2015 Christmas Fallout!

October has come and gone, Halloween is over, the Turkey has been carved and Christmas is already a few days old.  Where in the world did the time go?  For a site that claims to love and celebrate the "holidaze," you sure wouldn't think so based on my inconsistency and lack of commitment to the blog.  While in the midst of what was sure to be my best Halloween Countdown yet, real-life and work once again reared their ugly heads and forced me to but junk food and cereal on the back-burner.  To be perfectly honest, after missing out on sharing my trip to Disney World, Halloween Horror Nights and Salem, MA, I basically shut the site down for good.  It's not easy gaining traction and acquiring traffic, especially when so many awesome writers have most of this stuff covered better than I do, so I turned my attention toward social media and settled for much more entertaining, self-serving, and meaningful interaction with like-minded nerds.  Is The Holidaze done for good?  Possibly, but when asked by my buddy Chad to rise from the ashes and present my 2015 Christmas Fallout with a bunch of other cool guys, I was honored, excited, and simply couldn't say no.

So, on a weird site that features a 2015 Halloween Countdown header above a 2015 Christmas Fallout banner, I'm bringing it all together and closing out the year with a celebration of materialism and selfishness.  Yep, here's what Santa brought me for being such a good boy all year long!

Funko Holidaze Pop! - Carrie

Today's Holidaze Pop! figure is inspired by a film that I don't necessarily care for in terms of story, but have always loved for it's imagery and the idea of revenge.  In my opinion, the recently released Carrie far surpassed Stephen King's original, but I admit I'm probably in the minority.  Truth is, I never liked horror movies that feature supernatural abilities like being able to move things telepathically.  I can accept Michael Myers being immortal and Jason Voorhees constantly coming back to life, but the plot behind Carrie simply loses my interest.  However, I do think that the scene in which pig's blood is dropped on Carrie's head is one of the most iconic in Horror history and deserves to be released in Pop! form.  Here's my crack at it!

In addition to the Pop! itself, I'm digging the box art even more!  Not to toot my own horn, but I think this is something Funko would and should release.  It would probably be a hell of a lot better than what I have to offer, but I'd take it nonetheless.  The Horror genre deserves to be immortalized in as many ways, and through as many characters, as possible!

Now I'm going to tweet this to Chloe Grace Moretz and hope she RT's it.  She'd make it a hit, girl!

Funko Holidaze Pop! - 8-Bit Freddy Krueger

Picking up where we last left off, I'm bringing you another 8-Bit Pop! figure inspired by both Funko and NECA.  It's no secret that NECA has paved the way for these stylized figures and brought their popularity to levels we'd never expected.  Jason was first, but Freddy soon followed suit in a unique, but not quite as odd, physical appearance.  Yet again, this is another figure I'd expect to see released by Funko at some point, although I'm not sure how he'd sell compared to Jason.

Freddy's red & green sweater is just as iconic as Freddy himself but, for whatever reason, Nintendo released their Nightmare on Elm St. video game with a different look.  Freddy was featured in a red and orange color scheme, from top to bottom, but it actually looks really cool.  In fact, there are images out there of Robert Englund wearing this exact sweater in various promotional shots.  I'm not enough of a NOES expert to tell you if it ever appeared in the films or if it was the original concept for his sweater, but it certainly brings back memories and I honestly don't mind the look.  I wonder how it would have translated on screen!

Funko Holidaze Pop! - 8-Bit Jason Voorhees

Ever since NECA introduced the first 8-Bit NES Jason Voorhees figure in 2013, the Horror community has been obsessed with the odd colorway in which Jason was presented by Nintendo.  At the time, I can only imagine how pissed off people were to see that Jason was nowhere near his actual likeness in the films.  They somehow went from a white mask with red accents and a dirty blue / green outfit to neon purple and turquoise.  It never made any sense but, in 2014, nostalgia says it doesn't have to.  Today, those crazy colors represent the childhood of millions around the world and owning a figure designed to represent that is a way of celebrating the past.  That's why I love nostalgia and the memories that come with.

Funko has already followed in NECA's footsteps and released a few 8-Bit figures, but we've yet to see him in Pop! form.  So, that's what I'm here for!

If you look around, you'll find plenty of customs for sale online and they're all pretty damn good.  By simply re-painting the actual Jason Pop! figure, you get as close as you probably would if Funko were to do the same.  With my design, I added a few tweaks here and there to separate myself from them.  The marks on his mask are squared to resemble his 8-Bit Sprite and I changed his outfit.

