Homies (toy): Difference between revisions

'''Homies''' are a series of 2-inch [[figurine]]s loosely based upon [[Chicano]] ([[Mexican American]]) characters in the life of artist [[David Gonzales]]. First created in [[1998]], these plastic figuerines were initially sold via [[vending machine]]s typically positioned in [[supermarket]]s, but quickly became collectibles among young children through teenagers.

The figures caused controversy after their initial release, as members of the [[Los Angeles, California|Los Angeles]] [[police]] department ([[LAPD]]), argued that the figures glorified gang life. Many stores stopped selling the toys after the LAPD complained.

Gonzales then created a story for each of the Homies' characters, each of which had a positive view of the characters. Some of them became former [[Prison|jail]]mates who went on to educate children about how to avoid jail, for example.

Mainstream stores, such as [[Walmart]], quickly returned the Homies to their stacks, and the toy branched out to include a line of [[Die-Cast car|die cast car]]s, among other things. By [[2005]], the Homies character line had women, as well as [[Filipino people|Filipino]], [[Japan]]ese and [[Puerto Rican]] characters. The Puerto Ricans, which total twelve of the Homies, are nicknamed "Los Boricuas". According to Gonzales, he has received order from countries in [[Europe]], [[South America]] and [[Africa]] as well to have characters representing people from those continents.

Homies have become a highly collectible item among fans of the line. Many imitation toys have hit the market after the success of Homies.

Homies also means friends.