Background

If you’ve never read Jeff Pidgeon’s blog, you’re missing out on some entertaining opinions.  His Toy OTD (of the day) segment highlights old and new collectables from action figures to statuettes to Happy Meal toys.

With a background in storyboarding, and credits such as the Pixar hit Monsters, Inc., Pidgeon knows what it takes to create a fun, appealing character.  He developed his Happy Beaver character several years ago, put it on some shirts, realized that folks like it, and proceeded to produce a vinyl figure.  It doesn’t have a background story, so it’s up to your creative mind to develop one.

Packaging

Your Happy Beaver comes packaged in a box that is done up to resemble a log with a hole cut out.  The actual figure is bagged within the box.  And there is a message on the rear of the package: Hey kids! Keep your beaver clean and well fed, and you’ll always have a happy playmate.

The Figure

The Happy Beaver rotocast vinyl figure is approximately 5” in height.
It was sculpted by Vin Teng with no points of articulation.  The
limited edition run has been set at 500 pieces.  There are plans for
alternate colorways once the original run sells out.

Our Opinion

It’s nice seeing that an artist can basically self-produce a figure
without the need of a big toy company.  While Jeff Pidgeon didn’t
actually “produce” the figures, he designed, financed and had a hand in
all aspects of the project.

When it comes to the actual Happy Beaver figure, who couldn’t love this
guy?  There is a definite Disney and Spumco feel to the character.
What’ll draw you in are the wide eyes, big teeth and goofy smile.  It's one of our favorite characters of the year.

You can pick one up at the following:

JeffPidgeon.com: $51.75 shipped in US

Happy Beaver Grades:

Quality: 8/10
Paint: 8/10
Durability: 8/10
Hype: 8/10
Fun Factor: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Overall: 9.3/10