Year of the Rat: Rat Fink

Today marks the start of the Chinese New Year, so we’re exploring fanboy themes relating the Year of the Rat. Shown above is the cover to the book Rat Fink: The Art of Ed “Big Daddy” Roth. The character of Rat Fink was created back in 1963 by Ed “Big Daddy” Roth (1932 – 2001). Roth popularized the genre of “Monster Hot Rod” drawings inspired from the Kustom Kulture movement in California during the 60s. The popularity of his artwork lead Revell to create a series of plastic model kits based on his work. He was also a cool guy because he would always encourage fans to get in touch with him, even going as far to make sure his phone number was publicly published — which earns him the respect of this fanboy.

Here’s a trailer for the film Tales of the Rat Finkwhich is focused on the life of Ed “Big Daddy” Roth:

I also discovered this interesting animated music video by the Sadies which features Rat Fink: