This panel pulls back the curtain on how some of the world's most iconic action figures are brought to life. From early sketches and digital sculpting to tooling, paint applications, and final packaging, panelists explore the full creative and production journey that transforms an idea into a must-have collectible. Attendees gain a behind-the-scenes understanding of the artistic, technical, and business decisions that shape today's figures across comics, film, television, and gaming. Moderator Daniel Pickett (ActionFigureInsider.com; The Toys That Build America) sits down with designers Joe Allard (chief creative officer, Design Devil), Hector Arce (senior creative director, Mondo Toys and Collectibles), Jason Langston (founder, JNL Toys, LLC), Blaine Rodenbaugh (brand manager, NECA), and Kyle Wlodyga (senior designer, Mattel) to discuss how concepts evolve, how licensors and fan expectations influence design choices, and how manufacturers balance creativity, cost, and collectability in an ever-changing market.
