Gauntlet Gallery — Ron English Print Index
Police Grin (Bone)
Summary
"Police Grin (Bone)" is a 10-inch vinyl toy from a Compound-released, Star Wars-themed collaboration between Ron English and Made By Monsters, produced in an edition of 350. It follows the sold-out "Ganja Grin" release, applying English's grinning-skull vocabulary to a stormtrooper-inspired form in a bone colorway.
Why It Matters
The Grin series translates English's skull motif into pop-culture-parody toys, and this Star Wars-themed entry taps a broad crossover audience. Distributed through Compound and following a sold-out predecessor, the release sits within a proven, high-demand toy line. The bone colorway is a specific, identifiable variant within that lineage.
Collector Perspective
At 350 pieces, this is a mid-sized toy run, and the Star Wars crossover widens its appeal beyond core English collectors. Condition on 10-inch vinyl figures centers on paint application and boxed completeness. Confirm the bone colorway and any Compound authentication; sold-out predecessors suggest steady collector interest across the Grin family.
Historical Context
Compound (the retail and release arm connected to English's toy output) issued a run of Grin figures parodying recognizable characters, from the marijuana-themed Ganja Grin to Star Wars-inspired forms. Made By Monsters handled fabrication. These late-2010s drops cemented the Grin skull as a repeatable, parody-driven toy franchise.
FAQ
What is this toy parodying?
A Star Wars-themed figure, applying English's Grin skull to a stormtrooper-inspired form.
How large is the edition?
An edition of 350 in the bone colorway.
How does it relate to Ganja Grin?
It follows the sold-out Ganja Grin release within the same Grin toy series.
Who released and made it?
Released via Compound, a collaboration between Ron English and Made By Monsters.
About the Artist
Ron English is an American contemporary artist born in 1959, widely regarded as a founding figure of the "POPaganda" movement, which fuses pop art with political and cultural satire. He is known for subverting corporate advertising and cultural icons, creating characters such as MC Supersized and the three-eyed "Temper Tot," and reimagining figures like Ronald McDonald and cartoon mascots. English has worked across billboards, canvas, murals, and collectible art toys, and his imagery has appeared in films and album covers. His work critiques consumerism, mass media, and branding through a bright, hyper-pop visual language.
Collecting Ron English at Gauntlet Gallery
Where should I begin with Ron English?
Signed, numbered screenprints and giclees featuring his signature characters are strong entry points, while hand-embellished editions and originals sit at the top. His art toys and figures also draw dedicated collectors. Gauntlet Gallery prioritizes clean, well-registered impressions with complete signing.
How is authenticity documented?
Ron English works are sold with documented studio provenance and the artist's signature and numbering. We photograph the exact piece you receive, including the signature and edition details, so you can confirm authenticity before purchase.
What drives Ron English's value?
Iconic characters, edition size, hand-embellishment, condition, and documented provenance are the main value drivers. Low-numbered, embellished, and original works consistently outperform open or larger editions.