Summer Slime is back and we’re diving into its roots, growth, and the community that makes it one of the most beloved events in the indie toy scene. In this episode, we sit down with Quang of Creature Bazaar to unpack the origin story of Summer Slime, originally started by legendary artist Paul Kaiju, and how it evolved into the vibrant, backyard-style toy gathering it is today.

Quang shares how Creature Bazaar stepped in to host the show after it lost its original venue, and how they’ve turned it into more than just a toy drop, think tacos, artist-designed tees, a curated crowd, and a vibe that feels like family. From pandemic phone calls with Bawana, Paul, and John Rampage to organizing full-scale toy events like Creature Vision, Quang gives us a glimpse into what it takes to build lasting connections in the toy community.

Whether you're a long-time collector or a first-timer, this episode will get you hyped for the August 2nd event in Santa Ana and show you why Summer Slime isn’t just a show, it’s a movement.

On this episode of Toys on Tap, we dive deep with Michael Bogle, the tattoo artist-turned-toy designer behind Tolsar Toys. Based in New Orleans and inspired by dark fantasy and gothic aesthetics, Michael shares how 18 years in tattooing led him to create ambitious, large-scale kaiju figures that push the boundaries of indie toy design.

We explore:

• How New Orleans culture and ‘90s media shaped his spooky, metal-infused style
• The evolution of his original character Kraju and its growing universe
• His hands-on, detail-first approach to toy design and storytelling
• Balancing creative ambition with personal life
• What’s next: Aruk the Immortal, graphic novels, and limited-edition skateboard merch

Michael’s work is a blend of rebellion, lore, and artistic precision proving that creative risk is always worth it.

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