Purveyors of extremely fine illustrated film posters and other cinematic and pop cultural celebrations, Mondo has been increasing its exquisitely curated presence in the comic book world. The boutique merchandise arm of the celebrated Austin movie theater the Alamo Drafhouse, Mondo has in the last several months hosted a 20th anniversary screening of Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (with limited edition poster), presented a gallery show of Marvel Comics artwork by Mike MItchell, offered a gorgeous Elektra poster by Craig Drake, a Harley Quinn poster by Phantom City Creative, launched new convention, MondoCon, announced with new artwork by Mike Mignola, and announced a series of vinyl records celebrating music from Batman: The Animated Series.

It comes as only the best kind of surprise that Mondo will expand its operations into the realm of collectible toys, and the company has some auspicious products to announce its arrival in the new space. In addition to a vinyl figure based directly off of Kevin Eastman's very first drawing of a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, Mondo will release what's perhaps the most handsome collectible ever for The Iron Giant; a 16" figure with numerous accessories that's a fitting tribute to Brad Bird's excellent film about a killer robot inspired to heroism by Superman comic books.

"I am so pumped to announce toys! We've been working on this in secrecy for a year and now it's time to let you guys know about it. We'll be focusing on existing properties that we love as well as working with artists to bring their own creations to life. This is a new area for us, but I resist the term 'expansion' since the goal for Mondo has always been to be a place where artists and designers can work to have their visions realized, whether that's through posters, gallery shows, vinyl, apparel or now toys," said Mondo CEO Justin Ishmael in a press release.

 

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An example of the synergy Ishmael envisions can be found in the Lil Mikey vinyl figure, which is based on a popular illustration created previously by artist Mike Mitchell. Mondo's having resources in posters, music, galleries, clothes and now toys offers collaborators like Mitchell a path to seeing their work realized in different media, and in so doing offers fellow appreciators more cool stuff to admire.

The complete batch of Mondo's first toy offerings are as follows, and can be previewed at Comic-Con International in San Diego this week. Pricing and pre-order info will be made available at a later date.

 

THE IRON GIANT

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Celebrating its 15th anniversary, The Iron Giant has reaped praise as being among the greatest animated films ever made (recently ranked #7 on Time Out's 100 Best Animated Movies list) and it was important for Mondo to honor the film with an appropriately stunning collectible.

The Iron Giant Collectible Figure

The 16" tall figure will have over 30 points of articulation, light features, and other fun surprises! Accompanying The Iron Giant will be a Hogarth figure, scraps of metal for him to munch on and a Seafood sign that has a removable "S" to put on his chest. He will also include an interchangeable head and gun attachment, giving a choice of displaying the figure as the regular version, or the "War" version! The figure was designed from the actual CG files used in the film, for ultimate accuracy.

The Iron Giant Bolt Replica

The Iron Giant Bolt is a life-sized replica of the wayward flashing piece of The Iron Giant, as seen in the film. 6" in length, with a flashing light feature, and authentic details from the film, it's the perfect-sized piece to display at home, and to show that there's always hope in the end.

 

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES

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The First Turtle Vinyl Figure

This vinyl figure is based off of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles creator Kevin Eastman'svery first drawing of a "Ninja Turtle," which formed the basis of the popular comic. Struggling artists Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird came up with the Turtles in November 1983 while living in North Hampton, Massachusetts and the spark came from this drawing, which Eastman drew initially as a joke featuring a bi-pedal turtle with nunchucks and a mask. The figure stands 6" tall, and features a classic black and white paint design, based on the original art!

Lil Mikey Vinyl Figure

This will be Mondo's first toy based on a design from an artist that they work with frequently. Mike Mitchell has a series of pop culture characters called "Just Like Us" and this toy is based on his design in that series for Michelangelo. Turtle fans and people of a particular age will note the accuracy of the real TMNT ice cream on a popsicle stick.

The "Lil Mikey" figure reflects Mondo's goal to have many of its toys based on artist designs in addition to replicas.

"If I had $5 when I was a kid, it was going to be spent on a ninja turtle figure. So much of my childhood was defined by TMNT, I watched every episode, I had the toys, the shirts, the games, the comics. I wish I could say "Lil Mikey" was a dream come true, but I never could have fathomed this happening. I am so extremely excited about this figure, and I can't wait to show it off at SDCC," said artist Mike Mitchell.

 

HITCHCOCK 1/6 Scale figure

The worlds most famous director is immortalized in this 1/6 scale figure, which features an authentic likeness, his directors chair, clapboard, cigars, as well as props from his most famous films- a butcher knife, a raven, and a seagull! He also features a fine-tailored suit, several interchangeable hands, and a figure stand.

 

 

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