LA Rock is a super boring figure wearing a track suit and a Ben Hogan hat.
Ben Hogan was a legendary golfer from the 1940s. That really has no relevance to LA Rock except for the type of hat. The Ben Hogan hat is also sometimes just called a golf hat or golf cap.
LA Rock's profession is as an "artist" and his hobby is "lawn art." Make of that what you will.
LA Rock has one G1 figure with no variants. He has three color variants in G3 that vary basically only by hat color (blue, gray, and brown). Boring.
Oddly, LA Rock is the dude serving as a sort of mascot on the Clash Cubes packaging. Here he has a pair of dice in his hand. The Clash Cubes are a dice game. It sure would have been nice if his figure had been sculpted with dice in his hand so he would not be so boring.
I consider this to be one of the absolute worst TDD figures for several reasons. First, his design does not point to a specific character or archetype. Boo. The second is because his silly hat (which is his only defining feature) covers his eyes. All the figures where you can't see their eyes are the worst designs. Other offenders are Rick (the diver), Ace (the pilot) and Moto (the motocross rider). But, at least these figures have some other characteristics which define them. LA Rock is just a dude wearing a hat which covers his freaking eyes. Third, is the fact that both his hands are in closed fists. In other words, you can't give him an accessory. There is a golf club that comes with one of the Action Packs. I sure would like to give this to LA Rock and call him the TDD golfer. But wait, I can't because both of his hands are closed in fists for some reason. Grrr.
Anyway, LA Rock does look a lot like a particular person. He looks like the Dutch DJ Tom Holkenborg -- better known as Junkie XL. His signature look is wearing a Ben Hogan hat and an orange track suit.
Was LA Rock meant as a specific parody of Junkie XL? Who knows.
This is a nonprofit site dedicated to deciphering the Tech Deck Dude toyline. We are interested in trades: steverotters@gmail.com
Thursday, March 31, 2016
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
078 Big E
Big E is an Elvis Presley parody.
His G1 figure had that pompadour hairstyle plus a flamboyant cape reminiscent of Elvis' stage persona during the 1970s.
Big E made a return with a G3 figure. This figure looks more like a generic 1950s greaser. He is reminiscent of old school Elvis, Marlon Brando, and James Dean.
This version of Big E comes with a comb in his left hand. The comb is not part of the mold, nor is it a true accessory. It is a separate piece of hard plastic glued to the figure. For one reason or another, kids break off pieces of this comb, and you can almost never find G3 Big E with his comb intact.
Fun fact: Elvis was right-handed.
His G1 figure had that pompadour hairstyle plus a flamboyant cape reminiscent of Elvis' stage persona during the 1970s.
Big E made a return with a G3 figure. This figure looks more like a generic 1950s greaser. He is reminiscent of old school Elvis, Marlon Brando, and James Dean.
This version of Big E comes with a comb in his left hand. The comb is not part of the mold, nor is it a true accessory. It is a separate piece of hard plastic glued to the figure. For one reason or another, kids break off pieces of this comb, and you can almost never find G3 Big E with his comb intact.
Fun fact: Elvis was right-handed.
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
079 Art
Art was the tattooed dude who later became a Kratos parody.
In his G1 form, Art was an armless, naked dude with lots of tats.
He was redesigned to look like Kratos, the protagonist of the God of War video game series. He carries two blades just like the "Blades of Chaos." He also has white skin and a red face tattoo, just like Kratos. The imitation is so obvious, it almost seems like a cross-promotion.
There are two versions of this figure. The G3 version came out in 2005 from X-Concepts. This version has an angular face tattoo.
The G4 figure came out in 2008, and it is exclusive to the Serpent of Doom playset. This is the version with the more curvy-looking face tattoo. This version also has arms that cannot bend. This was the only Spin Master figure made with static arms (except for those weird Trick Dudes).
The first Kratos version of Art came with a zood called Aries. He is a ram, just like the first sign in the Zodiac.
Both names also relate to Greek mythology. Kratos was the god of authority, and Ares was the actual god of war.
Note that "Ares" is the god of war, and "Aries" is the astrological sign.
Not to get all woo-woo on you, but this post was made during Aries.
Mind. Blown.
In his G1 form, Art was an armless, naked dude with lots of tats.
He was redesigned to look like Kratos, the protagonist of the God of War video game series. He carries two blades just like the "Blades of Chaos." He also has white skin and a red face tattoo, just like Kratos. The imitation is so obvious, it almost seems like a cross-promotion.
There are two versions of this figure. The G3 version came out in 2005 from X-Concepts. This version has an angular face tattoo.
The G4 figure came out in 2008, and it is exclusive to the Serpent of Doom playset. This is the version with the more curvy-looking face tattoo. This version also has arms that cannot bend. This was the only Spin Master figure made with static arms (except for those weird Trick Dudes).
The first Kratos version of Art came with a zood called Aries. He is a ram, just like the first sign in the Zodiac.
Both names also relate to Greek mythology. Kratos was the god of authority, and Ares was the actual god of war.
Note that "Ares" is the god of war, and "Aries" is the astrological sign.
Not to get all woo-woo on you, but this post was made during Aries.
Mind. Blown.
Monday, March 28, 2016
080 Cutie
Cutie is one of twelve dudettes.
All the dudettes were confined to the G1 (armless) releases. Cutie is a "backup dancer" and she wears a visor turned to the side.
In release order, Cutie was one of two dudettes to hit the market in the very last wave of G1 figures. This was Crew 15, which had no variants. Both Cutie and Whitney (#83) have only one version each. Both figures seem to be quite rare.
