Phanatic of the Month Showdown
September marks the halfway point in the release of The Phanatic of the Month, Second Series. Despite the general collector apathy that has followed the second edition, I have personally felt that in many ways, it is far superior to the premier set. With that in mind, I thought it would be interesting to compare how the first six-months of each edition matches up:
April –
1st Edition: The first of the line, I think the “Easter Phanatic” caught a lot of collectors off-guard. Perfect in its simplicity, the bobble head ignited an excitement that followed the entire series, making the Majestic Store the-place-to-be on the first of each month. A classic!
2nd Edition: “Moving Day” introduced collectors to the Series Two theme and stuck pretty close to the book cover that inspired it. I think it easily is nicer than many of the bobble heads in the first series, but it’s in a no-win situation here.
Round Winner: 1st Edition, “Easter Phanatic”
May –
1st Edition: “Mother’s Day” elicited a groan from me (a red “Mom” sweater?). Not the worst in the series, but uninspired to say the least.
2nd Edition: “Phanatic Birthday” spotlights how the second series bobbles bring the stories to life. Of course, the inclusion of Phoebe gets this one some bonus points – but, why is she so small?
Round Winner: 2nd Edition, “Phanatic Birthday”
June –
1st Edition: “Golfing Phanatic” celebrated father’s all over the Delaware Valley, cool design with “classic” golf attire – complete with red/white checkered knickers. The problem with the creative is the general “miss” of the first series, the theme was too broad. Dad doesn’t equal golf to everyone.
2nd Edition: “Super Phanatic” was the book I personally most looked forward to seeing. Again, well executed in design, and true to both the book character and overall series theme.
Round Winner: 2nd Edition, “Super Phanatic”
July –
1st Edition: My love for “Independence Day Phanatic” lies in the details: Uncle Sam hat, American flag and fireworks. I’m a sucker for patriotism (I guess)…
2nd Edition: So, they hit the mark twice in July(s)… “Phanatic Phranklin” not only embodies the series theme, but is timely in that the story it represents fits in the release month.
Round Winner: (By the tip of tri-corner hat), 2nd Edition, “Phanatic Phranklin”
August –
1st Edition: “Surfin’ Phanatic” is really eye-catching. The (almost) translucent blue wave that supports the mascot figurine pops when you see this bobble in-person. Nailed the design, no doubt…
2nd Edition: It might be lack of familiarity with the book which the inspired “Musical Phanatic” that left me indifferent, but either way,