# Cartoon Creator Figurines The Kidrobot Matt Groening Vinyl Toy Pays Homage an American Icon By Matt Ho | Published 2012-01-28 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kidrobot-matt-groening-vinyl-toy References: [highsnobiety](http://www.highsnobiety.com/news/2012/01/25/kidrobot-x-the-simpsons-matt-groening-vinyl-toy/) & [kidrobot](http://www.kidrobot.com/) Fans of The Simpsons have gotten several [figures of their favorite characters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brooklyn-ninenine), but it's time for the creator of the iconic show to have the spotlight; this opportunity if offered with the [Kidrobot](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kidrobot-1) Matt Groening Vinyl Toy. The popular toy brand is ditching Springfield's residents in favor of the man who created them. The Kidrobot Matt Groening Vinyl Toy shows off the illustrator/screenwriter's trademark gray hair and mustache that he's known for. Adorned on the body is a red and black jacket featuring the entire Simpson's family on the back. On the left hand is a pencil, and on the right is a rough outline sketch of the always lovable Homer. The figure's release is set up to coincide with The Simpson's 500th episode set to air in February. The official release date is February 9. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.2/10 - Popularity: 15% | Activity: 42% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/toys) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Custom Creator Figurines:** Opportunity to create custom figurines of influential creators as collectibles or promotional items. - **Celebrity Collaborations:** Opportunity for toy brands to collaborate with creators and celebrities to create unique collectible toys. - **Nostalgia Merchandise:** Opportunity to tap into nostalgia by creating merchandise that pays homage to iconic figures or shows. ### Who This Affects Most - **Toy:** Toy companies can explore new markets by creating custom figurines of influential creators. - **Entertainment:** Entertainment companies can collaborate with creators and celebrities to create exclusive merchandise for fans. - **Marketing:** Brands can create promotional merchandise that taps into nostalgia and showcases influential figures or shows. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Designer Pop Culture Figurines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kkplus.md) - [Limited-Edition Vinyl Figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/limitededition-vinyl-figures.md) - [Customizable Vinyl Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/makeship.md) - [Giftable Customized Figurines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-yourself-funko.md) - [Sitcom-Inspired Figurine Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/little-people-collector-set.md) - [Cartoon-Inspired Puzzle Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-simpsons-krusty-burger.md) - [TV Show-Inspired Figurines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stickymonger.md) - [Cartoon Franchise-Inspired Clogs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-simpsons-classic-clog.md) - [Pop Art Legend-Honoring Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/keiichi-tanaami-1.md)