All the dudettes were confined to the G1 (armless) releases. Cutie is a "backup dancer" and she wears a visor turned to the side.
In release order, Cutie was one of two dudettes to hit the market in the very last wave of G1 figures. This was Crew 15, which had no variants. Both Cutie and Whitney (#83) have only one version each. Both figures seem to be quite rare.
Sunday, March 27, 2016
081 Splinter
Splinter started out as a second pirate, but he became an oceanographer.
His G1 figure was that of a peg-leg pirate, much like Woody (#27).
Whereas Woody was a pirate captain, Splinter was a pirate crewman.
He was redesigned in G3. He became an oceanographer and was given the likeness of Steve Zissou from Wes Anderson's 2004 comedy-drama The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. The titular character was played by actor Bill Murray. This character was already a parody of (or homage to) the real-life oceanographer Jacques Cousteau.
Bill Murray has another dude tribute, that being Murry (#149).
Wes Anderson also has another character parodied by the dudes, and that is Baumer (#128).
Anyway, back to Splinter. He also has a zood named Klaus. He is a dolphin with some sort of oceanographic equipment attached to his back. Klaus is the name of the engineer on Steve Zissou's boat. He looks up to and imitates Steve. While Steve sometimes wears an iconic red knit-cap, Klaus always wears one.
It would have been hilarious if Splinter's zood was a "jaguar shark" instead of a dolphin. They still could have named it Klaus -- that's fine. It's just that, in the movie, the search for this fabled fish is what drives the plot. They didn't have to make it a giant shark with three dorsal fins. Just some little shark with spots. Named Klaus. Inside joke. Nailed it.
Man, what a missed opportunity. Oh well.
His G1 figure was that of a peg-leg pirate, much like Woody (#27).
Whereas Woody was a pirate captain, Splinter was a pirate crewman.
He was redesigned in G3. He became an oceanographer and was given the likeness of Steve Zissou from Wes Anderson's 2004 comedy-drama The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. The titular character was played by actor Bill Murray. This character was already a parody of (or homage to) the real-life oceanographer Jacques Cousteau.
Bill Murray has another dude tribute, that being Murry (#149).
Wes Anderson also has another character parodied by the dudes, and that is Baumer (#128).
Anyway, back to Splinter. He also has a zood named Klaus. He is a dolphin with some sort of oceanographic equipment attached to his back. Klaus is the name of the engineer on Steve Zissou's boat. He looks up to and imitates Steve. While Steve sometimes wears an iconic red knit-cap, Klaus always wears one.
It would have been hilarious if Splinter's zood was a "jaguar shark" instead of a dolphin. They still could have named it Klaus -- that's fine. It's just that, in the movie, the search for this fabled fish is what drives the plot. They didn't have to make it a giant shark with three dorsal fins. Just some little shark with spots. Named Klaus. Inside joke. Nailed it.
Man, what a missed opportunity. Oh well.
Saturday, March 26, 2016
082 Barney
Barney is the TDD policeman.
His G1 (armless) figure has a donut on his left side and a baton on his right. His G2 figure is the G1 mold -- now with non-bendable arms. He still has his donut and the baton, now he just has hands to hold them.
His name is a reference to the character Barney Fife from 1960's Andy Griffith Show. Barney was the inept comic relief of this famous sitcom.
His G3 figure was redesigned to be more of a stereotypical motorcycle cop with helmet and sunglasses. In this regard, he resembles the cops from the show CHiPs. This show ran from 1977 to 1983 and showcased the fictional exploits of motorcycle cops from the California Highway Patrol.
A CHiPs film based on the TV show also came out in March, 2017.
While the G3 Barney lost his donut, he still comes with his baton (aka billy club). This time it is a detachable accessory rather than part of the figure mold. So, as you might expect, they are almost always missing from used figures.
Barney also came out in G4. This figure is the G3 mold now with Spin Master molded into it. He was part of the first Street Crew series, which was the only G4 series to maintain the magnets. Barney would go on to be quite famous since he and Radd were the only dudes to be featured on the cardbacks for all G4 Street Crew figures, right up until the end of the toyline in 2009.
His G1 (armless) figure has a donut on his left side and a baton on his right. His G2 figure is the G1 mold -- now with non-bendable arms. He still has his donut and the baton, now he just has hands to hold them.
His name is a reference to the character Barney Fife from 1960's Andy Griffith Show. Barney was the inept comic relief of this famous sitcom.
His G3 figure was redesigned to be more of a stereotypical motorcycle cop with helmet and sunglasses. In this regard, he resembles the cops from the show CHiPs. This show ran from 1977 to 1983 and showcased the fictional exploits of motorcycle cops from the California Highway Patrol.
A CHiPs film based on the TV show also came out in March, 2017.
While the G3 Barney lost his donut, he still comes with his baton (aka billy club). This time it is a detachable accessory rather than part of the figure mold. So, as you might expect, they are almost always missing from used figures.
Barney also came out in G4. This figure is the G3 mold now with Spin Master molded into it. He was part of the first Street Crew series, which was the only G4 series to maintain the magnets. Barney would go on to be quite famous since he and Radd were the only dudes to be featured on the cardbacks for all G4 Street Crew figures, right up until the end of the toyline in 2009.
Friday, March 25, 2016
083 Whitney
Whitney is one of twelve dudettes.
