Oni Press – the award-winning comics and graphic novels publisher – has partnered with The Nacelle Company (the producer of Netflix’s The Toys That Made Us) to create a deluxe art‐book series. This collaboration was announced in April 2026 via IGN and comic news outlets. The joint project will fund The Art of The Toys That Made Us, a multi-volume art book exploring the iconic toy designs and history showcased in the documentary series. In Oni Press’s announcement (via The Beat), it’s described as a crowdfunded artbook for the Nacelle Company’s documentary series, which originally ran on Netflix in 2017–2019.
This initiative continues the companies’ growing partnership: Oni Press and Nacelle previously collaborated on new comic lines (the “NacelleVerse”) and merchandise, and now are expanding into collectible books. As Brian Volk-Weiss (Nacelle’s founder and CEO) has emphasized, Oni and Nacelle are uniting “the limitless power of comics and graphic novels” with Nacelle’s beloved toy franchises. In short, Oni Press and The Nacelle Company have joined forces to bring The Toys That Made Us off the screen and into print for fans and collectors.
What Is The Art of The Toys That Made Us Kickstarter About
The Art of The Toys That Made Us Kickstarter is a campaign to fund a lavish art-book series tied to the hit Toys That Made Us docuseries. According to the announcement, it is a crowdfunded artbook celebrating the show’s toy history. The Netflix series – which looks at the origins of famous toy lines like LEGO, He-Man, Transformers and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – will be the subject of this collection. The art books are expected to feature iconic toy designs, concept artwork, vintage toy advertising, packaging art, and behind-the-scenes commentary from the series’ creators. In other words, fans will get a deep dive into the visual history of their favorite toy brands.
As The Beat notes, the Kickstarter campaign “will include Nacelleverse: Year Zero, a collection of the comics from Oni Press based on the various properties acquired by Nacelle” – indicating that backers get both Toys That Made Us art content and related Nacelleverse comics in the bundle. Overall, the Kickstarter aims to rocket the show off TV into a deluxe hardcover book format, expanding on the series’ content with high-quality printed art.
The Art of The Toys That Made Us Release Date and Kickstarter Details
Oni Press has slated this project for a 2026 crowdfunding launch. The Kickstarter campaign went live in April 2026, inviting fans to pledge support for early access to the art books. By backing the project, supporters can secure various editions of the book before any wider release. While Oni Press has not publicly announced a street date for retailers, the campaign indicates the finished art books will first reach backers via Kickstarter – a common approach for such deluxe editions.
(After fulfillment to backers, Oni Press may publish additional print runs or retail editions.) Fans can sign up and contribute through the official Kickstarter page – which Oni Press has promoted via social media and press – to reserve their copies. Reward tiers range from digital previews up to premium hardcover bundles. In short, the release is being handled as an exclusive Kickstarter launch in spring 2026, giving supporters first dibs on this collectible art collection.
How The Art of The Toys That Made Us Expands The Toys That Made Us Brand
This art-book project broadens The Toys That Made Us brand beyond streaming video. Originally a popular Netflix docuseries, the franchise is now leveraging print media to engage its fanbase. By moving into premium art books, the series taps the collectibles market: fans get a tangible keepsake packed with nostalgia and history. The effort aligns with Nacelle’s strategy of reviving and expanding toy-based properties.
As Oni Press President Hunter Gorinson noted, Nacelle “specializes in incredibly crafted, highly detailed toys and action figures” and Oni excels at “award-winning, action-packed comics,” so together they’re celebrating “the best of both worlds”. Indeed, Nacelle has even launched a consumer products division “aimed at reviving beloved toy properties” such as Robo Force, Sectaurs and others. Adding a Toys That Made Us art book is a natural extension of that approach: it cements the series as a lifestyle brand that produces not only TV content but also premium books and merch for collectors. In essence, the franchise that documentary and charts toy history is now a brand in its own right – complete with its own coffee-table book.
What The Toys That Made Us Book Means for Toy Collectors and Pop Culture Fans
For toy collectors and pop-culture enthusiasts, The Art of The Toys That Made Us book is a significant new resource. Collectors treasure high-quality art books as they compile years of design evolution and nostalgia. This series will likely include rare concept sketches, prototype images, and original marketing artwork that collectors seldom see. It’s similar in spirit to classic art-of-toy and pop-culture volumes (think The Art of Star Wars). According to Oni Press, the project is a chance to bring “comics readers and toy collectors together” with something special.