If Funko were to release any of my designed figures, this would most certainly be the one.  I truly believe, one day, we'll all be able to own an official 8-Bit Jason Pop! from Funko

Funko Holidaze Pop! - Frute Brute

Yesterday, I brought you the Yummy Mummy Holidaze Pop! design inspired by Funko.  Today, the Monster Cereals wouldn't be complete without his partner in crime and resurrections - Frute Brute.  When Brute returned last year, I was thrilled!  I couldn't believe General Mills was giving us such an awesome return after years and years of hoping and waiting.  I'll admit, Yummy Mummy took the prize in terms of flavor and appearance, but Frute Brute wasn't too far behind and may have very well knocked off Frankenberry.  Believe me - around here, that isn't easy to do.  In fact, I love Frankenberry so much I just put myself in the mood for a bowl and the only negative I can find is that it isn't Frute Brute.  Oh well.. Maybe next year!

Frute Brute was a lot of fun to design and I'm personally loving the way both graphics turned out.  It's a shame that we'll never see Yummy Mummy and Frute Brute in stores, but at least we can imagine what they would have looked like.  Maybe the images I've posted will catch the eyes of Funko designers and entice them to bring these Monsters to fruition.  Of course, you reposting them wouldn't hurt, either!  Get the word out and maybe we'll be seeing our beloved Monster Cereals finally united!

Funko Holidaze Pop! - Yummy Mummy

Today, we're saying goodbye to the "Scream" collection and moving on to new characters from the world of horror and pop-culture.  I know some of you are wondering where all my posts about candy and cake have gone, but they're not forgotten.  I have plenty of junk food to talk about over the next 22 days and I'm sure we'll all have a blast celebrating the latter part of the season.  I look at The Holidaze Pop! designs as a bonus, this year.  In addition to what we're all used to, know, and love, these works of art pay homage to the world of Funko and so many characters whom will most likely never see the light of day.

When I first started collecting Funko Pop! figures, three of my most-wanted were, without a doubt, the Monster Cereals Trio.  I couldn't believe that they even made Frankenberry, Count Chocula and Boo Berry!  I figured they were so obscure that they'd never be touched, but Funko has done a great deal with them and I couldn't be happier to see them get their due respect.  But... what about our other two Monsters?  What about the legends?  What about Yummy Mummy and Frute Brute?  That's where I come in!

The Yummy Mummy Holidaze Pop! features a different design because he's actually the first I ever created.  A few months ago, I decided to play around with illustrator to see what I could come up with and this is what I envisioned.  If you follow me on Instagram, you've already seen and hopefully liked this piece of artwork.  You may even own The Yummy Mummy Holidaze t-shirt!  But if this is the first you're seeing the Yummy Mummy Pop!, then I hope you enjoy the design!

The return of Yummy Mummy in 2013 was probably the highlight of last year's Halloween.  There have been a few products released here and there, but nothing would compare to a Funko Pop! figure to join the treacherous General Mills trio!  When I originally posted the image above, a Funko designer by the name of Reis O'Brien reached out and informed me that the odds of seeing Yummy Mummy and Frute Brute on shelves are unlikely.  Unfortunately, the first set of three did not sell well enough to justify their release.  It seems as though these Holidaze designs will be as close as we're gonna get.

Tomorrow, I bring you Frute Brute!

Funko Holidaze Pop! - Ghostface (Stab Exclusive)

Tonight, I conclude the "Scream" collection with a character that is not only unique but, in my opinion, the best of the bunch.  I think it stands out above the rest because of the fact that it could actually get produced and be a seller.  Whether I want to admit it or not, I know the other Scream characters will never see the light of day.  They're fun to design, they're cool to look at but, even though they deserve a release, we all know we'll never get a Tatum Riley Pop! figure from Funko.  But tonight, I'm taking Ghostface himself and going the "exclusive" route because, really, that's the only way we'd ever get this one.  Imagine Hot Topic unveiling Ghostface as their next hit exclusive!  With the traditional Ghostface finally being shipped, how awesome would it be to have the "Stab" version, based on the fictional movie poster, to go with it?

Within the "Scream" franchise, another franchise exists fictionally in the world of those characters.  "Stab" is a movie based on the true story of Sidney Prescott and the Woodsboro Murders.  In our real-lives, we have "Scream."  In theirs, they have "Stab" and the artwork for that movie is even more awesome than the ones we get in reality.  The logo and green colors have always stood out to me and I've really taken advantage of that with this concept.  I did something similar with the "Green Scream" Hi-C Horror Box last year and Wes Craven himself Retweeted it to his followers.  In this case, I'm taking the traditional Ghostface Pop! and changing the colors to make the "Stab" version I'd love to see!

