Author Archives: Dead Zebra

Chinese New Year 2013 Android Mini Collectible!

Happy Year of the Snake!
But wait! That’s a.. Lion? Holding salad?

No matter the representative animal of the yearly zodiac, you’ll always find a Dancing Lion at any good Chinese New Year festival! While traditionally Chinese, the famous Dancing Lion even spans cultures with Korean and Japanese equivalents.

Each Dancing Lion Android includes one of 7 different auspicious scrolls and a head of green lettuce. The scrolls are wrapped, so you don’t know what message you get until you open it up!

If you’re not familiar with the traditions, then a couple of guys in a brightly colored furry lion suit lobbing heads of lettuce at you might be a bit alarming.. may we suggest you read more about the tradition of the dancing lion over on Wikipedia?

This year’s Special Edition release is once again primarily for our Asian retail partners including HypePulse in China, City Super in Hong Kong, Android Fan store in Taiwan and Droidstore in Singapore. If you are in or near these areas, please check your local retailers for availability. They should be available for sale soon!

However, we will have a very limited stock  available in the Dead Zebra, Inc shop for $10 (plus shipping). There will be only one release time. These are limited to one per household / card holder / person / etc.. you get the idea!

Available in the Dead Zebra Shop starting Thursday, January 24th at 11AM Eastern Standard Time. They will start shipping the week after that.

We reserve the right to cancel any orders for any reason. If there is remaining stock after the initial releases we will put them back online for further orders, (unlikely in this case, so get in early)! As usual you might want to brush up on the Limited Edition release FAQ!

Frankie Frost flies high for the 2012 Holiday Special Edition Android mini!

Look up! It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s ..suddenly really cold and snowing. Must be Frankie Frost flaunting his frozen flakes in your face! Seasoned Android artist Scott Tolleson brings us this cool new holiday special edition modeled after the classic stop motion characters of yesteryear.

Frankie starts flying next week from the Dead Zebra Shop starting at 11AM (EST) on Thursday, December 6th and again that evening at 11PM (EST) for $10. Limit is two per customer so you can keep one and gift another!

Shipping out starts December 10th, non-US customers who want to guarantee holiday arrival should select Priority Mail International shipping method, as First Class International can take 2-5+ weeks to arrive.

Bonus! Click and drag on the image below to see a 360 view (requires javascript). Not working in your browser? Try this direct link.

Halloween Release – Hurricane Update

Hello everyone! Due to widespread power outages, people being evacuated, flooded, and generally spotty internet service here and at the warehouse, the originally scheduled 11pm release tonight will be postponed.

Instead we will be releasing as planned at 11 AM EDT  October 31st  (Halloween!) and then we’ll save the second part of the release for November 5th 11 PM EST (don’t forget that whole daylight savings thing). Yes, we miss out on a bit of the Halloween spirit, but we want to give our fans and collectors in the Northeastern US a chance to recover.

Thanks for understanding!
-Andrew

Catch full moon fever! 2012 Halloween Special Edition Android mini!

Arrroooooo! Happy Halloween everyone! It’s my favorite time of year, and always a great excuse to release a fun mini special edition! I designed this guy as a tribute to a certain awkward age werewolf that many of us remember fondly.. back when vampires didn’t sparkle and werewolves played basketball! The night has come and this mild mannered teenage Android has caught a bad case of full moon fever..
 

So you’re not sitting around hitting F5 on your computer when you should be out having fun while dressed up as a Sexy Mudskipper we’re shifting out release schedule a little bit. Werewolf will be available at the Dead Zebra Shop starting at 11PM (EDT) on Devil’s Night, October 30th and again on Halloween morning October 31st at 11AM (EDT) and again on November 5th at 11PM (EST)!

Bonus! Click and drag on the image below to see a 360 view (requires javascript). Not working in your browser? Try this direct link.

Designer Toy Award 2012 Winner!

We were fortunate enough to take home our second Designer Toy Award this past Saturday night! The first one was for Android as Fan Favorite, and this year we snagged Best Licensed Product!

awesome award design by Pete Fowler, with little green friend..

I honestly wasn’t expecting that one, we were up there with Star Wars themed nominees! Being completely unprepared, and the first award of the night (again!), I didn’t have much of anything to say on stage other than a short awkward rambling thanks. I thought I’d take the time to sit down and write out a proper thank you here.

Obviously first and foremost thanks to my Android crew at Google (who I think I forgot to thank at the ceremony, oops) for continuing to be so supportive and generally awesome. Thanks to the Clutter Magazine / DTA crew for putting the ceremony and party on, it was a blast and I know they did a ton of work to get everything ready. Thanks to my peers on the board who voted for the category. Thanks to the artists who help keep things fresh. Finally and most importantly, thanks to the fans, collectors and customizers out there who continue to support the project and have taken it from “hey this could be neat..” to “…this is pretty amazing!”.

Thanks!

BAIT release / signing in CA

Quick thanks to Clutter Magazine and the board voters for the Designer Toy Award! A post about that coming up tonight or tomorrow!  Speaking of tomorrow..

