PRODUCTION
ARTWORK — BITS & BOBS BACKSTORY —ANNOTATED NOMENCLATURE
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1a
NASTY NICK — An expression; as in “What a nasty nick”; as in, a scratch or an abrasion. def’n: Nasty – Painful and dangerous: a nasty accident; a nasty demeanor. def’n: Nick – (n.) A shallow cut. (v.) To cut a nick or notch in. 1b EVIL EDDIE — A play on words; Eddie = Eddy. As in, the whirling action a vampire makes with his cape before disappearing into thin smoke. def’n: Evil – Harmful, injurious. def’n: Eddy – Move in whirls; a small whirl of smoke.
& BOBS: — It’s interesting to note that the first GPK card contains another popular doll character, Barbie; the doll’s long hair in the color rough has been ‘sheared off’ for the final version. Art Spiegelman wanted the Barbie doll to retain the plastic and rubber feel, very much like the ‘Kid’ with its realistic Cabbage Patch Kids, cloth-like appearance. — Pound’s original sketch had the vampire character climbing out of a coffin with a Translvania backdrop and label reading ‘Drac in the Box’; a Jack-in-the-Box pun that was very much in the same Wacky Packages vein; this is evident in the heavy black border around the image. — Artist George Evans created the wrapper artwork for the 1986 GPK Chewy Candy release; not all images were used for the final product. |
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2a
JUNKFOOD JOHN — John; John Doe – a name used for an unidentified ‘Kid’. def’n: Candy – A sweet confection food made of sugar. def’n: Junk – Rubbish, trash; as in “useless food”; with little to no nutrition. 2b RAY DECAY — Rhyme; the name Ray with the word ‘decay’. def’n: Decay – To decompose; rot; as in “candy will rot your teeth.”
& BOBS: — John Pound’s original concept had the character with one centered, decayed tooth; it was later changed to two front, decaying teeth — rotting away from eating too much sweets and unhealthy treats, and seen sitting and surround by a plethora of generic brand name products and scattered sweets. — The first of two OS1 names the word ‘decay’; the second name being 5b ‘Jay Decay’. — The 2013 Chrome OS1 set contained several chase cards including 20 rare C-names; 2c Toothache JAKE. — The original negatives used to print the cards during the production process were auctioned off of eBay. — Artist George Evans created the wrapper artwork for the 1986 GPK Chewy Candy release; not all images were used for the final product. Due to the limited amount of possible colors, the ice cream drops are now pink. |
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3a UP
CHUCK — Nomenclature = Upchuck. An informal term for the ‘vomit’ action. def’n: Vomit – informal. To eject, violently from the stomach through the mouth. 3b HEAVIN’ STEVEN — Rhyme; the name Steven with the word ‘heave+ing’. def’n: Heave – informal, To vomit. See def’n for ‘vomit’ above.
& BOBS: — The character was one of three test GPK concepts that artist John Pound submitted to Topps prior to being chosen for the GPK project. The orginal concept had no toys in the vomit; it contained the black vignette surrounding the character that’s found on Wacky Packages (for die-cut purposes). It apears ‘white’ was added to the barf and toys after completion to make it look more milky. The toy building block contains the character’s card number ‘3A’. — The later prototype in color had the ‘Baby Barfy’ nameplate added prior to the twin name nomenclature and the Garbage Pail Kids CPK-like logo that’s found on the unpublished Wacky Packages — painted by John Pound with concept by Mark Newgarden to create a mock-up image. — Topps requested the toys and objects be added to the vomit for the final artwork and Pound believes his wife Karen had him add the bunny detail to the baby blanket; the surrounding black color remained intact. — Notice The original GPK concept has the character with three fingers (and toes) exactly like the unpulished ‘GPK‘ Wacky Packages character. — The 2013 Chrome OS1 set contained several chase cards including 20 rare C-names; 3c MERLE Hurl. |
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4a FRYIN’
BRIAN — Rhyme; the name Brian with the word ‘fry+ing’. def’n: Fry – To cook over direct heat. informal for electrocute. def’n: Electrocute – To execute (kill) by electricity. 4b ELECTRIC BILL — A play on words, meaning a monthly utility statement. def’n: Electric – Derived from, producing, produced, powered or operated by electricity. A jolt of electric current. informal. Having an exciting personality. def’n: Bill – A statement of charges for goods or services.
& BOBS: — The character contains the prison number ‘176-761’; the same as one of ‘The Beagle Boys’ gang members and criminals found in Disney’s Scrooge McDuck comics. The six-digit number sequence is one of the more common numbers found within the comics; any combination of one, six or seven that appear printed or sewn on their prison ID tags and outfits. — The first OS1 character in the set that has a home electrical outlet pictured within the artwork. — The electrical outlet adds another layer of humor; the standard voltage of a home outlet is 120 volts. Whereas, for an electric chair, an industrial strength outlet with 2000 volts is needed to do the trick. — Artist George Evans created the wrapper artwork for the 1986 GPK Chewy Candy release; not all images were used for the final product. A volt of electricity has been added above the electrical outlet. |
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5a DEAD
TED — Rhyme; the name Ted with the word ‘dead’. def’n: Dead – No longer alive. Suggestive of death. def’n: Zombie – A spell that enters into and reanimates a corpse. def’n: Corpse – A dead body. 5b JAY DECAY — Rhyme; the name Jay with the word ‘decay’. def’n: Decay – To decompose; rot. Decomposition. def’n: Decompose – To seperate into component parts or basic elements.
& BOBS: — The character image is based off of or was inspired by John Pound’s Walking Dead painting created for Twisted Tales no. 10, printed by Pacific Comics in 1984, including the moon backdrop, pointy hand grip, headstone and maggots. The headstone reads ‘Pound 84’. The GPK character was created the following year in 1985 for the OS1 set. — The second of two OS1 names the word ‘decay’; the first name being 2b ‘Ray Decay’. — For the 1986 OS1 United Kindgom version, the card nomenclature for 5b is ‘Creepy TERRY’; this is also true for any English releases based off of the UK edition: New Zealand & Scandinavia (except Australia). — The 2013 Chrome OS1 set contained several chase cards including 20 rare C-names; 6c Pierced REECE. — The character became one of Funko’s Mystery Minis sculpted vinyl figures in 2015 and a POP! in 2021; thirty and thirty-six years later, respectively. A mock-up image appeared online prior to the release. |
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6a ART
APART — Rhyme; the name Art with the word ‘apart’. def’n: Apart – In pieces, to pieces. To be in pieces. def’n: Corpse – A dead body. 6b BUSTED BOB — A play on words. def’n: Bust – A sculpture of a person’s head and torso. To burst or break. def’n: Bob – To cut short.
