Mondo’s Hector Arce Talks New ‘Over the Garden Wall’ Figure Set

As a fan of the beloved animated series "Over the Garden Wall," Mondo’s Director of Creative and Product Development Hector Arce discussed the creation of the show’s new figure set. The series, known for its unique miniseries format and cult following, has inspired Mondo to create collectible figures, which have become a hit with fans.

The first two sets in the series have already been released, and a third is now available for pre-order, with a release expected next year. Each set is themed to a chapter of the show, featuring characters that appear to have stepped out of the TV and onto the fan’s shelf. These figures, part of Mondo's Mondo Squads line, have received widespread praise for their quality and design.

Arce noted that Mondo's love for the show and Patrick McHale’s characters led to the creation of these figures. The company's passion for the series, evident in their earlier release of the original soundtrack, informed the decision to bring these characters to life in a collectible format. McHale, while not directly involved in the creative process, has been supportive.

One standout feature of these sets is the inclusion of new accessories that can be added to existing figures. This allows fans to upgrade their collection and includes fun Easter egg accessories, such as swappable "Potatoes and Molasses" arms for Greg in the Chapter 3 set. The turtle, a recurring character in the series, was considered for inclusion but ultimately not added, leaving the door open for its potential return.

The challenge in creating the Chapter 3 set, "Schooltown Follies," lay in deciding which characters to include. The team had to choose between various animal characters, leading to a back-and-forth process. They also listened to feedback from fans, who pushed for the inclusion of Ms. Langtree, the class teacher, which they ultimately agreed to add.

Excitement builds for the next set, themed "Songs of the Dark Tavern." While Fred the horse won’t be featured in this set, the Highwayman, a fan favorite, will be brought to life by Mondo. With 10 chapters in "Over the Garden Wall," there's much more to come from this unique collaboration. Arce expressed his joy at the community's engagement with these figures, praising how they're displayed and the unique perspectives they bring to celebrating the story as a whole.