The 12th Annual Designer Toy Awards Nominations Are Now Open!

The Designer Toy Awards are back for their 12th year, and are now accepting nominations for all categories! Presented by Clutter, the Designer Toy Awards is an annual event honoring excellence and innovation in the field of designer toys. With categories like Breakthrough Artist, Toy of the Year, and Artist of the Year (among many others), the DTAs highlight the year’s best designs, concepts, and accomplishments by both veterans and newcomers in the diverse world of designer toys.

Due to Covid-19 and the world shutdowns, this year’s awards will combine the 11th and 12th Designer Toy Awards, and will be accepting nominations for releases, artists, and companies, that were active from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021. Running now until 6pm EST on September 8, 2022, nominations can be submitted now through the website designertoyawards.com. And for the first time ever, colorways will now be accepted as nominations, so long as the base design of that figure has not won a prior DTA. 

Head on over to the Designer Toy Awards website and answer their “Call For Entries” by adding those worthy from 2020 and 2021, and don’t forget... only nominated items can be considered for the awards. If you want your work to be considered please nominate it, nominations are confidential and there is no shame in nominating yourself or your own product!

How do the Awards work?

1. Open Nominations - Call for entries is open for anyone (yourself included) to make a relevant nomination. Nominations are private and will be used to determine the Finalists. 

2. Nomination Committees - The DTA’s host small committees of industry professionals and collectors, carefully matched to categories in order to take the list of nominations and to determine the Finalists. The committees meet and discuss every entry, using the published list of award criteria to make their selections. These will be published on the website as the year’s official Finalists.

3. Voting - The DTA’s run two voting blocks:

DTA Panel: Industry professionals make up the DTA panel. They are charged with voting once per category for the winner in the panel-voted awards. Each year new panel members are added to keep our list as diverse and relevant as possible.

Fan Voted: The public voters contribute by getting one vote per category (which is ensured by tracking IP addresses and other means of maintaining voter integrity).

4. Winners - Winners of each category are determined by the most votes in each category.  Clutter, nor The Designer Toy Awards, or Five Points Festival staff, vote in or “choose” the winners. 

5. Awards Ceremony - The awards are presented at a ceremony on October 6, 2022, during the weekend of Five Points Festival / NYCC. For members of the public to attend the ceremony, they must have purchased a VIP ticket for Five Points Fest 2022, or purchase a special ticket. More information to follow.

Pigeon in Flight Vinyl Figure by Jeff Staple x Mighty Jaxx

Mighty Jaxx is teaming up with designer Jeff Staple and his STAPLE brand to release this fantastic new Pigeon in Flight vinyl figure, which combines Staple’s iconic Pigeon with the quintessential part of any streetwear wardrobe – sneakers! Each sneaker inspired element of the Pigeon in Flight has been lovingly crafted as a homage to a streetwear essential: fresh kicks.

The texture inspired patterns reference the different materials used in some of the world’s most popular sneakers. Key components in sneaker construction are also alluded to throughout the pigeon’s body, most noticeably shoelaces and grills. The Pigeon in Flight Vinyl Figure by Jeff Staple stands 8” tall and can be pre-ordered now at MightyJaxx.com for $199.

RunDMCheech Classic Edition Vinyl Figure Set by Mark Bode x UVD Toys

UVD Toys has released the third colorway of Mark Bodē’s new RunDMCheech vinyl figure 3 piece set – the Classic Edition! Featuring a red and yellow color scheme, RunDMCheech Classic Edition Vinyl Figure Set is inspired by the classic characters originally created by Vaughn Bodē. Limited to 250 pieces, this Classic Edition RunDMCheech can be purchased now at UVDToys.com for $135.

Produced by UVD Toys, RunDMCheech is a new twist on the classic Cheech Wizard character created by Mark’s father, Vaughn Bodē. RunDMCheech depicts the Cheech Wizard (6”), B-Bird (3”), and Shaggy Da’ Boombox (2”) all ready to start a B-Boy session (inspired by the equally iconic Run DMC).

“Barbarian” Artist Edition Fine Art Giclee Print by Bernie Wrightson x Nakatomi Inc.

Nakatomi’s long running series of Bernie Wrightson Artist Edition prints continues with this classic “Barbarian” painting by the master! Originally painted by Bernie way back in 1976, “Barbarian” is now finally available as a fine art giclee. Reproduced from a scan of the original painting, this highly detailed print highlights Bernie’s brush work and bright paints, not seen in its original printing.