& BOBS: — One of only a handful of 1st Series GPK images that contain a background & ‘horizon line’ to flesh out the concept; the character almost acts as a doorstop (def’n: a fixed or heavy object that keeps a door open or ajar and stops it from closing shut or banging against a wall). — For the 1986 OS1 United Kindgom version, the card nomenclature for 5a is ‘MART Apart’; this is also true for any English releases based off of the UK edition: New Zealand & Scandinavia (except Australia). — Artist George Evans created the wrapper artwork for the 1986 GPK Chewy Candy release (far right); not all images were used for the final product. — During the card production separation proofs are created for the printing process. The progressive acetate overlay proof set consists of sheet tones that lay one on top of the other to make up the final image. The four overlay sheets consist of yellow, cyan, magenta (middle right) and black. — Take notice how low the door handle with lock are placed in comparison to the room and socket. — The second OS1 character in the set that has a home electrical outlet pictured within the artwork. |
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7a STORMY
HEATHER = Stormy weather. def’n: Storm – An atmospheric disturbance with strong winds and heavy rain. def’n: Weather – Bad, rough, or stormy atmospheric conditions. 7b APRIL SHOWERS — As in the saying “April showers bring May flowers”. def’n: April – The fourth month of the year. def’n: Shower – A brief fall of rain, hail or sleet; a spring rain.
& BOBS: — The original concept by John Pound had a sunny day setting with the lightning and rain storm occuring under the character’s umbrella; Mark Newgarden’s less surreal concept ended up being executed on card. — Pound’s concept was finally realized during the 11th Series release for cards 424a ‘Rainy Storm’ & 424b ‘Lightning Linda’ but painted by artist Tom Bunk. — During the card production separation proofs are created for the printing process. The progressive acetate overlay proof set consists of sheet tones that lay one on top of the other to make up the final image. The four overlay sheets consist of yellow, cyan (left), magenta (right) and black. |
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8a ADAM
BOMB = Atomic bomb. A play on words; Adam = atom = atomic. def’n: Atom – The smallest particle. def’n: Atomic Bomb – An explosive weapon of great destructive power. 8b BLASTED BILLY — A play on words; Billy = billow. def’n: Blast – An explosion: an atomic blast. def’n: Billow – A great swell or surge.
& BOBS: — The character was the first GPK final artwork painting received and seen by Topps from artist John Pound. The original concept had a non-overt President Ronald Reagan-like character pushing the little red button with explosion in the background and not over the head (image above). The Reagan character was later re-worked for the OS2 set. — Another concept by Pound was the Kid AS a bomb called ‘Adam the Bomb’ and ‘A Bomb Baby’ (for the ‘baby boomer’ era) with an explosion. — Artist George Evans created the wrapper artwork for the 1986 GPK Chewy Candy release except for the ADAM Bomb rendered artwork by Tom Bunk (right) that was used for the wrapper artwork, Cheap Toys checklist (further right), et cetera; not all images were used for the final product. — Art Spiegelman suggested the names ‘Radiation Ray’ and ‘The Baby Boomer’ with the explosion over the kid’s head. Everyone involved suggested the name ‘Adam Bomb’. It was a no-brainer to use the character for all packaging. — Was one of five OS1 characters out of ten used in the U.S. Cheap Toys figurine line released in 1986. Tom Bunk rendered artwork — previously used for the wrapper artwork. — The character became one of Funko’s “Mystery Minis” sculpted vinyl figures in 2015 as well as their only super-sized POP!; thirty years after its card release. The same character also became a Funko POP sculpted vinyl figure in 2018 with charcoal eyes, found as a normal and GITD chase. |
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9a BOOZIN’
BRUCE — Semi-rhyme; the name Bruce with the word ‘booze+ing’. def’n: Booze – Intoxicating drink. def’n: Boozing – To drink alcoholic beverages excessively. 9b DRUNK KEN = Drunken. def’n: Drunk – Intoxicated with alcoholic liquor. def’n: Drunken – Drunk; intoxicated. Happening during intoxication: a drunken rage.
& BOBS: — The mirror-image of this artwork was erroneously printed for the card character; the baby bottle should read: “Ol’ Rot Gut”, instead of backwards. — The correct image can be seen in Abrams’ 2012 book and the 2013 Chrome 1st Series set. The correct image can also be seen in John Pound’s original tight pencil sketch found within the Chrome 1st Series set along with his color rough and final artwork. — During the card production separation proofs are created for the printing process. The progressive acetate overlay proof set consists of sheet tones that lay one on top of the other to make up the final image. The four overlay sheets consist of yellow, cyan, magenta (middle right; with yellow) and black. — One of two 1st Series characters not included in the Giant 1st Series set released in late 1986. After the 2nd Series release Topps had pressure from the public not to print images or names depicting or describing alcohol or mental disorders. The other character being 17a ‘Wacky JACKIE’ and 17b ‘Loony LENNY’. — Artist George Evans created the wrapper artwork, for the 1986 GPK Chewy Candy release, using the card image directly. The green snake and blue rabbit did not make the cut, only the pink elephant “in the room”. |
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10a TEE-VEE
STEVIE — Rhyme; the name Stevie with the word ‘tee-vee’. Tee-Vee; spelled out phonetically for T.V., informal for television, British telly. def’n: Television – The transmission and reception of images by electric means. 10b GEEKY GARY — Gary; G name to go with the word ‘geek+y’. Geeky; in reference to geek, an informal word meaning nerd or dork. ‘Otaku’ in Japan. As in the saying “What a geek, doesn’t have a life, stays home and watches T.V. (plays video games)”.
& BOBS: — The character was named after TV addicts Stephen Kroninger, a friend of Mark Newgarden, famous for his collage artwork that has graced the cover of Time Magazine, and Gary Gerani who worked for Topps and has written the most card back copy than any other person in history. — Gary also submitted a GPK ‘prototype’ concept titled ‘Frankie’ in prison attire and holding a metal file and bomb that was painted by Mae Jeon; an internal employee within the Art Department. — ‘Swirly’ or ‘Spiral’ eyes are used in comics and cartoons on characters who are dazed. — During the card production separation proofs are created for the printing process. The progressive acetate overlay proof set consists of sheet tones that lay one on top of the other to make up the final image. The four overlay sheets consist of yellow, cyan (left), magenta (right) and black. — The character became one of Funko’s “Mystery Minis” sculpted vinyl figures in 2015; thirty years after its card release. |
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11a ITCHY
RICHIE — Rhyme; the name Richie with the word ‘itch+y’. def’n: Itch – A skin sensation causing a desire to scratch. 11b BUGGED BERT — Bert; B name to go with the word ‘bug+ged’. def’n: Bug – Any of various often harmful insects. def’n: Bugged – slang. To annoy; to pester.
