Background
Some folks might like to start out their day with a cup o' joe, but there are plenty of us that prefer a nice cuppa tea. Matt JOnes is obviously one of those people. He recently released his Lunartik in a Cup of Tea Mini Series 2. In addition to the pair of mini figure series, Matt has also released a pair of larger Lunartik in a Cup of Tea series.
The blind boxed Series 2 consists of 17 different designs. We received a pair of blind boxes and pulled the Camomile and Star Cup teas.
The Facts
Lunartik in a Cup of Tea – Mini Series 2
Series: Mini Series 2
Manufacturer: Lunartik, LTD
Artist: Matt JOnes
Material: Plastic
Dimensions: 2.5” tall
Points of Articulation: 3 (shoulders and neck)
Designs: 17 total (Ani'Chai, Apple Bubble, Cherry Green Tea, Camomile, Emperor, High Tea, Jasmin, Licker, Majes'Tea, Midnight, Mono Earl, Organik, Plum Bubble, Shroom, Star Cup, Un-Plugged, and Wild Shroom)
Accessories: Tea Bag Booklet, Collector Card, Tea Token
Pricing: $9.95 - $11.50
Packaging
The Lunartik in a Cup of Tea Mini Series 2 has changed up the packaging design from Series 1. And this change means making a good thing even better. Each blind boxed piece comes in a take-away cup, with a plastic lid that doubles as a display stand.
Our Opinion
The Lunartik in a Cup of Tea Mini Series 1 picked up a pair of our 2010 toy awards for the best blind box series and the best packaging. So, what has Matt JOnes done to improve on Series 2?
First off, the packaging has been improved upon. Now, instead of just a square box, the figure is stored in a small take-away paper tea cup with a plastic lid. That lid even has a little hole for drinking. The possible designs and ratios are all illustrated on exterior. And there is a Tea Bag Booklet (featuring illustrations of the designs and their ratios), a Tea Token, and a Collector Card that allows you to collect 19 Tea Tokens to redeem for a Super Rare Collectors Tea.
The figure sculpting is the same as Series 1. The Lunartik features three points of articulation – at the shoulders and neck – although the shoulder articulation is fairly limited. Mini Series 2 includes 17 total designs - “12 Fresh Flavours”, “4 Special Brews”, and a “Super Rare Collectors Tea”.
One difference you'll notice, if you collected Mini Series 1, is that this Lunartik in a Cup of Tea series features more printing on both the Lunartik character and the tea cup. Series 1 was more of your basic color palette, while Series 2 gives you some great designs. And these are primarily pad printed, so you have nice, tight paint lines.
I like it when blind box series are kept under $10.00 a piece, and that's right around the price point here. With all of the great new designs, I think Series 2 is an improvement on the Lunartik in a Cup of Tea Mini Series 1...which still is one of my favorite mini figure series. Now if you don't mind...I'll be having a spot of tea...
For wholesale inquiries, contact DKE Toys.
You can pick one up at the following:
Dragatomi: $10.00 each
Fugitive Toys: $9.95 each
Mindzai Creative Shop: $10.99 each
Tainted Visions: $9.95 each (open boxes for $10.95 each)
Lunartik.com: £6.99 each (around $11.50)