Welcome to the June 2002 issue of the "Smurfy News," a free e-mail newsletter delivered to over 1,937 Smurf lovers! Welcome to our new subscribers! If you know a Smurf fan who might enjoy the Smurfy News, please forward this e-mail to them. To subscribe, unsubscribe, or edit your profile, please visit www.esmurfs.com and enter you e-mail address in the Smurfy News subscription form, or see the bottom of this e-mail. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Here The News is again - just a hair's breath shy of the end of the month, right on time! lol We start off with back-in-stock listings, and the Mailbag, as usual... A few odds and ends after that, take a look :) And of course, the Give-a-Way - you can't win it if you're not in it! Check it out and be sure to enter! Keep sending in your Smurfy e-mail, I answer it all; it is always welcome and great to hear from you! Let's get on with the newsletter... -Pete www.eSmurfs.com =-=-=-=-= CONTENTS =-=-=-=-= 1) NEW IN THE SMURF SHOP 2) FROM THE MAILBAG 3) A SMURF SONG 4) COMMUNIST SMURFS - A LEAD? 5) THE SMURFS: A PRIMER 6) THE S.A. CLUB CHECKS IN 7) SMURFY NEWS GIVE-A-WAY =============================================== -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 1) NEW IN THE SMURF SHOP -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Here are the back-in-stock (previously out of stock) listings this month: 20021 Sleepwalker (yellow) 20023 Rock 'n Roll (red) [Markings: CE, West Germany] 20037 Doctor (Ina) [Markings: West Germany] 20073 Cook 20074 King (raw) [Markings: West Germany, Bully] 20078 Beer [Markings: CE, Germany, black paint dot] 20082 Shy (Ina) [Markings: West Germany] 20104 Pirate [Markings: CE, West Germany] 20138 Haymaker (Yellow) 40240 Smurf in Bed 40261 Smurf on vacation 40263 Smurf with laptop 40264 Wild in a leaf car 40601 Gargamel's Lab 40602 Smurfette's Bedroom 40603 Western (new box) 40623 Drum 40712 School 49027 Gargamel's Castle (new colors) 51912 Smurfette w/ candycane Smurfling Sticker REMEMBER - www.eSmurfs.com sells Mint condition only! We do not sell rubbed or damaged Smurfs. If you are looking for those, you must look elsewhere! Click here to see the back-in-stock listings for this month: http://search.cartserver.com/search/search.cgi?cartid=a-6296&category=Smurfs&maxhits=20&keywords=new0602&bool=AND AOL Click Here! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 2) FROM THE MAILBAG =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- "Thank you for the quick deliverance. There is a problem with one the supersmurfs I ordered and received. 40239 "Artist with easel" This should be smurf 20089 with a red instead of an orange penseltip. The box that I received contained the easel and painting in perfect order but was accompanied by smurf 20045 with the yellow penseltip. What can we do about this? -Tony, Netherlands" --- Tony, I must say this is very odd! I went straight to my stockroom to investigate and have about 10 of these on hand, all Factory Mint with the tape intact. I began cutting the tape and opening boxes and all I found were 20089 with red tip, as there should be. Then I opened the last one and found the same thing!! 20045 with the easel and painting! This is strange; the boxes were factory sealed! These are obviously in as-made condition - perhaps an error. Unfortunately, now that we have broken the tape, there is no proving our story! All of my "normal" boxes are sealed with clear tape reading "CE". The oddball was stamped CE on the box (not part of the usual labeling, it is an add-on) and the tape is transparent clear with no marking. Otherwise the boxes are identical, save for the contents. If you would like to return it, that is no problem of course. Please just ship it back to the address on the invoice with the order # (from your invoice). I will send a replacement, and refund your return postage. I do apologize for the inconvenience. Please do not hesitate to let me know if you need my help with anything! [PS READERS: Tony sent the Smurf back and it went right into my collection as a "variation!" I talked to other dealers and found at least one other who has found the same thing!] ===== "Pete, I've put some of my musical Smurfs on my school's web site. The kids (a new generation) are getting hooked. Pictures appear on the home - calendar - homework and bandwagon pages. Check it out when you a time. Thanks -Len" --- How cute! Keep up the good work Len! I never miss an opportunity to expose kids to Smurfs, and they always love them! ===== "I was looking through the 2001 collectors book/catalogue (the one with the other figures in it to as well as the current range of smurfs) and noticed they'd done a close-up on the volleyball smurf on which the words 'Schleich' were clearly visible on the back on the ball (in the same lettering as it says beach volleyball on the front). However, when I looked at my smurf it didn't have the word 'Schleich' on the back. Do