Super7: More Than Meets The Eye

Joffrey T.

Jan 02 |15:37
Last Updated on Sun, 10 Jan 2010 23:14

Stomp at Super7 by Adam Klaskow

Stumbling upon something positive and interesting is always a treat.  Only rarely does that same thing turn out to be genuinely special as well.   This happened when I first stepped inside Super7 (720 2nd Street N).   To the uninitiated, Super7 appears to be a small toy shop offering a menagerie of brightly colored, oddly shaped figurines.  However, after only a few moments of browsing, it happens...the beautiful books, clever t-shirts, original art and the more-amazing-than-odd toys all seem to declare in unison: "You're not at the mall, Dorothy."
Stumbling upon something positive and interesting is always a treat.  Only rarely does that same thing turn out to be genuinely special as well.   This happened when I first stepped inside Super7 (720 2nd Street N).   To the uninitiated, Super7 appears to be a small toy shop offering a menagerie of brightly colored, oddly shaped figurines.  However, after only a few moments of browsing, it happens...the beautiful books, clever t-shirts, original art and the more-amazing-than-odd toys all seem to declare in unison: "You're not at the mall, Dorothy."
Located a few doors down from the Old Northeast Tavern, Super7's unassuming storefront is quickly becoming ground zero for Japanese Toy Culture enthusiasts across the Southeast.  Of course, this begs the question: What is Japanese Toy Culture?
The answer is actually quite complex and better answered by Super7 Florida President, Scott Dias.  However, for the purpose of this article, let's say Japanese Toy Culture is the social phenomenon surrounding the obsessive collecting of limited-edition vinyl figurines of Japanese monsters and heroes.  No doubt, insiders will find fault with this definition.  So I encourage everyone to visit Super7 where Dias enthusiastically provides an eloquent overview of the culture.  In fact, he admits that part of his job is to educate people on what makes Super7 different from Toys-R-Us and KB Toys.
CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE
"Super7: Toys, Art, Design, Culture"
--these words not only make up the store's logo, they also describe what can be found inside.
Vinyl toys abound.  Popular, retro-characters like Godzilla, Mothra and Gamera stand their ground as they survey the shop from their shelves.  Alongside these, the uber-famous, red and silver Ultraman can be found in two sizes.  While monsters and heroes make up the lion's share of the selection, they are not the only options; Hello Kitty and stuffed Ugly Dolls are also represented.  Yet, on top of all this are the really special items that form the heart of the shop.   On the higher shelves and inside cabinets, Super7's own limited run, hand painted vinyl figures are each a wonderful and curious hybrid of toy and art.  Super7 actually commissions original pieces from artists and produces them via partnerships with companies like Gargamel and others.  Ultimately, these highly detailed, handcrafted figures are still toys...toys that artfully synthesize originality, design, and quality craftsmanship.
CLICK TO ENLARGE
Art:
Toys-as-art is not the only form represented.  The store's north wall showcases several original prints by three internationally noted graphic artists.  The exhibit titled "Birds of a Feather II" is the second of two done on a theme and is scheduled through mid January.  Furthermore, the store's web site states they will be having monthly exhibits of both established and emerging artists...some of them local.
CLICK TO ENLARGE
Design:
Those who are sensitive to the many and varied aspects of design will recognize that nearly everything inside Super7 was chosen for it's design aesthetic.  Of course, this applies to the toys and art, but it also extends to the books, graphic tees and even the incredibly geeky (in a good way ) Star Wars wallpaper.
CLICK TO ENLARGE
Culture:
It is important to mention that in 2001, Super7 was actually a magazine by-and-for the obsessive collector of Japanese monsters / toys.  Whether organically or by design, the magazine and its founder, Brian Flynn, nurtured a culture with a deep appreciation for art, design, creativity, collecting and Japanese toys.  Eventually, the burgeoning magazine-based movement required a physical presence, and in 2004 the first Super7 store opened in the Japanese district of San Francisco, CA.  Fast forward to summer 2009 --Dias and Eichinger open Super7 Florida, and extend the Super7 culture to our great city where it is now drawing enthusiasts from across the Southeast and blossoming locally.
This photo: MetroPete.com
As is often the case with the subjects of our articles, there is a richness and depth to them that can't be fully communicated in text, photos and video.  If you are at all intrigued by the glimpse of Super7 that has been presented here, you really must visit the shop in person so you can meet Scott and Lauren, see the toys and art, experience the design, and participate in the culture of Super7.
Questions to ask Scott and Lauren when you go:
What do cupcakes have to do with Super7 Florida?
What is the Tokyo Underground Tour?
What is rattling around inside of Cannibal Mummy Gator?
What is the SOI and how concerned should I be about it?
Chinese vinyl toys and Super7's Japanese vinyl toys are the same, right?
What did Scott do before jumping headfirst into his Japanese toy collecting obsession?
Which toy sells more...Godzilla or Gamera?
What's in a Lucky Bag?
Who is Kiyoka Ikeda?
What does kaiju mean?
What is Monsters in the Mangrove?
Photographs courtesy, with permission: Adam Klaskow, Copyright 2010 all rights reserved.
Info:
720 2nd St. N., ST PETERSBURG, FL 33701
Hours: Tues-Thur 11-7, Fri-Sat 11-8; Sun 11-5, Closed Mon
Phone: 727-822-8685
Site: www.super7florida.com/
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Twitter: twitter.com/super7_florida