“Barbarian” by Bernie Wrightson is an 11”x14” fine art giclee print on archival acid free 100% cotton rag natural white paper with archival inks. Each print comes hand numbered and embossed in the bottom right corner with Bernie’s distinctive “W”. Limited to just 100 pieces, it can be purchased now at store.nakatomiinc.com for $50.

Thor: Love and Thunder Emoji Pins by 100% Soft x Marvel Studios

100% Soft continues his adorable Marvel Studios Emoji Pin Series with new waves of pins based on Phase 4 of the MCU! You may remember the original sets were released exclusively at Disney Movie Insiders, but now you can buy these new Marvel Studios Emoji Pins individually exclusively at 100soft.shop for just $10 each. Check out this Thor: Love and Thunder Emoji Pin Series featuring Thor, The Mighty Thor, King Valkyrie, Miek, Korg and the limited edition Golden Armor Thor.

John Carpenter’s They Live Screen Print by Tom Whalen x Vice Press

“I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass... and I'm all out of bubblegum.” Today, Vice Press is releasing an amazing new movie poster screen print for John Carpenter’s They Live by artist Tom Whalen! As Vice Press explained, “These limited edition screen prints promise to be stunning and are among our favourite Tom Whalen prints, and we know you will feel the same!”

John Carpenter’s They Live by Tom Whalen is a 24”x36” hand numbered 7 color screen print on Cougar Natural 100c Paper. The Regular Edition is limited to 200 pieces and will retail for £49.99 / $60, while the Variant is limited to 150 pieces and will retail for £54.99 / $70. Both colorways will go on sale at 6pm BST / 1pm EST on Tuesday, August 30th, at Vice-Press.com.

Marvel’s Man-Thing Groman’s Green Variant Soft Vinyl Figure by James Groman x Mondo

Today, Mondo will be releasing the fourth colorway of their epic Marvel Comics Soft Vinyl Figure, Man-Thing, by artist James Groman! Check out the awesome Groman’s Green Variant Man-Thing, which features a vibrant green paint job that really brings out all of the details from the sculpt. Marvel’s Man-Thing Groman’s Green Variant Soft Vinyl Figure by James Groman is limited to 100 pieces and will go on sale at 12pm CT on Tuesday, August 30th, at MondoShop.com for $300.

With 3 points of articulation, this massive 12” tall vinyl figure is stunning! This Groman’s Green Edition really celebrates all the incredible detail that James put into this sculpture. “I grew up reading every issue I could get my hands on of Marvel Comics' resident swamp monster, the macabre Man-Thing. Having worked in the Toys and Collectibles industry for over 30 years, it's so awesome to finally have the opportunity to do my own version of one of my all-time favorite comic book monster heroes. I hope all the vinyl and comic book fans like what me and the folks at Mondo have put together. It was a blast to work on.” - James Groman

She-Hulk: Attorney at Law Marvel Studios Megamojis Vinyl Figures by 100% Soft

100% Soft is continuing his popular new line of Marvel Studios Megamojis Vinyl Figures with a wave of figures based on the emojis Truck created for the SMASH hit Disney+ streaming series, She-Hulk: Attorney at Law! The She-Hulk: Attorney at Law Megamojis Series includes She-Hulk and Smart Hulk. These 3” scale vinyl desktop buddies are available for pre-order now at 100soft.shop for just $16 each. The She-Hulk vinyl emoji collectible bust stands 3.7” tall and features a normal amount of rage, while the Smart Hulk Megamojis figure stands 3.1” tall (and remember – he didn’t pick the name!).

She-Hulk: Attorney at Law Abomination Pop! Marvel Studios Vinyl Figure by Funko

Funko has unveiled a second wave of Pop! vinyl figures based on the second episode of the Disney+ Marvel Studios streaming series, She-Hulk: Attorney at Law! The Marvel Studios’ She Hulk Pop! Series 2 includes the evil Abomination.

Each She-Hulk: Attorney at Law Pop! vinyl figure by Funko stands 3.75” tall, has a bobble head and comes in a displayable window box. They can pre-ordered now at Entertainment Earth for $11.99 each here.

Shaman Hotter Pink Edition Star Wars Vinyl Figure by Healeymade

Last weekend, Healeymade was reorganizing his studio and stumbled upon some extra figures of past releases, including this rad Hotter Pink Edition Shaman! This Star Wars inspired sofubi, Shaman, is based on Healeymade’s bootleg resin Chewbacca figure of the same name, but has been redesigned as a four legged 4” soft Japanese vinyl figure with 3 points of articulation. The Hotter Pink Edition Shaman comes cast in a hot pink soft Japanese vinyl and features silver, lime green and black paint detailing. This limited edition figure dropped at Healeymade.com last weekend a second time for $70 and promptly sold out again.

