EXCLUSIVE : Official Nyan Cat Toys From JAKKS Pacific This Fall

Warning.  If you have a weak heart or are just prone to say AWWWW at every picture of a cat, I warn you now.  Turn back.  This post is not for you.  It involves cats AND rainbows.

You have been warned. (nyannyannyannyannyan….)

Yes, that is Nyan cat.  And, yes, that is Nyan cat in all of its plush goodness.  And, these toys are official.  This ain’t someones Etsy account.

So, what’s the deal?

If you’re not familiar with Nyan cat, I’m sorry to have to be the one to say that yes … you are out of the loop.  Nyan Cat was the 5th most watched YouTube video of 2011, won a Webby Award for Meme of the Year in 2012, and has been on the big screen and in cahoots with companies such as Nike, Vitamin Water, Back to the Future, and Sprint.  See?  Nyan’s kinda a big thing.  It’s ok.  You can tell everyone you knew about it.  Think of that splash of info as the crib sheet.  Print it out for reference.

JAKKS Pacific will be releasing a series of toys and collectables based on the creation of Chris Torres of LOL Comics fame.  There is a wide array of awesome stuff on the way (see the photos starring Marty the cat, the original inspiration for Nyan Cat) that will be released.  Chris was kind enough to talk to us about the upcoming lineup and share some personal pictures of the prototypes that you won’t see anywhere else.

One question that I had to ask to satisfy the needs of a hardcore fan was how the original Nyan Cat would be handled.  Will Kellogg’s hop on board and ride the rainbow?  Perhaps.  Only time will tell. But, for now, he is a much simpler kitty that’s quickly changed pop culture as we know it.  Well, one with a Japanese song and a rainbow shooting out the backside.  But, I digress…

The other burning point of interest is of course that famous Nyan song.  Will it be included?  I’m happy to report that yes, it will.  These cats will sing!  Push on the plush and be entertained by snippets of the song that challenges people to stick with it by “Nyaning“.  And, best of all, it’s all as you would hope – fully licensed and blessed.

The expected release date of the first wave of Nyan Cat toys is late Fall of 2012.

When I asked Chris what he sees for the future of Nyan Cat,  he hopes for the it to be “the retro 8-bit, yet new, Hello Kitty”.

I think it is already well on its way clocking in at over 76 million views on YouTube.

And, let it be known, under the licensing agreement, JAKKS Pacific has the worldwide rights to manufacture, distribute and market Nyan Cat inspired toys, games, playthings, novelties, plush, key chains, costumes and party supplies, such as the products pictured.  This legalese is a great indication LOTS more is to come!

JAKKS seems to get the license too.  Case in point, the press release :

Which one(s) will you be picking up and why? Let us know in the comments!