Brand new lifestyle, toy, streetwear and sneaker shop BAIT is hosting our friends Scott Tolleson, kaNO and Sket One at an Android Series 03 signing event / release party at 7PM in Diamond Bar, CA (just east of LA)!

The shop looks great! Swing by and say hey to the crew if you get a chance!

Android Special Edition : Big Android BBQ Blue

It’s been a busy month for Android and mini collectible fans as many of you rip into your S3 cases! The fun continues with the Big Android BBQ taking place in Dallas, Texas next week!

Big Android BBQ Androids
This was originally slated for a late summer release for people who couldn’t grab the red SDCC edition but when we confirmed that we could make it to this year’s Big Android BBQ this year we knew it would be a perfect release to have there!

The Androids comes together in a case style window box ready to enjoy the day with camera, spatula and bbq accessories.

They’ll be available for $20/set in person throughout the BBQ weekend, late-registration tickets are still available! For those of you who sadly can’t make it, we’ll have them up online in the Dead Zebra Shop on the 20th at 11am EDT, get your appetite ready!

Android Series 03 release!

Hooray! We’re finally taking orders in the official Dead Zebra Inc shop! Orders will start shipping later this week. They’re available now There will be more at around 11pm EDT and if we sell through those don’t panic because there will still be plenty of options from our retail partners!

Thanks to all the fans for the continued support (and patience!), I know you’re going to love this series! 

P.S. We also have two awesome new Android t-shirts available!

Meet the Androids: Series 03 Preview (pt10)

As Android Series 03 finally starts hitting shops, here’s our last “preview” update – weekend special edition! There are a few designs from returning artist Scott Tolleson and previouslt featured KRONK that we haven’t shown off yet.. but we have to leave a little mystery for those of you who don’t want the rare figures spoiled!

This valiant warrior has seen many a fierce fight. Every night he ventures into the unknown, unaware of what fresh hell awaits. He battles unimaginable beasts deep within Feature Creep Keep… (I think I just had an idea for another Android design.) Sir Knightly Bild was designed by me, and has a 1/16 ratio.

Android mini collectibles Series 03 - Sir Knightly Bild by Andrew Bell

Bonus! Click and drag on the image below to see a 360 view (requires javascript). Not working in your browser? Try this direct link.
Last but not least today is Gary Ham‘s nocturnal predator, Whoogle the Owl. This striking design comes in a 2/16 ratio, so you’ll have a full parliament in no time (yes, a group of owls is called a parliament… whooo knew! sorry).

His 3D turnaround isn’t quite ready yet, but we’ll be sure to post it in the future so you can get a look at his beautiful butt plumage.

Meet the Androids: Series 03 Preview (pt9)

God of the wild, god of goats, nature protector.. kick-ass flautist? From the sparkly purple brainmeats of artist Kelly Denato comes Pandroid! Ready to rock out with his tiny pan flute accessory, this Android has a 1/16 ratio. 

Android mini collectibles Series 02 - Pandroid by Kelly Denato

Bonus! Click and drag on the image below to see a 360 view (requires javascript). Not working in your browser? Try this direct link.

Meet the Androids: Series 03 Preview (pt8)

You thought your teachers were tough? This one is mostly metal! Well, ok it’s still technically vinyl, but don’t tell the good Professor Skully McRivethead that. Artist Huck Gee brings his distinct touch to Android with this awesome design, 1/16 ratio.

Bonus! Click and drag on the image below to see a 360 view (requires javascript). Not working in your browser? Try this direct link.
Also for you Android Foundry fans, we tallied the votes and the new Bubble Bot rug is now available in the Dead Zebra shop!

Meet the Androids: Series 03 Preview (pt7)

Clearly something is special about this Android.. Pop off his head and you have yourself a micro Android!


This little guy has a built-in keychain attachment and features an articulated head and arms, and legs that move enough to let him sit up unaided. 2 for 1, can’t go wrong! 1/16 ratio.


Continuing the solid color tradition, series 03 ha us seeing a very specific shade of red! Are you sensing a color pattern yet? Hmmmm.. Red comes in a 2/16 ratio.


Wondering about buying these guys? They’ll be available on the Dead Zebra shop (along with a few surprises) starting Monday 9/24 at 11am EDT for shipments starting on 9/26. 
Additionally they should start popping up in toy, collectible, comic and specialty Android retailer locations and websites within the next few days, including many on this list! Also available through many of our Asia retailers starting on the 24th.

Meet the Androids: Series 03 Preview (pt6)

Our S3 shipment is in and delivered to the magical toy cave, where distribution will begin shortly! S3 should start popping up in retailers very soon, and I’ll post the Dead Zebra Shop release schedule / information tomorrow!

But we’ve still got some previews to get through! Rack a can of this awesome “cry-on” design by MAD. 1/16 ratio.

Of course we have a little extra for you. Turn your sound on for shake rattle and..roid. Always wear your respirator, kids.