Biollante Midnight Bloom Variant Soft Vinyl Figure by Mondo

Yesterday, Mondo surprised TOHO Godzilla fans with the release of their second Biollante sofubi colorway! The genetically modified Biollante, Godzilla’s half-sister, has been released in this beautiful Midnight Bloom Edition, which features a striking blue and purple color scheme. This massive soft vinyl figure measures at 8.5” tall, 8” wide, and 11” long (from front of the tentacle to the back of the figure).

The Biollante Midnight Bloom Variant Soft Vinyl Figure features articulated tentacles, tentacle heads, and an insane amount of detail. Limited to just 200 pieces, it was released on Tuesday, August 23rd, at MondoShop.com via The Drop for $125 before quickly selling out.

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Minimates Series 2 Box Set by Diamond Select Toys

It’s Morphin’ Time again thanks to Diamond Select Toys! Check out the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Minimates Series 2 Box Set, which completes the team with the Red Ranger, Black Ranger, Yellow Ranger and White Ranger. Each Power Rangers Minimates figure stands 2” tall, features multiple points of articulation, interchangeable parts, removable helmets and multiple heads to depict different cast members. Plus, an array of character specific weapons!

All four Power Rangers Minimates come packaged in a full color window box with original art on the opening cover. Collectors can pre-order this MMPR Minimates Series 2 box set now at Entertainment Earth for $19.99 here.

Venom #1 Cover Artwork Prints by Clayton Crain x Grey Matter Art x Marvel Comics

Grey Matter Art continues its awesome Marvel Comics Cover Artwork Print Series with a new Venom print by the artist Clayton Crain! As GMA explained, “As you may know, Clayton is one of our favorite artists working in the comic industry today and we are so honored to feature 2 posters that showcase just a small glimpse of his many classics he’s so well known for. Crain tackles a wide range of characters and while we love them all, it’s his Venom art that pays homage to the timeless classic, The Amazing Spider-Man #300 this time around that gets us!”

Venom #1 (Amazing Spider-Man #300 homage) by Clayton Crain is a 16”x24” hand numbered fine art giclee print on acid-free Cold Press Natural paper. Available as a Regular Edition and a Virgin Variant, each is limited to 175 pieces and will retail for $50. Or you can purchase a matching number set of both prints for $90. And any Venom #1 poster orders placed on drop day will receive this limited edition 5”x5” Venom logo handbill for free! This Marvel Comics giclee print goes on sale at 1pm ET on Thursday, August 25th, at GreyMatterArt.com.

Shaman Blueberry Frost Edition Star Wars Vinyl Figure by Healeymade

Healeymade has released a fun new colorway of his Star Wars inspired sofubi figure, the Shaman! Shaman is based on Healeymade’s bootleg resin Chewbacca figure of the same name, but has been redesigned as a four legged 4” soft Japanese vinyl figure with 3 points of articulation and sculpted by Naoya of Gargamel. The Blueberry Frost Edition Shaman comes unpainted and cast in a light blue soft Japanese vinyl. This limited edition figure dropped at Healeymade.com last weekend for $50 and promptly sold out.

Hawkeye Animated Marvel Mini Statue by Skottie Young x Gentle Giant

His aim is a-cute! The Avengers’ Hawkeye is the newest super hero to join Gentle Giant’s popular line of Animated Marvel Mini Statues inspired by the Marvel Comics variant covers of artist Skottie Young. With this new statue, Hawkeye fires his bow as he falls backwards – his trademark move! The World's Greatest Marksman also comes rocking his signature all purple outfit.

This 5” mini statue stands atop a black disc base and is limited to only 3,000 pieces. It comes packaged in a full color box and includes a of authenticity. Collectors can pre-order this Hawkeye Animated Marvel Statue now at Entertainment Earth for $54.99 here.

The Batman Linocut Print by Brian Reedy x Bottleneck Gallery

Bottleneck Gallery is taking us back to Gotham City today with two awesome new releases, including this rad The Batman block print by Brian Reedy! As BNG explained, “Brian Reedy portrays the newest big screen Batman, R. Pat., as the stoic Caped Crusader in a stained glass motif. Brian’s linocuts are deeply impressive, and the darker red inks make this really pop off the paper!”

The Batman by Brian Reedy is a 20”x30” signed and numbered 2 color linocut block print. Limited to 150 pieces, this DC Comics art print will go on sale at 12pm ET on Tuesday, August 23rd, at BottleneckGallery.com for $75.

