Darkside Hunter X Red

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. DesignerCon is an annual art and design convention that smashes together collectible toys, customs, plush, designer apparel and so much more with urban, underground and pop art! We are a celebration of all aspects from the world of design. Rampage Toys is a well-known art toy brand and production studio led by Jon Malmstedt, a prominent figure in the designer toy and kaiju scene. Based in the United States, Rampage Toys has gained recognition for producing highly detailed and collectible vinyl figures, often drawing influence from classic kaiju monsters, Japanese toy culture, and retro aesthetics. Jon Malmstedt, the creative mind behind Rampage Toys, is known for his ability to create unique sculptural works that blend the nostalgia of vintage toys with modern artistic techniques.