Retronauts Episode 270: Video Game Apparel
Added 2019-12-30 08:01:00 +0000 UTCSince the dawn of the medium, humans across the globe dreamed of wearing video game representation on their bodies—a practice that's only become commonplace in recent years. We've come a long way since the days of too-large or too-small pre-order t-shirts as the rare video game wearable, to the point where just about any character or logo can be found emblazoned on a well-fitted shirt, hat, or the odd pair of parachute pants. On this episode of Retronauts, special guest Nina Matsumoto of Fangamer joins us to talk about her career designing video game apparel, and to also help us trace the poorly documented history of the subject.
Comments
My first vg shirt was a green 1-up shirt. I have no idea if I even still have it anymore.
Dr Strange Blood
2020-01-20 00:15:44 +0000 UTCI have a few old art style Nintendo shirts that came out in the last few years. For example, got one with the original Donkey Kong arcade cabinet designs on it. Didn't realize Nina did that manga Simpsons story. I remember liking that issue. That Illusion of Gaia is the first game apparel that I remember having along with a promotional shirt for Super Mario RPG I got around the same time. I really dont remember anything before that (mostly because I was a bigger child who didn't fit into a lot of kids clothes...)
Patrick McClafferty
2020-01-08 20:31:26 +0000 UTCI think the first video game shirt I ever got was a Super Mario Sunshine t-shirt that was sold in a Nintendo Power magazine. The magazine also sold a Mario plushie with FLUDD on his back alongside the shirt which I also bought!
2020-01-08 08:38:38 +0000 UTCSo glad Jeremy mentioned the illustration of gaia shirt. i remember having it and thinking it was a pack in but also thinking that couldn’t be right because it was so weird. that was the first bit of apparel that i can remember, but i definitely had mario and zelda bed sheets before that.
Scott Rothman
2020-01-06 00:25:33 +0000 UTCProbably making use of that t-shirt folding machine.
littleterr0r
2020-01-04 09:41:15 +0000 UTCI was hiding in the back!
Bob Mackey
2020-01-04 09:32:05 +0000 UTCI had a lot of Nintendo merch during the 80s (lunch box, backpack, sheets, calendars, figures, etc.) so at least Mario and Zelda stuff wasn't hard to find. Also, I have the Demon's Crest shirt and my girlfriend has the Silent Hill one so it seems that our tastes aline well with Nina's. I remember talking to Nina at the Fangamer booth at PAX. If only I had know that Bob was there at some point to harass as well.
littleterr0r
2020-01-04 04:25:03 +0000 UTCI would love it if Nintendo reaches out to someone for an officially licensed Sin & Punishment shirt. That would probably be one of the most obscure gaming shirts.
K-S-O
2019-12-31 03:08:31 +0000 UTCThat cover art makes me giggle, but also makes me feel like it could actually happen.
Normallyretro
2019-12-30 17:33:01 +0000 UTCI got the "Illusion of Gaia" game and t-shirt! I'm certain that was my first, in 1994. I was 12 years old, so it was too big for me, but I loved it. My best friend had it too, so we were pretty pretty cool.
Christopher Hughes
2019-12-30 16:08:12 +0000 UTCI still love my portal2 shirt I got as a gamestop reward
2019-12-30 14:13:15 +0000 UTCNina's designs are amazing! Her Samurai Shodown V shirt is one I wear all the time!
Grant Baxter
2019-12-30 13:34:11 +0000 UTC
