Artist Turns Unlikely Pop Culture Characters into Toy Action Figures

Pop Culture Action Figures by Dano Brown

You’ve likely seen action figures depicting heroes from films, comic books, or TV shows, but California-based artist Dano Brown pays homage to the underdogs of modern media with his own range of plastic toy dolls. His series of Pop-Culture Sculptures celebrates fictional characters such as David Wooderson from Dazed and Confused and Walter Sobchak from The Big Lebowski by reimagining them as action figures.

Brown’s humorous creations were part of Gallery1988‘s Pop-Cuture Sculptures exhibition earlier this month. Each doll went on display, complete with '80s-style, unopened packaging designed by the artist. Featuring movable legs and arms, as well as individual outfits and accessories, each plastic character is made to comically resemble its antihero counterpart. Even Danny's imaginary friend “Tony” (from The Shining) is given the action figure treatment, in the form of a tiny plastic hand.

Check out some of Brown’s pop culture action figures below, and buy your own from his collection online.

Artist Dano Brown pays homage to the underdogs of pop culture with his own range of action figures.

Pop Culture Action Figures by Dano Brown

Pop Culture Action Figures by Dano Brown

Pop Culture Action Figures by Dano Brown

Each doll comes with its own '80s-style, unopened packaging designed by the artist.

Pop Culture Action Figures by Dano Brown

Pop Culture Action Figures by Dano Brown

Pop Culture Action Figures by Dano Brown

Pop Culture Action Figures by Dano Brown

Pop Culture Action Figures by Dano Brown

Pop Culture Action Figures by Dano Brown

Pop Culture Action Figures by Dano Brown

Pop Culture Action Figures by Dano Brown

Pop Culture Action Figures by Dano Brown

Pop Culture Action Figures by Dano Brown

Dano Brown: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

My Modern met granted permission to feature photos by Dano Brown.

Related Articles:

15 Unconventional Action Figures That Make Toys Even More Fun

Funny Action Figures Imagine Bruce Lee Playing Pranks on Freddie Mercury

New Action Figures of Leonardo da Vinci, Vermeer, and Rembrandt Give New Life to Old Masters

Clever Guy Uses Forced Perspective to Create Funny Interactions With Tiny Superhero Toys

Emma Taggart

Emma Taggart is a Staff Writer and Video Editor at My Modern Met. She earned a BA in Fashion and Textile Design at the University of Ulster in Belfast. Originally from Northern Ireland, she lived in Berlin for many years, where she fostered a career in the arts, dabbling in everything from illustration and animation to music and ceramics. She now calls Edinburgh home, where she continues to work as a writer, illustrator, and ceramicist. Her ceramics, often combined with hand-painted animation frames, capture playful scenes that celebrate freedom and movement, and blend her passion for art with storytelling. Her illustrations have been featured in The Berliner Magazine as well as other print magazines and a poetry book.
Become a
My Modern Met Member
As a member, you'll join us in our effort to support the arts.
Become a Member
Explore member benefits