Batman: The Animated Series Fine Art Giclee Print by Derek Payne x Bottleneck Gallery

Bottleneck Gallery is taking us back to Gotham City today with two awesome new releases, including this fantastic Batman: The Animated Series fine art giclee by Derek Payne! As BNG explained, “Derek’s first BNG release is an awesome ode to Batman: The Animated Series. Derek puts some of Gotham’s finest (and baddest) front and center, alongside an impressive color palette that really works with the show’s aesthetic.”

Batman: The Animated Series by Derek Payne is a 16”x24” hand numbered giclee print. The Regular Edition is limited to 250 pieces and will retail for $40, while the Variant is limited to 100 pieces and will retail for $50. There is also a Silver Metallic Version of the Regular Edition that is limited to 100 pieces and will retail for $50 and a Silver Metallic Variant that is limited to 50 pieces and will retail for $60. All four colorways of this DC Comics print will go on sale at 12pm ET on Tuesday, August 23rd, at BottleneckGallery.com.

The Worst King Hell & Killer Bat Variant ReAction Figures by Super7

The Worst’s King Hell and Killer Bat return in two new guises that bring out “the worst” in them even more! Check out the The King Hell Revenant Edition ReAction Figure and Killer Bat Specter Edition ReAction Figure, each with character specific accessories. These new colorways are available now at Super7.com for $20 each.

The “Revenant” version of King Hell celebrates his long-awaited return from a very extended hiatus when mortals thought he was dead… but he just had a lot of time off to use… unfortunately for humanity. The “Specter” version of Killer Bat comes at you like an unhinged 100 mile per hour fastball during a night game and the strike zone is YOU!

King Hell, the Demon Arachnid Emperor, and Killer Bat, the Baseball Shogun of Death, are two members of The Worst, Super7’s own gang of the most villainous vile vermin! There are good guys. There are bad guys. And then there are…The Worst! Each The Worst ReAction Retro Action Figure stands 3.75” tall, features multiple points of articulation and comes packaged on a full color blister card.

Space Monkey Aqua Edition Vinyl Figure by Dalek x 3DRetro – A Kidrobot Exclusive!

Last Friday, Kidrobot released their retailer exclusive colorway of James “Dalek” Marshall’s new Space Monkey vinyl figure! Produced by 3DRetro, the Space Monkey Aqua Edition Vinyl Figure stands 6.5” tall and features dark blue paints. This updated take on the iconic character features a highly poseable ball jointed head and 4 points of articulation at its shoulders and waist, plus it comes with a giant mallet and knife accessories!

The Space Monkey is a classic character created by Dalek, appearing frequently throughout the artist’s work beginning in 1995.  Over the years, the Space Monkey has evolved to become one of the most recognizable characters in the scene. The Space Monkey is a representation of humanity and its ever-changing relationship to itself and its evolving world. Limited to just 100 pieces, this Aqua Edition colorway was sold exclusively at Kidrobot.com for $110, but is now sold out.

She-Hulk Pop! Marvel Studios Vinyl Figures Series 1 by Funko

The first episode of She-Hulk, Disney+’s newest Marvel Studios television series, is now available for streaming.  To celebrate, Funko has released its first wave of She-Hulk Pop! vinyl figures based on the television show! She-Hulk Pop! Series 1 includes Jennifer Walters (She-Hulk), Hulk and Nikki.

Each She-Hulk Pop! vinyl figure by Funko stands 3.75” tall, has a bobble head and comes in a displayable window box. They can be pre-ordered now at Entertainment Earth for $11.99 here.

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero ReAction Figures Series 4 by Super7

Super7 has announced a fourth wave of figures in their amazing G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero ReAction Retro Action Figure Series based on the classic animated cartoon series and iconic ‘80s Hasbro toy line! G.I. Joe ReAction Figures Series 4 includes fan favorites Shipwreck, Zartan, Cover Girl, and the Cobra B.A.T., new versions of Cobra Commander and Snake Eyes, and a variety of camo-clad G.I. Joe Troopers and female Cobra Troopers to satisfy collectors and army builders alike.

G.I. Joe fans who particularly enjoyed The M.A.S.S. Device, The Revenge of Cobra, Pyramid of Darkness, and Arise Serpentor Arise animated mini-series are definitely going to appreciate this newest wave of ReAction figures. Each G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero ReAction figure features multiple points of articulation and stands 3.75” tall.  These retro action figures come packaged on full color blister cards and can be pre-ordered now at Entertainment Earth for $17.99 here.

