With the Christmas Season upon us, the pop-culture consciousness focuses squarely on the toy industry. For many of us, however, toys are always a hot topic - and comic artist Evan Dorkin is one of “us.” 
   “I’ve always loved toys,” commented Dorkin in a telephone interview from his New York home. “When I was a kid I made models and took them apart, combined pieces to make spaceships. They’ve always been a big part of my life.” 
   Dorkin, best known as the creator of the Milk and Cheese comics, is currently working on three toy projects, one of which is slated for completion in only a few weeks. Dorkin and his wife, fellow artist Sarah Dyer, are collaborating on a Munny  figure for the Holiday Heroes charity event. This unique designer toy event involves a host of talents from the comics industry, all of whom are free to create to their hearts content. The resulting figures will be up for auction on eBay starting December 13, with proceeds benefiting Toys For Tots. 
   “First we wanted to make a figure that served a purpose,” says Dorkin of the work in progress. “We thought of cutting the head in two and designing an inkwell to fit inside, like an art tool.” With the deadline looming, however, plans are being streamlined and other options are being considered. “I have an idea for a mummy, with some painted designs and accessories that can be seen through the wrapping. Or maybe I’ll just dip the whole thing in chocolate. That’s actually kind of appealing.” (Editor's note: Evan clarifies in his blog that the mummy idea actually came from Sarah, so FieldsEdge wants to also give that credit where it's due.)
   Dorkin is a fan of designer toys and has kept up with the industry. “I have sort-of-a collection along some of the shelves in my home. I have a Tara McPhersonDunny; I like Tim Biskup’s designs; I’m a sucker for this stuff.”
   Another project he is working on is a figure for the Badger line. “They’re paper toys,” he explains, “and I’m giving that a try with some designs I have in mind.” The easy-to-assemble paper figures are a kind-of mass produced origami and come with a picture badge that is used for the head. 
   Finally, Dorkin is making his dynamic dairy duo into full-fledged three-dimensional designs for a 2007 debut. “The Milk and Cheese figures have been in the works for a while,” he said. “We went through several stages and the sculpts are just incredible.” 
   Dorkin is extremely happy with the final designs, sculpted by Mitch Martinez. The production versions will have moveable arms and legs and, of course, accessories. “The accessories are fun, there’s a board with a nail and a broken gin bottle. I think we’ll have to do without blood splatters, they didn’t read very well when we tried them out.”
   Seeing his two-dimensional offspring reborn in toy form was an experience Dorkin won’t soon forget, nor was the first time he laid eyes on the sculpts. “I spent so many years seeing them in 2-D, and there they were in 3-D. I thought I was drunk.”