your smurfs have 'Schleich' on the back or was that specially done for the catalogue/an idea dropped in mass production? -Helen" --- No, my pieces do not say 'Schleich' on the ball. My guess is that a prototype was used for the catalog image. This has happened several times before, driving collectors crazy as they search for the nonexistent "variation." The images appearing in catalogs as well as on boxes (Supers, play sets, etc.) do not always depict an existing Smurf. If any of you readers *DO* have "Schleich" on the ball, I believe you have a real prize! If anyone does have this marking, please let me know! ===== "The smurfs are not on Cartoon Network anymore. - Nancy" --- Nancy! Don't scare me like that! The Smurfs schedule at Cartoon Network has changed, but they are still on! They usually appear in the early morning, 5AM on the East coast. To find out what shows are coming soon, visit www.cartoonnetwork.com and click on "TV Schedule" at the top of the screen. If you don't see the Smurfs on the schedule that comes up, try browsing through the next few days. When you find it, click "See All Showings" for a table displaying all of the upcoming Smurfs episodes. I see that the AstroSmurf will air July 23, at 5AM. If you can't find them by browsing, try looking up the July 23 schedule and you will see this episode. Then click the "See All Showings" for a full list. If 5AM is too early for you, better fire up those VCR's! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 3) A SMURF SONG =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Artist Arnie Sykes has released a song called "Smurfin' Blue" on his debut album "TV Junkie." Check out the lyrics, reprinted here with Arnie's permission (the Chorus is sung to the tune of "The Smurf Song" from the NBC cartoon): G'nap G'nap G'nap G'nap G'nap G'nap G'nap G'nap G'nap G'nap G'nap G'nap G'nap G'nap G'nap G'nap G'nap G'nap G'nap G'nap G'nap G'nap I searched the entire Smurf Village For a special someone In a village of 100 Smurfs You were the only female one You were a Painter Smurf and a Poet Smurf You dabbled in a thing or two And like a purple fly biting my tail I instantly felt something for you Such a Sweety Smurf you were to me You were always by my side But I soon became a Weakling Smurf Cause my feelings I would hide We could've been two Smurfs in Harmony Living very Smurfy lives But I messed it up being a Greedy Smurf And now I feel real small, three apples high (Chorus) You you you you you you You got me Smufin' blue I love you, yes it's true But I don't know what to do (I'm singin') You you you you you you You got me Smurfin' blue Why I am so filled with doubt Brainy Smurf, can you help me out G'nap G'nap G'nap G'nap G'nap G'nap G'nap G'nap G'nap Now I'm sitting in my mushroom house Thinking how did I get In a situation where I feel love But still lost my Smurfette Was it because I was a Lazy Smurf And showed no interest at all Or maybe cause I was a Snappy Smurf And didn't let it come Natural Whatever reason, I was a Clumsy Smurf And messed up something so well And while she was as sweet as a Smurfberry I was meaner than Gargamel, or Azrael If I weren't such a Scaredy Smurf Our love could've been Handy Now I'm a Nobody Smurf, livin' all alone My heart is feeling Hefty, cause she left me (Chorus) I was such a Vanity Smurf Did not appreciate her feelings Now I want to settle down, be a Papa Smurf And have our own Smurflings But for now, that will just be a dream Thoughts that I'll be wishin' For in a village of 100 Smurfs There will always be some competition Another Smurf has come along It looks like I've been replaced I'm a Grouchy Smurf, cause it feels like A present blowing up in my face Next time with love, I won't be a Timid Smurf Give it all for what it's worth But too late, I've been caught by Gargamel And he's makin' Soup a la Smurf, I'm burning up (Chorus to fade) You can visit www.arniesykes.com for a 30 second MP3 clip, and to buy the album. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 4) COMMUNIST SMURFS - A LEAD? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- I have been tinkering here and there with trying to identify the source of the "Smurfs are Communists" theory. In the last Smurfy News, I published an article written by Eric Lott in spring, 1995 for a speech class and published on his personal web page ("The Smurfs as a Paradigm for Communist Society," now featured at the eSmurfs.com Article Archive). I soon received an unsigned e-mail stating "There's a movie called Slacker or Loser from late 80's early 90's wherein a character express his belief that papa smurf/the smurfs is communist and/or Hindu influenced to enslave kids to communist thinking." Well, I went right to Amazon.com and found the movie; "Slacker," a 1991 film. A few days later, it arrived - The box says Slacker "...is a wickedly funny social satire...a fascinating series of rambling vignettes sprinkled with would-be