ROLLIN ROLLIN ROLLIN: Everywhere you look it's Madballs. This original creation from American Greetings and artist James Groman (who we interviewed a year ago) are certainly unique + twisted. The original toy balls from the 80s were animated and flush with color though they lacked a certain level of nuanced contemporary "gross-out" factor. But they were definitely popular here in the US. Since then there have been comics, the "exploding" Sick Series, even mini-dresses. Still they are an original idea that obviously has staying power. And now there's a myriad of modern updates with several companies throwing these balls into the arena. In fact we counted at least three, so let's have a look, shall we?
6" Medium Vinyl Figure (Kidrobot)
KIDROBOT: First up, just released from Kidrobot is this set made of foam rubber (top image). These are priced just under 10 bucks, are individually wrapped in netting, and are 4 inches in diameter. The Foam Ball series features such popular hideous faces as Horn Head and Skull Face. These are definitely the cheapest and ugliest by far, and I mean that literally! My advice is to try one to compare and contrast for yourself - though they do not do justice to the originals even though they stay true to the ugly seams. This smaller version has much less redeeming value pound for pound and is really a Madball to toss, comparatively with your other choices below. They would better be served as Hot Topic joke gifts priced around five bucks. Now, keep in mind that Kidrobot, as a full service retailer also offers a vinyl blind box miniseries with the largest selection of 16 (count 'em!) classic characters, and they all come with a cute little green base for display. These have promise as lil' keepsakes. The funny lookin' minis will cost you $9.99 each (and they also have a keychain version as well!), so you decide. But keep reading.....
SUPERSIZE IT: Kidrobot does not disappoint - look no further than their higher end option and go directly to the 6 inch medium sized vinyl figures (duo as seen above) which are quite stylish and come with a handy, colorful base. These are wacky and incredible by design. Keep in mind, these are quite artful, however, the larger figures here will run you a cool $49.99 and there are only two styles to choose from to date: Bothe (!!!) and Horn, the former of which comes in a spectacular contrast of neon Green and pink that is toxically psychedelic for days.
MONDO: Next up is this trio from Austin's Mondo. These are sold in a full set of three, created by Ramirez Studios, it will cost you 55 bucks. Measuring 4 inches in diameter the sculpts look fantastic and grody as you'd expect! Now sold out they originally went on sale last summer and include the popular: Slobulus, Horn Head and Skull Face. The figures came boxed separately as shown. You can scroll up to compare and contrast.
But pound for pound we feel there was a reason that these sold-out very quickly and have our eyes open two new releases upcoming from the design house.
JUST-PLAY: Made for a more mass audience are the direct collaboration with American Greetings and the maker Just-Play. Available pretty much at all of the big box stores these come in blind bags and series 1 includes a dozen different characters. It's fun to see those include: Screaming Meemie, Snake Bait and Buzz Off, some of our favorites! There is also an ultra rare glow-in-the-dark Skull Face that exists to complete a baker's dozen. These guys can be found at madballs.com.
MADBALLS KEEP ON TURNIN' PROUD COLLECTORS KEEP ON BURNIN': They also come in two sizes as well is an additional keychain version which is much more detailed in terms of paint styling. Surprisingly, the first edition runs for just about $25.99 retail - making the aforementioned Kidrobot foam balls a bargain.