaging to be equal to the quality and respect given to every toy release. These are expensive luxury items and it’s important to 3A to have the boxes represent that. Each year’s pack are carefully and beautifully graphic designed. Details ranging from classic looking spot varnish, to bas-relief sculptures, and utilitarian functions - all condensing clothing, toys, cards and more into a single compact box.

90

wo3a.com


CLOCKWISE L to R: 3AA 2011 membership box set, 3AA 2012 F-Legion Adventure Kartel 1/6th scale figure, 3AA 2010 membership t-shirt illustration by Ashley Wood, 3AA 2009 1/12th scale WWRp Desert Attack Bramble

3A Adventure

91


L to R: 3AA 2014 Lasstranaut membership box set. Design by Brent Ashe, illustrations by Ashley Wood

92

wo3a.com


3A Adventure

93


2009

THE INAUGURAL YEAR OF 3AA MEMBERSHIP. A SUCCESSFUL EXPERIMENT IN DEDICATION FOUNDED ON THE PASSION OF THE 3A LEGION. The first 3AA Membership Bonus Pack. Members received an introductory offering in the 1/12thth line of figures; the WWRp Desert Attack Bramble Mk2 with membership number printed on the bot. The pack also contained a 3AA Membership Card, 3AA shirt, all contained in a bas-relief Bramble Mk2 Box.

3AA EXCLUSIVES

NEVER JUST A SIMPLE VARIANT, 3AA Exclusives are almost always key characters that play integral parts to the worlds they are associated with. Often exploring the stories where Shadows and Ghosts come to life. In addition to gaining access to exclusive figures, 3A Associates are gifted an additional exclusive figure in their Membership Bonus Pack. These are just some of the highlights offered over the last six years:

94

wo3a.com

TOMORROW KINGS Heavy TK Nasu

ADVENTURE KARTEL Dirty Tracky Tommy

WORLD WAR ROBOT N.O.M Blanc Commander


2010

YOU FOUND US. THE SECOND YEAR DRAFT GIVING MEMBERS A CHANCE TO RENEW AND RECRUIT, DOUBLING THE LEGION’S EFFORTS. Year two contained the WWRp NOM de Plume just as detailed and articulated as his 1/6thth counterpart, 3AA Membership Card, T-Shirt with NOM de Plume-Square-Bertieand-TQ decal, all in a beautifully graphic designed spot varnished box with the 3AA motto You Found Us printed on it.

TOMORROW KINGS TK Slicer Kyuuketsuki

ADVENTURE KARTEL Exegesis JC

ADVENTURE KARTEL Shadow Bleak Mission

TOMORROW QUEENS Reimi Kawaii

POPBOT General Showa / Day One Popbot

3A Adventure

95


2011

THE TERTIARY TERM. ALWAYS TRYING TO ONE UP THE PREVIOUS PACK THIS POWERHOUSE PACKAGE DID NOT DISAPPOINT. Available only in this 3AA pack: 3AA Lanyard with 3AA Membership Card, 3AA Members Hoodie with Skull decal on the back, Randomly inserted Action Portable Tomorrow King Oyabun. The Adventure Kartel Primer Comic. Complete in a classy double drawer box.

3AA EXCLUSIVES

WORLD WAR ROBOT Doc Grunt

96

wo3a.com

WWRp Triste Fight Stiffy Set

WORLD WAR ROBOT Fantome de Plume

WORLD WAR ROBOT Rothchild Funeral Party

TOMORROW QUEENS Vanilla Pod


2012

FOURTH YEAR. THE FIRST YEAR TO INCLUDE A 1/6th SCALE FIGURE INSIDE AN UNIQUE UTILITARIAN PACKAGE. 3AA Membership Card, 3AA Cap, 3AA Messenger Bag with F-Legion 0024491 - A relic from the Northern Suburb Wars, the only remaining member of F-Legion. F-Legion were experimental cyborgs designed to help the ADF against the hoard of robots pillaging the northern suburbs of New Andria.

ADVENTURE KARTEL Cherry Bomb

ADVENTURE KARTEL Rehel Dragos Eraphis

WORLD WAR ROBOT N.O.M 4th Anniversary

WORLD WAR ROBOT N.O.M White Mother

WWRp Internal Investigation Set

3A Adventure

97


2013

DESIGNED BY BRENT ASHE, HE TAKES 3AA’S FIFTH YEAR PACK AND SETS A NEW STANDARD IN COOL. Exclusive 1/6th Blanc Hunter, 3AA Membership Card, Blanc Hunter Print, 3AA shirt in a Bullet Container. All in a specialized box complete with membership number. In addition to the traditional items, 5th Year Vets received an exclusive shirt and the N.O.M PREY BOX.

3AA EXCLUSIVES

ISOBELLE PASCHA Cock-Tail

98

wo3a.com

ISOBELLE PASCHA Wanpi

ISOBELLE PASCHA Kuma Bear Set

TOMORROW KINGS Ronin Oya Sun

TOMORROW KINGS Cornelius


2014

JUST TAKE MY HAND. THE LEGENDARY PACK FEATURING THE FIRST AND ONLY APPEARANCE OF THE PANTLESS ASTRONAUT. Brent Ashe once again designs the annual set that includes the mythic LASSTRANAUT herself, 3AA Membership Card, Lasstranaut Art Book, Lasstranaut Print, T-shirt, contained in an illustrated box set. All renewing vets receive Bonus Garb and Sixth Year Veterans receive a version showing their heritage.

ISOBELLE PASCHA CNY Stiff Horse

WWR EVOL Marquis + Prey Box Set

WWRp Meat Is Murder Mega Set

SNOWPEA White Underverse Pilot

ISOBELLE PASCHA Miyu Juicy Racer Set

3A Adventure

99


COMICS


THIS AIN’T NO SIMPLE TEAM UP KID, ITS ONE SWIFT KICK IN THE JACOBS AFTER ANOTHER. GET READY FOR AN ALL NEW SHIT HOT ADVENTURE WITH ADVENTURE KARTEL! New Andria will never be the same. Bleak Mission is missing and it’s up to his son, The Emo of Adventure Tommy Mission, to find his ass. Recruited by JC and knocked in the the rocks by Lil Shadow, they form the Adventure Kartel. Shit’s about to get real. -

W R I T T E N

&

I L L U S T R AT E D

B Y

A S H L E Y

W O O D

-

3A Adventure

101


102

wo3a.com


3A Adventure

103


104

wo3a.com


3A Adventure

105


106

wo3a.com


3A Adventure

107


108

wo3a.com


3A Adventure

109


110

wo3a.com


3A Adventure

111


112

wo3a.com


3A Adventure

113


114

wo3a.com


3A Adventure

115


T H E

L A S T

P A G E

Epic Blurry - a 3A Tradition


3A Adventure

117


118

wo3a.com


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.