philosophers, musicians, anti-artists, filmmakers, conspiracy buffs, UFO enthusiasts, anarchists, street people, crazies and just plain lazies." My wife and I sat through the fascinating film (and I am being *very* sarcastic here!). Basically, it is a string of theories put forth by various downwardly mobile losers, and I was disappointed to learn they only speak of a theory in which Smurfs "pave the way" for children's eventual acceptance of Hinduism - No mention of Communists. (Something about the color Blue?) It does however give me some insight into the Communist theory. In short, I suspect it is much like the many street-level theories put forth in this movie. A bunch of baloney dreamed up and put forth by people with far too much time on their hands and/or no life with no substance to back it up but a lot of coincidences! In any case, I do still desire to identify early examples of this theory in the media - If anyone is aware of references in print or other media, please drop me a line! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 5) THE SMURFS: A PRIMER =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- A reporter asked me last year if I would help with some research she was doing for an article. I wrote this short piece for her, but never heard if her article was ever published. I am reprinting my contribution here, and archiving it in the eSmurfs.com Article Archive "When most Americans think of the Smurfs, they think of the 80's. It comes as quite a surprise when they learn that the Smurfs are over 40 years old and are still very much a part of children's lives just about everywhere *except* in the United States! The Smurfs were created by Pierre Culliford (1928-1992), a Belgian artist from Brussels who went by the nickname "Peyo." They made their debut in a 1958 cartoon and were an instant hit. The first molded PVC figurines appeared in 1965, and are still being made today by the Schleich Co. in Germany. Smurf figurines first appeared in the UK in 1978 when National Gas used them to promote service stations. A year later, they made their U.S. debut. After observing his daughter's fascination with the little blue figurines, NBC president Fred Silverman bought the rights to the Smurfs and turned them into one of the most successful cartoons ever. The first episode aired September 12, 1981 and was the first introduction to the Smurf characters for many American children. Soon the craze was in full swing and Smurf merchandise flourished. Most popular of all were the Schleich PVC figurines. By 1989 the series was losing steam. In an attempt to save the nearly decade-old show, the producers had the Smurfs leaving Smurf Village to visit various times and locations. Fans were not pleased! The show was cancelled after that season, ending August 25, 1990. Smurfs disappeared from American culture even as they continued to delight children and adults elsewhere around the world. Ten years later these now-grown children of the 80's discovered the Internet, and with it they learned that the Smurfs had not disappeared as they had thought - they were still being made! Smurf collecting, always a popular hobby outside the US, has enjoyed increasing popularity here in the US. Prices for Mint figurines run from $4-$5 for current production figurines to several hundred dollars for the rarest promotional figurines which were produced in limited quantities for short periods. Recently, three Smurf PVC prototypes were sold on eBay Germany for approximately $2,500, $2,585 and $2,687, setting new records for Smurf figurines! The premier Internet resource for Smurf collectors is www.eSmurfs.com " The eSmurfs.com Article Archive is located at: http://www.esmurfs.com/smurfs-library.html AOL Click Here! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 6) THE S.A. CLUB CHECKS IN =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Here is a reprint of a letter received from Quintin, founder of the South African Smurf Club! "Dearest Pete Greetings from a usually warm and sunny South Africa, but today it is as cold as it can get. Perfect weather for watching a movie at home under a warm blanket, with a cup of hot chocolate in the one hand and a box of Wispers (chocolate coated shortbread) in the other. Unfortunately some of us have to work. Thank you ever so much for the Smurfy Newsletter (as usual). Last time I wrote to you, I mentioned how difficult it is to get Smurfs in South Africa. Since then my luck has changed - drastically. A very special lady from our SA Smurf club pulled some strings and the new 2002 Smurfestra arrived in South Africa. Of cause I was right there in front of the queue and got all twelve of them. As Pat mentioned in your last newsletter, it definitely brought back some memories. On a previous occasion you asked that we must write to you and tell you which is our favorite of the lot. I can truly say: "I 'sommer' love all of them." ('Sommer' is an Afrikaans