Inky Merch (Preview)

Across every table was a collection of said merchandise. It came in all sizes and shapes from replicas to toys to badges, stickers, props, and other various knick-knacks one could imagine. They all had the same black and white (and gray) aesthetic and had such a curious, unique flatness while also simultaneously 3D, just like Emmi.

It was clear to any fan of Fortnite who would take a casual glance. It was indeed all of the Inkville Gang set in real life.

“Wow!” Danielle quietly said, looking at a model of Whale Sailer. “It looked like it came straight out of the game!” The camerawoman stepped closer, getting a shot of the host with the little toy.

Emmi grinned, her tail wagging harder. “It's all thanks to Happy Feeling Co.’s special technology and innovations. We are the only non-toon owned company that is able to work with toon ink, the most malleable, adjustable, and imaginative substance on Earth!

“Toon ink was used to make these collectibles as authentic and close to the game as possible. Only its unique properties are capable of capturing the style and appearance of the Inkville Gang collection for obvious reasons. As such, the results will please fans of Fortnite, toon admirers, and many other demographics. Plenty of “gloved” mitts will want to get all over these babies for sure!”

Danielle nodded, still looking quite awed by the items on display. “I bet! These are incredible collectibles.” She picked up one of the Propeller Perries and felt it. “It's thick but feels so light and smooth.” She checked her hands. “No ink stains either.”

“Well of course no stains!” Emmi explained, “Everything has been dried and molded into a solid, non-liquid form by our special, careful scientists and toon builders. No one is gonna need to wash their hands after holding their new merch!”

Danielle nodded again and turned to the camerawoman. “Make sure to get some shots of everything for b-roll or references. Everyone's gonna want to see what's here.”

The camerawoman nodded and started walking around the tables. “You don't mind, do you?” Danielle asked the toon.

“Oh not at all! Film as much as you want! I'm sure your fans are gonna wanna see everything we have coming soon!” Emmi stated. She began going on about preorders, the launch date for the first wave of products, and the potential future of meeting up with the Cuphead and Bendy developers next.

Danielle listened politely, tracing the tables in the opposite direction from her partner and looking at what was on offer. Emmi followed a bit behind, continuing to explain every little detail she could.

Then, just as she was getting to discuss the pricing, Emmi stopped her spiel. Danielle had suddenly stopped. The young woman was standing before one of the middle tables in front of the collection of physical Toona Cans. Like the other items, they looked exactly like they did in the game, but with one exception. The lids were sealed instead of open like the Back Bling was.

“Wait… did you see that?” the podcaster said, her voice quieter and confused.

She began to point and Emmi, and the camerawoman too as she soon joined the two, looked. One of the cans appeared to be shaking. It was subtle, something anyone would easily miss with a casual glance. However, one of them was shaking.

And it only shook more once and far less subtly once they were all looking at it, like it was responding to their attention.

Danielle looked at Emmi, the camera turning to her as well. “What's up with that?”

Emmi looked at the can for a little bit longer before turning to Danielle. The expression on the toon's face was the first time she showed something other than confidence. “Umm…” She cleared her throat and scratched at the back of her head. “Well, toon ink can be a tad unstable at times and can react strangely when molded into certain products and kept in one form.

“However, such things will be corrected for the full product launch this winter! I assure you that these things won't be shak-”

SPLUUUUUUUUUURRRRRT! The lid on the tin can burst open and thick, goopy toon ink sprayed out like a geyser at an angle. It missed the camerawoman and Emmi herself stepped back at the last second.

However, Danielle was not as lucky. The inky mess hit her straight in the face. It seemed to fully wrap around her head, dripping down her torso. The room was filled with gasps and cries of shock, people who were cautiously approaching before stepping back quickly.