We were invited down to the launch of UK-based, vinyl toy company, Dudebox on Thursday night at Village Underground and they introduced themselves with a BANG.

Expectations were of a much smaller event, but as soon as we got through the door, we were greeted with a part-party, part-exhibition that filled the spaced of Village Underground very well, the place was rammed.

Perspex cases, perched on top of blocks, showcased the new range of toys, with artist contributions from the likes of Hicks, Jonny Wan and Mark Gmehling the Big Dudes were suitably impressive, priced at a reasonable £39.99 each.

Tucking into the Big Apple hotdogs on offer, along with big plates of sushi, popcorn and free-flowing drinks we checked out the rest of the range which included “The Big Bang” and “The Super Amazing Spectacular” series.

The Secret Walls (previously Secret Wars) crew were on hand, along with Pete Fowler to provide one of their classic live ‘art battles’ as the Dudebox team took on the Secret Walls team.

I was suitably impressed with both the event and the line of toys that Dudebox have put out to launch their name into the vinyl toy arena. Strong artistic work combined with a quality finish means that the prices are reflective of the ‘premium’ look and feel that Dudebox are evidently going for. UKSA will be keeping a close eye on forthcoming releases from the team and we wish them all the best in firmly cementing themselves as one of the leading toy brands in the world – we think they’ve definitely given themselves a strong starting position.

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• Tags: Dudebox, Event, London, Secret Walls, Toys, Village Underground, Vinyl