Frank Mysterio
Frank Mysterio, pseudonym of Rafael Pantoja, is a visual artist and art toy designer originally from Mexico. His career began with illustration, particularly in the world of lucha libre (Mexican wrestling), before evolving into the creation of soft vinyl figures known as sofubi. His pseudonym comes from a combination of a name tag that read "Frank" and his admiration for the wrestler Rey Misterio, a symbol of his visual and emotional roots.
A self-taught artist with a lifelong passion for toys, drawing, and pop culture, Frank has found a unique form of expression in Art Toys. His figures combine traditional Mexican elements, such as masks and religious references, with Japanese influences and science fiction aesthetics, bringing to life hybrid characters with vibrant colors, fangs, multiple eyes, and shimmering textures. Each piece is hand-painted, making it a one-of-a-kind, handcrafted work of art.
His creations have been exhibited and collected in Asia, the United States, and Europe, where he has a loyal following. Although his toys are not widely available in Mexico, he has produced special editions with local themes that have been very successful. Frank produces many of his designs in Japan and Hong Kong, where sofubi holds a prominent place in the toy collectors' market.
In addition to his artistic pursuits, he works as a publicist for clients in the pharmaceutical sector, alternating his professional life with painting toys in the mornings. This duality has been key to maintaining his creative independence. With over a decade of experience, he has been invited to international fairs such as the Cali Book Fair, where he shares his knowledge of design and illustration.
For Frank Mysterio, art lies not in mass production, but in the detail and dedication he puts into each figure. His work transcends the boundaries of the conventional toy, transforming them into contemporary art pieces that cross cultural borders. He is currently preparing new collaborations and trips to the United States and Asia to further expand his work internationally.