s7stfrnt

Located a few doors down from the Old Northeast Tavern, Super7's unassuming storefront is quickly becoming ground zero for Japanese Toy Culture enthusiasts across the Southeast.  Of course, this begs the question: What is Japanese Toy Culture? The answer is actually quite complex and better answered by Super7 Florida President, Scott Dias.  However, for the purpose of this article, let's say Japanese Toy Culture is the social phenomenon surrounding the obsessive collecting of limited-edition vinyl figurines of Japanese monsters and heroes.  

lgosm
No doubt, insiders will find fault with this definition.  So I encourage everyone to visit Super7 where Dias enthusiastically provides an eloquent overview of the culture.  In fact, he admits that part of his job is to educate people on what makes Super7 different from Toys-R-Us and KB Toys. 

"Super7:Toys, Art, Design, Culture"-these words not only make up the store's logo, they also describe what can be found inside.


godzillasm ultrasm transformsm

Toys 

Vinyl toys abound.  Popular, retro-characters like Godzilla, Mothra and Gamera stand their ground as they survey the shop from their shelves.  Alongside these, the uber-famous, red and silver Ultraman can be found in two sizes.  While monsters and heroes make up the lion's share of the selection, they are not the only options; Hello Kitty and stuffed Ugly Dolls are also represented.  Yet, on top of all this are the really special items that form the heart of the shop.  On the higher shelves and inside cabinets, Super7's own limited run, hand painted vinyl figures are each a wonderful and curious hybrid of toy and art. Super7 actually commissions original pieces from artists and produces them via partnerships with companies like Gargamel and others.  Ultimately, these highly detailed, handcrafted figures are still toys...toys that artfully synthesize originality, design, and quality craftsmanship.

hellokitsm softsm stompsm  

Art

Toys-as-art is not the only form represented.  The store's north wall showcases several original prints by three internationally noted graphic artists.  The exhibit titled "Birds of a Feather II" is the second of two done on a theme and is scheduled through mid January.  Furthermore, the store's web site states they will be having monthly exhibits of both established and emerging artists...some of them local.

wallpapersm pinhdsm 

Design

Those who are sensitive to the many and varied aspects of design will recognize that nearly everything inside Super7 was chosen for it's design aesthetic.  Of course, this applies to the toys and art, but it also extends to the books, graphic tees and even the incredibly geeky (in a good way ) Star Wars wallpaper.

gatorsm  s7stfrnt

Culture

It is important to mention that in 2001, Super7 was actually a magazine by-and-for the obsessive collector of Japanese monsters / toys.  Whether organically or by design, the magazine and its founder, Brian Flynn, nurtured a culture with a deep appreciation for art, design, creativity, collecting and Japanese toys. Eventually, the burgeoning magazine-based movement required a physical presence, and in 2004 the first Super7 store opened in the Japanese district of San Francisco, CA.  Fast forward to summer 2009 --Dias and Eichinger open Super7 Florida, and extend the Super7 culture to our great city where it is now drawing enthusiasts from across the Southeast and blossoming locally.

As is often the case with the subjects of our articles, there is a richness and depth to them that can't be fully communicated in text, photos and video.  If you are at all intrigued by the glimpse of Super7 that has been presented here, you really must visit the shop in person so you can meet Scott and Lauren, see the toys and art, experience the design, and participate in the culture of Super7.

Questions to ask Scott and Lauren when you go:

What do cupcakes have to do with Super7 Florida?
What is the Tokyo Underground Tour?
What is rattling around inside of Cannibal Mummy Gator?
What is the SOI and how concerned should I be about it?
Chinese vinyl toys and Super7's Japanese vinyl toys are the same, right?
What did Scott do before jumping headfirst into his Japanese toy collecting obsession?
Which toy sells more...Godzilla or Gamera?
What's in a Lucky Bag?
Who is Kiyoka Ikeda?
What does kaiju mean?
What is Monsters in the Mangrove? 

 

Photographs courtesy, with permission: Adam Klaskow, Copyright 2010 all rights reserved.

Info:720 2nd St. N., ST PETERSBURG, FL 33701

Hours: Tues-Thur 11-7, Fri-Sat 11-8; Sun 11-5, Closed Mon

Phone: 727-822-8685

Site: www.super7florida.com

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Twitter: twitter.com/super7_florid