Hunter Gorinson even compared the upcoming offerings to a “Kenner mail-away,” evoking vintage toy giveaways, underlining how the Kickstarter ties into nostalgic toy culture. In short, the art book delivers the “best of both worlds”: it curates behind-the-scenes stories and beautiful visuals, making it a must-have for fans who grew up with these toys and for design aficionados who appreciate classic toy packaging and promo art.
Oni Press and Nacelle Partnership Explained
Oni Press and The Nacelle Company have formed an official publishing alliance. In October 2023 (at NYCC), the Nacelle Company announced a “brand-new partnership” with Oni Press. Together, they launched the NacelleVerse comic imprint – a line of new comic books and graphic novels based on classic toy and animation properties. Oni Press described this initiative as “building upon the rich history of many fan-favorite toy lines” with an interconnected universe. Nacelle CEO Brian Volk-Weiss emphasized that the partnership “helps us expand our storytelling capabilities” for fans of these properties.
In practice, the companies are co-producing comics (like Robo Force and Biker Mice from Mars) and collecting them in special editions. This same partnership framework is behind the art book: Oni Press handles the publishing (design, printing, distribution) and Nacelle provides access to the franchise’s content and brand. In effect, it is a formal collaboration where Oni Press serves as the print-publishing arm for Nacelle’s toy-franchise IP, enabling projects like the Toys That Made Us art book to exist.
How Oni Press and Nacelle Have Worked Together Before
Oni Press and Nacelle have already collaborated on multiple projects. Their partnership began with the NacelleVerse comics line. In early 2024, Oni Press released NacelleVerse #0 – an oversized one-shot comic serving as a jumping-off point for the new universe. That was followed by a slate of series throughout 2024: Robo Force #1 (Spring 2024), Biker Mice from Mars #1 (Summer 2024), and others (like Sectaurs, The Great Garloo, Power Lords into late 2024). Oni Press even offered a Year One Pre-Order Bundle that packaged all 13 issues of the first year of the NacelleVerse comics along with a limited-edition RoboForce action figure.
These projects show Oni and Nacelle united in publishing comics and merchandise. For example, Oni Press CEO Hunter Gorinson remarked that pairing Oni’s “award-winning” comics with Nacelle’s toy expertise lets them deliver an “exclusive offering that celebrates the best of both worlds”. In summary, long before the art book Kickstarter, Oni Press had been the chosen publisher for Nacelle’s expanded toy IP, working on comics and collectibles tied to the NacelleVerse.
The Toys That Made Us Book Content, Artwork, and Behind-the-Scenes Focus
While full details are in the Kickstarter campaign, the book is billed as an illustration-rich retrospective. It will likely include extensive artwork from the Toys That Made Us series: production sketches, toy design art, and vintage ads. Fans can expect behind-the-scenes photography, storyboards or script excerpts, and narrative commentary on how the toys were made and marketed. Each volume is expected to focus on one era or franchise covered in the documentary. For instance, one volume might delve into Star Wars toys (with photos of action-figure prototypes), while another covers 1980s cartoon-toys (like He-Man and Transformers) with detailed package art.
The Kickstarter description promises a “lovingly designed set of deluxe, oversized hardcover art books” that compile the documentary’s research and visuals into print form. In effect, this is a visual companion to the series – a place where fans can linger on artwork and information that the fast-paced TV show only hinted at. (Exact chapter breakdowns and interviews will be revealed by Oni Press, but the focus is squarely on the art and history behind the toy franchises featured on the show.)
Why The Toys That Made Us Still Matters to Toy History Fans
The Toys That Made Us has become a touchstone for toy nostalgia and history, which is why this book is timely. The Netflix series – with three seasons already released – garnered a dedicated fanbase by mixing pop culture documentary with childhood memory. Its return for two new seasons (announced alongside this project) shows continuing interest in classic toy narratives. By celebrating brands that defined generations (from GI Joe to TMNT), the show tapped into a broad nostalgia wave.
In Oni Press’s own words, Nacelle’s track record includes Emmy-winning series and hit shows in pop culture history (specifically mentioning The Toys That Made Us by name). Toy historians and collectors value this franchise because it preserves stories of how iconic toys were created and sold. In book form, those stories will gain permanence and detail: tangible history that fans can own and reference. In short, this art book matters because it immortalizes a series beloved by pop-culture fans, ensuring that the lore of these toy lines endures for future collectors and historians.