expression some South Africans use just because, e.g. It just 'sommer' makes me smile or I just 'sommer' do it for fun.) Now if that wasn't exciting enough I have to mention that I ordered Gargamel's house and that it will be delivered very soon. Most probably when your next newsletter is published I would have received it. I went to an antique shop a week or so ago and guess what I found . . . two McDonald Smurfs (Brainy and Grouchy). I was so excited that I could hardly contain myself. I was smiling all the way, the whole day. Please let me know what other Smurfs there are in the McDonalds series. I've heard from a source that the Smurfs McDonald series won't be making it to South Africa - in much dismay. I've got another question before I have to go (work is waiting you know). Smurf codes 40244 and 40251 were never used - why? A hopefully warmer good bye next time. Quintin" --- Schleich apparently had no order in mind when they issued their figurines and Super Smurfs. Early releases jumped all over the place numerically - it is only in recent years that they have begun to go back and fill in the holes. As for the McDonald's series, please visit www.esmurfs.com and enter "mcdonalds" into the search field. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 7) SMURFY NEWS GIVE-A-WAY =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Here are last month's winners! Congratulations Joe Thurber, IV of Cumberland, RI! You won the 20501 Paul Revere Smurf! Congratulations Stevin Azo of NY, NY! You won the "Runner Up" prize - a "dealer only" Smurf sticker sheet! For the June Give-a-Way, I have a cool pair to complement the hot weather we have here in New York! First is 20137 Surfboard and the second is 20053 Ice-Lolly - but wait, there's more! :) The Ice Lolly is the rare BLUE ice-cream variation! I will pick 2 winners, one for each. Enter by completing this secret entry form for Smurfy News subscribers ONLY!! Let me know which you prefer if you win! http://www.esmurfs.com/smurfs-contest.html AOL Click Here Winners are announced at the eSmurfs Bulletin Board - if you win, your prize automatically ships, so you don't have to check the board to see if you won, but it's a good idea to visit and add the board to your favorites anyway, it's a great place to visit to see what's new in the world of Smurf Collecting - New messages and new info every day! Be sure to check it out now and catch up if you have not visited in a while: http://www.esmurfs.com/cgi-local/forum2/dcboard.cgi?az=lobby AOL Click Here! =-=-=-=-=-= 7) CLOSING =-=-=-=-=-= Just a note as we close...June 3rd marks the third anniversary of establishing eSmurfs.com! We always have been very dependant on the community of Smurf collectors. Your informational reports have become the fabric of eSmurfs.com as well as of the Smurfy News - keep them coming! Smurf Collectors around the world come to eSmurfs to get the latest news and info - your reports are appreciated by all who share them through this newsletter, through the website, and through the daily posts at the eSmurfs.com bulletin boards. Keep up the great work! I am happy to lend a hand and do my part to spread what I learn, but I could not do it without the support of hundreds of friends everywhere - Thank You all! -Pete www.eSmurfs.com =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- THE SMALL PRINT =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- This newsletter is (C) 2002 eSmurfs.com, All right reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole, or in part, without the express written consent of eSmurfs.com. The contents of this newsletter do not necessarily reflect the opinions of eSmurfs.com. eSmurfs.com makes no warranties, either expressed or implied, about the truth or accuracy of the contents or information provided by the sponsors or by the writers. Use info contained herein at your own risk. The "Smurfy News" is a FREE e-mail newsletter published for your enjoyment every month by your friends at eSmurfs.com (www.esmurfs.com) Joining or leaving the list is voluntary, we do not spam! eSmurfs.com carries the full range of current production Smurf products by Schleich as well as much of the retired line and many other Smurf collectibles. If you enjoy this newsletter, please help support us with a purchase - Smurfs make great gifts! SHARING IS CARING!! Share what you know and learn with other Smurf collectors by submitting information, news, articles, stories and anything Smurf-related to eSmurfs.com - just hit reply now! We collect and disseminate information the world over to keep Smurf collectors united and having a Smurfy good time! The Smurf character is a registered trademark of Studio Peyo - License I.M.P.S. eSmurfs.com is a collector resource and retail Smurf shop only, it is not affiliated with I.M.P.S. or Peyo. For information on licensing the Smurfs name and/or character, contact I.M.P.S. at rue du Cerf 85, Genval 1332, Belgium