Archive for the ‘Ninja’ Category

Teenage Mutant Ninja Hulk

Wednesday, May 7th, 2008

So, what do you get when you cross a gamma-radiation contaminated man with a mutagen-induced mutant turtle? You get this guy. Teenage Mutant Ninja Hulk (Well, maybe he’s more middle-aged than teen-aged).

(Click to enlarge)
Mexican Bootleg Hulk Toy Mexican Bootleg Hulk Toy

My question is – Is this guy more of a Hulk toy or a Ninja Turtle toy?

(Click to enlarge)
Mexican Bootleg Hulk Toy Mexican Bootleg Hulk Toy

Green skin: Could be Hulk. Could be Turtle.

3-fingered hands: Looks like Ninja Turtles.

Elbow pads and wristbands: Looks like Turtle gear.

Two toes: Ninja turtle.

Knee pads: Turtle.

(Click to enlarge)
Mexican Bootleg Hulk Toy

Angry green humanoid: Hulk and Turtle i guess.

Constipated, human facial expression: Hulk

Holes in shoulders?: Neither.

(Click to enlarge)
Mexican Bootleg Hulk Toy

Blue jean cutoffs: Hulk.

Belt: Ninja Turtles

I’m not sure if that shed any light on the subject. All I know is this is a cheapy-as-hell Mexican toy. It’s flimsy, hollow plastic, and it looks to be made up of random, poorly made molds of TMNT arms and legs with Hulk torso and head. The badly painted-on pants give the toy a nice touch of crappiness, and the holes in his shoulders give the guy a little bit more mystery. Maybe those were places where a cape or parachute connected.

So, the new Incredible Hulk movie is coming out this summer, and this comedic monstrosity is what the unfortunate Mexican children get to play with when they ask for a new Hulk toy.

“Cowabunga! Hulk smash!”

Weird Ball – “None Chuck” by Mel Appel

Monday, October 1st, 2007

So, on Sunday’s trip to the flea market, I also found another quirky old 80’s toy. He wasn’t quite as gross as the Gross Out Gang Pie-Guy I found, but this incredibly stereotypical depiction of the classic ninja made me chuckle. It reminded me of an era of where toy companies obviously weren’t as afraid to offend as they are nowadays.

(Click to enlarge)
Weird Ball's 'None Chuck' by Mel Appel - ninja toy

(Click to enlarge)
Weird Ball's 'None Chuck' by Mel Appel - ninja toy

(Click to enlarge)
Weird Ball's 'None Chuck' by Mel Appel - ninja toy

I had no idea what this guy was, but he was marked ©Crayart, so that gave me a clue in my search. After a bit of online research, I’ve pieced together that this character is None Chuck from a toy line called “Weird Ball” released by Mel Appel in 1986.

Weird Ball's 'None Chuck' by Mel Appel - Toy Packaging

It’s apparently a toyline based on trading cards of the same name. They’re an obvious ripoff of Garbage Pail Kids, Madballs and Wacky Packages.

Weird Ball Collector's Cards

Here’s the original None Chuck Weird Ball trading card.

Click to enlarge)
Weird Ball - None Chuck - Trading Card

They even had “Mini-Collectums”… a ripoff of M.U.S.C.L.E.

Weird Ball Mini Collectums

Now I’m on the lookout for some Weird Ball toys. If you have any you wanna get rid of, send ‘em my way.

(… and yes, I know I just recently posted about a ninja.)

Naked Ninja Stuntman

Monday, October 1st, 2007

His name says it all.

Well, maybe it’s not his real name, but it’s all I can come up with to describe what the heck this guy is. Just look at him: a ninja with a helmet, a star belt and boots… completely flesh-toned (caucasian flesh that is).

The poor guy’s been abandoned, but I really enjoy his ugly style. His poor production quality and poor condition give him a bit of character… and I feel like I should wash my hands after touching him.

(Click to enlarge)
Naked Ninja Stuntman - weird toy

(Click to enlarge)
Naked Ninja Stuntman - weird toy

I know his kind all too well (yeah I’m profiling): A completely bare, generic-as-hell character ripoff made in China. You know, one of those toys you can only find at a flea market from the countless bins of used and slightly damaged toys. Most accessories or clothing that ever accompanied the toy are long gone. (Keep an eye out for more of his kind to show up on the blog by the way).

Just take a look at how much plastic flack there is left over from the toy mold. You can also see the dirt, grime and scars all over this guy. He’s lived a tough life. Luckily, he’s a stunt ninja. He can take a beating.

(Click to enlarge)
Naked Ninja Stuntman - weird toy

I have no idea why I get such joy from crappily-made toys. I think it ties in to the fact that I’m a designer and illustrator striving to create great quality work. I recognize the total lack of quality, effort, design, etc. and I just find it comical.