A Hardcore Fan Introduces the Mutant Vinyl

—What is New Haven, where you live, like?

Rich Montanari Jr. New Havenis a small town in Connecticut, located in the northeastern United States. It's famous as an academic city, home to the Yale University campus.

—When did you first become interested in toy culture?

Rich Montanari Jr. Toys have always been a part of my life since I can remember. I became interested in art toys through general toys, and now it's no exaggeration to say my life revolves around toys.

—Who are some artists, regardless of genre, who have influenced you?

Rich Montanari Jr. It's difficult to choose just one, as I've been influenced by pop culture across all genres, including film, music, and art. However, when it comes to toys,KAWSis the one. I encountered his work about 15 years ago, when he wasn't as famous in pop culture as he is now, and he has since become a globally successful artist. If I could follow in anyone's footsteps, it would be his.

—How did you first encounter Japanese sofubi (soft vinyl toys)?

Rich Montanari Jr. I don't remember the exact moment, but when I visited New York,Toy TokyoI saw Bounty Hunter Toys displayed in a store called, and that's when I became interested in sofubi. Since then, I've been very interested in Japanese toys, and I particularly like BEMON's sofubi.

—Are you interested in Japanese tokusatsu, comics, or anime?

Rich Montanari Jr. I've loved comics and anime since I was a child. When I was nine years old, on the last day of my local art class, we watched a dubbed Japanese version of 'AKIRA' on video. I hadn't seen much anime at the time, so I remember it being incredibly cool and impactful. Since then, I've watched all sorts of anime, from cute to violent. For manga, I read the works of horror artist Hideshi Hino.

—When did you start creating sofubi as an artist?

Rich Montanari Jr. About 10 years ago. Initially, I would strip the paint off sofubi I collected and repaint or customize them myself. However, someone once told me that was disrespectful to artists. That comment inspired me to start creating my own original sofubi as an artist. A friend living in Japan, Ricky Wilson, introduced me to factories, and I was fortunate to have a supportive environment for production.

—What is the meaning behind the name MUTANT VINYL HARDCORE (MVH)?

Rich Montanari Jr. After collecting sofubi for several years, I became a huge fan of Japan'sREAL x HEADand its representative, Mori-san. I started a blog about my sofubi collection, and the title of that blog was 'Mutant Vinyl Hardcore.' I really liked the phrase 'A hardcore fan introduces mutant vinyl,' so I decided to use it as my brand name when I started making my own toys.

—Your debut in Japan was in September 2011 with "OLLIE," released by Medicom Toy.

Rich Montanari Jr. Actually, "OLLIE" was my second piece. My debut work was a smaller, simpler two-piece design called "Sludge Demon," but the lessons learned from producing "Sludge Demon" were invaluable in the creation process of "OLLIE." Originally, I didn't intend for "OLLIE" to be so large. I had very little sculpting experience at the time, so while I was making "Sludge Demon" for practice, a friend living in Japan helped me start production on "OLLIE."

When I finished "Sludge Demon," "OLLIE" was still far from complete. Around the time I sent the "Sludge Demon" sample to Japan for commercialization, I had them send me the "OLLIE" in progress, and I was very surprised by the size difference the moment I saw it. I made modifications to the body, arms, and head, and by the time it was finished, it had changed considerably from the original prototype. As I was actually making it, I felt that a big size like "OLLIE" was better.

—Your work conveys a respect for the monstrous and the frightening.

Rich Montanari Jr. From around age nine or ten, I became interested in fantasy and horror with a pop culture feel. I especially loved savage comics and monster movies, and horror films. The influence of those works remains within me as a sensibility, which is why I think my toys reflect that aesthetic. Of course, I'm mindful not to overdo it.

Page02.I Want to Display My Favorite Things Outside of Display Cases

I Want to Display My Favorite Things Outside of Display Cases

—"OLLIE" was also released as a VAG (VINYL ARTIST GACHA) last September. How do you feel about your work being miniaturized into capsule toys, making it more accessible to both adults and children?

Rich Montanari Jr. Thanks to Medicom Toy, I was able to turn what were originally expensive and hard-to-obtain pieces into more affordable products for fans. It's very enjoyable to see people playing with the VAG, taking them on outings, or combining them with other MVH toys. I get excited seeing my creations alongside their mini versions.

—Please tell us about "LASH," the main character of MUTANT VINYL HARDCORE.

Rich Montanari Jr. I used a demon's head as a logo even before I became a toy maker. I grew up heavily influenced by monster and horror movies, so I like that kind of aesthetic. I find it cool and representative of me. However, I didn't give the character a name at first. When I started my artistic activities and used this character on my business cards, I finally gave it the name "LASH" when the discussion arose to commercialize it with Medicom Toy. At that moment, the name "LASH" felt fitting.

—What are your thoughts on "VCD LASH" being realized as a figure? It has a unique, humorous finish with poses that only those in the know will understand, differing from your previous works.

Rich Montanari Jr. MVH became known for making monster toys, but they were niche collector items rather than for the mass market. I wanted to try something new to reach a wider audience. So, I researched artists who had created hit art toys in the past, and the name "KAWS" and his iconic workCompanioncame up again.

KAWS's Companion is inspired by Mickey Mouse. I also had a desire to create a work based on a pop culture character, so I chose a character I've loved since childhood,Felix the CatThis is an homage to KAWS and an homage to an iconic character. It's also interesting that my character is a cat, and KAWS's character is a mouse.

—Regarding your original character "LIXX." It looks very similar to "LASH"; what is the difference between them?

Rich Montanari Jr. I called it "LIXX" until it was officially named "LASH." They look very similar, so it might be confusing, but "LIXX" is the version before "LASH." The key to distinguishing them is that "LIXX" has spikes on its back, while "LASH" does not.

—This time, "LIXX" is being released as T-shirts and mats. What kind of discussions did you have with Medicom Toy regarding these products? Please also share your thoughts on the merchandise.

Rich Montanari Jr. For the past few years, I've decided that Mutant Vinyl Hardcore should be not just a toy brand but also a lifestyle brand. I believe there are many collectors like me who live surrounded by toys. Everyone wants to be surrounded by things they love, not just for displaying figures, so I started by creating T-shirts and rug mats. Venturing into new territory can sometimes lead to failure, but you never know unless you try. I've failed many times before, but past failures have served as stepping stones for creating new works.

I hope many people will like the new MEDICOMTOY LIFE ENTERTAINMENT series "LASH" items, but even if they don't, I will use this experience as a stepping stone to create items that everyone will love next time. What Medicom Toy and I have in common is our love for our fans and our desire to provide them with things that bring them happiness.

—What do you find most appealing about Medicom Toy as a company?

Rich Montanari Jr. It's their genuine love for the company and the products they create. They invest time in making good products and are dedicated to supporting artists. Their way of thinking and values align closely with mine, which is why everything we do together works out. We've been working together for many years, and I'm still inspired and learn from how they consistently focus on creating the best possible products.

—If there's anything you can share about the future development of MVH, please do.

Rich Montanari Jr. Currently, I'm focusing on independent toys, which is my area of expertise, but I have several new projects in the works for the future. I can't announce what the next release will be yet, but if you're interested, please follow and check my Instagram(@mutantvinylhardcore). I'm also putting effort into my second brand, "Death’s," and am currently producing new figures.

—Finally, if there's anything you'd like to do with Medicom Toy, please tell us.

Rich Montanari Jr. I trust Akashi-san and his Medicom Toy team completely. I have ideas for new toys, of course, as well as new color variations for LASH. I'm also currently designing two new BE@RBRICK models.

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