& BOBS: — For the original concept Mark Newgarden questioned whether to add “Spider webs?”, “Maggots?” or have the character “Riding in baby buggy?”. The spider web made the conceptual cut. The simpler CPK face makes this image look like it may have been one of the original concepts for GPK. — Artist George Evans created the wrapper artwork for the 1986 GPK Chewy Candy release by rendering the artwork directly from the card image; not all images were used for the final product (far right). — John Pound had the name suggestions of ‘MITEY MIKEY’, ‘LOUSEY LAUREL’, ‘BUGGY BILLY’ and ‘IRVING INFESTATION’ on the concept rough artwork. — For the 1986 OS1 United Kindgom version, the card nomenclature for 11a is ‘Itchy MICKEY’; this is also true for any English releases based off of the UK edition: New Zealand & Scandinavia (except Australia). |
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12a FURRY
FRAN — Fran; F name to go with the word ‘fur+ry’. def’n: Fur (1) – A furlike covering. def’n: Fur (2) – The thick coat of soft hair covering the body of various animals. 12b HAIRY MARY — Rhyme; the name Mary with the word ‘hair+y’. def’n: Hair – A fine, threadlike outgrowth from the skin of a mammal.
& BOBS: — The first of only two card characters with a pink Garbage Pail Kids header; this header color highlighted the character’s pink booties & pink hair bow. The only other card with a pink header can be located within the 4th Series set for cards 140a ‘Mouth Phil’ and 140b ‘Tooth Les’ also painted by John Pound. — For the 1986 OS1 United Kindgom version, the card nomenclature for 12a is ‘Furry FRANCES’; this is also true for any English releases based off of the UK edition: New Zealand & Scandinavia (except Australia). — The original negatives used to print the cards during the production process were auctioned off of eBay through the Topps Vault. — The third character in just in the first twelve card images into the set that has a home electrical outlet pictured within the artwork. — The 2013 Chrome OS1 set contained several chase cards including rare C-names; 12c Wooly WHITNEY. |
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13a ASHCAN
ANDY — Semi-rhyme; the name Andy with the word ‘can, ashcan or trashcan’. A parody of the Star Wars movie character R2D2. def’n: Can – A metal container. def’n: Trash – Worthless or discarded material or objects. 13b SPACEY STACY — Rhyme; the name Stacy with the word ‘space+y’. def’n: Spacey – slang. Ditzy; airheaded. def’n: Space – The expanse in which the solar system, stars and galaxies exist.
& BOBS: — The garbage can astromech is based off of the Star Wars franchise character R2-D2 (Artoo-Detoo) created by George Lucas. John Pound added a wind-up crank to the ‘old tin can’ (a tinplate or aluminum container, especially an empty one) as seen on vintage tin toys for movement. — Artist George Evans created the wrapper artwork for the 1986 GPK Chewy Candy release (far right) directly by using the card image; not all images were used for the final product. — During the card production separation proofs are created for the printing process. The progressive acetate overlay proof set consists of sheet tones that lay one on top of the other to make up the final image. The four overlay sheets consist of yellow, cyan, magenta (right; with yellow) and black. — The 13b ‘Spacey Stacy’ character has the exact same name as another intergalactic space-inspired piece of artwork located within the 2nd Series set. — The 2013 Chrome OS1 set contained several chase cards including 20 rare C-names; 13c Starry ARI. |
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14a POTTY
SCOTTY — Rhyme; the name Scotty with the word ‘pot+ty’. def’n: Pot – Something resembling a pot in appearance or function. informal, for toilet. def’n: Potty – informal. for/to urinate. def’n: Urinate – To discharge urine. 14b JASON BASIN — Rhyme; the name Jason with the word basin. def’n: Basin – A round, open, shallow container used especially for holding liquids. informal, for toilet. def’n: Toilet – A disposal apparatus used for urination and defication.
& BOBS: — The original concept had the character almost completely submerged waiste (waste?) deep in the toilet basin without any of the surrounding objects (image not pictured). This similar concept can be seen somewhat realized within the Brand-New Series 3 on character mash-up card 178. — The character is found taking cleaning to a whole new level by actually getting into the commode. The character is surrounded by a toilet-bowl brush, wet sponge, toilet plunger and can of scouring powder cleanser (item removed for the OS6 wrapper). The fictional ‘AX’ brand is short for the actual ‘AJAX’ tub and tile cleanser. — The character became the second 1st Series character to be placed on a wrapper and box as a packaging mascot, replacing the iconic ‘Adam Bomb’ character for the 6th Series set with a ‘toilet humor’ image. The rendered artwork was most likely completed by artist Tom Bunk. The character can be found on either a red or (more appropriate) green wrapper for the UK 3rd Series release. |
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15a AILIN’
AL — Semi-rhyme: the name Al with the word ‘ail+ing’. def’n: Ail – To feel ill. To make ill or uneasy. 15b MAULED PAUL — Rhyme; the name Paul with the word ‘mauled’. def’n: Mauled – To beat, bruise, or tear.
& BOBS: — ‘Stars’ and ‘Swirls’ used in comics and cartoons floating above the character is used to show pain (or the painful impact of a punch or hit); the number of symbols emphasizes the amount of pain. — During the card production separation proofs are created for the printing process. The progressive acetate overlay proof set consists of sheet tones that lay one on top of the other to make up the final image. The four overlay sheets consist of yellow, cyan, magenta and black. — For the 1986 OS1 United Kindgom version, the card nomenclature for 15a is ‘Ailin’ ALAN’; this is also true for any English releases based off of the UK edition: New Zealand & Scandinavia (except Australia). — In 1986, the Imperial Toy Corporation licensed the GPK brand name. Products such as key chains, zipper pulls, sunglasses, hi-bounce balls, puffy stickers, rings, pencil billboards, bob bags, bubble sets, etc. were released, but most notably were the characters hidden in garbage cans called Pop-Ups which, besides the Cheap Toys figures, were the first realized 3D character toys. — The 2013 Chrome OS1 set contained several chase cards including 20 rare C-names; 15c Injured IRA. |
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16a WEIRD
WENDY — Wendy; W name to go with the word ‘weird’. def’n: Weird (1) – Suggestive of or concerned with the supernatural; unearthly. def’n: Weird (2) – Of and odd, peculiar, or inexplicable character; unusual. 16b HAGGY MAGGIE — Rhyme; the name Maggie with the word ‘hag+gy’. def’n: Hag – An ugly old woman. A witch; sorceress.
— The original 1st Series tight pencil sketch of John Pound’s has the character with small sharp fangs, a ‘R.I.P.’ tombstone behind the skull that was removed and the bat familiar replaced a flying demon character. The colour rough artwork also shows a bone being removed from underneath the cauldron fire. — John Pound’s reccuring moon backdrop can be found within the images for cards 5a ‘Dead Ted’ and 5b ‘Jay Decay’ and also within the original concept for cards 1a ‘Nasty Nick’ and 1b ‘Evil Eddie’ along with the flying bat familiar and vanitas-like skull and candle character with its toungue sticking out. — This same skull with candle and tongue is the main theme for the 8th Series characters 328A ‘Glowing Amber’ and 328B ‘Bright Dwight’ painted by Pound (far right; image reversed). — Artist George Evans created the wrapper artwork for the 1986 GPK Chewy Candy release directly by using the card image; not all images were used for the final product. |
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17a WACKY
JACKIE — Rhyme; the name Jackie with the word ‘wacky’. def’n: Wacky – slang. Crazy or silly; nutty. def’n: Crazy – Mentally unbalanced; insane. 17b LOONY LENNY — Semi-rhyme; the name Lenny with the word ‘loony’. def’n: Loony – informal. Crazy; insane. To be afflicted with mental disorder. def’n: Loon – A simple-minded or mad person.
