Remember the "TOY PEOPLE ✕ TM paint Artist Series Silkscreen Print BOX SET" from 2025? With its vibrant fluorescent colors and high-impact visuals, the set was an absolute masterpiece that even artist TM paint himself couldn't stop praising—a must-have for any serious collector. Now, in 2026, the secret message hidden on the back of that packaging has become a reality... That's right, the dream collaboration is back! The first release of the TM paint "TOY PEOPLE Figure Series," "OTAKU-MAN (Nerd Ned)," has entered the battlefield!
The main character created by TOY PEOPLE ✕ TM paint under the theme of "Toy People" is "OTAKU-MAN," whose real name is "NERD Ned." Always sporting an OTAKU trucker hat that proudly proclaims his identity, he may look like an otaku uncle, but in reality... he is an otaku uncle! Just like you and me, he loves toys, manga, video games, punk rock, and PIZZA. While he might fudge the numbers on how much he spends on toys, he never hides his otaku spirit! A firm believer that "OTAKU is the New Cool," his eye-popping fluorescent color scheme is set to start a new trend for nerds everywhere. And now, he's finally been brought to life as a sofubi figure!
// About TM paint //
What?! You need us to introduce TM paint? Oh, alright, if we must...
A major force in Japan's creative scene, Japanese illustrator TM paint is active across music labels, festival branding, and other trendsetting fields. Since 2017, he has become a household name in Taiwan for creating the main visuals for the "FireBall Festival," igniting his fame locally! That screaming lemon you've probably seen (Mr. Flame) is one of TM paint's most popular characters.
▼ The main visuals for the "FireBall Festival" have been handled by Japanese illustrator TM paint for years. Image credit:tmpaint
As a punk rock fan himself, TM paint excels at combining a punk aesthetic with a rich American cartoon sensibility, adding a touch of witty humor and manga-inspired linework. He creates chaotic, mash-up scenes packed with elements, with every detail showcasing his strong personal style! His blatant homages and playful riffs always bring a knowing smile to those who get the references, leaving a lasting impression.
Want to see more of TM paint's incredible work? Finish this article first, then head over here:
→ TM paint Official Website
→ TM paint Instagram
// TOY PEOPLE Figure Series by TM paint //
This series is a collaboration between the renowned artist TM paint and "TOY PEOPLE," centered on the theme of 'Toy People' to create a lineup of original characters with distinct personalities and unique styles. This all-new project plans to bring these charming, quirky, and hilarious characters to life one by one as sofubi toys!
Making a powerful debut is "OTAKU-MAN" NERD Ned, who faithfully recreates the rich, comical American style of TM paint's illustrations. The figure uses the same fluorescent color palette as the original poster, giving it an incredible presence! Whether you're a loyal "Toy Person" or a die-hard TM paint fan, this OTAKU-MAN with an attitude is an absolute must-have!
TOY PEOPLE Figure Series by TM paint :OTAKUMAN "Nerd Ned"
★ Buyers of the TOY PEOPLE ✕ TM paint Artist Series Silkscreen Print BOX SET have priority in the lottery selection.
■ Price: NT$3,680 + NT$90 (Taiwan Shipping)
■ Lottery Period: From now until September 14th, 12:00 PM
■ Winner Notification: Winners will be notified by email sequentially within one week after the lottery closes. Non-winners will not be contacted.
■ Shipping Date: End of October 2026
【Lottery Rules and Precautions】
1. Buyers of the TOY PEOPLE ✕ TM paint Artist Series Silkscreen Print BOX SET have priority in the lottery selection.
2. "TOY PEOPLE" strictly prohibits any form of reselling and refuses to conduct transactions with individuals who have a history of reselling. We reserve the right to cancel the entry of any suspected reseller at any time (this includes the priority right for buyers of the TOY PEOPLE ✕ TM paint Artist Series Silkscreen Print BOX SET). If an entry is canceled for this reason, the refund will be processed after deducting any related transaction fees.
3. Please be sure to add "[email protected]" to your address book to prevent our emails from being sent to your spam folder.
4. This product is sold via an online lottery. Each person is limited to one entry. Please fill out the form accurately, as no changes will be accepted after submission.
5. Winners who fail to complete payment within the specified deadline will be considered to have forfeited their purchase and will be blacklisted.
6. This product is hand-produced in batches. Some individual pieces may have slight variations in paint application, minor scratches, or color bleeding. These do not affect the overall look and feel of the figure. Collectors who are particular about such minor imperfections are advised to consider this before entering the lottery.
7. If you receive a defective product, please contact us within 7 days of the shipping date at: [email protected].
8. By entering the lottery, you agree to all the rules above. TOY PEOPLE NEWS reserves the right of final sale and modification.
※ Product photos may have slight color differences due to lighting, post-processing, and individual monitor settings. Please refer to the actual product for the final color and details.