All the dudettes were confined to the G1 (armless) era. Whitney is a hairdresser. In her drawing, she even has a little hairdryer attached to her side. However, there is no hairdryer on the figure.
In release order, Whitney was one of two dudettes to hit the market in the very last wave of G1 figures. This was Crew 15 which had no variants. Both Whitney and Cutie have only one version each. Both figures are quite uncommon.
All the dudettes were confined to the G1 (armless) era. Whitney is a hairdresser. In her drawing, she even has a little hairdryer attached to her side. However, there is no hairdryer on the figure.
In release order, Whitney was one of two dudettes to hit the market in the very last wave of G1 figures. This was Crew 15 which had no variants. Both Whitney and Cutie have only one version each. Both figures are quite uncommon.
Thursday, March 24, 2016
084 E.N. Stein
E. N. Stein is a mad scientist.
His name is a play on "Einstein," as in Albert Einstein.
His G1 figure has a beaker at his side. His G2 figure is holding a beaker in his hand.
He is somewhat similar in design to Doc (#98). Doc is a surgeon, whereas E. N. Stein is a chemist. Doc also died in G2.
To further confuse the two, in G3, it is E. N. Stein (not Doc) who becomes the Doc Brown (Back to the Future) parody. Now, instead of a beaker, he is holding a wrench. He is now the stereotypical mad inventor or crazy tinkerer. His G4 variant comes on a "Ripboad" designed to look like a Delorean time machine from that movie trilogy.
Fun Fact: The dog in said trilogy is also named "Einstein."
His name is a play on "Einstein," as in Albert Einstein.
His G1 figure has a beaker at his side. His G2 figure is holding a beaker in his hand.
He is somewhat similar in design to Doc (#98). Doc is a surgeon, whereas E. N. Stein is a chemist. Doc also died in G2.
To further confuse the two, in G3, it is E. N. Stein (not Doc) who becomes the Doc Brown (Back to the Future) parody. Now, instead of a beaker, he is holding a wrench. He is now the stereotypical mad inventor or crazy tinkerer. His G4 variant comes on a "Ripboad" designed to look like a Delorean time machine from that movie trilogy.
Fun Fact: The dog in said trilogy is also named "Einstein."
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
085 Simon
Simon was a goth dude who turned into a vampire.
His G1 figure was this sorta generic looking goth dude.
With his G3 redesign, he became the TDD vampire. He has many variants.
The rarest variant is a definite nod to DC Comics' The Joker.
Simon has a zood named Azrael. He is a bat. There are four version of this zood.
Azrael is the name of the Archangel of Death in Abrahamic religions. This is also the name of a Batman villain who became a member of the Black Lanterns Corps.
His G1 figure was this sorta generic looking goth dude.
With his G3 redesign, he became the TDD vampire. He has many variants.
The rarest variant is a definite nod to DC Comics' The Joker.
Simon has a zood named Azrael. He is a bat. There are four version of this zood.
Azrael is the name of the Archangel of Death in Abrahamic religions. This is also the name of a Batman villain who became a member of the Black Lanterns Corps.
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
086 Timbo
Timbo is a stuntman.
He is the second figure to sort of resemble Bruce Lee. The first is, of course, Bruce (#20).
They both have a version in a yellow jumpsuit. These remind me of the 1973 film, Enter the Dragon, which is considered one of the greatest martial arts films of all time.
But, I actually think the two figure were released as a reference to the 1972 film, Way of the Dragon. This film stars both Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris. I see the TDD Bruce as Bruce Lee and Timbo as Chuck Norris. I don't know if this is right (or even where they got the name Timbo), but that's how I rationalize the similarity.
Timbo was one of the very last G1 figures, showing up in Crew 15. He was also one of the first G3 figures featuring the newly bendable arms. Two versions exist of the G1 figure and three versions exist of the G3 figure.
He is the second figure to sort of resemble Bruce Lee. The first is, of course, Bruce (#20).
They both have a version in a yellow jumpsuit. These remind me of the 1973 film, Enter the Dragon, which is considered one of the greatest martial arts films of all time.
But, I actually think the two figure were released as a reference to the 1972 film, Way of the Dragon. This film stars both Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris. I see the TDD Bruce as Bruce Lee and Timbo as Chuck Norris. I don't know if this is right (or even where they got the name Timbo), but that's how I rationalize the similarity.
Timbo was one of the very last G1 figures, showing up in Crew 15. He was also one of the first G3 figures featuring the newly bendable arms. Two versions exist of the G1 figure and three versions exist of the G3 figure.
Monday, March 21, 2016
087 Dave
Dave is a dentist who became a raver.
The G1 figure's only defining feature is a huge toothy grin. His bio calls him a dentist.
His G2 figure is the G1 figure -- now with arms. Both arms are positioned behind him, suggesting that he's doing a sort of mouth-open dive-bomb on his skateboard. This figure is exclusive to the Launch-A-Dude Lighted Stunt playset. Although Tek is shown on the box-art for this playset, a version was available that contained the G2 Dave.
In G3, he was redesigned as a raver. Dave the raver. Raver Dave. He's wearing brightly colored clothes, has those crazy raver goggles, plus a bright green glowstick in each hand. He still has a pretty toothy grin -- and now braces. He is the only TDD with braces.
A dentist with braces: Ironic? Or just good sense?
Dave is among a handful of notably conceited dudes, as he is wearing a shirt with his name printed on it. I mean, who wears a shirt with their own name? But, joke's on Dave. If you really look closely at the shirt, it definitely says "Dove" with an "o." Unless he ordered it that way.
