Super Metal Mario OG (DCon '16)

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. Lisa Rae Hansen is a Scottish artist renowned for her character-driven art toys and sculptures. With formal training in jewellery and silversmithing, she channels her passion into creating unique art toys under her brand, iBreakToys.   Growing up in the 1980s, Lisa was influenced by action figures like Star Wars and Masters of the Universe, as well as films such as The Dark Crystal, Beetlejuice, and Star Wars. These elements inspire her to craft otherworldly characters that blend nostalgia with contemporary design DKE Toys is a renowned American company specializing in designer toys, collectibles, and limited-edition art pieces. Founded in 2002, DKE Toys has become a key player in the designer toy scene, known for its unique collaborations with artists, custom toys, and pop culture-inspired releases. The company has developed a reputation for creating high-quality, highly collectible figures that often blend urban art, pop culture references, and nostalgic themes. DKE Toys works with a diverse roster of artists and designers to create limited-run figures that often reflect a blend of pop culture, street art, and fine art. Artists involved in DKE releases include well-known names in the designer toy world, such as Frank Kozik, Eric So, Luke Chueh, and many others.