Puzzle Labbit No. 2 Camo Edition Art Figure by Locknesters x Frank Kozik x Kidrobot

Exploring the intersection of toys, art, and architecture, Kidrobot has teamed up again with innovative architect-turned-toy-designer Fleet Hower of Locknesters for a second edition of the fantastic Locknesters Interchangeable Puzzle Labbit designer art figure! Puzzle Labbit No. 2 is this fantastic Camo Edition, which features parts in different shades of brown and green. Fans can pre-order this interactive figure now exclusively at Kidrobot.com for $80.

Frank Kozik’s iconic Labbit becomes a three dimensional interlocking puzzle with classic face options that can be swapped out: both Smorkin’ face and Stache face are included. Designed to encourage interaction and conversation, every Locknesters Labbit is truly one of a kind. Every piece is tumbled and finished by hand in Brooklyn, ensuring each one is unique. The complete puzzle / sculpture / toy measures approximately 6” long and 5” tall.

Spider-Man: No Way Home Upgraded Suit Edition Be@rbrick Vinyl Figure by Medicom Toy x Marvel Studios

Medicom Toy continues its fantastic line of Marvel Comics Be@rbricks with a new Spider-Man figure based on the newest MCU film, Spider-Man: No Way Home! The Spider-Man: No Way Home Upgraded Suit Edition Be@rbrick is available as a 1,000% Be@rbrick that stands 27.5” tall. It is set to be released in August 2022.

Walking Fish Blue Edition Vinyl Figure by El Pez x UVD Toys

Today, UVD Toys will be teaming up with street art legend El Pez to bring his signature character, the Walking Fish, to life as a 3D vinyl figure! The Blot was lucky enough to watch Pez paint a giant mural featuring his Walking Fish live when the Barcelona based artist was in Houston for a mural festival. It is so exciting to see this iconic character reinterpreted now as a limited edition designer art toy!

Walking Fish by El Pez is a 7” vinyl figure, which captures the character in his signature stance and features his massive smile! The figure’s first colorway is this classic Blue Edition, which is based on Pez’ murals around the world, and is limited to just 200 pieces. It will go on sale at 12pm ET on Friday, August 19th, at UVDToys.com for $135.

“Pegasus” Art Print by Ubik x Bottleneck Gallery

Today, Ubik takes flight with Bottleneck Gallery! Check out this beautiful new art print “Pegasus” by artist Ubik. As BNG explained, “Ubik’s newest creation, Pegasus, shoots for the stars and lands on a mythical horse. Pegasus is a multi-layered print that showcases Ubik’s playfulness and cleverness. Ubik’s prints brighten up our days, and we’re always happy to see more from the mysterious street artist!”

Pegasus by Ubik is an 18”x24” signed, numbered and embossed screen print on Arches 88 paper. The Regular Edition is limited to 75 pieces and will retail for $65, while the Variant is limited to 50 pieces and will retail for $75. Both will go on sale at 12pm ET on Friday, August 19th, at BottleneckGallery.com.

Barnyard Commandos Stealth Ops Variant Wave 1 Action Figures by Premium DNA Toys

Premium DNA Toys has released a new Stealth Ops Variant of its Barnyard Commandos Wave 1 Action Figures. As the sun goes down, these bastioned beasts prove that the battle for the barnyard never sleeps! The new Barnyard Commandos: Stealth Ops action figures by Premium DNA feature grayscale deco for camouflaging into deep cover on the darkened battlefield. Each includes accessories with glow in the dark deco accents, recreating the feel of night vision armaments.

This extremely limited edition Barnyard Commandos variant colorway comes packaged in glow in the dark accented packaging. The Stealth Ops Sgt. Wooly Pullover is limited to 450 pieces, with the other 3 Barnyard Commandos are limited to 350 pieces each. Fans can pre-order this glow in the dark figures now at PremiumDNAToys.com for $49.99 each.

The battle is on as the Rebel Army of Militant Sheep (RAMS) fight for superiority against the Platoon of Rebel Killer Swine (PORKS)! Each Barnyard Commandos figure is just over 5” tall (head to tail), and features 26-30 points of articulation and multiple accessories for creating maximum carnage.

Major Legger Mutton comes with:

1x Backpack missile launcher with removable missile

1x Whole watermelon

1x Broken watermelon

Corporal Hy Ondahog comes with:

1x Radar-guided missile launcher

4x Removable missiles

1x Set of piston handle grips

1x Giant tractor tire

1x Bayonet shish kabob

Private Side O'Bacon comes with:

1x Backpack flamethrower

2x Removable glasses

1x Bale of hay

Sargeant Woolly Pullover comes with:

1x Backpack gatling gun

1x Milk can quiver

3x Unique arrows

1x Compound bow

1x Bandolier with egg grenades