Wait, is this just more irony?
You never can be too sure when it comes to that raving dentist Dave.
The G1 figure's only defining feature is a huge toothy grin. His bio calls him a dentist.
His G2 figure is the G1 figure -- now with arms. Both arms are positioned behind him, suggesting that he's doing a sort of mouth-open dive-bomb on his skateboard. This figure is exclusive to the Launch-A-Dude Lighted Stunt playset. Although Tek is shown on the box-art for this playset, a version was available that contained the G2 Dave.
In G3, he was redesigned as a raver. Dave the raver. Raver Dave. He's wearing brightly colored clothes, has those crazy raver goggles, plus a bright green glowstick in each hand. He still has a pretty toothy grin -- and now braces. He is the only TDD with braces.
A dentist with braces: Ironic? Or just good sense?
Dave is among a handful of notably conceited dudes, as he is wearing a shirt with his name printed on it. I mean, who wears a shirt with their own name? But, joke's on Dave. If you really look closely at the shirt, it definitely says "Dove" with an "o." Unless he ordered it that way.
Wait, is this just more irony?
You never can be too sure when it comes to that raving dentist Dave.
Sunday, March 20, 2016
088 Barbie
Barbie is one of twelve dudettes from 2002.
In release-order, she is the 6th dudette. In numerical-order, she is the 12th and last dudette.
Barbie is all kinds of odd because she looks a lot like a dude. I think the most confusing thing is what appears to be a soul patch. But, if you really look at it, I think this is actually supposed to be a labret piercing. Also, notice that her eyes are closed and she has long feminine eye-lashes.
Also, could you imagine making a feminine figure named Barbie?
Mattel would surely sue your pants off...
None of the dudettes were ever re-released. All twelve designs were confined to the original G1 run. However, Barbie is one of four dudettes that were redesigned with arms, as shown on the TDD website. In fact, she is only one of two dudettes given a serious makeover -- at least suggesting that there had been some intention of a re-release, once upon a time. This is a decidedly more feminine Barbie probably intended to clear up any gender confusion with the original design.
This image of Barbie was also used in the first series of Tech Deck Dude trading cards, which came out in 2003. All dudettes were included in the first series of trading cards, however only five characters were drawn with arms. Overall, the trading cards seem rushed and confusing since some characters have arms and some don't. For the second series of trading cards (2004), all dudettes were replaced with filler cards which were either an image of multiple dudes hanging out together or these strange meta cards where a dude with arms was looking at a picture of himself without arms. However, this betrays the overall sloppiness of the second trading card series since some characters were still drawn without arms on their primary cards.
At any rate, so long dudettes!
In release-order, she is the 6th dudette. In numerical-order, she is the 12th and last dudette.
Barbie is all kinds of odd because she looks a lot like a dude. I think the most confusing thing is what appears to be a soul patch. But, if you really look at it, I think this is actually supposed to be a labret piercing. Also, notice that her eyes are closed and she has long feminine eye-lashes.
Also, could you imagine making a feminine figure named Barbie?
Mattel would surely sue your pants off...
None of the dudettes were ever re-released. All twelve designs were confined to the original G1 run. However, Barbie is one of four dudettes that were redesigned with arms, as shown on the TDD website. In fact, she is only one of two dudettes given a serious makeover -- at least suggesting that there had been some intention of a re-release, once upon a time. This is a decidedly more feminine Barbie probably intended to clear up any gender confusion with the original design.
This image of Barbie was also used in the first series of Tech Deck Dude trading cards, which came out in 2003. All dudettes were included in the first series of trading cards, however only five characters were drawn with arms. Overall, the trading cards seem rushed and confusing since some characters have arms and some don't. For the second series of trading cards (2004), all dudettes were replaced with filler cards which were either an image of multiple dudes hanging out together or these strange meta cards where a dude with arms was looking at a picture of himself without arms. However, this betrays the overall sloppiness of the second trading card series since some characters were still drawn without arms on their primary cards.
At any rate, so long dudettes!
Saturday, March 19, 2016
089 Shanks
Shanks started out as McShanks.
This was an original figure from the G2 phase. He was a fast food worker with bad acne and a filthy apron. He held both a large order of fries and a huge milkshake.
I have found the G2 figure in three versions.
For the G3 run, he was completely redesigned. The "Mc" was dropped from his name and he became an obvious parody of "The Dude" from the 1998 film The Big Lebowski. "The dude" (who has no other name in the movie) is a slacker played by Jeff Bridges. People love this character because of his laid-back nature and his quotable one-liners.
There is a G4 figure that is an exact paint job as one of the three G3 figures, but it has no magnets, it has a plug-back, and it is (c) Spin Master.
I just love that a toyline of dudes was smart enough to make one of their figures The Dude.
Great parody.
Yeah well, you know, that's just like my opinion, man.
This was an original figure from the G2 phase. He was a fast food worker with bad acne and a filthy apron. He held both a large order of fries and a huge milkshake.
I have found the G2 figure in three versions.
For the G3 run, he was completely redesigned. The "Mc" was dropped from his name and he became an obvious parody of "The Dude" from the 1998 film The Big Lebowski. "The dude" (who has no other name in the movie) is a slacker played by Jeff Bridges. People love this character because of his laid-back nature and his quotable one-liners.
There is a G4 figure that is an exact paint job as one of the three G3 figures, but it has no magnets, it has a plug-back, and it is (c) Spin Master.
