Often the president's image can be altered one way or another to sell a product, but the Gundama action figure is the first time I have seen a commander and chief's head superimposed on a Japanese robot. I'm guessing it will be the last time I see it as well. Crafted by Italian artist Francesco de Molfetta, the doll is the latest in the line from the artist's 'New Ideas' collection which includes a series of altered superheroes including a very funny obese Batman which was featured on this site recently.
How Molfetta ever came up with the Gundama action figure is beyond me, but nevertheless, I quite enjoy the hilarity aspect. Finally a worthy opponent for my Vladimir Putin transformer.
Presidential Anime Toys
The Gundama Action Figure Gives the Leader of the Free World an Upgrade
Trend Themes
1. Presidential Anime Toys - The trend of creating anime toys featuring the likeness of political leaders offers a disruptive innovation opportunity in the collectibles industry by merging pop culture and politics.
2. Superhero Alterations - The trend of altering superhero characters, like the obese Batman, presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for artists and designers to challenge traditional superhero stereotypes and create unique collectibles.
3. Pop Culture Mashups - The trend of combining elements from different cultural icons, such as the Gudama action figure featuring the head of a commander-in-chief on a Japanese robot, presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for toy makers to tap into nostalgic and humorous consumer preferences.
Industry Implications
1. Collectibles - The collectibles industry has an opportunity to embrace the trend of presidential anime toys and capitalize on the popularity of merging political figures with anime aesthetics.
2. Art and Design - The art and design industry can explore the trend of altering superhero characters to challenge conventions and create unique and thought-provoking collectibles.
3. Toy Manufacturing - The toy manufacturing industry can seize the trend of pop culture mashups to create innovative and humorous toys that resonate with nostalgia-seeking and culturally diverse consumers.