When we worked with Big Tent Entertainment to become a licensee of this property, we noticed that some Japanese products had been making their way into hipster pop-culture shops here and there. Although Domo appeals to darn near everyone, we felt he would enjoy a special cachet with collectors of designer art vinyl toys and lowbrow artworks.
One of the most fun aspects of this genre is the profusion of variant editions that are often part of the release pattern on this kind of toy. We wrote to Japan and explained that if we were allowed to play around with Domo's color and create alternate versions, it could be an attractive part of the proposed program. After careful consideration of our proposal, we were delighted to find that we were granted permission, and we were off to the races.
It was a big decision for them -- up until Dark Horse Deluxe's line, no licensee had ever created a licensed version of Domo in anything other than his regular furry brown hue. So these limited-edition variants are unique.
The 8” flocked vinyl Domo figures, on sale now, were created in classic brown, with subsets of very limited variants in white, blue, and fuchsia. Not only that, but we additionally made a bright green version that is available exclusively through our friends at Newbury Comics. They are still available from them, although readers are advised that only 350 copies were produced. If that wasn't enough, we also made both yellow and orange variants, which were made available at Comic-Con International in San Diego as show exclusives. There was a great response, with collectors doing their best Domo impersonation as they chomped at the bit to secure one of these rare items.
We are now planning a second wave of Domo mania! We are reproducing Domo in 5.5” flocked vinyl versions. Driven by the success of the first go-round, we have added a few partners and will be arriving in stores in late October or early November with a slew of variants -- ten in all.
Most of these are available at fine retailers or online, but once again there are a few variations secured by retail partners. Newbury Comics has once again taken a position on a variant -- this time in vibrant orange. New partner Hot Topic, in addition to basic brown, will have a special group of Domo 5.5" figures available exclusively through them: lime green, sky blue, and true yellow. There is also a small number that will go to Gear 4 Games in the U.K. in a grass green variation.
Available from Dark Horse Deluxe are classic brown, polar white, earl grey, olive green, and ruby red. Whew!
We couldn’t be having more fun with this. We sincerely hope that fans and collectors enjoy the thrill of the hunt for all of the colors. Kind of like searching for Easter eggs, isn't it?
We are planning still more Domo -- so please continue to watch this space for future announcements. And if you want to watch Domo himself, he is available online at Veoh.com. Just log on and search for “Domo.”
It's Domo's world -- and we thank him for letting us be a small part of it!
-- David Scroggy