Brainbox Candy has just become a whole lot funnier, becoming the distributor for Modern Toss’ range of greeting cards and gifts. The Brainbox Candy x Modern Toss collaboration is being christened at the Spring Fair (which runs until Thursday 7 Feb, NEC) with Modern Toss products being on show on the Brainbox stand (Hall 3 Stand T19). While initially it will be Modern Toss’ finished products that will be distributed by Brainbox Candy as time goes on the Modern Toss cards and gifts will be produced under licence by Brainbox.
With a cult following for its edgy observations on life and distinctive styling, Modern Toss features the work of the Brighton-based company’s co-founders Jon Link and Mick Bunnage, who started the business in 2004.
In 2014 a Kickstarter campaign for their 10th anniversary book ‘A Decade in the Shithouse’ became the UK’s second biggest ever comic crowdfunding success, exceeding their target within 48 hours of going live. The book, now in its third reprint has been described by the Guardian as a ‘contemporary cartoon classic’. Their work features regularly in The Guardian, Private Eye, New Scientist and The Sunday Times Style Magazine.
This latest distribution development came about when Jon and Mick contacted Brainbox’s co-founders, Ben Hickman and Mark Williams to see if they would be interested in become the exclusive distributor for the cards and gifts.
“As massive fans of their work, it was a resounding yes from us,” said Brainbox’s Mark Williams.
The Modern Toss creators are working on some exciting new creative projects, so the tie-up makes a lot of sense; allowing them more time to focus on the creative side of the business.
In a no-nonsense announcement about the Brainbox Candy x Modern Toss collaboration, Jon and Mick said: “Modern Toss is very pleased to announce that our extensive greeting card and nik-nak portfolio will be re-housed within the excellent Brainbox Candy stable. We are looking forward to pumping out more stuff with them very soon.”
As the ink only dried on the deal just before Spring Fair, for the next couple of weeks Modern Toss will be dispatching orders until the stock is transferred to Brainbox’s facilities.
Famed for its surprising twists on its greeting cards, Modern Toss went in another unexpected direction last summer – into craft beer! Brewed in Arundel, among its offer is a beer entitled Horse Piss is ‘a smooth, pale craft lager made using the best German malt, hops and yeast’. There were a few cans of the said beer being shared on the Brainbox Candy stand to ‘wet the baby’s head’ to welcome the new addition to the family!
Top: Brainbox Candy chaps, Ben Hickman (left) and Mark Williams on their stand at the Spring Fair.
