Mutant Cyclops Lucky Cat

The familiar ceramic sculpture of the Maneki Neko (招き猫, literally "Beckoning Cat," also known as Money Cat) seen in every sushi restaurant and noodle shop is one of the first folk icons I became acquainted with when I began studying Japanese culture in the '70s. The raised left paw is to bring customers, a raised right paw brings wealth and good luck. Unless it’s the other way around. This cyclopean spin on the traditional image is the product of the Real Head studio in Japan and is overwhelmingly cool! Supposedly only 25 vinyl pieces were produced. Come on! Every home needs one! Thanks to the good folks at Real Head and to SkullBrain for bringing this to light.

Link to Real Head; Link to SkullBrain

Happiness is a Pink Tentacle

There are so many wonderful posts on Pink Tentacle that parallel our own special interests! The highest compliment I can pay: I wish I had posted them myself. In recent days there have been excellent entries on Mermaid Mummies



and the discovery of a Kappa-related antiquity.