& BOBS: — The ‘Loony Lenny’ character was named after NPD management leader Len Brown who worked above Art Spiegelman and Mark Newgarden. — It was Len’s idea to reuse the old licenses, awards and permits for the card backs; a puzzle for the 1st Series set was never really discussed. — During the card production separation proofs are created for the printing process. The progressive acetate overlay proof set consists of sheet tones that lay one on top of the other to make up the final image. The four overlay sheets consist of yellow, cyan, magenta (right) and black. — One of two 1st Series characters not included in the Giant 1st Series set released in late 1986. After the 2nd Series release Topps had pressure from the public not to print images or names depicting or describing alcohol or mental disorders. The other character being 9a ‘Boozin’ Bruce’ and 9b ‘Drunk Ken’. — Artist George Evans created the wrapper artwork for the 1986 GPK Chewy Candy release (far right) directly by using the card image; not all images were used for the final product. Pajama bottom color changed for the Candy character version. |
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18a CRANKY
FRANKIE — Rhyme; the name Frankie with the word ‘cranky’. Double meaning. def’n: Crank – A rotary motion device by turning a crank. def’n: Cranky – Ill tempered; peevish. 18b BAD BRAD — Rhyme; the name Brad with the word ‘bad’. def’n: Bad – Having undesirable qualities; not good. Rotten; spoiled.
& BOBS: — Mark Newgarden’s concept had the character stuffing the infamous red and blue Raggedy Ann doll into the meat grinder; this was ultimately changed last minute to the color-matching red and blue books for the final artwork, and Raggedy Ann was eventually painted over for trademark infringement concerns as seen in John Pound’s original tight sketch and color rough. — One of John Pound’s thumbnail sketches for the piece had a horizontal position and the character was shoving a cat into the grinder. A horizontal card would not show up until the 2nd Series release. — The original negatives used to print the cards during the production process were auctioned off of eBay through the Topps Vault (far right). — The only character with a yellow border around the red GPK header; this was used to offset the sterile white background of the character and bring out the color of the character’s outfit. — This same header color-combo can also be found for the 8th Series wrapper and the first yellow GPK header for the 8th Series box. — For the 1986 OS1 United Kindgom version, the card nomenclature for 18a is ‘Bad BOB’; this is also true for any English releases based off of the UK edition: New Zealand & Scandinavia (except Australia). |
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19a CORRODED
CARL = Corroded car. Double meaning. def’n: Corrode – To wear away gradually especially by chemical action. 19b CRATER CHRIS — Chris;C name to go with the word ‘crater’. def’n: Crater – A depression or pit resembling a crater. A bowl-shaped depression. slang. Marks caused by acne (“crater face”).
& BOBS: — The pustule explosion was quite a bit bigger within John Pound’s original tight sketch and color rough. The character’s face also had a concentrated grimace rather than a smile that was revised late, even after the color rough stage, making the face more CPK-like. — Artist George Evans created the wrapper artwork for the 1986 GPK Chewy Candy release directly by using the card image; not all artwork was used for the final product. Notice the ‘Zit Goo’ cap is missing from the color mock-up and the pimple explosion has been simplified as well as the popping fingers, etc. — For the 1986 OS1 United Kindgom version, the card nomenclature for 19a is ‘Corroded CHARLIE’; this is also true for any English releases based off of the UK edition: New Zealand & Scandinavia (not Australia). — Was one of five 1st Series characters out of ten used in the U.S. Cheap Toys figurine line released in 1986. George Evans tight ink artwork was used for the checklist image (left and right). — The character can be found on GPK Poster #8 Slime Magazine painted by artist Tom Bunk. — The character became one of Funko’s “Mystery Minis” sculpted vinyl figures in 2016; thirty-one years after its card release. — The 2013 Chrome OS1 set contained several chase cards including 20 rare C-names; 19c KIT Zit. |
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20a SWELL
MEL — Rhyme; the name Mel with the word ‘swell’. def’n: Swell – A fashionably dressed person. Fashionably elegant; smart; stylish. 20b DRESSY JESSE — Rhyme; the name Jessie with the word ‘dressy’. def’n: Dressy – Elaborate in dress. Smart; stylish.
& BOBS: — One of only a handful of 1st Series GPK images that contain a background & ‘horizon line’ to flesh out the concept; a vanity table, full wardrobe closet, and high-heel pumps for the ‘cross-dressing’ character. — def’n: Cross-dressing – The act of wearing items of clothing and other accoutrements commonly associated with the opposite sex. — For the 1986 OS1 United Kindgom version, the card nomenclature for 20b is ‘Kinky DICKIE’; this is also true for any English releases based off of the UK edition: New Zealand & Scandinavia (except Australia). — Artist George Evans created the wrapper artwork for the 1986 GPK Chewy Candy release (right) directly by using the card image; not all images were used for the final product. — The original negatives used to print the cards during the production process were auctioned off of eBay through the Topps Vault (right). |
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21a VIRUS
IRIS — Rhyme; the name Iris with the word ‘virus’. def’n: Virus – Any of various submicroscopic pathogens that are capable of invading and destroying living cells that replicate producing a disease. 21b SICKY VICKY — Rhyme; the name Vicky with the word ‘sick+y’. def’n: Sick – Ailing; ill; unwell. Nauseated.
& BOBS: — Pound’s original concept sketch (above) had the character’s mouth as a grimace and the eyes slouched with the pain of illness. But as a rule of thumb, although GPK character are in dire straits, they should be ‘happy’ about it. — Pound uses ‘Asterisks’ and a ‘Swirl’ above the character to emphasize the patient’s cold, shivering and suffering condition. That out-of-it state while sick and pumped with medicine. — The original negatives used to print the cards during the production process were auctioned off of eBay through the Topps Vault. — During the card production separation proofs are created for the printing process. The progressive acetate overlay proof set consists of sheet tones that lay one on top of the other to make up the final image. The four overlay sheets consist of yellow, cyan, magenta (far right; with yellow) and black. — The 2013 Chrome OS1 set contained several chase cards including C-names; 21c Feverish PHYLLIS. |
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22a JUNKY
JEFF — Jeff; J name to go with the word ‘junk+y’. def’n: Junk – Scrap materials. Rubbish; trash. To throw away or discard as useless. 22b STINKY STAN — Stan; S name to go with with word ‘stink+y’. def’n: Stink – To emit or cause to emit a strong, offensive odor. Stench.
