Skeleanimals

**Howlatthemoon** · 09-12-2009,06:07 AM

I've seen them mentioned in some posts. But what is so special about them? I do know that Target has them this year.

**Jack Reaper** · 09-12-2009,06:27 AM

Not sure if they are special so much as they are different.....human skeletons have always been around for decor...

**Si-cotik** · 09-12-2009,07:04 AM

Hot Topic sells the plush skelanimals a lot but look here...Skelanimals | My Heart For Yours -

**The Real Joker** · 09-12-2009,08:12 AM

Yes, Target is having them as our annual Halloween Mascots - I don't get it either, and I work there - LOL

Last year was the Japanese charater "Domo" and I did'nt get that one either -

Here's a Target video featuring the Skeleanimals

YouTube - Keep the Party Alive with Skelanimals @ Target

**Zombie Machairodont** · 09-12-2009,08:55 AM

Well, during the early 90's at least, and perhaps before or after that, Target used to latch onto a rather cuddly character and made that a theme for Christmas. While I was still little and don't remember all of the themes, I do recall a Velveteen Rabbit year and at least one (maybe two) Lamb Chop (Shari Lewis's lamb puppet) years. They always seemed to have plushies of these themes, and really tried to milk the theme as best they could.

With that in mind, I think someone high in the ranks decided to try this again, but with Halloween. But not only can they offer toys and other trinkets with the character's likeness, but they can now make all sorts of candies to go with the theme, too. Now, I didn't get the Domo thing either (nor am I inclined to become a fan), but the skeleanimals provide a spooky quality that goes nicely with Halloween and, as they have been popular elsewhere like Hot Topic, may bring in old and new fans of the brand and help sell items for Target. Basically, they are a "crossover" toy in regards to interests: they are cute and they are just a tad spooky, which means they may appeal to a wider demographic. Personally, I really do like the design of the large plushies, and since I had missed out on getting the original black and white cat a few years back, I plan on snagging one. Now, I have to figure out if I'm willing to add some nice saber teeth to that kitty and make it an undead Machairodont in need of cuddling...

**savagehaunter** · 09-12-2009,09:21 AM

cool idea. We need creepy critters everywhere!

**mementomori** · 09-12-2009,10:17 AM

They are so adorable, I want one!

**the dogman** · 09-12-2009,12:23 PM

Well I know the skeleanimals tend to be widely popular among the tween crowd, and many in the 18+ age group find them to be cute as well.

Its pretty much a fad, making cute things slightly "creepy". The Hot Topic connection is not surprising, at least to me. Give it a year or so and they will be carrying some other hot item that are popular with the "disposable income" crowd... if that even exists in a few years...

As for Domo, that is a Japanese thing. Here the first link that came up in a Google search about it.
Domo-kun / Domokun FAQ