Funko Holidaze Pop! - Stu Macher

We'll soon be getting to a variety of Holidaze Pop! Characters, but I'm continuing the Scream Collection with another personal favorite from the Horror Genre - Stu Macher.  Yes, Billy Loomis may have been the brains behind the Woodsboro murders, but he couldn't have done it without a little help from his friend.  If not for Stu Macher, Billy would have likely been caught much sooner and we, the viewers, would have never been so swerved when Ghostface sliced and diced Billy with corn syrup.  It was the master plan that almost worked.  To perfectly counter Billy's psychotic rage, Stu brought a bit of humor to the duo.  He's always been my favorite "funny" character from any Horror movie and it's only right that he be featured on The Holidaze in Pop! form.

Funko Holidaze Pop! - Gale Weathers

In a perfect set of segue's, we're going from Tatum Riley, to Deputy Dewey, to Gale Weathers.  It's all in the family on The Holidaze and we're keeping it that way with today's Holidaze Pop! character.  We're winding down and the "Scream" collection is soon coming to an end.  I only have a few more to post before we transition and start changing things up, but there are still a few must-haves we need to discuss before it all wraps up.  Today, I'm bringing you everybody's favorite reporter, Gale Weathers.  Fans and Sidney Prescott both have a love-hate relationship with Gale, but nobody can deny the powerful role Courtney Cox played in Scream.  Although, I'm sure her proudest accomplishment was meeting David Arquette on the set of the first.  As soon as she saw him, I'm sure her eyes lit up and visions of the WCW Championship played through her mind.

Personally, I don't collect any female Funko figures.  Or, at least I don't, yet.  So far, none have really stood out to me.  Besides April O'Neil, who's a cartoon character, I've yet to purchase anything other than horror and male figures.  Being that this is the last female Holidaze Pop! design from Scream, I think it's important to not if Funko were to ever release more horror-based female characters, especially from the Scream franchise, I'd surely fork over my money.  Gale Weathers would fit the bill!

Hey, Funko.. Get this made and send me an e-mail saying "I'll send you a copy."  I promise I won't pull back and knock your lights out.

Funko Holidaze Pop! - Deputy Dewey

Yesterday, I featured Tatum Riley as part of The Holidaze Pop! collection.  Today, I'm thrilled to bring you her brother, the ever-heroic Deputy Dewey Riley!  If there were ever a Scream collection released by Funko, Dewey would undoubtedly make the final cut.  In fact, I think he'd find his way to store shelves before Billy Loomis and Sidney Prescott.  Making appearances in all four Scream films, Dewey's charm and humor certainly makes him a fan-favorite and highly collectible!

 

Of course, if Deputy Dewey were to ever be released, it would have to be in his Woodsboro Police uniform.  It's become iconic within the horror community and the Scream franchise.  He wore it with pride, attempted to work his way up through the ranks, and used it to land his dream girl.  If he's not a hero, then I don't know who is.  It only took losing your sister to her psychotic boyfriend and being stabbed a few times for it to all get noticed.  Way to go, David Arquette!

Funko Holidaze Pop! - Tatum Riley

Today's "Scream" character is one you may not expect, but would be an awesome addition to any collection.  Perhaps underrated, Tatum Riley played a crucial role in the lives of Sidney Prescott and her brother, Dewey Riley.  I think she's so underrated that people forget she's Dewey's sister.  It could be because he seemed to show no emotion after she was killed in one of the most iconic kill scenes in horror history.  It's not everyday your sister gets stuck and crushed between a doggy door in the garage, but I guess Dewey had bigger things on his mind.  Like saving the day and marrying Courtney Cox.  Sorry, Tatum, at least I remembered to design you and your.. um.. assets.

Outside of her sex appeal, Tatum Riley doesn't do much more than being a beer wench in Scream.  However, Rose McGowen does have a strong fan base and did an amazing job playing Tatum.  For that reason, along with her colorful attire, I think she'd make an amazing vinyl figure in Funko's Pop line.  In a perfect world, she'd come with a garage so we can crush her head.  Nah, that's not morbid at all.

Funko Holidaze Pop! - Randy Meeks

"Scream" week continues here on The Holidaze as I bring you my Holidaze Pop! designs inspired by Funko.  As the month progresses, I'll be bringing you a variety of characters from different films and franchises, but Scream is one I'd love to see done in completion.  As we're still just beginning this series of designs, I wanted to hit on all the must-haves and, today, I'm featuring a man who wrote, lived, and died by the rules of horror - Randy Meeks!

If they only listened to Randy, maybe they wouldn't have suffered such a horrible fate.  On that note, even Randy should have followed his own rules.  Maybe then, he would have been more than just a VHS cameo in Scream 3.  Regardless, Jamie Kennedy played such an important character in the Scream franchise and I respect him for delivering so well.

