# Manga Character Collectibles This Astro Boy Toy from Medicom Infuses the Retro Figure with a Bear By Riley von Niessen | Published 2016-09-27 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/astro-boy-toy References: [hypebeast](http://hypebeast.com/2016/9/medicom-toy-astro-boy-bearbrick) & [bearbrick](http://www.bearbrick.com/bea_atom/) '[Astro Boy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/onitsuka-tiger-1)' is a Japanese comic series that started out back in the early 1950s, however the science fiction plot and the unique illustrations made it go global and become the focus of a series of adaptations -- making the Astro Boy toy designed by [Medicom](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/black-hole-1) a product that's likely to prove popular amongst consumers. Like it's other [Bearbrick](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bearbrick-collectible-toy) collectibles, the company combines the traditional appearance of the manga character with its own model -- transforming the look of his head and body and supplying him with a set of ears. The Astro Boy toy meanwhile retains the character's facial features and his iconic hairstyle, giving it an appearance that's instantly recognizable to fans of the series. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.9/10 - Popularity: 47% | Activity: 2% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Bearbrick Collectibles:** Opportunity for creating unique and customized figures by combining traditional appearances with innovative designs. - **Manga Adaptations:** Opportunity to capitalize on the global popularity of manga by creating merchandise and collectibles inspired by iconic characters. - **Retro Anime Revival:** Opportunity to tap into nostalgia and revive classic anime characters in the form of collectible toys and merchandise. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Toy Manufacturing:** Disruptive innovation opportunity for toy manufacturers to collaborate with popular franchises and create unique collectibles. - **Comic Book Merchandising:** Opportunity for comic book companies to expand their merchandise offerings and cater to the demand for collectibles. - **Animation and Entertainment:** Collaboration opportunities between animation studios and toy manufacturers to create merchandise based on popular anime and manga characters. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Space Anime-Themed Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/albino-and-preto-1.md) - [Animated Character-Themed Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/astro-boy-1.md) - [Anime-Inspired Retro Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/onitsuka-tiger-1.md) - [Cartoon Franchise Collab Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bape-and-transformers-1.md) - [Bear-shaped Bluetooth Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bearbrick-collectible-toy.md) - [Collectible Digital Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/berbrick-x-tamagotchi.md) - [Car-Branded Toy Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starbase.md) - [Animated Watch Collaboration](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/breitling-astro-boy-avenger.md) - [Space-Themed Marbled Bear Figurine](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/black-hole-1.md)