The two brands that epitomized 80s gross-out humor, Madballs and Garbage Pail Kids, are coming together in a crossover licensing event across numerous product categories. The collaboration will center on new 80s-style artwork pitting characters from the two IPs against each other in groups and one-on-one. Artists working on the project include Jim Gorman, who worked on the original Madballs launch in the 80s, and longtime Garbage Pail Kids artist Joe Simko.
The two brands are of very similar vintage. The Topps Company released the first set of Garbage Pail Kids trading cards in 1985, and Madballs launched its first set of balls in 1986. Garbage Pail Kids inspired an animated series, and Madballs a series of animated specials.
Product categories for the crossover include trading cards, collector toys, soft lines, and more, with plans for specific mobile app, retail, publishing and other partnerships to be announced soon.
Companies producing products at launch include Topps (trading cards), Megalopolis (two-pack action figures), Mad Engine (apparel and accessories), Chalk Line (jackets), Mishka NYC (streetwear, apparel, accessories, and vinyl Medicom figures), Pinfinity (augmented reality pins) and Super Impulse (collectible toys).

'Madballs vs. Garbage Pail Kids'
Posted by Milton Griepp on January 20, 2021 @ 4:37 am CT

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