Background
We first saw Jats Gill's Jinny platform toy in a 2.25” tall blindbox series. Bitbots Toys was thinking big...so they have teamed up with artist Jon Burgerman to release the first 6” tall vinyl Jinny figure. The Bigtop Jinny is nearly triple the size of the original figures, and it's been adorned with the doodling of Jon Burgerman.
Human brains get weighed down with all the things they're trying not to think and obsess about; Did I leave the gas on? Will I have enough money to pay the rent and buy LA Noir this weekend? What will happen if the Sun explodes? Why are Curly Wurlys getting smaller?
Sometimes you have to sip your over priced, unethically sourced mochafrappacapoeirachino and smile through it all. Give up the anxiety and take your Bigtop to the circus, they have clowns and dancing bears.
-Jon Burgerman
The Facts
Bigtop Jinny
Series: Jinny
Manufacturer: Bitbots Toys
Artists: Jon Burgerman (artwork), Jats Gill (Jinny design)
Material: Rotocast vinyl
Dimensions: 6” tall
Points of Articulation: 3 (neck and arms)
Edition Size: 500 pieces
Packaging
The packaging for the Bigtop Jinny vinyl is solid cardboard, featuring artwork similar to the figure's design. It's fairly busy, with all of Burgerman's doodles, but it gives you a good idea of what's inside. And, inside, the figure is held between two snapping plastic trays.
Our Opinion
The first thing I will say is that I like the feel and look of the 6” tall Jinny more than the figures we saw in the blindbox series. The arms feel sturdier - I'm not tentative to move them – and the larger size allows for a better canvas to convey a complex design like this.
How is Jon Burgerman's Bigtop design? Crazy. It looks like a 9 year old got a hold of some crayons and went on some stream of consciousness doodle binge. But that's what makes Burgerman's artwork so appealing. It could probably take you a good 15 minutes to look at everything that's happening on this piece. But I will tell you...the main theme is the circus.
The quality is slightly above average. All of the artwork appears to have been placed on with decals or is being protected with a translucent layer. You can see a difference in texture between the blank vinyl and sections with artwork on it. About 80% of the piece is covered in artwork.
With the exchange rate how it currently is, the £40.00 vinyl figure ends up running around $65.00 in the United States. That might be a little pricey for collectors who are on the fence about the piece. It does fall in the $40.00 to $65.00 range that most 6” tall vinyl pieces sell for.
Overall, I think Jon Burgerman's design is the best example of what the Jinny platform can be used for. It will immediately become one of the more interesting (and eye-catching) vinyl pieces in your collection.
You can pick one up at the following:
Bitbots: £40.00 (about $65 and includes free shipping)
Bigtop Jinny - Grades
Figure Quality: 8/10
Sculpt: 7/10
Paint: 8/10
Accessories/Outfit: N/A
Packaging: 9/10
Durability: 8/10
Fun Factor: 9/10
Value: 7/10
Overall: 8.7/10
