PAW! “Bootlegs” or “Tributes” and the Angry Woebots/Anthony “Diakka00” DeVito Controversy

Image One (via)

Image Two (via)

Image Three (via)

Image Four (via)

Image Five (via)

Image Six (via)

Image Seven (via)

Image Eight (via)

Tons of images to go through and to make things easier, the images are numbered in order to reference later. I’m assuming the toy collecting audience of Opportunity LOL is well aware of Coarsetoys PAW! figures. We’ve blogged tons of customs on that platform and there is some value in knowing that so far, all of those pieces originated with someone purchasing a production piece from Coarsetoys. It’s well known and often said that the PAW! is a large, impressive, beautiful, rare, expensive, and highly sought after production figure. Checking eBay, those same production figures that were stripped and painted are going for over $500 US right now. Coarsetoys received their initial asking price, many toy collectors and flippers have profited, the artist commissioned has profited, and the collectors who own those customs have paid a premium for a one-of-a-kind custom toy on an amazing base.

From our interview with Chauskoskis, the creator of the Dunny in Image Two (above), it’s clear that the artist is very concerned with his image and what people may think of his limited-run “Pawnny” sculpted Dunny series. He recently said: “I know I can ask a hundred and many will pay it, but again, it isn’t about make money. I know if I open spots to anyone who can drop me some $ I will end up with a loooooong list again and a couple thousands on my PayPal. Not the case guys. Thanks.” My thoughts on this “tribute” series is that Chauskoskis wants to hook up his fans with something that they want a great deal. However, all of the fame has been more or less generated already. Given he isn’t opening the list back up for more funding, I think the money is significantly less of a priority in his decision making process. Also, I’m relatively confident that if Coarse tells him not to sell any of them, it is likely he will agree. From our interview: “If they say they’re not very comfortable about it, then I wont do it. We’ll just have to see. Really if I want to do it, it’s not because of the money. It’s so cool to see that many people in love with the figure, especially since many Coarse fans cant afford pieces or simply can’t get their hands on one because they’re so limited. I’m really looking just to please the fans.”

Following all of that excitement and drama, customizer and collector Shawn Wigs recently revealed a large series called “Silly Rabbits.” Images Three, Four, Seven, and Eight are shots of custom artist’s contributions to that series. From Shawn Wigs (via):

“What’s Good People
Your Boy Shawn Wigs Is Back With a Brand New Series Of a 110 Custom 3” Dunnys & 1 Custom 8”
This Time I Reached Out for Some Help from 7 Amazing Artist and 1 SUPER STAR …. Heres the Line up
Shawn Wigs , Anthony DeVito , Nervis Wrek , James Fuller , Mike Die , Jc Rivera & BALD (Bryan Bryan Lopez ) ..
Plus There Will Be 6 Custom Dunny’s Designed & Signed By Ghostface Killah From The WU-Tang Clan …
The Release Date is set for Thursday March 1st at 12:00 pm Eastern Time

The Series Is Called Silly Rabbits and is a Trubite to The All Might Coarsetoys PAW !!!

Paw Is One of My Favorite Figures &( I am A Dunny Fanitic ). since I seen the Release of Paw Raw I decided to Make a series of Dunnys That Look Like Paw and Send them Out To Some of My Fellow Artist and Give them a Shot Before The Mighty Hands Down 12” Paw Is Avalible to Smash … The Series will be a Blind Box and sold for $90 each …

Spelling issues aside, I love his enthusiasm and I also think it’s fairly cool that many popular custom artists are creating something so interesting. Despite what many Coarse fans are saying (in this thread), I also think the sculpt is good - but obviously I love the PAW! design and that is from where my appreciation is derived. However, there are definitely more concerns from collectors, artists, and fans about this series versus the “Pawnny.” The main issue from what I can determine is that 110 customs at $90 equals $9900 - that’s just short of a five figure sum being generated for customs that all look like the PAW! from Coarse.

The second issue is the customs within this series from Anthony DeVito, also known as “Diakka00” on the Kidrobot message boards. Note Image Four (above), which is what he created. Now, look at Images Five and Six - which are by well known artist Aaron Martin (the fifth image is a collab with J*Ryu, and currently available), who goes by “Angry Woebots.” Aaron created a blog post well worth reading as it points out similarities between some of Anthony DeVito’s work and other artists. Certainly Angry Woebots does not own the Panda, just as Coarse doesn’t own all big bunny figures, but artists and toy companies make a lot of their income on having well-established characters and figures that people love and purchase often. Seriously, read Aaron’s blog post and then come back.

Here is what Anthony DeVito said on the topic (via):

Edit One- Statement removed at the request of the author. You can still read it here.

Customizer RSIN Art also had this to say (via):

“Kinda seen this one coming when Shawn showed me the pics. Its bound to happen when someone on the scene has one set thing they do. Woes is known for his panda, and lets be honest a panda is a panda. Not much you can do to make it yours, although Woes, has it on point. Just like anyone who does Rust is automatically a copy of Drilone. Its these styles that are less defined that this happens to. Sure I agree his pieces reminded me of Woes, right away. But I am not sure it was his intention. As artist we need to be aware of what everyone else is doing and strive to make something that can be our own. I’ve been in this situation, with a artist who I used to get messages about every now and then, so I can understand Woes putting him on blast. There have been a bunch of talks recently about all the artist out there and how its bound to happen.”

I’ve only curated these images and information and done a bit of narration from my perspective, but I still do not have a firm opinion on the Shawn Wigs series nor the Anthony DeVito customs. I encourage you to draw your own conclusions, and please tweet @OpportunityLOL what you think! I may screenshot some statements for an update. Also, if you have something longer you would like included in this post, feel free to e-mail me.

Edit Two - From Anthony DeVito (via):

“Just to let everyone know, I’ve contacted Shawn and will be pulling my customs from the series. I do not want any more controversy / negativity thrown my way and I felt like this is the best resolution.”

Edit Three - From talking to Chauskoskis on Twitter, it turns out that he contacted Mark from Coarse to get his permission and show it to him. Apparently Mark loved it but didn’t feel good about the mash-up of his character - he won’t interfere with the production if he decides to make a lot of them, but he isn’t endorsing it. Kudos to Walter (Chauskoskis) for sending the e-mail!

Disclosure: I have contacted Chauskoskis, Shawn Wigs, Diakka00, Coarse, and many other artists and companies to run giveaways with us. Of the four people listed, Chauskoskis has agreed and that giveaway is pending.

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