In early 2015, I wrote a blog on Remco Toys, emphasizing their 9″ monster toys of the early 80’s (see original piece HERE). This piece was also our introduction to artist Kris Mobley, a fan of these toys with the plan of immortalizing them in art form. Later in the year he introduced to the world the first in the series, an art print of the Creature From The Black Lagoon (see piece HERE). Kris is now back to announce the 2nd print in the series is almost ready to go. This time he is offering up Dracula.

This coming October, toy collectors will get the opportunity to sink their teeth into Kris Mobley’s second installment of his Classic Toy Portrait Series. Mobley revisits the toy aisle from the early 1980s with his pencil artwork.

Kris’s muses are REMCO’s Universal Studios Monsters. His most recent model from the 9-inch figure toy line is Dracula. REMCO’s toy monsters caught the artist’s interest as a kid, and as an adult he took this passion to paper. The first piece in his series of 8-by-10-inch limited edition prints was of the Creature from the Black Lagoon. Soon after its completion, an audience emerged piqued by these peculiar portraits.

Mobley describes his experience with this fanged antagonist: “As an artist, I expected Dracula to be a tough character to take on, even as a toy. There is a lot (and all kinds) of history in him—much of it bad. Still, there is a surprising amount of fun to be had with him as seen in any number of send-ups and spoofs of the fiend. The deluxe Remco figure almost embodies both ways of thinking about him: a child’s plaything with blood on its chin—a fascinating tension. As it turned out, I had a great time on the drawing!”

Dracula has a complex past, and Mobley’s awareness of this comes through in his work. Buyers will receive their signed giclee print and information sheet about the vintage toy in a uniquely designed envelope. Yet the monster toy tribute doesn’t end with the storied vampire. Frankenstein, The Mummy, The Wolf Man, and The Phantom of the Opera will join Mobley’s monsters and complete his Classic Toy Portrait Series.

Mobley has a diverse academic history in which he ultimately received his BA from Herron School of Art and Graphic Design. Kris’s site, Gray White Graphite Art, is available to view and order his work while also supplying more information on his background.

The Daves are very excited about this second edition and will post a follow up here when this amazing print is ready to be ordered!

~David Albaugh