Hey, this is my 100th post! And for a topic, I have chosen:
WACKY PACKAGES
Did any of you collect these back in the day? From about 7 to 9 years of age, I thought these were the greatest. I found the artwork fascinating, though even as a kid, I had to admit that the humor was often lacking. It didn't matter to me. These were a blast to collect, and to stick in odd places where they would irritate my Mom. (This and MAD Magazine were her big nemeses during my childhood.)
Anyhow, at Target this afternoon, I saw that Wacky Packages are back, and I bought a few packs. They are spoofing much more up-to-date products now. I am the proud owner of stickers for:
SNORITO'S - "chips so boring they'll put you to sleep"
GOODBYE KITTY - rotting plush doll
FINAL STEP EXPLODING CAT LITTER
PIG NEWTONS - Pork chop cookies
GHOUL WHIP - haunted topping
and my favorite
MARSHMALLOW CREEPS - juvenile delinquent marshmallow chicks (They're in a little yellow box from the "Born Bad' candy company.)
Okay, the jokes are still pretty rotten, but these are fun. Looking at them creates an interesting effect of "recognition." ("Oh! It's PEEPS!" But it's not.) In a strange way, these cards remind me of how ingrained and iconic packaging is, and how much we love consumer goods. These dumb parodies are a tribute to the success of whoever designed and promoted the original products. They're also just slightly subversive, in a thoroughly non-threatening way. (Much like MAD used to be.)
I may have to pick up a few more packs just for giggles.
See 'em for yourself. Treat your inner ten year old.