If Funko were to ever steal my ideas and run with them, Randy would be a must in their line of Scream characters.  Decked out in his classic green "Freshjive" 90s tee and brown pants, Randy would be a perfectly colorful addition to the horror collection.  Now I'm going to tweet this to Jamie Kennedy and hope he shares it with the world.  You should do the same.  Maybe Funko will get the point and start bringing these Scream Pops to life!

Funko Holidaze Pop! - Sidney Prescott

Day 2 in our Holidaze Pop! Marathon and, as mentioned, we're continuing with our "Scream" characters.  In my opinion, there's no horror franchise with more well-known, consistently featured, characters.  Usually, there are one or two who make a recurring appearance, but are often times forgotten.  With "Scream," there's longevity in character development and I think that's why I love the franchise so much.  It also allows us the opportunity to broaden the range of Holidaze Pop! character designs and feature a few of the most popular characters, especially in the first installment!

Today's design focuses on the heroine, the scream queen, the final girl..Sidney Prescott!

 

"Hello Sidney!"

Decked out in her final scene denim attire from the first Scream, Sidney would be a great addition to the Funko Pop! collection.  Neve Campbell did an incredible job playing Sidney Prescott and made her one of the most famous females in Horror history.  Personally, Sidney only falls behind one woman within the Horror genre and that's Laurie Strode, from Halloween, played by Jamie Lee Curtis.  I'm sure Neve Campbell would agree that ain't a bad comparison!

Perhaps the character of Sidney wouldn't be the most highly-sought after Funko Pop! figure, it certainly is a valued addition to the Holidaze Pop! line inspired by Funko.  As a fan of "Scream," I would absolutely love to see this created and released down the line.

"What's Your Favorite Scary Movie?"

Funko Holidaze Pop! - Billy Loomis

Over the last year, I've become a major fan of Funko and their licensed lines of figures.  Whether it be their Mystery Minis, Funko Pop! or Re-Action figures, I've spent quite a lot of money on the collectibles.  Quite frankly, they're just too awesome for me to resist and while I've yet to feature them on The Holidaze, you can rest assured they'll make an appearance in one way or another as our season progresses.  If you haven't started your Funko collection yet, then I urge you to do so.  Their wider array of characters appeal to everybody.  For me, the horror, holiday, and wrestling collections are must-haves.  So far, I've purchased just about every one I want, but still have so many more on the wish list.  At such a low price, it's easy to get lost in their catalog and find yourself on top of Funko mountain in your living room.  By that, I mean you'll end up buy so many that there's literally a mountain of toys in your living room.

Now, for as many licensed characters as Funko has to offer, I thought it would be fun to think outside the box and come up with a few obscure designs.  I did this last year with my Holidaze Hi-C Horror designs and they were a huge hit within our little community.  People seemed to get a kick out of them and I really enjoyed the interaction.  When it comes to illustration, I'll be the first to admit I don't quite have a grasp on it, just yet.  There are so many awesome artists out there, many of which I follow on Twitter, and I'd love to see their take on this Holidaze line, but I decided to run with the idea in spite of my lackluster abilities in Illustrator.  My claim to fame is graphic design, particularly in sports, but I had to take a shot at this!

So, here's the deal - between now and Halloween, I'll be featuring as many Funko Holidaze Pop! character designs as I can!  My goal is to, at least, post one a day.  That would give us 31 character designs, but I'm going to be optimistic and hope that I can far surpass that in October.  I know I'm super busy, but this is way too much fun and I'm willing to sacrifice some sleep to get these out of my mind and in yours.  I have a crazy amount of characters written down on paper and It's my goal to bring them to life.  If I can pull it off, I think we're all in for a treat!

So, with that all said, here's the first in The Holidaze Pop! line, inspired by Funko!  For the next few days, we'll be focusing on "Scream" and you might have already seen my rough draft on Instagram.  Here's the updated Billy Loomis!

Scream is, without a doubt, one of my favorite Horror movies of all-time.  Actually, scratch that, it's one of my favorite movies, period!  I've seen it countless times, to the point where I've memorized the lines, and have always been fascinated by Billy Loomis and Stu Macher as two homicidal maniacs within the horror genre.  It was only right that the man behind Ghostface be featured as the first of many Holidaze Pop! designs!

Bloody Billy Loomis was going to be saved for another entry on a different day, but the kick-off deserves to be special.  In a perfect world, Funko would release Billy Loomis in his white t-shirt and make this bloody version an exclusive.  Of course, he'd need those iconic features stuck to his bloody arm.  When you think of Billy Loomis, this is the image that comes to mind.

"Movies don't create psychos!  Movies make psychos more creative!"