#HTE

Nerd Service: The Labyrinth Plush Toy With A Head That Falls Off

People are still really excited/angry/scared/vengeful about the idea of a Labyrinth reboot. It’s been 30 years since its debut and three years since the rumor/announcement of a possible follow up, but the fan emotions are still intense. Removing any element of cult obsession from the original picture (Bowie, magic, Henson puppets, Jennifer Connely’s perfectly petulant teen allure or plastic baby doubles), it might still have been great—but it’s hard to imagine. I’m not trying to start or end any debates, but I’d argue that the single biggest reason for the film’s enduring appeal is the blend of creative character design and whimsical application.

Rebranding or merchandising such a lasting and obsessed-over favorite is extremely hard. Translating one IP into another medium is harder than it sounds, and fans are assholes. Even with that mindset, finding this officially licensed Firey plush gave me a pretty strong UH-OH reaction at first. After some consideration, I think it nails fan service in a stupidly easy way. 

Beyond accurately representing a puppet we know for its creepy (almost racist?) song and dance sequence, this thing allows the tone of oddity and magic to come through in your own hands. Grab its head or leg, and it’ll pop right off. 

Plush toy head croquet might not be for everyone (are there are households without life size posters of Jareth? I wouldn’t know), but it’s a neat reminder that even small design tweaks can ratchet up user appeal. 

http://www.core77.com/posts/62168/Nerd-Service-The-Labyrinth-Plush-Toy-With-A-Head-That-Falls-Off