Goodbye to Rocket World

Well here is some sad news from the land of Rocket World. Our pal Patrick Ma has posted the following regarding the future of Rocket World and the Insurgents Wilderness Gruppo (IWG), which has been on hiatus since 2010.

This was one of the first lines I ever reviewed (over at the now defunct Toytoons.com), and it's sad to see it come to an end...especially knowing how passionate Patrick was about his creations and the topic of wildlife conservation.

Greetings Friends of Rocket World and the IWG,

I regret to announce that with my recent separation on May 1st, 2013 from Triple Aught Design, LLC as a result of unresolved disputes with the remaining Members Brett Eisenberg and David Cahill, I currently do not have access to, or am involved in the brand known as Rocket World, and other IPs under this brand including the IWG.

When I created Rocket World and the IWG in December of 2000, it held great personal meaning for me, and I want to sincerely thank all of you who chose to support and follow this unique and eclectic brand over the many years. This tremendous support allowed me to create the many products and stories in a world that was entertaining, satirical, and meaningful as it also conveyed an important message in support of a topic very important to me, wildlife conservation.

As some of you know Rocket World and the IWG was placed on hiatus in 2010 so I could focus on my brand Triple Aught Design (TAD Gear). I was hoping to return to it someday, especially at a time when I could share it my two young boys. As of May 1, 2013 I do not know what plans if any, Eisenberg and Cahill have with brand Rocket World and the IWG.

As the sole author and creator of Rocket World and the IWG, I am deeply saddened that I am currently unable to continue on with this IP, but again wanted to thank all of you for the many years of support of and enthusiasm for this brand. I hope all of you who have an interest in wildlife conservation can find other ways to support this important work in your own ways.

Ad Astra and Beast Regards,

-Patrick Ma

REVIEW: IWG Starfleet Series

Background

Rocket World’s IWG has been re-imagined as characters from the world of Star Trek: The Original Series. Captain Titus, Commander Affonso, and Lt. Commander Hannibal are on a mission to explore strange new worlds as they journey to the final frontier. Who knows what mischief and mayhem lie ahead as they boldly go where no animal has gone before?

Released as a 2010 San Diego Comic Con Exclusive, the IWG Starfleet Series was one of the more popular lines at the show. Rocket World was kind enough to hold on to some of the series for those who could not get to the show.

The Facts  

IWG Starfleet Series
Series: Insurgents Wilderness Gruppo
Manufacturer: Rocket World
Artist: Patrick Ma
Material: Rotocast vinyl
Dimensions: 7” tall
Points of Articulation: Titus – 3 (neck, arms); Affonso – 6 (neck, arms, legs, tail); Hannibal – 5 (neck, arms, legs)
Designs: Captain Titus, Commander Affonso and Lt. Commander Hannibal
Outfit: Federation Starfleet uniform shirt with Starfleet Insignia
Accessories: Type II Phaser, Communicator, Tricorder, and a mini plush Tribble
Edition Size: 300 pieces of each character (numbered on foot)

Packaging

All of the three characters are packaged in the same box. It features the Star Trek logo as well as a plastic window cut out similar to the Starfleet insignia. On the rear of the packaging, you can read a little background information on the line as well as a list of the three characters.

Our Opinion

I find the Star Trek films entertaining, but I definitely wouldn't consider myself a Trekkie. Saying that – or at least writing it – I have to admit that this might just be my favorite Insurgents Wilderness Gruppo series. It features the three most popular IWG characters: Titus as Captain Kirk; Affonso as Commander Spock; Hannibal as - I'm guessing - Lt. Commander Scott.

The quality of the IWG Starfleet Series has taken a step up from some of the recent IWG offerings. Each figure includes a detailed Phaser, Communicator (although it doesn't actually open), Tricorder and a plush Tribble. Each character comes with a different color Tribble: Affonso – white; Hannibal – gray; Titus – brown.

The shirts feel like they're made of Spandex. They have a Velcro strip along the back so that you can remove the shirt, if you're so inclined. Each shirt features a plastic Starfleet Insignia on it. This is the only place where I've come across an issue with these figures. The insignia is glued on the shirt, and on two of the three, they've actually started falling off the shirts. I'm not sure if I'll need to superglue them in place, but it's worth noting.

OVERALL: I feel like this is a big coup for Rocket World. They were able to get ahold of the Star Trek license, which I'm guessing isn't the easiest thing to do – especially for a small designer toy company. But then they created a series of really fun toys that really benefited from that license.

From the figures to the accessories to the clothes to the little plush Tribbles...Star Trek and Insurgents Wilderness Gruppo fans will be extremely pleased with the way the IWG Starfleet Series turned out.

You can pick one up at the following:

RocketWorld.org: $50.00 ea.

IWG Starfleet Series Grades

Figure Quality: 9/10
Sculpt: 9/10
Paint: 8/10
Accessories/Outfit: 8/10
Packaging: 8/10
Durability: 8/10
Fun Factor: 9/10
Value: 8/10

Captain Titus: 9.2/10
Commander Affonso: 9.3/10
Lt. Commander Hannibal: 9.1/10

SDCC10: Rocket World Booth

A mainstay in the "Cultyard" at San Diego Comic Con, Rocket World again had a rather impressive setup. With the release of the new Star Trek IWG vinyl figures, which was selling quickly, Rocket World brought some otherwise non-IWG collectors into the fray. They also had artist Lana Crooks covered in Yeti fur as she sewed up a number of amazing plush IWG characters.

