Comic strip artist and pop-culture enthusiast David Willis has created this wonderful semi-autobiographical Web comic called Shortpacked!, about the daily adventures of a toy collector and his co-workers at a toy store. Only a true collector could identify with his obsession with toy hunts, case breakdowns, variations, distribution, articulation, paint applications, and free shelving…
The strip primarily focuses on a small group of core characters and their individual quirks:
But also features plenty of references to toy franchises of the ’80s, including Transformers:
G.I. Joe:
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles:
Star Wars:
Oh, and video games, too!
Modern sci-fi pop culture isn’t left out, mind you.
Anyone familiar with the new Battlestar: Galactica series can appreciate the truth of this strip!
If you have the time, I highly recommend starting from the beginning and following the whole story online, or better yet, purchase an old-fashioned print version! It’s a smart, funny, and addictive read for geeks like us. I haven’t enjoyed a Web comic this much since Non Stop Pop, and (apart from a one-shot Holiday Special) that one’s been on hiatus for over a year now…
