For the serious collector of Gary Panter's work, as well as high-end designer-vinyl enthusiasts, Dark Horse is offering an exclusive run of their Jimbo vinyl figure. The Deluxe Jimbo vinyl figure comes with interchangeable t-shirts-one in white and one in black-each with a different design. The special edition book that is included in the deluxe edition is a unique item. Sparing no expense in production, this case-bound hardcover is an edition of only 75 numbered copies. A two-color bookplate was created with special art, and is tipped-into each copy after signature. The cover utilizes an exotic holofoil laminating to capture the psychedelic nuance of the source material sensibility in fluorescent inks and gloss lamination. Special end sheets are exclusive to the hardcover as well. Helene Silverman, a nationally recognized book designer whose clients include Abrams, Random House, Little Brown, Hyperion and Penguin, assisted in the design of the book. "We seldom produce a book this expensive in such a small quantity," Dark Horse product development head David Scroggy noted, "but as with all else when it comes to Jimbo and Gary Panter, this one is the exception that proves the rule." The Deluxe Jimbo vinyl figure with special edition book is limited to 75 for worldwide distribution and will only be offered through Dark Horse Comics. The release will coincide with the original limited edition Jimbo vinyl that will be available through Diamond and other retail outlets.
Apart from Jimbo, Panter's designs and graphics have graced venues as diverse as Time, Rolling Stone and The New Yorker, as well as a smorgasbord of more esoteric venues. His design work for Pee Wee's Playhouse garnered him two Emmys, and longtime pal Matt Groening himself is happy to admit the similarity between Jimbo's spiky hairline and that of Bart Simpson. He is a recipient of the Chrysler Design award.
The figure, sculpted for Dark Horse by Yoe! Studio, was designed from Panter's control art and personally checked over and approved by Panter as it progressed. Measuring 9.5" tall, and featuring a fabric costume of tartan loincloth (anatomically correct beneath) and tattered t-shirt, this unusual vinyl item is a limited edition release.
The Jimbo vinyl figure comes packaged in a full-color two-sided window box, decorated with new, wildly colored art by Panter, created for the project. A 32-page book, showcasing Jimbo strips, concept art, work-in-progress photos and revisions, and other behind-the-scenes material is included as a part of the package. Both Jimbo and Deluxe Jimbo vinyl figures will be released in December, 2007.