# Pop Culture Buddha Figurines Chris Milnes Turns Superheroes and Villains into 3D-Printed Deities By Jana Pijak | Published 2015-02-13 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/buddha-figurines References: [demilked](http://www.demilked.com/pop-laughing-buddha-3d-printing-chris-milnes/) & [etsy](https://www.etsy.com/shop/muckychris?zanpid=1998446859114648576&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=zanox&utm_campaign=eu_buyer&utm_content=2147023) Chris Milnes is an [Etsy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinted-cookie-cutters) user who transforms famous superheroes and villains into Buddha figurines that are created using 3D-printed technology. Fans of cultural deities and symbolism will appreciate the artist's "Zen" collection. Each of these custom buddha figurines are priced at a $10 rate and feature tributes to iconic characters like Batman, Bart Simpsons and even Jedi Master Yoda from the Star Wars film franchise. These 3D-Printed buddha figurines by Chris Milnes are a great gift idea for fans of [pop culture and superhero imagery](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/san-diego-comiccon). They will also appeal to [toy collectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/berbrick-vecna) and are a nerdy gift idea that doesn't break the bank. Each of these custom figurines can be purchased on the muckychris Etsy shop and are available in a variety of custom colors. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.1/10 - Popularity: 86% | Activity: 89% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Pop Culture Buddha Figurines:** 3D printing technologies can be used to personalize and transform cultural icons into unique products that offer novelty and personalization. - **Nerdy Toy Collectibles:** There is an opportunity for companies to create unique toy collectibles that target niche markets, such as fans of popular culture or the unconventional use of well-known icons to create unique figurines. - **Customized Figurine Market:** The popularity of customized figurines has created a space for businesses to market creative and affordable pop culture-related figurines that offer individualism and uniqueness to customers. ### Sectors Adopting This - **3D Printing:** 3D printing industries can take advantage of the increasing demand for 3D-printed figurines by offering custom-made options to appeal to a niche market. - **Toy Manufacturing:** The toy industry can capitalize on the increasing popularity of pop-culture figurines by offering specialized and personalized lines of products for toy collectors and enthusiasts. - **Online Retail:** Online retail companies can expand their offerings by adding customized pop culture figurines and toys to their product catalogs to appeal to niche markets seeking novelty and uniqueness. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Giftable Customized Figurines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-yourself-funko.md) - [Superhero-Themed Headphone Stands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinted-headphone-stands.md) - [Collectible Streetwear Figurines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/baby-milo-2.md) - [Gaming-Inspired Anime Figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gaminginspired-anime-figures.md) - [3D-Printed Matcha Figurines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/godzilla-matcha-monsters.md) - [Sci-Fi-Themed Miniature Figurines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/book-of-boba-fett-1.md) - [Sci-Fi Show Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yusuke-hanai-1.md) - [Collectible Historical Figurines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thrilljoy-pix.md) - [Limited-Edition Vinyl Figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/limitededition-vinyl-figures.md)