Japanese design brand GRAPE BRAIN (脳味噌葡萄), which has captivated many toy collectors with its "Jigoku Neko (ジゴクネコおにぎり)" soft vinyl figures, has partnered with Japanese toy manufacturer stasto (スタンド・ストーンズ / Stand Stones). Approximately one year after releasing "Jigoku Neko ~Wonderful Friends~", they are set to release the "Street Fighter × GRAPE BRAIN" character figure gashapon in June 2023!
"Strange yet cute, grotesque yet psychedelic" is likely the first impression many toy collectors have of GRAPE BRAIN's works. Whether it's Jigoku Neko with eyes on its hands, the girl character "Nigiru-chan," or "GERA GERA" with two mouths, all possess an exquisite balance that straddles the line between terrifying and adorable. However, GRAPE BRAIN also produces characters like the axolotl "MACARONI," which are entirely defined by their cute and charming appeal.
This time, after reinterpreting classic characters from the fighting game titan "Street Fighter"—Ryu, Chun-Li, Zangief, and Blanka—Ryu, Chun-Li, and Zangief directly have eyes growing on their hands. Ryu is even depicted preparing to unleash a Hadoken, which is quite interesting! Blanka, who is inherently wild in the game, adopts the appearance of the axolotl MACARONI, instantly becoming incredibly cute. Yet, his sharp fangs and spiky hair also strongly convey Blanka's ferocity. Each character stands approximately 4 cm tall, not only embodying GRAPE BRAIN's distinctive design features but also fully retaining the characters' original classic elements, making this a highly collectible gashapon series.
STREET FIGHTER × GRAPE BRAIN Figure Collection
Suggested retail price: ¥400 / piece, Product specifications: Approximately 4 cm tall, 4 types in total, Estimated release date: June 2023
Source: A-mues