“It’s Stuff We Like and You Might Too”
A Visual sampling of our latest Adventures and Undertakings
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I’ve been following the progress of Super Impulse’s (SI) Poptaters since their launch last year. I was originally grabbed by the shoulders and shaken at the sight of The Big Lebowsky’s “The Dude” rendered as a Mr. Potato Head. The absurd (and hilarious) conflation of Hasbro’s vintage toy line and pop culture characters was a true WTF encounter that turned me into an instant fan.
Like the original Hasbro Mr. Potato Head toys, Poptaters are modular at heart. Each one of the figures can trade parts with any of the others. The use of all plastic pieces (including the body) has long ago eliminated the need to raid the family vegetable bin and mangle real produce.
Each SI Poptater comes in a reusable display cylinder for easy storage. More details are in our first feature about them.
get “taterized.” (Image Courtesy of Super Impulse)
Adding to the character selection Super Impulse has recently announced a new group of Netflix series related figures. These include Dustin ( Gaten Matarazzo) from Stranger Things, Squid Games’ giant robotic Doll and player 451, and Wednesday (Jenna Ortega) from the show of the same name.
I first caught a glimpse of little Ms. Addams as a Poptator at SI’s during the New York Toy Fair in October 2023. It was another bulls-eye collectible for my taste, prevued in our Wednesday themed NYTF report.
Call of the House of Addams…
This week I had the opportunity to photograph the new Weds-tator on my tabletop studio. I was prepared to begin work on a corrugated cardboard set to create an appropriately creepy/spooky/mysterious environment for little Ms. Addams. Instead serendipity connected me with the perfect background element.
By chance, a close friend of mine made a “street find” in the form of a cool all-metal haunted house that he recently had spruced up. So, thanks to Bill for his kind loan of the Addams-y abode featured in these shots.
Pure POE-try…
The Wednesday figure comes accessorized with cello and bow, and her faithful right-hand companion, Thing. Her uniform is nicely detailed with the Nevermore Academy school crest.
There’s also a “mystery” item nestled inside the surrogate potato body. Accessed through a back-flap, you’ll find an original Mr. Potato Head part. Mine contained a big toothy grin. It’s certainly out of place for the decidedly dour goth-girl, but that’s what makes the interchange of personality parts wacky fun.
SkeletonPete Says…
As the Poptater line grows I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a Universal Monsters license. What fan could resist mashing together a Werewolf from the Black Lagoon or Bride of the Metaluna Mutant?
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Dalí Swagger…
The Lego Company’s booth at the 2023 New York Toy Fair offered buyers and reporters a view of the breadth of the company’s original and licensed product lines. From Star Wars to Harry Potter, Ninjago to DC and Marvel Comicbook characters, each skew was featured in its own display case. Lego has products for all age ranges. The Duplo series is aimed at 1 1/2 to 5 year olds, while the 6,167 piece Lord of the Rings Rivendell set was named the Toy Association’s Grown Up category winner of the 2023 Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards.
My Tiny Valentine…
I’m not a prognosticator, but I can predict your future accurately if you manage to overlook Valentine’s Day. I know, I know! It seems like you just used all your brain cells picking out the perfect holiday gifts for your loved ones. Now V-Day has snuck up on you with an equally important task. If you’re still scratching your head for an answer at this moment, I suggest you think small.
Desaturation Nation…
Godzilla Minus One has begun its final week in North American theaters. The newest installment of the 70-year King of the Monsters saga will be highlighted on the big screen by a black-and-white version through its last screenings on February 1, 2024.
The Museum of the Moving Image recently celebrated the essence of the Halloween season with a gala costume party held on the premises. Located in Astoria Queens, New York – a neighborhood linked to the filmmaking industry for over 100 years – the museum offers visitors a detailed look at the historical and technological gestation of the art of cinema.