Dark Horse Comics has had a robust program producing comic collectibles for years and in 2006, in conjunction with Dark Horse Press' reprinting of Roald Dahl's first book, there will be more of the same including vinyl and PVC figures based on Dahl's The Gremlins. The first and only publication of this World War II saga was in 1943, and Dark Horse had to pay $1000 on eBay just to acquire a copy of Dahl's book for scanning. Some of the best artists at the Disney Studio illustrated this Royal Air Force saga, which Dark Horse will reprint in September. The Gremlins vinyl figures and PVCs will appear just after the publication of the new edition of Dahl's forgotten classic, and Dark Horse also plans to publish original Gremlins Comics based on the book.
In September Dark Horse will also release two vinyl figures (MSRP $17.99 ea.) and a 4-piece PVC set (MSRP $14.99) based on Patrick McDonnell's comic strip Mutts, as well as an 8-inch vinyl figure of the animated hero Underdog (MSRP $17.99).
In June Dark Horse goes underground with a matched set of flattened, bendable figures featuring Mark Beyer's Amy and Jordan (MSRP $29.99), which are sure to appeal to the connoisseur of ultra-hip delights.
In 2006 Dark Horse will extend its longstanding program to import high quality model kits from Kotobukiya in Japan. The series of pre-painted soft vinyl Star Wars model kits from Kotobukiya continues this summer with Commander Bly, while in July Dark Horse will bring in six Kotobukiya RoboCop figures.
Also continuing will be Dark Horse's series of Movie Icons (MSRP $24.99 ea.) with Charlie Chaplin, Laurel & Hardy, and Steve McQueen in May.
Dark Horse has been among the leaders in reviving the 'syroco' figures (see 'Dark Horse Announces Peanuts Syroco Figures'). In addition to Charles M. Schulz's classic creations, Dark Horse is giving Kellogg's Cereal Mascots the 'syroco' treatment, and producing classic retro sculpts of such characters as Sugar Pops Pete, Smaxey the Seal, Coco the Monkey, Cornelius the Rooster, and the Rice Krispies Trio (Snap, Crackle & Pop). The Kellogg's 'syroco' figures come packaged in a full color tins and have a suggested retail price of $49.95 each. Sugar Pop Pete, Toucan Sam, and Cornelius are also available in vinyl for $17.99 each, while a Snap, Crackle & Pop PVC Set should be out in August for $14.99.
