The Flying Rat Effect

KAWS’ Companion is one of the most iconic figures created by the artist Brian Donnelly, known as KAWS. The Companion character features a cartoon-like figure with a skull-shaped head, crossed-out eyes, and gloved hands, resembling classic animation characters but with a distinct melancholic and introspective expression. Since its debut in the late 1990s, Companion has been released in various forms, including vinyl toys, large-scale sculptures, and limited-edition collaborations. The character is often depicted in different poses, such as covering its face in distress, reclining, floating, or standing tall, reflecting themes of isolation, vulnerability, and contemplation. Strangecat Toys is a designer toy store based in Tampa, Florida, specializing in urban vinyl toys, art toys, customs, plush toys, and more. Owned and operated by a husband and wife team, the store offers a curated selection of collectibles from both established and emerging artists. The physical store is located at 4338 S Manhattan Ave, Tampa, Florida 33611 ZROPRO who also goes by the moniker “Zero” or "Z" is a Brooklyn-based artist whose work focuses on graphic design, illustration, mural, and product design. “Z” is known for creating the character “PJ the Pigeon” in 2008. PJ is an anthropomorphized cartoon pigeon representing the everyday person living in the big city mixed in with pop culture references along with humor and wits. PJ is young at heart, sarcastic, and loves getting into random misadventures and shenanigans.