In Uglydoll: Goin' Places, Babo, Ice-Bat, Ox, Wage, Jeero and their pals rocket into space for blueberry pie, sail the high seas in search of a golden cookie, visit the Old West, where a candy heist happens, and unleash their imaginations in a library.
Goin' Places is the first comic book adventure featuring the lovable characters from Uglydoll, which began with handmade plush toys and has since grown into an extensive line of licensed products and a global brand. David Horvath and Sun-Min Kim, the Los Angeles husband-and-wife duo that founded Uglydoll, give each of their unusual-looking characters its own history and personality traits--like Babo, who is obsessed with cookies, and Jeero, who doesn't pay taxes.
"We see the toys and products as storytelling vehicles," Horvath said. "So you can imagine how thrilled we are now that we are watching the Uglydoll comics released in our neighborhood comic shop. This is the first time you're truly reading a narrative about the characters in their own world… in the Uglyverse."
Since its launch more than a decade ago, Uglydoll has won admirers of all ages. Even fans who weren't previously comic book readers are journeying into the Uglyverse in Goin' Places, SHHHHHHHH! and the forthcoming Eat Dat! (January).
"The thing that impresses the heck out of me is how devoted so many people are to Uglydoll. There are fans who know every single character and every variant," noted Travis Nichols, an author and illustrator, one of many people who worked on the books. Horvath and Kim also wrote and illustrated some of the stories and created the cover art for each volume.
In the world Horvath and Kim have created--where characters can have three eyes or four legs--ugly means unusual and different. "The title Uglydoll is confusing to some at first because they are not ugly, they are cute--just different looking, like me and you," explained Horvath. The Uglydoll characters represent nonconformity and accepting who you are. "They'd like to help you be you. Or you just be you with no help, and please bring candy. They love you, and also candy."