& BOBS: — Pound uses an anthropomorphic cat (with human attributes) in a cartoon-like manner to add humor to the image. Pound also keeps the character looking like an object by having the whole body monochrome, including the ‘white’ diaper and removed ‘lid’. — Another image with Pound’s recurring moon motif. Pound suggested the names ‘Tommy Trashcan’ and ‘Dumpster Donny’. — During the card production separation proofs are created for the printing process. The progressive acetate overlay proof set consists of sheet tones that lay one on top of the other to make up the final image. The four overlay sheets consist of yellow, cyan, magenta (far right; with yellow) and black. — The 2013 Chrome OS1 set contained several chase cards including 20 rare C-names; 22c Trashy TRAVIS. |
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23a DRIPPY
DAN — Dan; D name to go with the word ‘drip+py’. def’n: Drip – To fall or let fall in drops. To shed drops. Liquid that falls in drops. 23b LEAKY LOU — Lou; L name to go with the word ‘leak+y’. def’n: Leak – Hole, crack, or opening through which something can escape or pass.
& BOBS: — Pound used the oak corks to simulate ‘hair’ for the character. — One of the few 1st Series Kids whose body was not made up of CPK-like cloth, but the same soft-sculpured plastic as the doll head, thus allowing the body to be porous – having minute spaces or holes through which liquid (or air) may pass. — During the card production separation proofs are created for the printing process. The progressive acetate overlay proof set consists of sheet tones that lay one on top of the other to make up the final image. The four overlay sheets consist of yellow, cyan, magenta (far right) and black. |
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24a NERVOUS
REX — As in, the expression “I’m a nervous wreck.” def’n: Nervous – High strung; jittery. Uneasy; anxious. def’n: Wreck – one that is in a shattered, broken-down, or worn-out state. 24b NERDY NORM = A social standing. Nerdy – in reference to being a nerd. informal. A word as in geek or dork. def’n: Norm – A standard, model, or pattern regarded as typical for a specific group.
& BOBS: — It’s interesting to note how sensitive of a society we have become since the 80’s; just in the 1st Series alone, as kids, we were witness to guns, booze, drugs, explosives, insanity, execution, dismemberment and in this case, caffeine and nicotine addictions, et cetera … concepts collectors don’t see as much. — Pound used a cursive ‘C‘ and a curlycue-esque ribbon on the generic soda bottles to suggest the cola drink Coca-Cola that’s drawn in a flowing handwriting; a distinctive trademark of that product. — For the 1986 OS1 United Kindgom version, the card nomenclature for 24a is ‘Nervy NIGEL’ and 24b is ‘Nerdy NORMAN’; this is also true for any English releases based off of the UK edition: New Zealand & Scandinavia (except Australia). — During the card production separation proofs are created for the printing process. The progressive acetate overlay proof set consists of sheet tones that lay one on top of the other to make up the final image. The four overlay sheets consist of yellow, cyan, magenta (far right; with yellow) and black. |
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25a CREEPY
CAROL — Carol; C name to go with the word ‘creepy’. def’n: Creepy – informal. Inducing or having a sensation of fear, as of things crawling on the skin. 25b SCARY CARRIE — Rhyme; the name Carrie with the word ‘scary’. def’n: Scary – informal. Frightening. Easily scared; very timid.
& BOBS: — A ‘Question Mark’ in comics and cartoons hanging above a character’s head is used to show confusion. And, in this case, further questions the book title, “How to Win Friends”, and her conundrum. — By far, the most non-CPK-looking 1st Series character. The homely creature seems to pay homage to the Topps Ugly Stickers sets of the 60s and 70s, and looks to be related to Frankenstein’s monster. — During the card production separation proofs are created for the printing process. The progressive acetate overlay proof set consists of sheet tones that lay one on top of the other to make up the final image. The four overlay sheets consist of yellow, cyan (left), magenta (right; with yellow) and black. — The 2013 Chrome OS1 set contained several chase cards including C-names; 25c Mounstrous MICHELLE. |
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26a SLOBBY
ROBBIE — Rhyme; the name Robbie with the word ‘slob+by’. def’n: Slob – A crude or slovenly person. Messy. 26b FAT MATT — Rhyme; the name Matt with the word ‘fat’. def’n: Fat – Plumpness; obesity. To be overweight.
& BOBS: — Pound uses the same broken ground-effect as cards 8a ‘Adam Bomb’ and 8b ‘Blasted Billy’, but the fissures are not as deep or wide and more forks have been added. — I appreciate Pound’s use of an old-fashioned packaged candy box along with the overindulgence issue of obesity that isn’t always genetic. def’n: Obesity – The condition of being grossly fat or overweight. Portliness, plumpness, chubbiness, flabbiness, rotundity. — Artist George Evans created the wrapper artwork for the 1986 GPK Chewy Candy release (middle right) directly by using the card image; not all images were used for the final product; white color changed. — The 2013 Chrome OS1 set contained several chase cards including C-names; 26c Overweight NATE. — Fourteen 1st Series characters and sticker write-ups show up in the 2013 and 2014 MiniKins releases of resin figures that are reminiscent of the 1986 Cheap Toys charactes; text by Pat Barrett and Colin Walton. |
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27a BRAINY
JANIE — Rhyme; the name Janie with the word ‘brain+y’. def’n: Brain – Intellectual capacity; intelligence. def’n: Brainy – informal. Word for smart. Intelligent; bright. 27b JENNY GENIUS — Jenny; J name to go with the similar sounding word ‘genius’. def’n: Genius – A person of the highest mental ability or the greatest creative power.
& BOBS: — One of the only 1st Series Kids without CPK-like yarn hair, in order to keep the character with a greasy, mousy-haired appearance and nerdy persona; lab coat, computer, test tube, and ‘think board’. — The chalkboard contains Newton Einstein’s famous equation, E = mc2, “Energy equals mass times the speed of light squared.” Energy and mass (matter) are interchangeable; they are different forms of the same thing. — Artist George Evans created the wrapper artwork for the 1986 GPK Chewy Candy release directly by using the card image; not all artwork was used for the final product. Notice the character’s hair color, bow and computer are changed for the fewer toned image so the character ‘pops’ on the candy wrapper. — e-Day celebrates the mathematical constant e, which has a value of 2.7182818. It is celebrated on February 7 in countries that follow the month/day (m/d) date format. This is because the first two digits of the date – 2/7 – correspond to the first two digits of the constant. Notice the card number… — Was one of five 1st Series characters out of ten used in the U.S. Cheap Toys figurine line released in 1986. George Evans tight ink artwork was used for the checklist image (both far right images). — The character became one of Funko’s “Mystery Minis” sculpted vinyl figures in 2016; thirty-one years after its card release. |
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28a OOZY
SUZY — Rhyme; the name Suzy with the word ‘ooze+y’. def’n: Ooze – To flow or leak out slowly; exude. 28b MELTIN’ MELISSA — Melissa; M name to go with the word meltin’/melt(ing). def’n: Melt – To change from a solid to a liquid state usually by heat or pressure.
