KAWS · Authentication
Chum: real vs fake
Chum is the KAWS character inspired by the Michelin Man, with a plump segmented body of stacked "tire" rings. Genuine pieces are known by the clean sculpt of those segments, the XX eyes on the skull head, and the "©KAWS" foot stamp. Upload photos to LegitCheck AI and the model checks the segment shape, paint and stamp.
What to check on the Chum
Model-specific zones — on top of the brand-level signs.
Michelin-style body segments
Chum's body is built from rounded "tire" rings with smooth, clearly defined ridges. On the original the segments are even and symmetrical; fakes crush them, run them uneven in thickness, or blur the transitions.
Skull head and XX eyes
The signature "XX" eyes are symmetrical and set precisely on the skull head, and the bones motif carries correct proportions. Replicas give lopsided crosses and a smeared skull sculpt.
©KAWS foot stamp
The foot is embossed with "©KAWS" plus the year and maker mark (Medicom Toy / OriginalFake depending on the release). The font is crisp and the emboss even; a missing or distorted stamp signals a fake.
Paint application and colorway
Paint lays down evenly within the segment boundaries with no overspray or bleed, and the shade matches the release. Fakes pool paint at the joints between rings and shift the tone.
Vinyl quality and seam
The finish matches the release and the side seams meet with no flashing. Visible in photos: the emboss and maker mark, color boundaries, the segment relief, proportions and box print — on fakes the surface ripples in places and the seam wanders. Only verifiable in hand (not from photos): the weight and density of the vinyl, joint movement, the sound of the plastic; missing those checks does not lower the verdict.
Box and release branding
The box print carries correct branding, a barcode, and the release artwork. Resealed boxes or packaging that does not match the release are red flags.
Where to inspect
The key zones to photograph and check on this type of item — a schematic, not a product photo.
- 1Box printing
- 2Window and blister
- 3Paint and face
- 4Build and stand
- 5COA and sticker
The difference is in the details — drag the slider
Typical differences in workmanship: stitching consistency, edge finishing, detail quality. Left — factory quality, right — common replica flaws.
Replica 
Authentic Photo angles for the check
- 1 Overall view
- 2 Logo / tag
- 3 Details & stitching
- 4 Material
Check your Chum right now
Snap photos of your item and get an AI verdict with a confidence score in about a minute.
FAQ
What sets Chum apart from other KAWS figures?
The plump segmented body of stacked "tire" rings in the spirit of the Michelin Man. Check that the segments are even and symmetrical with crisp ridges — crushed or unequal rings give away a copy.
Where is the stamp?
On the underside of the foot: a "©KAWS" mark with the year, plus a maker mark on some releases. Match the emboss against photos of the same release — there is no universal “correct” code.
Can I verify it from photos?
Yes. The segment shape, XX eyes, paint and stamp all show clearly in images. Shoot the body, a close-up of the face and the sole — LegitCheck AI returns a verdict with a confidence score.
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