5 Questions With > October Toys

As you know, October Toys was the kind sponsor of our Halloween contest a few months back. After much hounding (i.e., a few emails), I was able to get them to discuss such diverse topics as the history of their company, zombies, and shamwow.

Codename: October Toys
Specialty: Toymakers
Base of Operations: www.octobertoys.com
History: Formed in 2004, October Toys is a purveyor of fine toys and collectibles with an artistic twist. The three creative misfits who own October Toys – George, Ayleen, and Matt – have a lifetime of experience collecting toys and two decades combined experience working in the toy industry. They are currently focusing on expanding their new line of Z.O.M.B.I.E. micro statues and finding a cure for keepitinthepackageitis. They also host and produce the weekly Internet show Toy Break which feature toy news, reviews, and much more!

How did October Toys come to be?

Matt: Out of sheer frustration at our crap day jobs. Giant totalitarian collectible companies are just not the most creative environment to work in. Sometimes you need to follow the gentle beating of your heart.

Ayleen: Basically what Matt said 🙂 October Toys started out as a part-time venture where we could create our own artistic creations and toys and has grown into a full time business that we love!

What are Gwins?

Matt: What are they not? Geez those things are amazing! Even more absorbent than the shamwow!

Ayleen: Gwins are small designer vinyl figures based on Tux, the Linux mascot. I’m a bit of a computer geek and several years ago, George sculpted a small Tux for my desk that I fell in love with. Shortly afterward, we were discussing possible projects for October Toys and we thought it would be pretty awesome for art and geek to collide on these little penguins. Voila! The Gwins were born.

What was the inspiration for the Z.O.M.B.I.E. figures?

George: My love for MUSCLE men from the eighties and little rubber figures in general.

Matt: Uh well zombies. Zombies are boss! And MUSCLEs. And muscle zombies.

Ayleen: I’ve been a huge Monster In My Pocket fan since they came out back in the nineties, so little zombies just seemed like an awesome extension of that obsession. Now we need a Z.O.M.B.I.E. video game, lunch box, short lived cartoon series, etc.

Have any/all of you worked in the toy industry before?

George: Yes.

Matt: For too long. Combined we have worked for or with every company there is. From Art Asylum to Zizzle. Even for companies that have yet to be created.

Ayleen: October Toys is my first official toy venture, although I’ve been a toy collector all my life (if that counts). You name it, I probably had it! G.I. Joe, Star Wars, Master of the Universe, My Little Pony, Indiana Jones, Barbie, Legos, Cabbage Patch Kids, Transformers, Gobots, Ghostbusters, McFarlane, and I’ll stop there because this list could go on and on.

What are October Toys’ future plans?

George: More ZOMBIE figures, more Gwins, more episodes of Toy Break, and any new fun and exciting things we feel like doing!

Ayleen: Ditto! We’re also looking at producing some more very limited edition resin pieces over the next year which I’m psyched about. That and more Toy Break!

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3 Comments

  1. Newt

    Fo’ Shizzle my Zizzle.

  2. Zizzle does some good work.

  3. dwaltrip

    I won a Glow in the Dark ZOMBIE set from the contest here during Halloween.

    They are great little figures for a great little price. They are worth picking a set (or two) up if you havent.

    Thanks October Toys and Poe!

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