I just love that a toyline of dudes was smart enough to make one of their figures The Dude.
Great parody.
Yeah well, you know, that's just like my opinion, man.
Friday, March 18, 2016
090 Moto
Moto is the motocross rider.
He gave up his bike for a skateboard.
He originated in the G2 phase with four static arm versions.
There are three versions in G3. The G3 sculpt is putting one foot in front of the other, disrupting the symmetry found in most sculpts.
He gave up his bike for a skateboard.
He originated in the G2 phase with four static arm versions.
There are three versions in G3. The G3 sculpt is putting one foot in front of the other, disrupting the symmetry found in most sculpts.
Thursday, March 17, 2016
091 Snake
Snake is the "bounty hunter" or outlaw biker.
He looks like the sort of ruffian you would see in a motorcycle gang.
He wears a leather jacket and a German pike helmet (also known as a pickelhaube). His second G3 figure is crushing a cola can which we are to infer to be a beer can. He also has a "beer gut."
Snake has versions in G2 (static arms) and two different G3 (bendy arm) sculpts. The first G3 sculpt came in the Blastboards series. This one has no can. The second G3 sculpt has the soda can in his left hand. Of all three sculpts, combined, there are at least 10 variants.
Snake has a zood which is literally a snake (a cobra). His name is Spitz. Being a part of Zoods Crew 1, there are four versions of this little figure.
He looks like the sort of ruffian you would see in a motorcycle gang.
He wears a leather jacket and a German pike helmet (also known as a pickelhaube). His second G3 figure is crushing a cola can which we are to infer to be a beer can. He also has a "beer gut."
Snake has versions in G2 (static arms) and two different G3 (bendy arm) sculpts. The first G3 sculpt came in the Blastboards series. This one has no can. The second G3 sculpt has the soda can in his left hand. Of all three sculpts, combined, there are at least 10 variants.
Snake has a zood which is literally a snake (a cobra). His name is Spitz. Being a part of Zoods Crew 1, there are four versions of this little figure.
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
092 Dirk
Dirk is a rockstar.
He looks like the bass player in some sort of psychobilly band, but is actually a parody of Derek Smalls, the bassist of Spinal Tap from the 1984 mockumentary This is Spinal Tap.
The character of Derek Smalls is based (in part) on Lemmy from Motorhead. Lemmy died on December 28, 2015 at age 70 from aggressive cancer.
I have found Dirk with two G2 versions and one very similar G3 version.
He looks like the bass player in some sort of psychobilly band, but is actually a parody of Derek Smalls, the bassist of Spinal Tap from the 1984 mockumentary This is Spinal Tap.
The character of Derek Smalls is based (in part) on Lemmy from Motorhead. Lemmy died on December 28, 2015 at age 70 from aggressive cancer.
I have found Dirk with two G2 versions and one very similar G3 version.
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
093 Jimmy
Jimmy was a pimp who became a mobster.
He started out in G2 as a stereotypical looking street pimp.
Kinda crazy that anyone thought it was a good idea to put a pimp in a kid's toyline. Haha!
Anyway, the figure seems to be modeled after Sweet Jimmy ("the nicest pimp in the world"), which was a SNL sketch from 1992. The character is portrayed by actor Tim Robbins, who is wearing the same exaggerated pimp attire.
In G3, Jimmy got a significant redesign. Instead of a pimp, he became a mobster.
Now he looks more like "Jimmy the Gent," the gangster portrayed by Robert Di Nero in the 1990 film Goodfellas.
Jimmy has a zood named Vinny. He is a dead fish. This relates to the euphemism "sleeps with the fishes" which alludes to the mobster practice of drowning people in cement shoes.
Crazy dark stuff for a kid's toy.
At first, I thought the name probably related to the 1992 movie My Cousin Vinny, where the titular character was played by Joe Pesci, who also portrayed a gangster in Goodfellas. Pesci even won an Oscar for his role.
Then I realized that the names Jimmy and Vinny both relate to another mafioso property -- one that has shared 27 actors with Goodfellas. Consider that Jimmy is in "waste management" and it may come to you.
Of course, I am taking about the HBO show The Sopranos which ran from 1999-2006.
The main character (Tony Soprano) was portrayed by actor James "Jimmy" Gandolfini. Additionally, Tony Soprano was based on the real life mobster Vincent "Vinny Ocean" Palermo.
Anyway, there you have it: Jimmy, the pimp turned mobster... and his dead fish Vinny.
That's gangster as heck Tech Deck!
He started out in G2 as a stereotypical looking street pimp.
Kinda crazy that anyone thought it was a good idea to put a pimp in a kid's toyline. Haha!
Anyway, the figure seems to be modeled after Sweet Jimmy ("the nicest pimp in the world"), which was a SNL sketch from 1992. The character is portrayed by actor Tim Robbins, who is wearing the same exaggerated pimp attire.
In G3, Jimmy got a significant redesign. Instead of a pimp, he became a mobster.
Now he looks more like "Jimmy the Gent," the gangster portrayed by Robert Di Nero in the 1990 film Goodfellas.
Jimmy has a zood named Vinny. He is a dead fish. This relates to the euphemism "sleeps with the fishes" which alludes to the mobster practice of drowning people in cement shoes.
Crazy dark stuff for a kid's toy.
At first, I thought the name probably related to the 1992 movie My Cousin Vinny, where the titular character was played by Joe Pesci, who also portrayed a gangster in Goodfellas. Pesci even won an Oscar for his role.
