Hayao Miyazaki Figure by Martin Hsu and Bigshot Toyworks

A 6" figure tribute to the legendary master animator



Sunday marked the 73rd birthday of legendary Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki, the celebrated director behind such classics as My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away and countless more beloved films. To celebrate the occasion, our artist friend (and huuuuuuge Miyazaki fan) Martin Hsu has teamped up with Bigshot Toyworks to create and produce a limited edition run of six-inch Miya-San figures.

Details are sparse -- full specs, pricing and presale/release dates are still forthcoming -- but it's a definitely a cool little collectible for any Miyazaki fan. For further information, head over to Martin's website.

Here's also Martin's annual birthday sketch for Miyazaki-sensei titled "Bug Whisperer":

Buy a Dragon Boy t-shirt for Philippines typhoon relief

Martin Hsu will donate 200% of all proceeds to Doctors Without Borders



Our friend Martin Hsu, who makes wonderful, whimsical illustrations, recently launched his own campaign to raise funds for typhoon relief in the Philippines. Now until Thanksgiving, 200% of all proceeds from sales of his signature "Dragon Boy" t-shirts (available in both men's and women's styles) will be donated to Doctors Without Borders' emergency response fund for Philippines typhoon relief. Just like the flyer says.

Head over to Martin's website to do a little shopping for a good cause.

Martin Hsu visits the house from My Neighbor Totoro

Just passing this along for all you Miyazaki fans... Our friend and fellow Hayao Miyazaki fan Martin Hsu has been traveling in Japan and recently made a pilgrimage to Satsuki and Mei's house from the animated classic My Neighbor Totoro: Studio Ghibli’s Satsuki and Mei’s House from Totoro in Real Life!.

Basically, it's a real-life, fully furnished replica of the house from the animated movie, with all the little details inside and out. Martin documented his visit with this visual tour, and is also doing a giveaway of Totoro memorabilia. Here are a few photos from his trip:

get off your ass and vote, asian america

Election Day, my friends. Time to get off your ass, find your polling place, and exercise your right to vote. It's not just votes for who will lead this country, but also for the issues and offices that affect you on the state and local level. If you don't think your vote matters, then you are dumb.

The cute Dragon Boy image above, created by artist Martin Hsu, is meant to encourage you to vote. If that doesn't compel you, here are some infographics about the Asian American vote, courtesy of 18 Million Rising.