I don’t know what took me so long, but I finally created an Instagram account for Top Hat Sasquatch. Instagram is my favoritist social network ever and I’ve been taking plenty of geeky photos on there for a couple years now. I figured it was time to set up an official THS account so I wouldn’t have to worry about my non-geek followers’ lack of interest in TMNT and action figures. Also, it’s a great way to find people with common interests, so hopefully it will bring some new readers over.

I think Instagram will be a fun place to host some contests for the site, too. A few months ago I posted a shot of a cartoon-inspired t-shirt I was wearing and asked people to guess the reference, and it spontaneously turned into this fun little game. I want to do that officially every once in a while and include some prizes. Also, it would be fun to do contests where you would have to post a photo and tag the site, and then I can post a gallery of entries here after it’s over. But trust me, there will be plenty of dorky pictures of toys too.

If you’re on Instagram give us a follow! I’d like to have the first contest in the next week or two, as soon as I figure out what it’s going to be.

As toy fans, there’s something magical about constructing dioramas. We arrange our precious collectibles in such a way to tell a story or simply showcase them. Often they’re done for our own enjoyment but all fans can appreciate the really elaborate creations. I used to think I had a knack for building such scenes. After stumbling upon the work of artist Bobby Sussman, I can easily say he’s a master at this toy-based specialty.

For almost a full year Bobby has been recreating the 1980 Star Wars film The Empire Strikes Back with action figures and handmade sets. He then captures the scenes with his trusty iPhone 4s and posts the photo collages to Instagram. I caught up with Bobby via email for an interview about his process and the inspiration behind this project.

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After many years removed, I am finally journeying back into the world of comic books. I’m just now discovering the amazing talents of artist Skottie Young. He has to be one of the best fantasy illustrators working today. His work on the Oz series is nothing short of spectacular.

Of course I follow this talented guy on Instagram (username skottie) where I hope to get glimpses of his new work. That wasn’t exactly what I discovered on the photo-sharing app today but what I did see had me even more enthralled. Young had posted a very interesting series of snapshots. He chronicled the opening of a special shipment he had received from LAIKA, the animators behind the upcoming film ParaNorman.

Just as he has a talent for telling a story through his drawings, Skottie had created an excellent narrative by slowly unveiling the package’s contents through photographs.
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There have been Star Wars-themed alphabets before. Creating a children’s primer of Star Wars ABCs or turning a Stormtrooper into an “S” letter form is nothing new.

However, the current series of illustrations by Dave Daniels is the best I’ve seen. The Toronto-based artist and self-proclaimed Star Wars fanatic is posting his creations within the popular photo sharing app Instagram.

Daniels has worked up to the letter K so far. Each letter gets a wonderful caricature of a Star Wars character representing that letter: A for Ackbar, B for Bossk, C for C-3PO, D for Dengar, E for Ewok, F for Fett, G for Greedo, H for Hutt, I for IG-88, J for Jawa, and K for Kenobi.

You can see all Dave’s creations on Instagram under his username “jaggedgrace.” If you’re iOS-less, you can view them all over at Webstagram, a web viewer for Instagram photos.

Dave told me he’s doing the drawings “just for fun.” They definitely brighten my day and I look forward to what he has in store for the rest of the alphabet. Here’s hoping he draws an Ugnaught for U.

Incidentally, I’m compiling a list of comic artists and illustrators on Instagram. If you have a suggestion for creators who routinely post their work on there — or you are an Instagram artist — please include a comment below with their/your username. I’ll be posting some of my favorites (along with yours) in a future THS post.

It’s Muppet Week here on Top Hat Sasquatch and I thought it would be a great time to publish the second installation in our series of Instagram Roundups since everyone around the world is getting excited about The Muppets again.

I’m sure there will be plenty more images of The Muppets showing up after this week when the new movie comes out. I know my followers will probably be tired of seeing my Muppet-related images in their feed, but that’s the risk you take when you follow me.

Have any ideas for the next Instagram Roundup? Tag your photo #TopHatSasquatch and we’ll see it!

Today’s Instagram Roundup featured photos by junelims, secretlyloud, real_robnice, atgera, npyskater, leocke, kelan18, _wizlosophy, and me, tommyday.

Instagram Roundup header photo by zio Paolino