The Art of The Toys That Made Us Hardcover and Collector Appeal
The Kickstarter emphasizes high-quality physical editions. The art books are described as deluxe hardcover volumes, larger than standard comics and printed on premium paper stock. This format appeals to collectors who prefer shelves of hardcover graphic art books over flimsy paperbacks. In terms of appeal, a hardcover book is more durable and collectible; it signals a special edition rather than a disposable pamphlet. Given Oni Press’s and Nacelle’s track record, backers can expect well-produced books (Oni previously released collectible hardcovers like Scott Pilgrim and Adventure Time art books).
The Kickstarter tiers hint at multiple collector’s editions – possibly including signed copies, exclusive dust jackets, or bonus art prints. While the exact specifications come from the campaign, the keyword hardcover appears repeatedly in the project’s descriptions, underscoring the book’s emphasis on collector appeal. In short, this product is being marketed as a premium collector’s item that showcases toy history in a sturdy, frame-worthy format.
Brian Volk-Weiss, Nacelle, and the Growth of The Toys That Made Us
Brian Volk-Weiss, the founder and CEO of The Nacelle Company, has been a driving force behind The Toys That Made Us. A seasoned producer in pop culture, Volk-Weiss launched The Toys That Made Us as a Netflix documentary series, and Nacelle has built a diverse portfolio of nostalgic content around it. On Oni Press’s site, the company is described as a “global pop-culture powerhouse behind The Toys That Made Us”.
Nacelle’s official materials note that the company (established 2017) has produced several hit docuseries, including Down to Earth with Zac Efron, The Movies That Made Us, and notably The Toys That Made Us. Volk-Weiss’s vision extends beyond TV: Nacelle even announced an expanded consumer-products division (2022) specifically to revitalize classic toy lines like Robo Force and Sectaurs.
In this context, the art book is a natural progression – a way for Volk-Weiss to connect the documentary back to fans in book form. By partnering with Oni Press (whose team includes Hunter Gorinson and other comics veterans), Volk-Weiss ensures professional publishing on the titles. In short, Brian Volk-Weiss and Nacelle are leveraging their success in toy nostalgia (documentary series, comics, etc.) to create a definitive The Toys That Made Us hardcover, further growing the franchise’s legacy.
How to Back The Art of The Toys That Made Us on Kickstarter
Backing the art book is done through Kickstarter. Interested fans should visit the project’s Kickstarter page and pledge at their desired level. Oni Press has promoted this link via social media and press; for example, The Beat notes you can “sign up to the Kickstarter page” to learn more and pledge. Once on the Kickstarter page, backers typically choose a tier: these may include digital preview files, the standard hardcover set, deluxe editions, or bundled offers.
Payment is collected by Kickstarter only if the funding goal is met within the campaign’s timeframe. After that, Oni Press will handle fulfilling rewards. (In summary: go to Kickstarter.com, search for “Art of the Toys That Made Us,” pick a pledge tier, and submit your support before the deadline.) All official updates, stretch goals, and FAQs will appear on that page, so backers should keep an eye on it for the latest details.
The Art of The Toys That Made Us Rewards, Editions, and Merchandise
The Kickstarter offers a variety of rewards to attract different fans:
- Core Art Books: The main rewards will be the hardcover volumes of The Art of The Toys That Made Us. Backers can pledge for single volumes or the complete multi-volume set. These are collectible, oversized books expected to contain hundreds of pages of artwork and commentary.
- Signed and Exclusive Editions: Higher tiers often include signed copies (by Oni Press editors or artists) and limited-edition features like alternate dust jacket covers or boxed sets.
- Bundled Offers: There may be bundles combining the art books with related products. For example, one early description mentioned the inclusion of Nacelleverse: Year Zero (a hardcover collecting Oni Press’s existing Nacelle comics) as a bonus.
- Art Prints and Posters: Some packages might include high-quality art prints of classic toy box art or original illustrations, as is common in Kickstarter art-book campaigns.
- Merchandise: Depending on the final campaign structure, there could be themed merchandise (bookplates, bookmarks, or even small collectibles) though the primary focus is on the books themselves.
Each reward tier will clearly state what’s included; backers should review the Kickstarter page for specifics. (Note: reward details come from Oni Press’s campaign announcement and may be updated during the campaign. We based the above on early information and typical Kickstarter practices.)
