Cadaver Kid - Orange Frankencake

Splurrt is the moniker of Joe Merrill, a distinguished figure in the designer toy scene, celebrated for his intricate and often macabre soft vinyl (sofubi) creations. Drawing inspiration from vintage American toys, Rat Fink, pop culture, and Japanese kaiju, Merrill has cultivated a unique aesthetic that resonates with collectors worldwide.   Among his notable works are the “Cadaver Kid” and “Uncle Steve” figures, which have become iconic within the art toy community. These creations exemplify Merrill’s penchant for blending grotesque elements with a touch of nostalgia. Rich Montanari Jr., also known as LASH (Last Dying Wish), is an American artist renowned for his contributions to the designer toy scene, particularly in the realm of sofubi (Japanese soft vinyl) figures. As the founder and operator of Mutant Vinyl Hardcore (MVH), Montanari serves as the lead sculptor, painter, and package designer for the company. His creations are deeply influenced by horror, monster, sci-fi, and fantasy cultures, which he reinterprets through his unique artistic vision.  Montanari’s work is characterized by intricate designs and meticulous attention to detail, often resulting in limited-edition figures that are highly sought after by collectors. His studio, Death’s Vault, located in New Haven, Connecticut, serves as both a workspace and gallery, showcasing his creations and collaborations. Self-produced art toys are designer collectibles created and manufactured independently by the artist or small teams without the backing of a large toy company or mass-market brand. These toys are often highly personal, artistic expressions and are usually made in limited runs. Key Characteristics include independent creation where the artist is in control of the entire process from concept, sculpting, and painting to production and packaging. These are usually made in small batches, often 10–100 pieces, which adds to their rarity, made using materials like resin, sofubi (Japanese soft vinyl), or 3D-printed components.