& BOBS: — Instead of CPK cloth-like material, the character’s skin and clothing is made up of wax (bee), tallow (animal fat) or paraffin (petroleum) to resemble a burning candle. def’n: Candle – A cylinder of wax or tallow with a central wick that is lit to produce light as it burns. — The first ethnically recognizable GPK character in the 1st Series release. This set is most likely just as diverse as the doll release back in the ’80s. — The 2013 OS1 Chrome release can be found with 20 additional ‘C’ names for certain characters; example 28c ‘Waxy Wynonna’. — Fourteen 1st Series characters and sticker write-ups show up in the 2013 and 2014 MiniKins releases of resin figures that are reminiscent of the 1986 Cheap Toys charactes; text by Pat Barrett and Colin Walton. |
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29a BONY
JOANIE — Rhyme; the name Joanie with the word ‘bony’. def’n: Bony – informal. Word for skinny (very thin). def’n: Bone – any of the hard, white, calcified material making up the skeleton of humans and vertebrates. 29b THIN LYNN — Rhyme; the name Lynn with the word ‘thin’. def’n: Thin – Lean or slender. Lanky; scrawny; spare. def’n: Bone-thin – informal. Skinny.
& BOBS: — Pound’s ‘SKELETON‘ concept had the character with no red pigtails; the hair was added to make the character look more like a CPK doll and become non-gender neutral. Mark Newgarden also had the same concept within the 1985 Gross Bears Big Bad Buttons set that he had worked on exclusively with artist Tom Bunk; the original Gross Bears concept had the character holding a scythe but was replaced with a balloon heart. Both concepts had bald characters with no ‘hair’. — The 1st Series character can be found within the 1986 Giant 5×7 Series set as card #2 with a green bracelet and very blue eyes painted by artist Tom Bunk. This rendition has the blue, hair ribbon bows placed at the bottom of the character’s pigtails instead of the top as compared to Pound’s piece. — Was one of five 1st Series characters out of ten used in the U.S. Cheap Toys figurine line released in 1986. George Evans tight ink artwork was used for the checklist image that was created for the 1986 GPK Chewy Candy release. — The Giant Set image can also be found within the 2011 Flashback set as card back 4a and the 2015 30th Anniversary chase set ‘Mini Giant Set’ as card B2. |
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30a NEW
WAVE DAVE — Rhyme; the name Dave with the words ‘new; & ‘wave’. A new style; being the latest craze. def’n: New – Not old; recent. Recently become known. Modern; current. 30b GRAFFITI PETEY — Rhyme; the name Petey with the word ‘graffiti’; aka graffito. def’n: Graffito – A crude drawing or inscription, as on a wall.
& BOBS: — Mark Newgarden’s original concept sketch had the character tagging the word ‘CUTE‘ rather than the later used ‘SMUT‘ on the tagged wall. Pound does not paint white sections, so the green (‘SMUT‘) and blue spray painted areas seen in the color concept artwork remained white and not colored for the final. — Was one of five 1st Series characters out of ten used in the U.S. Cheap Toys figurine line released in 1986. George Evans tight ink artwork was used for the checklist image that was created for the 1986 GPK Chewy Candy release. The mold is quite different than the character’s actual card pose. ‘GRAFITTI‘ misspelled. — The character was used for the 1986 GPK Buttons box artwork painted by part-time fill-in artist Mae Jeon, based off of John Pound’s original final artwork, except a yellow shirt was chosen for under the jacket. It’s interesting to note that the Button samples on the box artwork have blank nameplates. — The character became one of Funko’s “Mystery Minis” sculpted vinyl figures in 2015; thirty years after its card release. |
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31a RUN
DOWN RHODA = Run down road; double meaning. Notice: running outfit/track outfit. def’n: Run-down (thing) – Old and decayed, broken. literal. To run/jog down. def’n: Run-down (person) – Tired or listless. Unwound and not running. def’n: New – Not old; recent. Recently become known. Modern; current. 31b FLAT PAT — Rhyme: the name Pat with the word ‘flat’. def’n: Flat – Having a smooth, even, level surface. To be level with the ground.
& BOBS: — John Pound’s original tight pencil sketch has the character’s tongue sticking out and what looks like run-over (already-been-chewed) gum has been added to the body parts to represent blood splatter. — One of only a handful of 1st Series GPK images that contain a ‘horizon line’; a painted street line and stripes were added to the final image. — During the card production separation proofs are created for the printing process. The progressive acetate overlay proof set consists of sheet tones that lay one on top of the other to make up the final image. The four overlay sheets consist of yellow, cyan, magenta (middle right; with yellow) and black. — For the 1986 OS1 United Kindgom version, the card nomenclature for 31a is ‘Run Down RACHEL’; this is also true for any English releases based off of the UK edition: New Zealand & Scandinavia (except Australia). — Artist George Evans created the wrapper artwork for the 1986 GPK Chewy Candy release (far right) directly by using the card image; not all artwork was used for the final product. — The 2013 Chrome OS1 set contained several chase cards including C-names; 31c Rolled Over RHONDA. |
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32a FRIGID
BRIDGET — Rhyme; the name Bridget with the word ‘frigid’. def’n: Frigid – Extremely cold. Lacking warmth of feeling. 32b CHILLY MILLIE — Rhyme; the name Millie with the word ‘chilly’. def’n: Chilly – Cold enough to cause shivering. Seized with cold.
& BOBS: — The character is suffering from ‘cyanosis’ of the entire body, called ‘pheripheral cyanosis’ if just the fingers, toes or limbs – caused by poor circulation, in this case, from the cold – where the affected areas turn a blue or purplish color. Pound added extra icicles to the character’s face (nose and cheeks). — The extra level of humor knowing that either someone started to chip away at the ice with the ice pick and left, or the character sadly dropped it (if she had been able to get one arm free) is brilliant. def’n: Ice pick – a sharp, straight, pointed implement with a handle used to break ice into small pieces for chilling food or used in drinks. — The original negatives used to print the cards during the production process were auctioned off of eBay through the Topps Vault. — Artist George Evans created the wrapper artwork for the 1986 GPK Chewy Candy release (far right) directly by using the card image; not all artwork was used for the final product. — The 2013 Chrome OS1 set contained several chase cards including 20 rare C-names; 32c Icy INGRID. |
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33a MAD
MIKE — Mike; M name to go with with word ‘mad’. def’n: Mad – A feeling of anger or resentment. Lacking restraint, reason, or judgement. 33b SAVAGE STUART — Stuart; S name to go with the word ‘savage’. def’n: Savage – Not domesticated or cultivated; wild. A primitive or uncivilized person. A brutal person. To attack violently or brutally.
& BOBS: — John Pound’s original tight pencil sketch has the character with a tongue and pointed teeth; removed to possibly make the character look a little less sinnister and more CPK cute. — Mark Newgarden’s original concept sketch had the character on top of a pile of skulls; very Conan the Barbarion-esque. — Artist George Evans created the wrapper artwork for the 1986 GPK Chewy Candy release directly by using the card image; not all artwork was used for the final product. — The 2013 Chrome OS1 set contained several chase cards including 20 rare C-names; 33c Cruel CONAN. — The character became one of Funko’s “Mystery Minis” sculpted vinyl figures in 2015; thirty years after its card release. A mock-up image (right) appeared online prior to the release. |
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34a KIM
KONG = King Kong. A parody of the movie: King Kong – the giant gorilla. def’n: King Kong – informal. Someone or something of outstanding size or strength: ‘a King Kong of a man’. 34b ANNA BANANA — Rhyme; the name Anna with the word ‘banana’. def’n: Banana – The crescent-shaped fruit of the banana plant.
