Goodbye, Pikachu--Hello, Domo-kun!

By Lev Grossman

Product Domo-kun

How It Started A Japanese spokes-toon took on a life of its own

Judgment Who could resist that face?

He hatched from an egg, he lives with a rabbit, and he can't seem to close his mouth--say konichiwa to Domo-kun! He began life as an innocent, bumbling monster in a series of ads for a Japanese TV network, but Domo-kun has transcended those humble origins to become a cult icon among American hipsters. What's the appeal? With his vicious fangs and sad button eyes, Domo-kun is tough, yet vulnerable. Kind of like Harrison Ford, if Harrison Ford were a small, feral Teletubby. So far, Domo-kun dolls are a prized rarity Stateside, but you can catch his TV spots online at drew.corrupt.net/domo.html --By Lev Grossman