The new vinyl figure, Aku Dreamgazers, was launched on 15 November 2024 by former MLB player Micah Drew Johnson. The vinyl figure is the result of an exclusive collaboration between Johnson and the MLB. To purchase the Aku Dodgers Dreamgazer, you can head to the EQL platform and make an entry to buy. The entry system ensures that everyone who enters gets a fair opportunity to add Aku to their collection.
Aku Dreamgazer is listed on the EQL platform for $199.00, along with an $8.96 run fair fee if you win. To level the playing field, you are only allowed to make one entry per person.
The launch is exclusive to in-person entries, and you get a higher chance of purchasing if you verify your location.
The story of the Aku Dreamgazer
Johnson, when asked about the beginnings of Aku Dreamgazer, says that Aku is a "response to a young kid's question, if astronauts can be Black." He began to paint kids in astronaut helmets after being asked this question.
With the creation of Aku Dreamgazer, Johnson believes that
"Aku has a way to reach a wider audience than my paintings could." Johnson said.
The vinyl figure is seen to be sporting a white Dodgers uniform with an astronaut helmet. Johnson has specifically designed Aku to be a black vinyl figure as "a physical reminder to never stop chasing audacious dreams."
The vinyl figure will be available in three sizes: collectible (20 cm), life-size (76 cm), and monumental (152 cm).
Why the name "Aku Dreamgazer" for the vinyl figure?
The name for Aku comes from the position the vinyl figure is sitting in with his head up to the sky. According to Johnson,
"... the position of the figure, looking up at the stars, symbolizes something all dreamers do, gaze into the distance and envision their future."
Who is "Aku Dreamgazer" for? Who is the target audience?
Johnson answers that Aku is made for everyone out there who is always dreaming big. The purpose of the Dreamgazers as "a new age collectible is to inspire anyone with big dreams." Johnson adds that the main concept behind creating Aku is to
"inspire and empower people to believe in themselves."
There is more to the story; Johnson elaborates that there is also a collaboration with Penguin Random House for a kids' book. They have donated almost 6,000 Aku backpacks to children all over the country, and this was done by collaborating with global brands.
How does Aku Dreamgazer inspire the American and international youth?
Johnson is a man of action and not just words. He says,
"We make a conscious effort to not just talk about empowering kids but showing up in their lives."
This can be seen behind the backpack initiative. Johnson, along with other global brands, has donated high-end backpacks that he designed to children all over the country. These backpacks are filled with school supplies and artist-grade colored pencils. This, in his opinion, is their pledge to support the aspirations of the coming generation.
What's next for Aku Dreamgazer and Micah Johnson?
Questions have been brewing about whether the vinyl figure of Aku Dreamgazer will be released as an NFT, to which Johnson responded by saying that Aku was actually released as an NFT. He was awarded the NFT Artist of the Year in 2020 and has been building Aku's world bit by bit.
The story of Aku actually began with Aku Chapters. They were the first story-driven NFTs, and Johnson used them like digital comics to further branch out Aku's story.
In addition to this limited-edition release, Johnson has also been working with Astro Boy. They have created the very first Astro Boy with the mission to push representation and inspire children to dream. The Astro Boy vinyl figure will also launch on the EQL platform.
On top of that, Johnson mentions that there are a number of other brands and artists he will be collaborating with and that 2025 is a year to look out for.
Trending
The launch for the limited-edition vinyl figure, Aku Dodgers Dreamgazer, ends in less than a day. Make sure you head to the EQL platform and place your entry before it ends so you have a chance to add this collectible to your shelves. Make sure you watch out for new launches and collabs from Micah Johnson x Aku.
Reply