Meet the Androids: Series 03 Preview (pt5)

Artist kaNO put together this awesome Beastie Boys / Japanese construction inspired design long before the recent tragic loss of MCA. I’m glad it made it into the series as I think it serves as a fun tribute to the late great intergalactic rap superstar! Armed with a mic accessory, ready to let the beat drop with a 1/16 ratio.

Android mini collectibles Series 3 Intergalactic by kaNO

Bonus! Click and drag on the image below to see a 360 view (requires javascript). Not working in your browser? Try this direct link.

Meet the Androids: Series 03 Preview (pt4)

If you ask for a “venti mocha blaster”, or a “frappa caramel whatsit”, this Android will kick you out of the cafe before you can even finish your obnoxious branding babble order. Stop talking made up nonsense, here’s your espresso. Drink it within 15 seconds and move along.

Android mini collectibles series 03 Barista Bot

When my sister opened Cafe Grumpy here in Brooklyn 7 years ago I helped her out by designing the logo.. and then somehow I was drafted into serving a brief stint as a barista. I never drank much coffee before that, so by the end of the day I looked pretty much like this guy.

Bonus! Click and drag on the image below to see a 360 view (requires javascript). Not working in your browser? Try this direct link.

Meet the Androids: Series 03 Preview (pt3)

This is one of those designs that needs to be seen in person to fully appreciate! Nexus sports a smokey dark translucent body and carries the latest generation flagship 4G LTE GSM dual band tri force quadruple card 5GHz 5″ HD* completely non-functional miniature Nexus phone accessory.

Android mini collectible series 3 - Nexus by Google

Set him up near a light source for maximum effect! 2/16 ratio.
*note: phone specs may be slightly exaggerated, phone is a small piece of solid plastic.

Bonus! Click and drag on the image below to see a 360 view (requires javascript). Not working in your browser? Try this direct link.


Meet the Androids: Series 03 Preview (pt2)

This is what happens when you test cosmetics on live animals.. escaped killer apes with blood on their hands. You’ve been warned!

Escape Ape is one of two killer Series 03 designs by South African artist and toy designer KRONK. This one has a 1/16 ratio, the other one.. well, that’ll be a bit harder to find.

Bonus! Click and drag on the image below to see a 360 view (requires javascript). Not working in your browser? Try this direct link. iframes/javascript must be enabled to view this content.

Meet the Androids: Series 03 Preview (pt1)

Series 3 is almost upon us! Hooray! Our shipment is arriving on the sunny shores of California today and should be hitting retailers in a week or two after we clear customs and truck it over to the distribution center!

Let’s count down the days with a few design previews, starting with Sket One’s glossy conman, 8-Ball Hustler. This slick black fedora wearing pool player also includes a cue accessory.

  8-Ball Hustler Android Series 03 Sket One

Bonus! Click and drag on the image below to see a 360 view (requires javascript).
Not working in your browser? Try this direct link. iframes/javascript must be enabled to view this content.

Up in arms over an Android Series 03 update!

Series 03 design: Pandroid, by Kelly Denato

Hello everyone! Sorry for the delayed update, I wanted to get some firm information from the factory before I posted anything related to a timeline for release! (Sorry Hitoshi!)


As you know we had hoped to release Series 3 end of Q2 this year (late June).. obviously that has come and gone! Unfortunately we got a little over 2 months behind on our production schedule.The good news is that we are basically done and will be releasing by the end of Q3. I’ll let you know when they are en route, and maybe I’ll even post the boat information so we can interactively track their journey across the ocean! :)
…Now for some excuses exciting information!

Series 03 features some really fun designs and quite a few complex paint applications that take a long time to get just right. However, the biggest delay can be attributed to the re-engineered arm joints that we’re debuting with Series 03.

The standard joint is made of one simple piece, and can just turn in one direction. The new joint is comprised of three pieces: a ball peg and two arm halves that are assembled around the ball peg. This allows for a much larger range of motion as the arm can be turned forwards, backwards, in and out as well as around as usual.

This also means 3x + as much work to produce and assemble the final products. The effects may seem subtle, but in our opinion they’re definitely worth it! The ability to adjust the arms just so really brings a lot of emotion to the figures. The feedback from fans who got their hands on a few SDCC preview sets has been great! We’ll be using ball joints for Artists Series as well as selectively on special editions in the future where appropriate.

P.S. Self promotion time! I have a little art show opening Tomorrow night in Brooklyn! Check out the info here!

Android Summer Edition: Comic-Con Variant

Grab your red shirt, pick up a lanyard and fire up the grill, summer is here and that means two things.. BBQs and Convention Season!

DKE Toys just announced these on their blog , so I suppose I can mention them as well! Android mini collectibles Summer Edition: Comic-Con Variant is coming to San Diego this July! Limited to 1,000 sets.

Includes Fandroid with lanyard and badge and Griller with spatula and grill accessory. Both come packed in a special dual window box for $25 (CA tax included).

They’ll be available at DKE, booth #4728 from July 11-15th at the International Comic-Con.

p.s. these pics are of our second round prototypes, final pieces vary slightly. we love cutting things close ;)