The Loyal Subjects!

2015 SDCC Exclusive TMNT Stealth 4-Pack (500 available)

Hello popvinyls.com!  Brad here, some of you may know me as a long time admin for the Funko trading Facebook group, some may not know me at all since this is my first time writing for the site!  My first story is also a first of another kind. It’s the first story about The Loyal Subjects vinyls on PV!  I’m excited to introduce our readers to this brand that’s exploding on the scene.  Even though they’ve been around a while, they are really starting to make waves!  TLS is offering tons of SDCC exclusives this year and they make such amazingly detailed vinyls you’re sure to love!  I recently interviewed Jonathan Cathey, owner, creator and founder of TLS, about the beginnings of the company as well as SDCC and upcoming plans! Hope you enjoy the interview and pictures!

8 inch Jumbo TMNT Leonardo (available at Nickelodeon SDCC Booth)

Since this is TLS’s first story on PV I’d like to get some introductory questions for our readers. Let’s start with how and when did TLS get started?

I created/Founded TLS in May 2009.  I started with a project that was introduced to me by my friends over at Mr. Cartoon/SA Studios.  It was a collab with the San Francisco Streetwear Co Upper Playground.  It was their 10 year Anniversary and they wanted to do something that tied in their Walrus mascot and the artists they usually work with; Alex Pardee and Sam Flores (for this  release).  It was supported by Upper Playground.  The release went well and we immediately followed up with Sam Flores’ Kid Dragon and voila, we had a Company!  We actually started doing Tees straight out the gate too.  The whole idea was to be outfitted by TLS – in your collection, in your house and on your back.  Cut to late 2012, that’s when I met Hasbro and started working on the Transformers and G.I. Joe licenses.  That took the Company into a whole different space but our approach to collectibles was still the same; better quality, better experience, more fun.  And here we are =)

Transformers

2015 SDCC Exclusive “Yellow” Construction Set 3-pack (500 available)

2015 SDCC Exclusive Midnight Stealth Mirage (500 available)

2015 SDCC Exclusive Yellow Beak Buzzsaw and Clear Frenzy 2-pack (500 available)

2015 SDCC Exclusive Reel 2 Reel Buzzsaw and Frenzy 2-pack (500 available)

What were the first lines?  Where are they available for purchase now, stores and websites?

First lines – a who’s who of Designer/Art Toys – Joe Ledbetter, Sam Flores, Buff Monster, Gary Baseman, Alex Pardee – we were very select with our stable – we wanted a clear Brand statement.  When you held a TLS Collectible, you knew it was ours – fingerprint.  I started pulling away from those more static/totem like pieces and started getting into more feature base product but keeping the design and aesthetic high and intact.  Our products are available in nearly 10k doors, in 32 countries; most notably Hot Topic, Barnes & Noble, Toys R Us, Hastings and coming soon to Target.com.  Online – check out Big Bad Toy Store, Urban Pop Shoppe.  Also, big guys like Nerdblock and Lootcrate to put some real meat and potatoes in those boxes.  You guys still want wristbands, beef jerky and some closeout product or do you want cool, new products that are high quality?  😉

2015 SDCC Exclusive 8 inch Metallic Jumbo Leonardo TMNT (300 available)

What do you have in mind for the future of TLS?

We’re increasing our space at retail, primarily to give the collector a better and more cohesive experience.  We have a ton of Easter eggs for you guys and we want them to retain a high value.  Playsets, ships, vehicles, more licenses that you guys will love, larger head to toe apparel campaign as well as animation and increasing our presence in the digital space.  MOST importantly – better collectibles, more features, more articulation, more play, more poseable, more fun!

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers

2015 SDCC Exclusive Metallic Rita Repulsa vs Pink Ranger 2-pack (500 available)

2015 SDCC Exclusive Red Ranger Crystal Edition (500 available)

Hope you guys enjoyed the history of TLS and the SDCC exclusive pics. This is only a small portion of what they will have this year. We will have more to come soon!