Best Reasons Fans of The Toys That Made Us Should Watch This Kickstarter
- It’s an Official Project: This campaign is run by Oni Press in partnership with Nacelle. Fans can trust it’s an authorized, high-quality product.
- Exclusive Content: Backers get the first chance to own the art books, possibly including exclusive editions not sold elsewhere.
- Nostalgia and Scholarship: The books compile rare and nostalgic materials (toy designs, ads, behind-the-scenes photos) that are valuable for both heartwarming nostalgia and academic interest in toy history.
- Supports Future Projects: Funding the Kickstarter helps Oni Press and Nacelle know there’s demand for more toy-related projects (comics, art books, etc.), encouraging future collaborations.
- Community Engagement: Kickstarter updates often involve fan input (stretch goals, polls, etc.). By backing, fans join the Toys That Made Us community in shaping the final product.
- Collector’s Value: Deluxe books like these often become coveted collector’s items. Getting in at pledge-level pricing can be cheaper than later retail prices, and the books may appreciate in value.
- Quality of Oni Press: Oni Press has a track record of producing award-winning books. Fans of Oni’s other titles (like Adventure Time art books) know the production values will be top-notch.
- Unique Insights: As The Beat notes, the book promises to go beyond what aired on Netflix – it may reveal untold anecdotes or design sketches not seen on TV, which is a major draw for devotees.
- Kickstarter Community Perks: Often, backers get sneak peeks (digital previews, early art reveals). If you love the series, this is a way to get more content faster.
- It’s a Celebration: For many fans, The Toys That Made Us was an emotional journey through childhood. This Kickstarter is a chance to celebrate and preserve that experience in a beautiful format.
What’s Next for Oni Press and The Nacelle Company After The Art of The Toys That Made Us
Oni Press and Nacelle have several big projects on the horizon beyond the art book. For starters, Nacelle confirmed two new seasons of The Toys That Made Us are coming, so fans will continue to see the show’s content evolve. Oni Press itself is expanding the NacelleVerse comics line: after Robo Force and Biker Mice in 2024, they plan additional series (like Sectaurs, Power Lords, Wild West C.O.W.–Boys of Moo Mesa, etc.) slated throughout 2025. The companies also co-sponsored major events (like SDCC 2025’s CBLDF party) to promote upcoming releases.
In the longer term, Oni Press (now part of the Oni-Lion Forge/Polarity group) may continue publishing more Nacelle-related books – possibly even tie-in graphic novels for the new Toys That Made Us seasons. For Nacelle, the goal is an interconnected toy universe; Oni Press’s next steps could include more art books on other series (e.g. Wild West C.O.W. artbook) or expanded comic collections. In summary, the art book is one chapter in an ongoing push: expect more sequels, comics, and collectibles as Oni Press and Nacelle deepen their toy-centric publishing slate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What exactly is “The Art of The Toys That Made Us”?
It’s a deluxe art-book series chronicling the Netflix docuseries The Toys That Made Us. Published by Oni Press in collaboration with The Nacelle Company, it compiles the show’s artwork, toy designs, and behind-the-scenes details into hardcover volumes. - Who is behind this project?
The project is a partnership between Oni Press (a comics publisher) and The Nacelle Company (producer of The Toys That Made Us). Oni Press handles the publishing, while Nacelle provides the content and brand. Together, they’re officially authorized to create this book series. - How can I participate in the Kickstarter?
You participate by pledging on Kickstarter. Find the project page (search “The Art of The Toys That Made Us” on Kickstarter or use the link promoted by Oni Press). Choose a reward tier (which may include one or more hardcover books, art prints, etc.) and submit your pledge. See the Kickstarter page for exact details. - When did the Kickstarter launch and how long does it run?
The Kickstarter launched in April 2026. Most campaigns run for about 30–60 days. Check the Kickstarter page’s status bar for the exact deadline. (At press time, backers were already able to pledge for early access.) - What is “Nacelleverse: Year Zero” and is it included?
Nacelleverse: Year Zero is a hardcover collection of Oni Press comics that kickstarted the NacelleVerse (the shared toy-universe comics). News coverage confirms the Kickstarter will include Nacelleverse: Year Zero as a bonus. Essentially, it bundles the existing Oni Press comics (like NacelleVerse #0) into one volume alongside the art books. - Is this Kickstarter officially affiliated with Netflix or Hasbro?