& BOBS: — The female chimp has been humanized and genderized by a pink bow and Tarzan, or rather, ‘Jane of the Jungle’-type diaper shorts. A King Kong of a woman! — Prior to Topps using the GPK header as a prop; if slightly raised, the limb could’ve been part of the header. — Artist George Evans created the wrapper artwork for the 1986 GPK Chewy Candy release (far right) directly by using the card image; not all artwork was used for the final product. — The character became one of Funko’s “Mystery Minis” sculpted vinyl figures in 2016; thirty-one years after its card release. |
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35a WRINKLY
RANDY — Randy; R name to go with the word ‘wrinkl+y’. def’n: Wrinkle – A furrow, ridge, or crease on a normally smooth surface, as skin. 35b ROCKIN’ ROBERT — Robert; R name to go with the word ‘rock+ing’. Double meaning. def’n: Rock – To move back and forth in a rhythmic motion; ex. rocking chair. def’n: Rocking chair – A chair mounted on rockers or springs. so as to rock back and forth. def’n: Rock music – A form of hard music that evolved from rock-and-roll during the mid- and late 60s.
& BOBS: — As depicted by Pound, old people are frequently associated with eye spectacles, walking canes, and rocking chairs. The wristwatch gives the character a ‘Father Time’ feeling. — The humor of the image hides behind the ‘I Wanna Rock’ T-shirt. The song title was written and composed by Dee Snider from the band Twisted Sister. The rock song was released on the 1984 album Stay Hungry. — For the 1986 OS1 United Kindgom version, the card nomenclature for 35a is ‘Wrinkly RIKKI’; this is also true for any English releases based off of the UK edition: New Zealand & Scandinavia (except Australia). — Artist George Evans created the wrapper artwork for the 1986 GPK Chewy Candy release (far right) directly by using the card image; not all artwork was used for the final product. — The 2013 Chrome OS1 set contained several chase cards including 20 rare C-names; 35c Senile KYLE. |
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36a WRAPPIN’
RUTH — Ruth; R name to go with the word ‘wrap+ping’. def’n: Wrapping – The material in which something is wrapped. def’n: Wrap – To draw, fold, or wind about in order to cover. 36b TOMMY TOMB — Double meaning. A name parody of the dancer Tommy Tune. def’n: Tomb – A vault or chamber for the dead. A place of burial.
& BOBS: — The character is stepping out of a sarcophagus, a (lime) stone coffin, adorned with a sculpture or inscription and associated with the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Rome and Greece. The decorated lid is missing, but you can make out the ‘evil eye’ (Eye of Horus) symbol at the top. In Greek ‘sarcophagus’ translates to “flesh-eating”, so this is technically a zombie-like character. — One of only a handful of 1st Series GPK images that contain a ‘horizon line’; a line to break up the sand and sky in the background. — Artist George Evans created the wrapper artwork for the 1986 GPK Chewy Candy release (far left) directly by using the card image; not all artwork was used for the final product. More ‘gray’ dead skin is showing for the Candy version of the artwork. — The 2013 Chrome OS1 set contained several chase cards including 20 rare C-names; 36c Pharaoh PHIL. |
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37a GUILLOTINA
= Guillotine. Tina; short form of Christina or any name ending in –tina. def’n: Guillotine – A machine for beheading by means of a heavy blade that falls freely between upright posts. Often accompanied by a basket to catch the lopped head. 37b CINDY LOPPER = Cyndi Lauper. A name parody on the singer/songwriter Cyndi Lauper. def’n: Lop – to cut off (a part) with a single swift blow.
& BOBS: — The NPD Dept at Topps, the ‘new product development’ team, that created GPK always had the motto ‘gross, but cute’. The humor really works by placing the character in a peculiar situation or sticky predicament, but always place a happy smile on their face. — The hyperbolic expression ‘heads will roll’ alludes to the punishment of being beheaded. “Off with their heads!”, as they say. — Artist George Evans created the wrapper artwork for the 1986 GPK Chewy Candy release directly by using the card image; not all artwork was used for the final product. The dress has been turned to blue for the wrapper version with a wood, instead of stone, floor (middle right). — In 1986, the Imperial Toy Corporation licensed the GPK brand name. Products such as key chains, hi-bounce balls, pencil billboards, bop bags, bubble sets, etc. were released, including Zipper Pulls. The 1st and 2nd Series characters images were used on a multiple number of products. Note: due to the Imperial blue packaging color, ‘Adam Bombs’ suit was changed to a red color (far right). — For the 1989 OS1 Australia version, the card nomenclature for 37b is ‘HEDDA Offa’; unlike most English releases based off of the UK edition that followed with the same name changes. |
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38a SLIMY
SAM — Sam; S name to go with the word ‘slime+y’. A slight misnomer. def’n: Slime – A moist, sticky substance or coating – often in regards to amphibians and reptiles. A misconception since reptile skin is actually scaly and quite dry. 38b LIZARD LIZ — Semi-rhyme; the name Liz with the word ‘lizard’. def’n: Lizard – Any of various reptiles having a long, scaly body, four legs and a tapering tail.
& BOBS: — The anthropomorphic reptile has been humanized by the use of utensils and the wearing of a kid’s bib; sitting at a table with fly speciman meal on a plate. — The idea could’ve been inspired by the television show ‘V’ that aired for 19 episodes in 1984 and 1985 starred Robert Englund (of ‘Nightmare on Elm Street’ fame that hit theatres Nov 1984) was the most expensive and violent show on television at the time. The plot begins with reptilian-like aliens in artificial skin, called the ‘V’istors, come to Earth to ask humans for help. A resistance group uprises once the aliens true nature and intentions surface; hence, where the dripping red V for ‘V’ictory comes from. — During the card production separation proofs are created for the printing process. The progressive acetate overlay proof set consists of sheet tones that lay one on top of the other to make up the final image. The four overlay sheets consist of yellow, cyan (right), magenta and black. — Artist George Evans created the wrapper artwork for the 1986 GPK Chewy Candy release (left) directly by using the card image; not all artwork was used for the final product. — The 2013 Chrome OS1 set contained several chase cards including 20 rare C-names; 38c Scaly SCARLET. |
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39a BUGGY
BETTY — Betty; B name to go with the word ‘bug+gy’. def’n: Bug – Any of various insects, spiders, etc. 39b GREEN JEAN — Rhyme; the name Jean with the word ‘green’. def’n: Green – Of the color green.
