The Melancholy Death Of Oyster Boy & Other Stories

Ever since, I think, Edward Scissorhands, I've been a huge fan of Tim Burton. Ofcourse I came to know him through his movies (and -oh well- some will say it's because of Johnny Depp, and hey, there are worse things, not?), but later I got acquainted with his other work. His early homemade movies, his poetry and drawings and his passion about anything beyond the normal.
A really fine example is his book 'The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy & Other Stories':


It's a book containing 23 poems written by himself, and also illustrated by himself. Every poem is about one of the 20 characters featured in it. And it's truly great. Ofcourse the whole she-bang turned into merchandise, but it's so cute and adorable. I went out of my way to collect them all, but I finally did it.
Below: Oysterboy himself, Robot Boy and The Girl With Many Eyes


Stain Boy, Junk Girl and Roy the Toxic Boy


Match Girl, Jimmy the Hideous Penguin Boy and Stick Boy


The Pin Cushion Queen, Mummy Boy and Staring Girl


The Boy With Nails In His Eyes, Voodoo Girl and Brie Boy


All these figurines came as a trio in a fairly normal box, except for Voodoo Girl which came in a larger box accompanied by a hardcovered version of the book. And Stick Boy and Match Girl, who stupid as may be are in love, came as a pair in a huge matchbox.


As you may see above, the whole set is covered under the name 'Tim Burton's Tragic Toys For Girls And Boys'...
The Pin Cushion Queen graces a journal, with pins that light up if you push a button.


I do not own everything merchandised, for example Mr. S owns the large version of Roy The Toxic Boy, which really looks toxic. On the www there is ofcourse much to be found about these tragic toys. Tim Burton's own site for example.
And on that very site you'll find 6 swell flashcartoons where Stain Boy headlines, and where most of the above characters play a supporting role. Check them out!
Stain Boy and Staring Girl ('Why?' one asks)
Stain Boy and Roy The Toxic Boy (my favourite, watch that little doggie at the end)
Stain Boy and the Giant Bowling Ball (not featured in the book)
Stain Boy and Robot Boy (Poor moussie)
Stain Boy and Match Girl (Eat this Jessica Rabbit!)
Stain Boy's Past (lots of characters!)