Toy-Review: Androids Series 2 Mini Collectibles

TOY-STORY: The Android Mini Collectibles Series 2 is the second series release featuring the Google Android mascot as a 3-inch tall toy as produced and released by DYZ Plastic.

Series 2 consists of 11 x basic figures in the assortment, with two chase figures, as unknown / shown in the Checklist (the identities of which is revealed further below in this post). There is a third chase figure not indicated on the checklist too! (thanks for the headsup, Evert!)

Each display case consists of 16 x blind boxed containing a randomly placed toy within. By "blind box" it means you do not know what figures can be found inside the box. The figure rations are dictated on the box-side itself (shown below). This box of Androids Series 2 is courtesy of The Taken Shop (The Official Distributer of Androids in Malaysia). You are able to procure the set or single boxes online via http://www.takenshop.com, as well OG-Green and DIY Androids.

**Especially for TOYSREVIL-readers - there is a discount code for worldwide free shipping! Remember the code is "toysrevil.blogspot.com" (without the quotes). The discount code is only applicable on purchases over RM400.00 with any items available in the store.



Within each single blind-box is a silver-foil sealed bag containing a toy of unknown design, a sponge square (no doubt to protect the antennas of each figure), and a foldout leaflet "Checklist", showcasing the individual figure designs via graphics, and includes name of designers and their websites. This was not included in Series 1 - and is a swell form of promotion (for the artists) as well a general guide to collecting the series, beyond what we see on the box-art. And having a checklist like that reminds me of the good'ol days where mini-catalogs came free with a toy LOL (ala Playmobil, Lego et al). Nice touch, this.


This is a quick-video-grab of the Security Sticker on the individual box - featuring a hologramic-image of the Google Android, and sign that this is "legit". I am unsure if bootleggers have conquered this aspect of the figure, but do take note of the authenticity of the figure.

ASIDE: At this juncture, there has been reports of rampant bootleg-Androids from Series 1 spotted in the East, so do take care if any is sold to you as an "opened product" sans sealed packaging, which you are unable to authenticate. I am unsure if Series 2 has seen bootlegs so far tho … Do check out THIS post about recognizing bootlegs!



SEALED: Each figure within a blind box is sealed within a silver-foil package, ensuring nothing can be seen thru or "felt". So do beware figures you buy with opened packages, as they have already been opened to determine which design is within.



COLLATION: Based on my set, I had pulled multiple doubles, as well as a "chase" figure! (See below what it was!). The only chase I did not managed to get was the "Chocolate Cupcake Android" from Gary Ham [revealed HERE]. That would have been truly yummy! As well the third chase "Cyanogen (Blue Chase)" in a decent teal-tint.


GUEST DESIGNERS: A total of three "guest artists" were invited to provide skin-designs for this series; UK-based Doktor A (for "RUPTURE"), Gary Ham (for "CUPCAKE") and Scott Tolleson (for "BERNARD") from the U.S.A. This is a surprising inclusion to the series, and helps open up the masses to these three artists/designers, and in turn to the lowbrow art culture which might not be wholly prevalent to the mass-receieved Android figures, IMHO.


USA-based Designer Andrew Bell has a total of four x Android designs for this series branded under his Dead Zebra umbrella. HEXCODE, ICEBERG, GD-927 and BLACKBEARD all bear the design-stylings of Bell - but more on then later in subsequent days.


Designer Jeff Yaksick from The Android Team has a total of three Android-designs in this series. NOOGLER (with the propellerhead beanie design) and RACER are the revealed designs. The third design has been discovered to the "MECHA" design, which is one of the two "chase" images (Yes, I was lucky to pull one!). RACER is the one with racing-stripes and a license-palte at the back, while a Google Android "pilots" the actual Android seen via it's cockpit screen.

WRAP-UP: Without a doubt, a very desirable series to be had, and not just because I am reviewing them! With my previous reviews, there were "Special Edition" figures, with this series being the first "production pieces" going thru my hands, and they are indeed a sight to behold, and held. I find myself oaring them moreso that I had imagined I would, and think they would make an exceptional addition to any collection - be it in a casual hobbyist's or a devoted toy collector, IMO.

Further individual details and critique of them will be showcased in detail in the days to come on this blog. Meanwhile, you can procure them online via http://www.takenshop.com.