One of the earliest ideas that stuck when brainstorming for 'Twas Christmas Told The Merriest Tale, "The Bluff" was actually supposed to be part of "Fun & Games," but having so much going on at the same time was a little visually overwhelming. Between the vicious match of Hungry Hungry Hippos between Sock Monkey and T-Rex and the game of Tic-Tac-Toe that wasn't going to end well for Penguin, the characters in "The Bluff" would've been lost in the shuffle.
Inspired by my Mom's love of cards, I wanted a "quiet" scene-- away from all the chaos of the other toys and games-- to set a different tone, focusing on the more intimate moments with friends at Christmas.
One can only imagine what this bunch is B.S.-ing about.
The only player with a real card hand is The Diver, who is unbeatable. There were plans for more action figures (even original superheroes), but I didn't want them to take over the theme... so it was up to this lone Joe to kinda sum up ALL pocket-sized action heroes that I grew up with... for some reason, I was REALLY, REALLY into divers and deep sea exploration as a kid. Originally, Diver was going to be accompanied by an old school 60s Astronaut and Cowboy, but I didn't want to step on The Mouse's tail, so to speak.
My favorite little guys are Chattering Teeth (with the Joker, natch), and Lil Red Finger Puppet Thingee, who isn't even playing the right game...
