ABAO x Unbox: SpongeBob DEDE

If you’ve been in the designer-toy world for more than five minutes, you already know that whenever ABAO and Unbox Industries drop something together, it’s worth paying attention. But this time? They’ve gone full Bikini Bottom.

Let’s talk about the newly released SpongeBob DEDE, a quirky mash-up of ABAO’s beloved DEDE character and everyone’s favorite porous yellow fry cook. It’s the kind of collab you didn’t see coming but immediately makes sense once you lay eyes on it.

So… SpongeBob DEDE?

Absolutely. DEDE, with its signature spider-baby charm, already has a unique presence. Add in SpongeBob’s bright, cheerful personality — expressed through a little SpongeBob hat perched right on top — and suddenly you’ve got a figure that’s equal parts cute, weird, and irresistibly collectible.

This is the kind of crossover that feels like it came straight from a designer-toy daydream.

What You’re Getting

Here are the details collectors actually care about:

🔹Height: Roughly 5 inches, making it shelf-friendly but still eye-catching.

🔹Material: Soft vinyl with ABAO’s signature hand-finished detailing. You can feel the craftsmanship.

🔹Packaging: Classic sofubi style — header card + polybag. Clean, simple, collectible.

🔹Availability: It’s already live on the Unbox Industries store, so if you want one… you know what to do.

Why This Collab Works So Well

1. It’s an unexpected pairing — in the best way.

DEDE’s slightly eerie cuteness paired with SpongeBob’s optimistic charm creates a design that stands out without trying too hard. It’s playful, but still very much a designer piece.

2. The craftsmanship is real.

Unbox Industries always delivers quality, and ABAO’s sculpting style translates beautifully into soft vinyl. It’s the kind of figure you pick up, turn around a few times, and appreciate.

3. It appeals to both worlds.

SpongeBob fans get something special and artistically reimagined. Designer-toy fans get a licensed piece that still feels true to ABAO’s creative identity. It’s a win-win.

4. It has that “future grail” vibe.

You know those collabs that seem a little quirky at launch but become highly sought after later? This feels like one of those.

My Take as a Collector

I’ll be honest — I love when artists reinterpret big pop-culture icons in ways that feel new instead of gimmicky. And SpongeBob DEDE hits the mark perfectly. It’s playful, it’s unusual, and it has that “Why does this work so well?” energy that makes a design memorable.

If you enjoy collectibles that spark conversations (or confused smiles), this one definitely belongs on your shelf.

Final Thoughts

The ABAO x Unbox Industries SpongeBob DEDE is one of those collaborations that blends art, nostalgia, and just a touch of weirdness — and that’s exactly why it works. Whether you’re a DEDE fan, a SpongeBob fan, or just someone who appreciates creative, well-made vinyl figures, this release is worth checking out.

If you’re considering picking one up, I wouldn’t wait