BE@RBRICK Series 17 Cute "Crayon" [PLUSheads] (100%)

Some Bearbricks look as if they came out of a design studio; this one looks as if it came out of a child's bedroom, and that is exactly where its charm lies. In Series 17 from 2008, the model enriches the Cute category with a design reminiscent of wax crayon on white paper. Behind the design is PLUSheads, and the result is a figure that transfers the carefree strokes of a drawing child onto the iconic bear body.

The base is a matt white finish that looks like a blank sheet of drawing paper. Scrawly motifs in bold colours are spread across it: turquoise clouds drift over the head, ear and arm, and an orange sun shines on the chest. A red train with blue windows rolls across the upper body on brown tracks that continue over the left arm. A red heart frames one eye and a black scribbled blotch the other; beneath them sits a wavy mouth that gives the face a mischievous yet shy expression. The right ear glows in speckled pink, one leg wears dark blue with white speckles, the other colourful flowers with green stems. The bright yellow right arm with white stripes looks like a crayon itself.

As a Random Pattern model, the figure bears a printed art motif that stretches freely across all body parts and leaves no surface unused. In the classic 100% format at around 7 cm tall, this single Bearbrick is handy, richly detailed and a charming representative of an early series that is now only rarely found in shops.

If you like figures that spread good cheer and bring back memories of your own childhood, this model belongs in your collection. It adds a cheerful splash of colour to your shelf amongst more austere designs and makes a wonderful gift for anyone who appreciates art with a wink.