Booth Favorite: Star Trek IWG Series
I'm not even a huge Star Trek fan, and somehow these are my favorite version of the core Insurgents Wilderness Gruppo trio released. They just look like a perfect match.

VIEW THE BOOTH PHOTO GALLERY HERE

Rocket World’s Sun Tzu Panda Auction

Rocket World will be auctioning off this handmade, one-of-a-kind Sun Tzu plush (from artist Lana Crooks) at SDCC. They're hoping to raise a ton of funds for the World Wildlife Fund and exceed the panda's retail price ($450).

The 16" tall (sitting) plush features bamboo fiber and bamboo batting, hand dyed sheep's wool, wooden eyes, 100% cotton thread and Ecospun felt (made from recycled plastic bottles).

The silent auction starts on Wednesday July 21st at 6PM and ends on Saturday July 24th at 7PM. The winner will be contacted by Sunday July 25th. The bidding begins at $100 and bids will be made in increments of $50.

Starfleet IWG Series

Rocket World is traveling where no man has gone before! And we're lucky enough to get our first look at their Starfleet IWG Series. This lineup combines your favorite Insurgents Wilderness Gruppo characters with your favorite Star Trek characters.

Each 7.5" figure comes with their very own phaser, tricorder, communicator and furry tribble. These are each limited to a numbered run of 300 pieces, retailing for $50.00 each. But there will be a special SDCC price of $100 when all three figures are bought as a set at Comic Con.

Star Trek Star Fleet IWG Series

The folks at Rocket World have revealed the complete sketches of their upcoming Star Trek Star Fleet IWG Series. Hopefully we'll get to see some production shots before they are released at SD Comic Con 2010.

Star Fleet IWG

Well, it appears that the Star Trek inspired Star Fleet IWG series will be released at San Diego Comic Con 2010. Patrick - from Rocket World - posted up this teaser image of the figure design...well, maybe 1/3 of the design. (We can see the majority of the phaser.) I'm just wondering who will become Spock...???

Lana Crooks’ Handmade Titus

Even though these have already sold out, I thought we'd show you the handmade limited edition Titus plush from artist Lana Crooks. These were made available by Rocket World in a limited run of three plushies (each one running $300). Here's to hoping that more of these will be made available in the near future.

REVIEW: Titus Plush

Background

Rocket World has released their first production run plush. Based on the original – and arguably most popular – Insurgents Wilderness Gruppo member, the Titus Plush landed with a roar (err…a snarl). There was a treasure hunt that started right here on Plastic and Plush, and ended with a shot at receiving a prize of a plush Titus. Now, the limited edition plush (plus human skull) is available for all IWG fans to place alongside their vinyl collection.

The Facts  

Titus Plush
Series: Insurgent Wilderness Gruppo (IWG)
Manufacturer: Rocket World
Artist: Patrick Ma
Material: Plush
Dimensions: 17.5” feet to ears (13.5” seated)
Accessories: Removable plush skull
Edition Size: 1,000 pieces

Tag

The plush has a very simple tag, which features the Rocket World logo. It’s tied around Titus’ neck with a red ribbon.

Our Opinion

The plush resembles Titus from the IWG Baby Cubs line. I know…the Baby Cub and regular edition Titus are the same bear character. But the head on the plush is not in scale to the body (head – 9” and body – 8.5”).

One of the first things you notice about the Titus plush is the size of his head. He actually needs to sit with his chin resting on the removable plush skull to stop it from flopping around. There’s no support in the plush’s neck, so that’s the best way to display Titus.

The plush skull is held in place using Velcro attached to the Titus’ hands and the sides of the skull. The stitching work on the white cranium is great. The eyes, nostrils and spaces between the teeth are embroidered. The way they formed the cheekbones is very impressive. The only thing I don’t like is that they put one rough piece and one soft piece of Velcro on the skull. I would have preferred having both rough pieces on the skull, since Titus is cuddlier (and no one wants to be scratched).

Rocket World did a great job transferring Titus from illustration to vinyl to plush. He’s got the pink belly button and ears, plastic eyes and nose (one eye is smaller than the other), and the single tooth exposed thanks to a slight underbite.

Overall, the quality of the plush is great. It’s super soft (although the skull is quite solid), and there’s a lot of complex stitching (Titus’ mouth and the skull) that are superbly done. I’m just hoping that Rocket World continues producing plush versions of some of the more popular IWG characters.

You can pick one up at the following:

Rocket World: $24.99 ea.

Titus Plush Grades

Plush Quality: 9/10
Stitching: 10/10
Material: 8/10
Softness: 9/10
Packaging/Tag: 6/10
Cuteness: 9/10
Fun Factor: 8/10
Value: 9/10

Overall: 9.2/10

What do you rate this figure?

Big Rocket World Sale – This Weekend

Rocket World - whose website is currently undergoing system upgrades - is having a big sale this weekend. Here's the kicker -> You'll have to place your online sales through email by sending a message to sales@rocketworld.org.

Here are the details:

50% off all toys including the new Titus Plush
30% off sterling silver jewelry

This promotion is ONLY for this weekend. It ends on Sunday December 13th 2009 at midnight. They're also having a holiday season sale where you can take 15% off the total of one RW purchase (ends January 1st). One use only.

1 2 3 … 12 previous posts