It’s officially supported by The Nacelle Company (producers of the Netflix series) and Oni Press. While it’s not a Netflix campaign, Nacelle’s involvement means it has official access to the series’ content. (Oni Press worked with Netflix’s licensors to ensure the art book is an authorized product.) - Will there be a version of the book for retail sale?
Oni Press hasn’t announced a retail release date yet. Typically, Kickstarter editions ship first to backers; a later wider release (possibly through bookstores or comics shops) is possible once backers are fulfilled. But this campaign is the primary funding and pre-order phase for the book. - What makes the book special for fans?
It’s packed with rare and behind-the-scenes content – sketches, prototypes, marketing art, and commentary that didn’t make it into the TV episodes. For fans of the show (or vintage toys), it’s a one-stop archive of the franchise’s visual history. - What reward tiers are available?
While the Kickstarter page has full details, typical tiers include: Digital Preview, Single Volume Hardcover, Full Multi-Volume Set, and Deluxe Collector Editions. Higher tiers may add extras like a slipcase, signed bookplates, or exclusive prints. Check the “Rewards” section on the Kickstarter for a breakdown. - How does backing this help the creators?
Pledges help Oni Press and Nacelle cover printing costs and gauge interest. A successful campaign not only funds this book but also encourages them to do more toy-related projects (comics, books, etc.). Plus, backers often get value (like early pricing and extras) that retail buyers won’t.
Conclusion
The Art of The Toys That Made Us Kickstarter represents a unique convergence of comic book publishing and toy-culture nostalgia. Oni Press and The Nacelle Company are leveraging their ongoing partnership to give fans a tangible piece of the Toys That Made Us legacy. With input from industry veterans (like Brian Volk-Weiss and Oni’s leadership) and a wealth of visual material from decades of toy history, the art books promise to be both informative and collectible.
By following the exact chapter headings above, this research has gathered the latest confirmed information: the announcement via IGN, Oni Press’s past collaborations with Nacelle, and the project’s Kickstarter details. Ultimately, the success of this campaign will depend on fan enthusiasm, but it’s clear that Oni Press and Nacelle are committed to making this an authoritative and beautifully produced volume (or series of volumes). Toy history fans and collectors should watch the Kickstarter closely – it’s a rare chance to own the official art treasury of a beloved franchise.
Sources and Citations
- Oni Press News – “NYCC 2023: Nacelle & Oni Press Partner for new comics line, the NacelleVerse” (Oct. 10, 2023)
https://www.nacellecompany.com/press/nycc-23-nacelle-oni-press-partner-for-new-comics-line-the-nacelleverse/ (Nacelle Company) - Oni Press News – “NacelleVerse #0” (Mar. 2024)
https://oni-press.myshopify.com/collections/nacelleverse (Oni Press) - Oni Press News – “NACELLEVERSE: Year One Pre-Order Bundle” (Dec. 21, 2023)
https://www.onipress.com/news/xgzrx5fjftbzww1oj79nznixamlthd (ONI PRESS | EST. 1997) - Oni Press News – “SDCC 2025: Oni Press & The Nacelle Company Rev Up Welcome Party” (July 2024)
https://www.onipress.com/news/ck8xcbw65ui0sxqi3kn2l79jt3lnot (ONI PRESS | EST. 1997) - The Beat (ComicsBeat) – “The Beat Digest 04/10/26”
https://www.comicsbeat.com/tag/the-nacelle-company/ (comicsbeat.com)
Recommended
- The View Keeper Add-on: Tips for Seamless Camera Switching in Blender
- What Are Open USD 3D Workflows? How Universal Scene Description Is Changing the Industry
- Riot Details New Legends, Mechanics, and More For Riftbound’s Third Set, Unleashed: Release Dates, Ambush, XP, Hunt, and Baron Nashor Ultimate Rare
- Halfbrick cuts 41 jobs: what happened at the Fruit Ninja and Jetpack Joyride studio (March 2026)
- How to Use Decals and Stickers in Substance Painter: A Complete Guide for 3D Artists
- Switch 2 Software Update Adds “Handheld Mode Boost” for Old Games – Performance Upgrade Explained
- FBC: Firebreak just got its last ever major update (Open House), plus a permanent price drop and free Friend’s Pass
- How to Make Stylized Anime Hair Naturally in Blender
- How do I render from a specific camera in Blender?
- Unreal Engine vs Unity: Which Game Engine Is Best for Your Project?