& BOBS: — A ‘Heart’ in comics and cartoons hovering above the character’s head is used to show love or a crush (on someone or something). And, in this case, the admiration of and love for trash and garbage. — The idea could easily have been inspired by the 1958 version of ‘The Fly’ movie; the 1986 version, released in August of that year, was in pre-production in 1985. — The character became one of Funko’s “Mystery Minis” sculpted vinyl figures in 2016; thirty-one years after its card release (left). |
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40a UNSTITCHED
MITCH — Rhyme; the name Mitch with the word ‘(un)stitch+ed’. def’n: Stitch – A link, loop, or knot formed by a threaded needle in sewing. 40b DAMAGED DON = Damaged done. As in the expression: “The damage has been done”. def’n: Damage – Impairment of the usefulness of value of person or property; loss; harm. To cause injury to.
& BOBS: — The original tight pencil sketch and colour rough titled ‘SPILLING THEIR GUTS‘ by John Pound had intestines spilling out of the ripped open stomach cavity instead of cotton and the surprised mouth was replaced with a smile. Most likely to keep the concept as cute and CPK-like as possible. You can just make out everywhere the cotton replaced the guts and blood on the final image, painted-over. Most GPK artwork, in general, was revised in the concept stage, but quite a few OS1 final paintings were reworked. — Although we do not know the backstory of this particular CPK character pre-adoption, but the doll was highly neglected and possibly abused. Pound’s suggested names: ‘BILLY Boo-Boo’ and ‘Gutsy GUS’ — An alternate thumbnail sketch of a samurai committing Hara-kiri exists – a ritual suicide by disembowelment practiced by the Japanese samurai or formerly decreed by a court in lieu of the death penalty (far right). Pound’s suggested names: ‘SAMMY Samurai’, ‘SAMMY Suicide’ and ‘HARRY Kari’. — The character was picked to be the side artwork for the OS1 box packaging. — The 2013 Chrome OS1 set contained several chase cards including 20 rare C-names; 40c Gutted GUS. |
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41a MEAN
GENE — Rhyme; the name Gene with the word ‘mean’. def’n: Mean – lacking elevating human qualities, as kindness and good will. 41b JOLTIN’ JOE — Joe; J name to go with the word ‘joltin’; jolt+ing’; double meaning. A parody on the baseball player’s Joe Dimaggio’s nickname. def’n: Jolt – To shake violently with a sudden, sharp blow. As in rapid gunfire.
& BOBS: — The character was one of the test GPK concepts that artist John Pound submitted to Topps prior to being chosen for the GPK project. A mash-up of punk spiked accessories, including the hairstyle, and combat gear with military graded items. — During the card production separation proofs are created for the printing process. The progressive acetate overlay proof set consists of sheet tones that lay one on top of the other to make up the final image. The four overlay sheets consist of yellow, cyan (right), magenta and black. — For the 1986 OS1 United Kindgom version, the card nomenclature for 41a is ‘Mean DEAN’; this is also true for any English releases based off of the UK edition: New Zealand & Scandinavia (except Australia). — The 2013 Chrome OS1 set contained several chase cards including 20 rare C-names; 41c Armed ARNOLD. — The character became one of Funko’s “Mystery Minis” sculpted vinyl figures in 2016; thirty-one years after its card release. Sans the semi-automatic rifle and dynamite and spikes, but the knife remains in the character’s mouth (far right). — During March 2024, sketch artists were told that any character with a gun, like ‘Mean GENE’, could no longer be drawn and would be rejected (and you could be removed from future invites if rule not followed). |
WHAT
IF?
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’42a’ NORMAN-CLATURE
— Unknown. def’n: Target – A person or object selected as the aim of an attack. historical. A small, round shield or buckler. Target with bullseye. ’42b’ NORMAN-CLATURE — Unknown. def’n: Wound – An injury to the living tissue caused by a cut, blow, impact, et cetera where typically the skin is cut or broken.
& BOBS: — One of three images pulled from the final planning stages of the OS1 release; these pulled pieces created the ‘variation’ card spots that became checklist backs within the set. The artwork may have been pulled for a variety of reasons from the regular set, but was used in the GPK Giant release as card #5 ‘HAVE A NICE DAY‘ in May of 1986; these offshoot sets may not have been scrutinized as closely as the regular releases. — John Pound had suggested the names ‘Prickly Pete’, ‘Pincushion Pete’ and ‘Acupuncture Amy/Annie/Andy’ on the original tight pencil sketch (and in turn, the color rough). The image was the 25th character created in sequence for the OS1 set. — The image can also be found within the 2010 Flashback set as card back 10a and the 2015 30th Anniversary chase set ‘Mini Giant Set’ as card B5. |
WHAT
IF?
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’43a’ NORMAN-CLATURE
— Unknown. def’n: Roast – To cook food, especially meat, by prolonged exposure to heat within an oven, over a fire or in a crockpot, et cetera. ’43b’ NORMAN-CLATURE — Unknown. def’n: Lunch – A meal eaten in the middle of the day, usually lighter or less formal than an evening meal (dinner or supper).
& BOBS: — One of three images pulled from the final planning stages of the OS1 release; these pulled pieces created the ‘variation’ card spots that became checklist backs within the set. The artwork may have been pulled for a variety of reasons from the regular set, but was used in the GPK Giant release as card #8 ‘TAKE A GARBAGE PAIL KID TO LUNCH‘ in May of 1986; these offshoot sets may not have been scrutinized as closely as the regular releases. — The character can also be found within the GPK Poster set released around the same time as the GPK Giant set as Poster #1 ‘DRINK GARBAGE PAIL KOLA‘ located on the wall as part of the ‘House Special’ menu. — The Giant card contains the the singular form of the franchise logo, GARBAGE PAIL KID, which is found several times within the GPK Giant release. — The image can also be found within the 2010 Flashback set as card back 16a and the 2015 30th Anniversary chase set ‘Mini Giant Set’ as card B8. |
WHAT
IF?
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’44a’ ALIEN
ED = Alien E.T.; a parody of the Universal movie E.T. def’n: Alien – slang. Martian. A person belonging to a different ethnic or social group; stranger; foreigner. def’n: E.T. (extra-terrestrial) – outside the earth or its atmosphere. ’44b’ PHONE HOMER = Phone home; a parody of the classic line from the flick E.T. def’n: Phone – informal. Telephone. Transmits sound over wires. def’n: Home – Place where a thing is native or very common; habitat.
& BOBS: — One of three images pulled from the final planning stages of the OS1 release; these pulled pieces created the ‘variation’ card spots that became checklist backs within the set. The artwork may have been pulled for a variety of reasons from the regular set, but was eventually used in the GPK OS14 release as cards 555a Alien ED and 555b Phone Homer in September of 1988; a couple years after it’s conceptualization. — Per Mark Newgarden and John Pound’s notes and references, OS14 card #555 was intended for the OS1 release and the eyes were slightly reworked to match the new eye shape of the later sets — black circles were quickly added and eyes whitended and widened. It’s interesting to note that the E.T. character can still be found on the back of OS1 card #11 in line for the telephone booth created by artist Tom Bunk. |
DEFINITIONS
TAKEN IN PART FROM THE AMERICAN HERITAGE DICTIONARY
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The original GPK sets all had unique die-cuts for their sticker outline,
adopted from the Wacky Packages franchise.
