Gremlins :: Countdown to Halloween 2013

I didn't see Gremlins when it first hit theatres. In fact, I only first saw it a couple years ago. My cousin had a couple of the Gizmo and Stripe pvc figurines back then, but I didn't own any Gremlin merchandise until I found this original Gizmo plush at the Goodwill a couple months back. He's pretty cute and Toyriffic's Intern enjoys hugging him and lugging him around the house. But to be honest, Gizmo never did anything for me. I've always felt the same way about E.T. While everyone else was swooning about how cute and sweet he was, I just thought he was a dumb looking lump.

I did always think the Gremlins-post-midnight-snack-mode looked pretty cool. And I did see Gremlins 2 in the theatre when it was released and thought it was ridiculous and fun. I remember having one pvc figure of Stripe at that time but don't recall having ever owned anything else 'Gremlin'.

But when Toys R Us released their exclusive electric Gremlin...piece of plastic...from Gremlins 2 I thought it was pretty clever and cool and even considered picking it up, but couldn't imagine spending money on what essentially amounted to a Gremlin shaped piece of plastic.

Fortunately I recently won a contest over at Pop Pop It's Trash Culture, and included in the prize was none other than electrical Gremlin!

I enjoy the unique nature of this thing. I also enjoy not having paid anything for it!

Happy Halloween eve!

Gonzo the Great

Gonzo is hands down one of the greatest of all Muppet creations! Blue nosed chicken loving daredevil extraordinaire, I always preferred the mystery of 'what is he?' which all changed when he was revealed to be from an alien race. Much like Boba Fett, the romance around Gonzo's origin is gone, but his coolness lives on!

This Gonzo plush was made in 1981. The family and I were at a local flea market recently, and a lady thought our lovable Toyriffic Intern was so cute she said 'she can have any toy she wants!' (This happens often.) Well of course I guided her towards Gonzo because I had been eyeing him myself - a good Dad needs to introduce his kids to the classics by gum!

Originally Gonzo's outfit was silver but this one has faded to an off-white over time. His cape is still as bright as ever though! His whole costume is removable (but that doesn't make him a dolly!) except for the shoes, and I believe you could buy alternate outfits for him back in 1981 (but that still doesn't make him a dolly!)

I've always loved Gonzo due to his mad blend of Evel Kenevel and...a choking flamingo...? His failed stunts were a highlight of every Muppet Show. Next to Kermit, Gonzo is probably my favorite Muppet of all time.

Harley Qwednesday :: Christmas with Harley

I got my nine year old daughter this Harley Quinn beanie that was originally sold at the WB Store back in 1999 or therabouts. I had already given her sister a similar Batgirl and given her a Poison Ivy when her sister was born, so now she has a pair of perilous pals to keep her company and to harass her sister's Batgirl.

Here's a small sample of my daughter's Christmas loot, including the Catwoman City Chase Lego set and a Webkinz that Santa gave her.

We Be Jamina

Godzilla style!
"CHOMP!"

This here is an unlicensed "Godzilla" toy from Jamina World Corp.

On his foot it says "Your lovely pet from Jamina" and he is dated 1987 and was made in China.


I found him at a local thrift shop.

He is supposed to walk, and his arms and jaw are supposed to move. His eyes are also supposed to light up. Mine does none of these things. But he still looks cute.

I discovered through some net research that there were two versions of this Jamina dinosaur. One had pointy felt scales on his back and there is then this one with the Godzilla like plates.

They also don't seem to be too hard to come by, nor is it too expensive to get a working one on places like eBay.

It would be cool to see him operate properly, and I may someday try to get into his inner workings and see what I can do. Until then he'll just have to look ominous on my Godzilla shelf!


UPDATE: This post inspired me to draw Godzilla for my art blog - if you haven't been over there lately check it out, I've been adding a lot of new stuff!