Coptorilla!
What's a 'Coptorilla?' A propeller-powered gorilla piloted by a gun-toting toddler that inspired a vintage G.I. Joe-style illustration.
Coptorilla: A Retro Toy Revamp
Brad Rader‘s Custom, Kitbashed Toys Battle Babies project brings a unique twist to traditional children‘s toys. Each Battle Baby is created with a custom design, assembled from pieces scoured from various second–hand stores. The imaginative characters range from animals to robots to fantastic creatures, each one having its own unique look. Not only are the Battle Babies aesthetically pleasing, they also offer children a fantastic way to have fun and express their imagination with a one–of–a–kind toy. Every Battle Baby is special and made with care, ready to be loved and cherished by a lucky child.
It’s not very often you see a propeller-powered gorilla piloted by a gun-toting toddler. That’s why I immediately fell in love with the custom Battle Babies Coptorilla toy created by Brad Rader. After featuring the Battle Babies figures on WeirdoToys.com, I was compelled to “artistically contribute” to this toy phenomenon. This resulted in a custom illustration and 12” x 18” print used to promote Battle Babies. The print itself is an obvious nod to the package design and elements from vintage toy packaging– the perfect approach to capturing the fun absurdity of a baby riding an armed gorilla.
Client
Weirdo Toys
Battle Babies
Designer and Illustrator
Justin Gammon
Custom Toy Artist
Brad Rader
Coptorilla Sketch and Painting Comparison
From Custom Toy to Retro Icon
The Evolution of Coptorilla
It’s not very often you see a propeller–powered gorilla piloted by a gun–toting toddler. That’s why I immediately fell in love with the custom Battle Babies Coptorilla toy created by Brad Rader. After featuring the Battle Babies figures on my toy blog, I was compelled to “artistically contribute” to this toy phenomenon. This resulted in a custom illustration and 12” x 18” print used to promote Battle Babies. The print itself is an obvious nod to the package design and elements from the 80s G.I. Joe package art (complete with “torn–off–bubble” damage) – the perfect approach to capturing the fun absurdity of a baby riding an armed gorilla.”
Crafting One–of–a–Kind Treasures!
From Trash to Toys
Introducing Coptorilla – a toy character like no other. He was dreamed up by Brad Rader – an artist who produces new and exciting toys by combining vintage and modern pieces in a creative technique known as ‘kit–bashing‘. It’s through his remarkable work, such as his “Battle Babies” series, that these unpredictable yet lovable little figures come to life! Characterized by their rough–style military influence and playful animal steads, Coptorilla and the ‘Battle Babies‘ are full of clunky charm. Brad decided to take the original, amusing toys and give them a more serious makeover, creating dynamic characters with a high–energy edge. And the result? What could be more absurd than an upbeat and formidable character like Coptorilla!
Coptorilla Toy
Kitbash Artist: Brad Rader