Unless you live in a city that has a Kidrobot store, you may not be familiar with the wonderfully weird world of Kidrobot, created by Paul Budnitz. Kidrobot combines the talents of
fine artists, fashion designers, graffiti artists and illustrators to produce a line of limited-edition toys and apparel. Kidrobot launched in 2002 with the Munny and Dunny toys, which officially became collectible art after the Museum of Modern Art acquired 13 of them for their permanent collection in 2007. Today kids of all ages with as little as $7 can amass a collection of pop art toys interpreted and signed by well-known and emerging artists from all over the world. Collecting Kidrobot toys can become addictive. Besides the accessible price point, the “blind assortment” packaging concept adds to the fun since you don’t know what you’re getting until you open the box. Outside the package is a list of possible figures and the odds of getting them. Open the box and find a figure not pictured, and you’ve scored a rare “chase” figure, which serious Kidrobot addicts are willing to pay hundreds of dollars for. Starting to get the picture? If you’re ready to bag your first Dunny, the new Dunny French Series ($7, pictured) looks tres adorable. Your artistic friends will probably love personalizing the Mini Munny ($10) — also available in pink or white — with this set of Munny Markers ($5) or Munny Crayons ($5). We loved the Chumps Mini Series ($8) by poster artist Frank Kozik with their streetwise Top Cat vibe, but you might prefer Kozik’s surly and silly Mongers Breakfast 5-Pack ($16). The Zoomies Mini Series ($8) and the Kiiro Mini Series ($8) are equally darling, but you may be moved by the retro feel of these Peecol figures ($10) by the German pixel-art group EbOY. Choose between WGirl, Mr. Q or NYOff, or several more in this line of interchangeable figures. Be sure to check out the Kidrobot Community and Event pages, where you can download free stuff, chat and stay abreast of Kidrobot events like trading parties. Whether you go ga-ga over Brobee ($25) or nutty over Muno ($25), a virtual stroll through Kidrobot is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.




















