At Action Figure Comic Con (AFCC) 2026, we’re shining a spotlight on one of the most powerful — and often underrated — forms of art within the action figure community: the diorama. These miniature worlds bring our favorite characters to life, transforming static figures into storytellers and turning imagination into something we can step into, scale by scale.
This year’s Diorama Showcase brings together some of the most skilled and respected builders in the scene. From towering rooftops and neon-lit streets to intimate interiors and cinematic backdrops, these artists shape entire universes by hand — brick by brick, paint stroke by paint stroke.
Miniature Worlds, Maximum Storytelling
Every diorama is more than a backdrop. It’s a narrative engine.
Builders manipulate texture, lighting, scale, and atmosphere to recreate the emotion, drama, and energy found in the worlds we love — whether from comic books, anime, video games, or blockbuster films. A great dio doesn’t just hold a figure; it transports the viewer.
Expect to see:
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Massive city blocks with graffiti, signage, and gritty realism
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Weathered alleyways lit like a crime-noir frame
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Detailed interior rooms, from workshops to hideouts
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Sci-fi labs, fantasy structures, and post-apocalyptic landscapes
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Outdoor environments capturing rain, snow, fog, sand, and nature
These environments form the heart of what makes toy photography and display so special — they breathe life into plastic.
Meet the Artists Behind the Worlds
AFCC is proud to feature a lineup of master craftsmen whose work has shaped the modern diorama community. Each artist brings a unique style, technical approach, and storytelling voice to the showcase.
⭐ Mega City Minis
Known for hyper-detailed urban builds, authentic brickwork, gritty street textures, and cinematic cityscapes.
⭐ PlasticLyfe (@plastic.lyfe)
A powerhouse in toy photography and custom environments, blending lighting mastery with sharp, immersive set designs.
⭐ Figgie Smalls (@_figgie_smalls)
Vibrant, character-driven dioramas that fuse creativity, craftsmanship, and a strong sense of fun and community.
⭐ Reidzrama (@reidzrama)
One of the most recognizable artistic voices in the dio scene — abstract, bold, raw, and unmistakably unique.
⭐ Nick Hegedus (@nick_hegedus)
A storyteller through both scale and lens, known for atmospheric builds and emotionally charged compositions.
⭐ JDN Studios (@jdnstudios_)
Dynamic action-based displays built for movement, agility, and superhero storytelling.
And this is only the beginning. More artists will join the roster as we continue to build the ultimate AFCC city.
A Living City Inside AFCC
The entire diorama presentation will be installed as part of a massive city-block experience at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre on January 31st, 2026. From street level to rooftops, the exhibit will be alive with displays, vehicles, dramatic lighting, and interactive storytelling moments.
Collectors will be able to:
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Walk alongside gigantic miniature buildings
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Get close to the alleyways and interiors used by top photographers
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See diorama art up close — textures, materials, lighting setups, and secrets only builders understand
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Meet the creators behind each piece
This is more than a gallery.
It’s a celebration of craftsmanship, culture, and community.
Why Dioramas Matter
In the action figure world, diorama builders hold a special place. They are:
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Architects
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Set designers
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Painters
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Storytellers
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World builders
Their work elevates figures from collectibles to characters — anchoring them in universes that feel real, lived-in, and expressive. These creators spend endless hours on sanding, carving, sculpting, wiring, painting, weathering, and staging. The result? Scenes that feel like they leapt straight off a page or screen.
AFCC’s Diorama Showcase exists to honor that commitment and give these artists the spotlight they deserve.
Celebrate the Art of Scale — Only at AFCC
On January 31st, witness the largest collection of miniature environments AFCC has ever assembled. Whether you're a toy photographer, collector, builder, or someone who simply loves creativity, this exhibit will leave you inspired.
Action Figure Comic Con 2026
📍 Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre
🗓️ January 31st, 2026
🎟️ Tickets on sale now
🔗 www.actionfigurecomiccon.com
Small scale. Massive impact.
See the worlds your heroes live in — built by the community that brings them to life.