Then I realized that the names Jimmy and Vinny both relate to another mafioso property -- one that has shared 27 actors with Goodfellas. Consider that Jimmy is in "waste management" and it may come to you.
Of course, I am taking about the HBO show The Sopranos which ran from 1999-2006.
The main character (Tony Soprano) was portrayed by actor James "Jimmy" Gandolfini. Additionally, Tony Soprano was based on the real life mobster Vincent "Vinny Ocean" Palermo.
Anyway, there you have it: Jimmy, the pimp turned mobster... and his dead fish Vinny.
That's gangster as heck Tech Deck!
Monday, March 14, 2016
094 Whiplash
Whiplash is the TDDCTD.
In other words, he is the Tech Deck Dude Crash Test Dummy.
He has a standing sculpt with both G2 and G3 versions.
He has a green G3 figure that came exclusively with the Big Bounce playset. This version has a target on his head rather than the ordinary vector icons.
His regular G3 version is a sitting figure. He has a magnet on his butt so he can sit on his board. I guess he is too scared to stand! At any rate, this is the only TDD with a magnetic butt.
This sculpt can be found with orange, red, and purple variants.
Whiplash also has a G3 version which was part of the accessory-laden Astro-Nots Action Pack. In this version, he has magnets on both hands and his back. He comes with a helmet plus other odd accessories.
In other words, he is the Tech Deck Dude Crash Test Dummy.
He has a standing sculpt with both G2 and G3 versions.
He has a green G3 figure that came exclusively with the Big Bounce playset. This version has a target on his head rather than the ordinary vector icons.
His regular G3 version is a sitting figure. He has a magnet on his butt so he can sit on his board. I guess he is too scared to stand! At any rate, this is the only TDD with a magnetic butt.
This sculpt can be found with orange, red, and purple variants.
Whiplash also has a G3 version which was part of the accessory-laden Astro-Nots Action Pack. In this version, he has magnets on both hands and his back. He comes with a helmet plus other odd accessories.
Sunday, March 13, 2016
095 Blaze
Blaze is the TDD firefighter.
In his left hand, he holds an axe. In his right hand, he holds a little portion of a fire-hose that connects to nothing.
Blaze was only released during the G2 phase. This means he has arms, but they do not bend. He was never re-released during the G3 or G4 runs of bendy armed figures.
He was released in four colors: Orange, yellow, red, and blue.
We are still looking for red and blue.
In his left hand, he holds an axe. In his right hand, he holds a little portion of a fire-hose that connects to nothing.
Blaze was only released during the G2 phase. This means he has arms, but they do not bend. He was never re-released during the G3 or G4 runs of bendy armed figures.
He was released in four colors: Orange, yellow, red, and blue.
We are still looking for red and blue.
Saturday, March 12, 2016
096 Turbo
Turbo is the TDD breakdancer.
He is flossin' and glossin' in an old school tracksuit, a Kangol-styled bucket hat, a gold chain, and the Run-DMC style of glasses. He comes with a pretty dope boombox accessory.
Although not a direct parody, Turbo is the name of one of the main characters in the seminal breakdancing film Breakin' and its sequel Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo. Both films came out in 1984.
The version of Turbo in the Zoods Crew wears blue and has a yellow hat. His zood is even named Boogaloo. He is a little b-boy robot doing the robot. The robot is a dance associated with 1980s breaking and popping, even though its origin goes back to the 1960s.
Turbo was released in G2, G3, and G4.
He is also one of the Trick Dudes. His trick is the "Kick Flip." Duke and Matt also do this trick.
He is flossin' and glossin' in an old school tracksuit, a Kangol-styled bucket hat, a gold chain, and the Run-DMC style of glasses. He comes with a pretty dope boombox accessory.
Although not a direct parody, Turbo is the name of one of the main characters in the seminal breakdancing film Breakin' and its sequel Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo. Both films came out in 1984.
The version of Turbo in the Zoods Crew wears blue and has a yellow hat. His zood is even named Boogaloo. He is a little b-boy robot doing the robot. The robot is a dance associated with 1980s breaking and popping, even though its origin goes back to the 1960s.
Turbo was released in G2, G3, and G4.
He is also one of the Trick Dudes. His trick is the "Kick Flip." Duke and Matt also do this trick.
Friday, March 11, 2016
097 Marc
Marc is a graffiti writer or artist.
Unlike Tag, he has a large marker instead of a can of spray paint.
Tag is the figure who was dropped from the roster before they started the numbering system, so Marc is sort of like an updated Tag. But again, he does not have a can of spray paint or a freaking gas mask.
Marc has three versions in the G2 phase. This means he has arms, but they do not bend. He was updated in the G3 phase of figures with poseable arms, but only given one color variant. It is the same sculpt as the G2 figure.
Unlike Tag, he has a large marker instead of a can of spray paint.
Tag is the figure who was dropped from the roster before they started the numbering system, so Marc is sort of like an updated Tag. But again, he does not have a can of spray paint or a freaking gas mask.
Marc has three versions in the G2 phase. This means he has arms, but they do not bend. He was updated in the G3 phase of figures with poseable arms, but only given one color variant. It is the same sculpt as the G2 figure.
Thursday, March 10, 2016
098 Doc
Doc is the TDD mad doctor.
Not to be confused with E.N. Stein (the mad scientist), Doc is a surgeon (not a chemist).
Doc was only released in the G2 phase. He wears a surgical headlamp and holds a cranial saw.
Doc reminds me of Orin Scrivello, the crazy dentist in The Little Shop of Horrors.
