 Essentials for your Usuki Collection
by kailey_kitty1995
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The Usuki is a classic collection of Neopets, starting off as simple dolls for Neopets to play with. However, its surge in popularity gave rise to an expansion of the collection to encompass more than just dolls. It grew to feature classic Neopian characters and heroes, display cases and dollhouses to house them, cut-out sets and vehicles, merchandise such as school supplies, posters, candy, coins, cards, and of course, books to catalogue and celebrate our now beloved expansive collections. The list is endless. The Usuki line is dear to many Neopians' hearts, so a precelebration of this beloved toy before the Y28 Usukicon is definitely in order, and hopefully this article can incite a sense of nostalgia for when we first started playing with and collecting these Usuki items, bringing some joy and warmth to our inner child.  Cheerleader Usuki Reject An unfortunate accident at the factory resulted in a small number of Cheerleader Usukis being manufactured incorrectly. The dolls were stamped with a disappointed expression meant for another line. Their silk tails were frayed and frazzled, no matter how much the caring collector might try to brush them back to health. Most notably, they also carried one too many pompoms in one too many arms. The mistake was quickly rectified, meaning those released onto the market would become exceedingly rare. Many Usuki enthusiasts found charm in their imperfection and "tri-poms," as they were lovingly nicknamed, became the talk of Usukicons everywhere. Collectors to this day scour dusty Usukiland shelves for any dolls marked Batch 101056-A, the affected run. To venture beyond Usuki’s usual perfection and obtain one of these unique dolls is the mark of a true fan.  Mayor Thumburt Usuki Arriving on the heels of his sudden disappearance and presumed relinquishing of his mayoral title, demand for Thumburt Usuki dolls was more than anyone could have anticipated. The mystery surrounding his sudden departure from Neovia added an air of intrigue around these dolls that enthusiasts couldn't get enough of. The shelves were cleared within hours of the first launch. They're still quite rare and expensive even over a decade after their initial release. It isn't hard to see why they've stood the test of time. With a striking green coat, detailed Neovian-style attire, and atypical gruff design, this piece stands out on the shelf of any collector. It's a true must-have for fans of gloomy Neovia and Usukis alike. Known superfan Lawyerbot has expressed concerns about using Usuki Corp. using the Mayor's likeness without permission if he were ever to return, so be sure to grab one before the inevitable cease and desist!    Usuki Gum A pack of gum might not be what comes to mind when you think of collectibles, but that's exactly what makes this piece of Usuki memorabilia so essential! Most pets and owners will chew through an entire pack without a second thought, leaving nothing to display. This piece of Usuki merch is often sadly overlooked, even some veteran fans dismiss it! Those with an eye for detail will recognise its worth, though. The beautifully rendered package art that features everyone's favourite, Magical Hair Usuki, is just begging to be a part of your collection or gallery. With four variants to find, you'll be spending a lot of time in Neopia Central's Chocolate Factory in hopes they hit the shelves, but that's never a bad thing! In a brilliant move by Usuki Corp., this gum is packed with so many preservatives it will last on display indefinitely. You'll never have to worry about it going off or needing to be replaced.  Usukicon Souvenir Bow Since the beginning of Usukicon, one of the most sought after pieces of merchandise has been the Gift Bags. Convention goers love obtaining one such bag and rummaging through the little surprises inside for cute gifts to commemorate another successful year of the event alongside other hobbyists with similar Usuki obsessions. It was in the Y7 Gift Bag that this neat little souvenir bow was found. At first it seems like a very unassuming prize, possibly even one that gets thrown into the depths of SDBs, but this bow actually has great utility and versatility. You can put it on your blouse as a fine embellishment for more significant events, not too overt but still showcasing your love for the Usuki collection. Or perhaps in the top corner of a picture frame, where a photo of you and your friends at a con from years past sits, decorating that memory. Got a pinboard? It serves the same purpose there too, adding an extra touch to your collection of pins if your interests have since moved along, a little reminder that the Usuki will always be a dearly beloved collection of yours.  Usuki Dollhouse Foreground Where should one place their Usuki dolls? You could place them on well manicured shelves or in boxes, as any dedicated collector would. But these dolls serve more than just for showcasing purposes, they're toys meant to be played with (gently, of course, like brushing their hair or having them sit around sipping tea at a make believe High Tea gathering, we're still cultured after all). The place to host all these Usuki Doll activities requires a pink, fantastical, and luxurious multistory dollhouse! It comes equipped with all the living space your Usukis need, whether that's watching TV, getting a restful sleep, sneaking in a catch up nap on the lounge, gathering at the dining table for the aforementioned tea, or heading up to the top level balcony to watch a beautiful sunset hang over a chill afternoon. Whatever the occasion, the Usuki Dollhouse featured in this foreground is a must have, a classic piece for any Usuki collection.  Usuki Dream Car Many dollhouses now come with a garage, but the vehicle to go inside it is sold separately, so what must you do? Obtain the Usuki Dream Car to fit right into that garage, of course! It's the tool your Usukis need for their modern living. How else are they getting to their daily activities, whether that's running their own business, hitting the gym, volunteering at a community garden, or teaching an evening statistics class? Your imagination is the only limit for your Usukis on the go, so the dream car is 100% a must! Vroom vroom, a busy Usuki is coming through!  Twisted Roses Fan Usuki Bobblehead Not every Usuki collector dreams of glamorous dollhouses and tea parties. Some live for the roar of the crowd and the excitement of a sold out concert. That’s where the Twisted Roses Fan Usuki Bobblehead comes in. Released inside the Usukicon Y24 Goodie Bag to celebrate one of Neopia’s iconic rock bands. Many collectors initially overlooked this unique collectible, however it became a fan favorite to appreciate the crossover between Usuki collecting and Neopian music. This piece adds a splash of personality that stands out from the more traditional dolls. Whether you’re a lifelong Twisted Roses fan or simply enjoy the more unusual corners of the Usuki collection, this bobblehead is a delightful reminder that Usukis can celebrate every hobby and fandom in Neopia.  Whether you have hundreds of Usukis on your shelves or maybe you’re just starting your collection with your first Usuki doll, each one has a story. Some remind us of exciting Usukicon adventures, others of your favorite Neopets characters, and many just bring back memories of afternoons spent imagining neverending adventures with these dolls. Each collector has their own favorites and there are endless Usuki pieces that couldn’t all fit on one list. Perhaps the must have for you is a rare doll, a cute accessory, or a unique piece of merchandise that you hold close to your heart. That’s what makes collecting Usukis so much fun. As Usukicon draws near once again, dust off your collection, admire all of the pieces you’ve collected over the years and maybe hunt down one or two new additions for your shelves. After all, the best collections aren’t measured by how many you own, but the memories and joy they’ve brought along the way. Happy collecting and enjoy Y28 Usukicon!
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