Heckles

Heckles is an animatronic sold by Spirit Halloween for the 2023 Halloween season. It resembles a sad green haired clown, wearing green shoes, purple striped overalls, and an orange shirt with yellow polka dots, donning a wooden sign that reads "Balloonz 10¢" around his neck and holding a red balloon. When activated, the head moves side to side and the mouth moves to several phrases as a face appears on the balloon and changes.

Spirit Halloween’s Description[]

"Heckles was one of the best comedians on the Borscht Belt circuit, cutting down all contenders with his quick wit and razor-sharp insults until one night, a little too full of himself and wine, Heckles took on a new comedian who reduced him to shreds. Now, with no confidence left and laughed out of the biz, he hustles balloons for a few bucks. Unfortunately, the kids and their parents don't know that he fills the balloons with poisonous gas – anything to get the last laugh!

Heckles is sure to get the last laugh this Halloween once you add him to your Halloween display. With a built-in servo mechanism, watch as he comes to life and offers you one of his deadly balloons!"

Includes:
- Animatronic
- Instructions
- Volume control
- External speaker jack
- Adapter
Product Sayings:
- “*Ominous laughing/crying* Step right up, step right up, get yer balloons here! Only 10 cents- and what’s a day at the circus without a balloon? Just don’t come a-knockin for refunds!... And don’t ask why! hahaha! *balloon pop startle sound*”
- “I’m thinking of starting my own carnival right here… you wanna join my clown troupe? You have a pretty funny face, so I bet you’d be a natural, hahaha! I’ll let you know the details, but it’s all a bit up in the air… better buy a balloon in the meantime, kiddo! Aw, you still don’t want any? That makes me a saaad clown… (Crying noises).”
- “Ah, nothing like a good carnival to really lift your spirits! Except for mine… man, am I sad… HAHA! C’mon, buy a balloon already. You can have any color balloon you’d like! No? *(muttered/crying)* Then buzz off, why dontcha! (more crying).”
Animated
IR sensor activated
Step pad compatible
Multi-prop remote compatible
Adapter Type: 5.9V 1.5A (included)
Battery adapter compatible
Cord Length: 6.7 feet
Material: Metal, fabric, plastic, polyester
Care: Spot clean
Imported
Note: Recommended for display indoors or in covered areas

Trivia[]

Heckles had a working name of Droopy Clown.
Heckles has 3 extra phrases that aren't listed in the description. They are:
- "Every day is a happy day for a balloon. Here, take one! (ominous laughter) They're even nice on your death day! (laughter/crying) (ominous laughter)"
- "Hey you! I-I know you! You want a balloon. You need a balloon. (ominous laughter) This balloon is the only thing you'll ever need in your whole, short life. (laughter/crying) (ominous laughter)"
- (laughter, then crying)
Heckles code/item number name is ANIM AN000705.
Even though the description states that Heckles uses servos, he does not actually use servos.
Heckles is the first, and currently only, Seasonal Visions International clown animatronic sold exclusively by Spirit Halloween to not use the modern-day SVI-clown shoe mold typically used on the company's clowns such as Nozzles the Clown, Tug-of-War Clowns, and Peek-A-Boo Clown.
Due to deformation issues with the mask, Heckles was recalled temporarily from stores and his photo was removed from the Spirit Hallows Cemetery (webpage). The listing for the animatronic remained up, however out of stock.
- Because of this, Heckles was replaced by Poor George in the Jack's Mausoleum ISE momentarily.
- In August of 2023, replacement heads were sent out to those who have the animatronic.
- The Stock Photos in Heckles' instructions feature him with his deformed head.
- In late August 2023, Heckles returned to stores in the Jack‘s Mausoleum ISE, putting Poor George back as filler (for bigger stores).
- On September 8, 2023, he returned in stock on the website.