He also has the likeness of many deranged movie surgeons such as Re-Animator, Dr. Moreau, and Dr. Frankenstein.
Four versions of this G2 Doc exist, and they all are relatively rare.
Not to be confused with E.N. Stein (the mad scientist), Doc is a surgeon (not a chemist).
Doc was only released in the G2 phase. He wears a surgical headlamp and holds a cranial saw.
Doc reminds me of Orin Scrivello, the crazy dentist in The Little Shop of Horrors.
He also has the likeness of many deranged movie surgeons such as Re-Animator, Dr. Moreau, and Dr. Frankenstein.
Four versions of this G2 Doc exist, and they all are relatively rare.
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
099 Cluckers
Cluckers is a dude in a chicken suit.
There are three versions of his original G1 (armless) dude.
There are many versions of the G3 sculpt, since he was part of the first Zoods Crew (which had lots of variants). This also means there are four versions of his zood -- a scary little egg monster named Benedict.
Eggs Benedict. Get it?
Benedict looks a whole lot like a Digimon character known as Digitamamon.
Cluckers has a third sculpt in the Special-Ops series. This is the one with the magnetic hand and the random accessories. A variant of this sculpt (with blue and white camo) came in a Magnetic Action 3-Pack with Duke and Bonz.
Cluckers has a fourth sculpt known as Aztec Cluckers. Here, he was pitted against Aztec Bull in the Last Dude Standing playset.
I think Aztec Cluckers may have been released again as part of the Zoods Crew. Aztec Bull was released in Series 6 with a zood called Eclipse, which looks like a serpent pet rock. I have not identified all of the figures from Zoods Series 6 and 7, and that is why I am not sure if Aztec Cluckers was released with a zood (or even what that zood could be).
Aztec Cluckers was definitely re-released in 2008 as part of G4. This was within a wave of warrior-themed figures. Aztec Bull was re-released in this wave as well. Basically if you find an Aztec Cluckers (or Aztec Bull) with magnetic feet, it is from G3. If it has plug-feet, it is from the G4 Street Crew (and will also have "Spin Master" as part of the mold).
Finally, there exists a fifth sculpt of Cluckers -- dressed as a reindeer. This was a special holiday promotional figure with only 500 made.
There are three versions of his original G1 (armless) dude.
There are many versions of the G3 sculpt, since he was part of the first Zoods Crew (which had lots of variants). This also means there are four versions of his zood -- a scary little egg monster named Benedict.
Eggs Benedict. Get it?
Benedict looks a whole lot like a Digimon character known as Digitamamon.
Cluckers has a third sculpt in the Special-Ops series. This is the one with the magnetic hand and the random accessories. A variant of this sculpt (with blue and white camo) came in a Magnetic Action 3-Pack with Duke and Bonz.
Cluckers has a fourth sculpt known as Aztec Cluckers. Here, he was pitted against Aztec Bull in the Last Dude Standing playset.
I think Aztec Cluckers may have been released again as part of the Zoods Crew. Aztec Bull was released in Series 6 with a zood called Eclipse, which looks like a serpent pet rock. I have not identified all of the figures from Zoods Series 6 and 7, and that is why I am not sure if Aztec Cluckers was released with a zood (or even what that zood could be).
Aztec Cluckers was definitely re-released in 2008 as part of G4. This was within a wave of warrior-themed figures. Aztec Bull was re-released in this wave as well. Basically if you find an Aztec Cluckers (or Aztec Bull) with magnetic feet, it is from G3. If it has plug-feet, it is from the G4 Street Crew (and will also have "Spin Master" as part of the mold).
Finally, there exists a fifth sculpt of Cluckers -- dressed as a reindeer. This was a special holiday promotional figure with only 500 made.
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
100 Chito
Chito is Chito Arellano.
Who is that?
Well, Chito is the primary designer of the Tech Deck Dudes!
As a way of celebrating the creation of 100 characters, he put himself in the toyline.
Chito also has a zood named Kixx. He is a rabbit with big floppy ears. I bet he is a play on the Trix rabbit, the mascot for Trix brand of breakfast cereal.
Silly rabbit, Trix are for kids!
"Kicks" is also slang for shoes. And Chito probably has the coolest shoes of all the TDD.
Who is that?
Well, Chito is the primary designer of the Tech Deck Dudes!
As a way of celebrating the creation of 100 characters, he put himself in the toyline.
Chito also has a zood named Kixx. He is a rabbit with big floppy ears. I bet he is a play on the Trix rabbit, the mascot for Trix brand of breakfast cereal.
Silly rabbit, Trix are for kids!
"Kicks" is also slang for shoes. And Chito probably has the coolest shoes of all the TDD.
Monday, March 7, 2016
101 Sloth
Sloth is one of 12 characters who appeared in a special Creatures series in 2002.
The Creatures style is completely different from the other TDD. They are larger. They are articulated. They were given arms and appendages at a time when the other dudes were not. The Creatures started at #101 while the rest of the G1 series was not even 50 figures strong. Eventually the regular dudes caught up, got some bendy arms, and moved way beyond #112.
Anyway, Sloth is a red demon-looking horned dude carrying a club. The club is part of the sculpt.
His bio says that he is a sewage plant worker and his hobby is breaking furniture.
The Creatures style is completely different from the other TDD. They are larger. They are articulated. They were given arms and appendages at a time when the other dudes were not. The Creatures started at #101 while the rest of the G1 series was not even 50 figures strong. Eventually the regular dudes caught up, got some bendy arms, and moved way beyond #112.
