The Obama Action Figure, released by Brooklyn-based Jailbreak Toys in 2008, took the toy world by storm, flying off shelves at huge retailers like Urban Outfitters and Borders, making appearances on the Conan O’Brien, The View, in People and Essence magazines, as well as inclusion in the National Museum of American History collection of Presidential memorabilia. Jailbreak Toys founder Jason Feinberg a.k.a. J*Rock had no idea during Obama’s early campaign that this designer toy would ever reach the level of success that it has.
“I came up with the idea to create the figure before the first Democratic Primaries,” said Feinberg whose first limited edition is now fetching up to seven times the retail price on eBay. “There was more than excitement surrounding Obama’s campaign, there was engagement and I wanted to find a way to support his message.”
As the Presidential Inauguration approaches, two new limited edition Obama Action Figures will be sold exclusively at JailbreakToys.com.
Breaking from the conservative dark suit of the original Obama Action Figure, J*Rock will be releasing the Limited Edition Inaugural Obama Action Figure in a funky, fresh and very shiny gold suit, while keeping the action figure Washington, DC-ready in a classic red tie.
An homage to famed artist Shepard Fairey’s prolific campaign posters, the Hope Obama Action Figure was created by Nelson X Ascensio for the ART + ACTION = OBAMA 08 exhibition in New York this past October. Ascensio was inspired by Fairey’s iconic red, white, and blue illustrated image of Barack Obama that so recently dotted countless shop windows, residential yards, and even Time Magazine’s Person of the Year 2008 cover. Shepard Fairey and Nelson X Ascensio, both allies of Jailbreak Toys, were pleased to grant permission to apply the design to the special Limited Edition Hope Obama Action Figure.
Going on sale January 12th at JailbreakToys.com, the 3,000 limited edition figures will undoubtedly sell out quickly. The 6” figures have eight points of articulation and are numbered and packaged in an illustrated window box. Sign up for the Jailbreak Toys newsletter to receive word of the
Jailbreak Toys founder, Jason Feinberg a.k.a. J*Rock, is available for interview to discuss the immediate success of the Obama Action Figure, the release of the two limited edition Obama Action Figures, and the entire Jailbreak Toys line. Media requests may be directed to Jenn Breckenridge of agitprop media group via email at jenn@agitpropmedia.com.
