Artsy Bart Simpson toys debut at Con, Meltdown
Talk about a meta media moment.
Bart Simpson is getting the designer toy treatment. Dozens of Bart figurines custom-painted by noted artists will make their U.S. debut at the Toy2R booth in San Diego next week.
The artsy toy project must amuse "Simpsons" creator Matt Groening. Die-hard fans will recall "The Simpsons" episode in which Milhouse grills Comic Book Guy about the abundance of Bart Simpson masks in the shop.
Milhouse: Why do you have masks of Bart?
Comic Book Guy: One came free with every box of Bart Simpson action figures.
Milhouse: Why does Bart have his own action figures?
Comic Book Guy: They were a marketing tie-in with the comic book.
Milhouse: Why does Bart have a comic book?
Comic Book Guy: Your questions have become more redundant and annoying than the last three "Highlander" movies.
No surprise then that the big-screen launch of "The Simpsons" on July 27 should come with none other than Bart Simpson action figures. Of the many marketing tie-ins for the movie, the life-size promos known as Kwik-E-Marts may loom largest. But with their 'round-the-block lines and product sellouts, it's not that vexing to skip a Squishee. It's harder to resist the appeal of indie illustrators and artists -- even Groening himself -- transforming blank Bart Qees into personalized baby blue Barts or silver Bartbots.
Those not trekking to Comic-Con can take heart. The Bart Qees are scheduled to land in our neck of the woods at Meltdown Comics in Hollywood on Aug. 1.
Update: More "Simpsons" product headed our way. Certainly, if Colbert and Willie Nelson deserve Ben & Jerry flavors, then naturally, the Simpsons do too. Ben & Jerry's Homer homage is called Duff & D'oh-Nuts. That's right, beer- and doughnut-flavored ice cream. For a short time the furry ice cream fellas are renaming their Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough as Chocolate Chip Cookie D'Oh!
-- Sheigh Crabtree
How is it possible that the dear, hilarious Simpson's are still creating so much economic prosperity for those oh so serious business men and women, who have little sense of humor? How old are the Simpson's now?
Posted by: Isabella Clark | July 19, 2007 at 06:22 PM
So, have you found any female-friendly graphic novels that you would recommend?
Posted by: Isabella Clark | July 19, 2007 at 06:28 PM
For starters, try Alison Bechdel's "Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic." I bet they have it at Atomic Books over on 36th Street.
Posted by: sheigh | July 19, 2007 at 06:32 PM
...or Comic King on 41st. Cheaper, nerdier. My fave.
Posted by: Isabella Clark | July 20, 2007 at 01:29 PM