Anyway, Sloth is a red demon-looking horned dude carrying a club. The club is part of the sculpt.
His bio says that he is a sewage plant worker and his hobby is breaking furniture.
Sunday, March 6, 2016
102 Rage
Rage is one of 12 figures in a special Creatures series from 2002.
He is blue and has four arms -- kind of like the popular representation of the goddess Kali the Destroyer.
Kali is one of the Hindu trimurti (three sacred gods) along with Brahma the Creator and Vishnu the Preserver. Now, we could compare the TDD called Rage to either of these male gods (which are also sometimes depicted with four arms). However, it is the goddess Kali who is blue and who personifies rage.
It is also Kali who carries a sword, just like the one that Rage has.
Iconic Kali is usually disheveled and enraged. In her four hands, she usually holds a sword, a trident, a severed human head, and a cup to catch the blood falling from the head.
Anyway, Rage's bio says that he is a tombstone cleaner and his hobby is collecting airsickness bags.
At this point, I have seen Rage come up about six times in auction. Five out of six times, he was missing the lower two arms. The joint design is super weak and kids just allow the lower arms to get lost. Keep your eye out for a complete four-armed Rage.
He is blue and has four arms -- kind of like the popular representation of the goddess Kali the Destroyer.
Kali is one of the Hindu trimurti (three sacred gods) along with Brahma the Creator and Vishnu the Preserver. Now, we could compare the TDD called Rage to either of these male gods (which are also sometimes depicted with four arms). However, it is the goddess Kali who is blue and who personifies rage.
It is also Kali who carries a sword, just like the one that Rage has.
Iconic Kali is usually disheveled and enraged. In her four hands, she usually holds a sword, a trident, a severed human head, and a cup to catch the blood falling from the head.
Anyway, Rage's bio says that he is a tombstone cleaner and his hobby is collecting airsickness bags.
At this point, I have seen Rage come up about six times in auction. Five out of six times, he was missing the lower two arms. The joint design is super weak and kids just allow the lower arms to get lost. Keep your eye out for a complete four-armed Rage.
Saturday, March 5, 2016
Friday, March 4, 2016
104 Plague
Plague is one of 12 TDD in a special Creatures series.
He seems to be mostly a spider. After all, his favorite food is "fried stinkbugs," and his favorite movie is Arachnophobia.
BUT -- he seems more like a bug to me. Maybe even a plant-bug hybrid. Or at least a bug who hides among the plants. I mean, he has six appendages (not eight) and he is green.
At any rate, he is pretty freaking cool.
His bio also says that he is a retirement home cook.
He seems to be mostly a spider. After all, his favorite food is "fried stinkbugs," and his favorite movie is Arachnophobia.
BUT -- he seems more like a bug to me. Maybe even a plant-bug hybrid. Or at least a bug who hides among the plants. I mean, he has six appendages (not eight) and he is green.
At any rate, he is pretty freaking cool.
His bio also says that he is a retirement home cook.
Thursday, March 3, 2016
105 Exile
Exile is one of 12 TDD in a special Creatures series.
He is a pretty hardcore looking demon dude.
His bio says that he is a stand-up comedian and his hobby is collecting toenail clippings.
He is a pretty hardcore looking demon dude.
His bio says that he is a stand-up comedian and his hobby is collecting toenail clippings.
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
106 Nemesis
Nemesis is one of 12 TDD in a special Creatures series that came out in 2002. He was the last of the six designated as Series 1.
He is like a giant octopus or kraken who wears a nautilus as a helmet. He comes with a flimsy plastic trident accessory. It is so weak and flimsy, I'd rather give him just about any other weapon.
His bio says that he is a news reporter, his favorite food is "fudge and oyster milkshakes," and his favorite movie is Beaches. This 1988 chick-flick is about friendship and love and stuff. It is not about monsters, but *funny TDD pun*. It is actually most known for spawning the Bette Midler song "Wind Beneath My Wing." This famous song was later covered by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole, who was the inspiration for Momona (#159).
He is like a giant octopus or kraken who wears a nautilus as a helmet. He comes with a flimsy plastic trident accessory. It is so weak and flimsy, I'd rather give him just about any other weapon.
His bio says that he is a news reporter, his favorite food is "fudge and oyster milkshakes," and his favorite movie is Beaches. This 1988 chick-flick is about friendship and love and stuff. It is not about monsters, but *funny TDD pun*. It is actually most known for spawning the Bette Midler song "Wind Beneath My Wing." This famous song was later covered by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole, who was the inspiration for Momona (#159).
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
107 Voodoo
Voodoo is one of 12 TDD in a special Creatures series.
He's like a purple four-armed witch doctor.
I hate that they did not think to name him VooDUDE. Because, you know, Tech Deck Dude!
Skylanders trumped them ten years later by creating the character Voodood!
His bio says that he is a divorce lawyer, his favorite food is "frogleg gumbo," and is favorite movie is The Serpent and the Rainbow. This is a 1988 movie about Haitian voodoo, witch doctors, and zombies.
He's like a purple four-armed witch doctor.
I hate that they did not think to name him VooDUDE. Because, you know, Tech Deck Dude!
Skylanders trumped them ten years later by creating the character Voodood!
His bio says that he is a divorce lawyer, his favorite food is "frogleg gumbo," and is favorite movie is The Serpent and the Rainbow. This is a 1988 movie about Haitian voodoo, witch doctors, and zombies.
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