World War Robot: Bertie The Pipebomb
I have to admit that I am a closet toy freak, unfortunately (or fortunately) I never really got into the toy collecting hobby. Chasing down plastic crack was just too much for my wallet and room space. However, I do still get turned on by the occasional Toy Porn. The SR-71 Blackbird + Optimus Prime mash-up from Transformers 2 got me going, but Bertie here nearly made me mess my pants!
This toy, designed by Ashley Wood in collaboration with Bigshot Toyworks, is just freaking awesome! This robot’s design is a homage to the best elements of G.I. Joe, Tamiya WWII Tanks, Commando comics, and Japanese Anime Robot Tech. Hey, I don’t even mind his quirky, impossibly small legs!
Looking at the level of part detail and the fact it has 46 points of movement made me tip my industrial design hat with respect. And that Commando black version with the basket of trophy heads is just a hoot! Now I wonder if there is a pilot inside…
Via: Behance.
Shahar Klein
January 26, 2010 at 8:27 pmI’ve posted Bertie’s in an Israeli design forum which I manage for some years, raising the question of Bertie being a “pipe bomb”. You may recall a few years ago Israel’s main cities and buses were pipe-bombed by suicide bombers almost weekly.
I was surprised to read that my readers have not seen this connection as problematic…
Justin Moore-Brown
January 20, 2010 at 2:04 amOH SNAP! I LOVE that commando edition. Heck I’d take both of them for sure!
I love how there is a whole niche of the toy industry devoted to the artsy and older crowd.