Anyone who is a fan of the Uglydoll craze probably knows that there is a love story at the root of the Uglydoll story. Creators David Horvath and Sun-Min Kim were separated by thousands of miles (David in the United States and Sun-Min in Korea) after spending several years together in college. David would say in contact with Sun-Min through letters, and drew one of his artistic creations at the bottom of one (now known as the Uglydoll named Wage). Sun-Min later brought the character to life by sewing the first plush Uglydoll and sending it to David as a Christmas present. And that is how the Uglydoll craze was born. David and Sun-Min still are still busy creating new Uglydolls and plan on getting married in 2005.

I must admit that I have been a fan of Uglydolls for a while, so this review might be somewhat biased. I also appreciate how they helped make plush dolls “cool” to collect again. I also had the pleasure to chat with David Horvath over the computer and tell him how I really enjoyed his artwork (and it’s 3-D counterpart). However, I think David probably thought I was a stalker and now there’s that whole restraining order thing (just kidding).

I received two Uglydoll characters (Wage and Target). Wage is the “original” Uglydoll, being that he was the first plush creation from Sun-Min. The story says, “Wage is a hard worker, just like (me)!” I guess they don’t know me! Wage wears an apron because he works at the local Super Mart. Each Uglydoll character does include a small bio (this helps give each character it’s own identity).

Target is the elder statesman among the Uglydolls. You can tell because he has more teeth (determines age) and he also has body hair. I just thought Target might have hit puberty early, but Target’s bio definitely does state that he is the oldest and wisest among the Uglydolls.

Currently there are nine total Uglydoll characters, with more in development. Also in development is an Uglydoll cartoon, looking to hit television in the fall of 2005. So with the success of Uglydolls and impending nuptials, I would say that those love letters were probably the most important things David Horvath ever written.

Overall grade 9.5/10


I told you that there might be some biasness since I had already bought the Uglydoll named Ice Bat and I talked to David Horvath about how I was a fan of his artwork. Uglydolls, as well as plush lines like Shawnimals, have really helped bring plush toy collecting mainstream. I am a fan of any toy that is just “fun” to look at, and I think that Sun-Min Kim’s 3-D rendition of David Horvath’s artwork holds true to form. The toys are well constructed and both children and adults alike can appreciate their uniqueness.