Before Rappin’ Max Robot became the star of the world’s first Hip-Hop comic book, he was a head drawn in chalk throughout the streets of New York by a young Eric Orr, bringing together Orr’s passion for comics, robots, and sci-fi imagery. Orr’s friend and collaborator, Keith Haring, coined the phrase “robot head” to refer to this visual, and as the character’s look evolved, he was given a proper name: Rappin’ Max Robot (MAX being an acronym for Maximum Audio Xperience).
Orr’s graphic skill soon led to partnerships with various Hip-Hop artists, developing logos, art, and designs that helped define the look of the culture; Orr was not a musician himself, but found a creative home alongside MCs and DJs. In 1986, while working at Strong City Records with friends Jazzy Jay and Rocky Bucano, Orr brought together these twin passions and self-published a comic book featuring Max: written entirely in verse, with the robot as the rapper. Distributing the comic himself, Orr quickly sold out the initial print run of 500 copies, and followed up this success with a trio of “special edition” issues.
Years later, with the help of Pop Culture Historian / Curator Patrick A. Reed and Cornell University, Rappin’ Max Robot was recognized as the first Hip-Hop comic and a significant piece of American cultural history.
This 9” designer vinyl figure captures the iconic cover art featuring Rappin’ Max in his signature stance. Complete with arched back, tilted head, and crossed arms, Max drips with B-Boy attitude. While the original figure art was printed in black and white, the colors Orr selected represent his vision of classic sci-fi silver with fluorescent orange highlights and light blue faded lenses. This limited-edition collectible also features a poseable head and antennas. Max also comes with a stylized boom-box to listen to his favorite rappers. The specialty hat-style package is adorned with images from the comic as well as Orr’s famous robot heads.
Let’s Be Onyx is proud to debut its first project, the first-ever designer art toy based on the world’s first-ever Hip-Hop comic, Eric Orr’s Rappin’ Max Robot!
RAPPIN’ MAX ROBOT FEATURES
9” tall vinyl figure
Signature b-boy stance
Poseable head and antennas
Boom-box accessory
Specialty packaging with art by Eric Orr
Regular price $84.99 USD
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