Review – Glyos System Custom, Kabutu Mushi by TheGodBeast

Line: Glyos * Year: 2011

TheGodBeast (blog, Twitter) released this completely custom, resin-cast Glyos System (Onell Design) action figure earlier this year. A very limited piece, I was lucky enough to get what appears to be the only version in white. And while snapping pics of a a white toy on a white background is tough, here’s a short review of the custom action figure for everyone who has wanted a closer look at this special toy.

Packaging

A great clamshell package with artwork and design by Nate Newell of Dork Dimension, the Kabutu Mushi is completely ready for display in his package and I wouldn’t be surprised if a number of collectors plan to never open the toy. I love the artwork and the fact that it’s a resealable package; a great piece of packaging design for what may turn out to be one of the rarer and more obscure collectibles in the line (not counting one-off customs).

A New Sculpt

Built over an existing Glyos System framework/joint system, the Kabutu Mushi is a completely new sculpt by TheGodBeast and while my photos don’t show off the work as well as they should I can say that this is an excellent bug action figure. I had to glue the horn in place, so the slight angle is completely my fault, but everything else was assembled and ready for action. And take a look at that head and those claws for two of my favorite elements of the figure’s design. Overall it’s a smooth, professional sculpt and the toy looks to me as if it’s just about ready to go to China and get transferred to steel so that the figure can be mass produced.

Articulation

The joints on my Kabutu Mushi are really tight and since it’s a limited toy I’m going for the “display him and don’t touch” approach rather than force the arms and legs to move. The legs do rotate at the knees — those joints work just great — but from what I can tell there are Glyos sockets/pegs at the shoulders and the hips. I don’t think the head moves; look at the photos to see how it extends down the back and why I don’t think it can move. As an action figure the toy doesn’t work, but as a limited edition art piece to display with my Glyos collection it’s perfect. And if this can find its way to production I’m betting that those joint issues won’t be a problem at all.

Closing Thoughts

TheGodBeast (blog, Twitter) put together a fantastic Glyos System (Onell Design) action figure that’s years ahead of his earlier head and attachment works. It’s cool to see him finish a complete toy, and if I had my way this would be manufactured in China so that I could get the toy in several colors . . . and so that I wouldn’t feel bad about painting up a team of them in Transformers Insecticon colors.

The Kabutu Mushi is a great example of just how many different ways there are to collect Glyos System toys. On one side you’ve got the mass-produced toys that cost $10 or less while on this particular side you’ve got the expensive, limited collectibles that are more art object than they are toys.

And this is great for me since I love both art and toys.

Philip Reed has more custom Glyos System action figures that he should review. Maybe this week, but we’re running out of time so expect Glyos to keep appearing even after this special week is over . . . not that you expected any less I am sure.